Archive for January, 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 - by Cate

Meeting the In-Laws

We had been dating for a few months, seriously, and I was certainly smitten. He was outgoing, charming, and handsome. An Italian American, he reminded me of my East Coast heritage and it felt very comfortable and familiar. One day in October he asked me if I would like to meet his parents?

Meet the parents were ringing in my ears as I tried to focus on his face. What did that mean? What do you mean, what does it mean? I asked myself. Everyone knows that means something! Doesn’t it? (more…)

Posted on January 18, 2010 - by Cate

The Vomit Vacation

I was in the zone — a cross between Martha Stewart and Gloria Steinem. I can bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan… Everything was falling into place.

I found myself planning a luxurious summer vacation — reserving ten days, not the usual seven. Not this time. There was a little extra cash in the kitty, so I opted for a ritzy condo complex with all the whistles and bells; a towering white stucco building with aqua blue shimmering pools both indoors and out.  It so happened that my youngest, Erica Rose, would be celebrating her birthday while we were there. I was able to shop, wrap and ship the gifts down in advance of her big day as well as order her birthday cake from a local bakery. Oh yes, I was in the zone. The MOMMY ZONE. (more…)

Posted on January 12, 2010 - by Cate

Detox

I reviewed the detox plan for week One of the Whole Body Action Plan and discussed with family — everyone was on board — it’s not that long (4 days) and not that drastic (unlike some other “life changing” diet recommendations.) Essentially, you reduce down to one main meal per day, but move it up to the lunchtime slot instead of at dinner — I’m sure this helps burn calories more efficiently, during the day when you most need it.

Cut out the easy carbs and fats and try to focus on nutrition. So main meal will be a protein, some veg and a complex carb like whole wheat sobu noodles or quinoa. Fruits and nuts for snacks. Smoothies consist of fruits, veggies, nonfat yogurt. For soups (not cream based) I’ve chosen homemade chicken & rice soup, french onion soup, Italian Wedding soup, and butternut squash soup and tortilla soup.

We’re two days in and I feel no ill effects and have a little more energy (could just be psychological relief that this is do-able.) My husband though isn’t doing so well — portions. I came home last night to find out he had eaten my dinner as well as his own. He asked this morning, “what’s in the smoothie — anything of substance?” So his withdrawal is more acute than mine.

For those of you that might be participating, I’m one week behind the program as it’s being introduced and emailed out — took me a little longer to get on board and get everyone else on board as well. Temps outside will be near 30 today so I am walking! So far so good!

Posted on January 7, 2010 - by Cate

Whole Body Action Plan: Assessing Fitness

In the spirit of New Year resolutions and a desire to be a healthier me,  I’ve been considering the Whole Body Action Plan and decided I need to assess my fitness. To give you a sense of how avoidant I am on the topic of my own health and fitness, I haven’t stepped on a scale in about 15 years (with my eyes open). I was given a Wii Fit, per my request, for last Mother’s Day and haven’t used it. I’ve always been slightly overweight (20-ish pounds) and have done Atkins, South Beach etc. And while I can peel it off, I can’t keep it off. And I know we’ve all heard that before. (more…)