Back After The New Year!

We are taking a holiday and will return after the New Year!

Brain Tumor Risk Lessened With Tea and Coffee

Tea and Coffee May Reduce Brain Tumor Risk According to EPIC Study

Daily intakes of more than
100 ml of tea or coffee may
significantly reduce the risk
of certain brain tumors,
according to new research
published in the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The study is based on data from over half a million people in
the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
(EPIC) study, and finds that people consuming over 100 ml of
tea, coffee, or both, per day are at significantly lower risk of
glioblastoma tumours (glioma) than those consuming less than
100 ml per day.

"In this large cohort study, we observed an inverse association
between total coffee and tea consumption and risk of glioma,"
wrote the researchers from the Department of Epidemiology
and Public Health at Imperial College, London.

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, glioma's
are tumors that start in the supportive tissue brain. The exact
causes of gliomas are not known, however the prognosis for
people once diagnosed with the type of tumour is usually
very poor.

A recent US study found total coffee and tea consumption
was inversely associated with risk of glioma, whilst experimental
studies have shown caffeine can slow the invasive growth of
glioblastoma tumours.

However very few large scale epidemiologic studies have
measured the association between coffee, tea, or caffeinated
beverages and glioma risk. The authors noted that the results
of these studies "have been inconsistent".

"Given the limited evidence suggesting that coffee and tea
intake may reduce the risk of glioma, more studies are needed
to address this hypothesis," stated the researchers.

In the new study, the researchers examined the relation between
coffee and tea intake and risk of glioma and meningioma.

A significant inverse association was observed for glioma risk
when consuming more than 100 ml coffee and tea per day,
compared consuming less than 100 ml per day.

However, the researchers observed no association between
coffee, tea, or combined coffee and tea consumption and risk
of either type of brain tumor when looking at data based on
country-specific intakes.
No association was reported for meningioma risk with the
same intake values for coffee and tea intake combined,
or when a higher cutoff of 200 ml per day was used.

"Given that we did not observe an association between
coffee and tea consumption and meningioma risk, it is
possible that the effect of coffee, if causal, is acting late
in the process of carcinogenesis by preventing tumor growth,"
suggested the researchers.

Another potential mechanism that may be implicated in the
observed effects, involves the DNA repair protein MGMT.
Higher activation of MGMT is believed to have a protective
effect against development of several types of cancer,
including colon cancer and glioma.

Coffee compounds kahweol and cafestol have been reported
to increase MGMT activity in rats, whilst certain tea polyphenols
are known to reactivate genes in cancer cells - including MGMT.

"These findings, if further replicated in other studies, may
provide new avenues of research on gliomas," they added.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Published online

"Coffee and tea intake and risk of brain tumors in the
European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
(EPIC) cohort study"

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

I Think I've Tried Them All!

Yep... I think I've tried just about every known diet out there! You name it... I've probably done it!

As a kid, my Mother put me on Weight Watchers. [Click here.] It's a whole new system now than it was way back in the day! Back then you were terribly limited and restricted, as well as having to weigh every single morsel that went into your mouth! But it worked! At least for a kid.

As an adult I tried Slim Fast. [Click here.] It worked! But it didn't teach you a doggone thing! Old habits just went back into practice. And eventually you just plain got tired of the shakes [which weren't that tasty to begin with!]

When I was about 28, a doctor friend recommended Medifast  to me. Because I had some health issues, he monitored my progress.

In very short order, I lost alot of weight.

ALOT! [I lost 78 pounds in only 6 weeks!]

I was on a total Medifast program, which meant that I was drinking Medifast shakes eight times a day.

I managed to maintain that loss for quite some time.

Unfortunately for me... I didn't learn new habits and train myself for a new healthy way to eat, and the weight simply crept back on. A bit here and there over time, until I ended up even heavier than before I started.

Today, Medi Fast has changed. Counselling in new habits and eating are available, as well as information for maintaining weight loss.

Medifast offers a healthy alternative for individuals to review and decide on. I highly recommend that you discuss the Medifast program with your health care provider and decide together what is best for you.

Be pro-active in your decision to lose weight and maintain that weight loss!

Monday Munchies - Italian Hazelnut Cookies

Italian Hazelnut Cookies

Ingredients

2 cup(s) hazelnuts, toasted and skinned

1 1/4 cup(s) sugar

4 large egg whites

1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Directions
1.Position 2 racks as close to the center of the oven as possible; preheat to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

2.Pulse nuts and sugar in a food processor until finely ground. Scrape into a large bowl.

3.Beat egg whites and salt in another large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the nut mixture. Add vanilla and gently but thoroughly mix until combined.

4.Drop the batter by the tablespoonful 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

5.Bake the cookies until golden brown, switching the pans back to front and top to bottom halfway through, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. When the baking sheets are thoroughly cooled, repeat with the remaining batter.



Nutrtional Info
Calories 88


Total Fat 5g 

Cholesterol 0

Sodium 46mg

Total Carbohydrate 10g
Protein 2g

Calcium 0

Sinsational Sunday - Gingersnap Trifles

Gingersnap Trifles

This is a quick simple and fun dessert that looks festive for the holiday, and one you can make just prior to serving!

Great for those last minute guests!

Serves very well after dinner with coffee!

INGREDIENTS:

18 Murray's Gingersnap cookies

6 tablespoons Smucker's Pure Raspberry Jam

Cool Whip Whipped Topping [Original - you can cut calories simply by using the Light version]

Red or green Christmas sugar sprinkle

6 mini trifle dishes for serving [or you can use wine goblets, or other clear glass vessel]

DIRECTIONS:

Into the bottom of each trifle dish crumble 3 gingersnap cookies.

Warm raspberry jam by placing the unopened jar in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. Then spoon one tablespoon of jam into each trifle dish over the crumbled gingersnaps.

Top each dish with 2 tablespoons of Cool Whip Whipped Topping.

Sprinkle lightly with red or green Christmas sugar.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Calories: 225

Carbs: 38g

Fats: 7g

Protein: 2g

Sodium: 160mg

Sick In Bed

Sick in bed.

Cough... congestion... headache... mucle aches... etc.

Back when I feel better!

Comfort Food Saturday - We All Need A Little!

Grandma Bean's Baked Egg Custard
This recipe is one my Grandmother used to make. To me it embodies the idea of comfort food, and any time I make this, I can feel her presence near!

Because of the nutmeg, it brings a feeling of Christmas into the home as well.

It is also nutritionally a very good dessert to make for your family any evening!

Ingredients:
4 eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt, optional

3 cups milk, heated until very hot

Ground nutmeg or ground cinnamon for garnish, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Adjust oven rack to center position. Lightly butter (or I have used non-fat vegetable spray) six (6-ounce) custard cups and set them into a large baking dish. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom.

In a large bowl, beat eggs slightly; add sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and beat until dissolved. Mix in hot milk until blended. Pour egg mixture into prepared custard cups. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon.

Bring the water for the water bath to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups. NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat. Carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come halfway up the sides of the custard cups.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until set around the edges but still loose in the center. The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the custard cup you are using, but begin checking at 20 minutes and check back regularly. When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven. Remove from oven and immediately remove cups from water bath; cool on wire rack until room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

Makes 6 servings (depending on size of custard cups).


NUTRITIONAL INFO: [per serving]
Calories: 191
Carbs: 23g
Fats: 7g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 194mg

Fabulous Friday - Grand Raspberry Trifle [Not A Local Recipe!]

WARNING!!!

The following is NOT a low cal recipe! It is simply one which I found on Martha Stewart's website, and fell in love with! It is gorgeous to present for the holidays on your buffet, and so yummy, everyone will want some! And they'll be asking for your recipe as well! They'll be fooled as to how truly easy this is to put together as well!!!

GRAND RASPBERRY TRIFLE

Ingredients

Serves 10



1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup seedless raspberry jam

4 cups raspberries

2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 pounds favorite pound cake



Directions

1.In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and lemon juice to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool.

2.In a small bowl, combine jam with 3 cups raspberries, mashing slightly. In a large bowl, whip cream and 2 tablespoons sugar to stiff peaks.

3.Slice pound cake 3/4 inch thick; brush both sides of slices with lemon syrup.

4.Fit 1/3 of slices snugly in the bottom of a 4-quart trifle dish or other glass bowl, trimming edges if necessary. Gently spread top of layer with 1/3 of raspberry mixture, and then 1/3 of whipped cream. Repeat to make two more layers; garnish with remaining cup raspberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours.


NUTRITIONAL INFO: [per single serving]
Calories: 487
Carbs: 61g
Fats: 25g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 196mg



Read more at Marthastewart.com: Grand Raspberry Trifle - Martha Stewart Recipes

Thirsty Thursday - Red Wine Spritzer

Wine Spritzer

This colorful holiday cocktail is the perfect way to make merry without packing on the pounds. Start with just a splash of wine in lieu of a whole glass and add a dash of healthy pomegranate or cranberry juice, both of which are nutrient-heavy and calorie-light. Finally, throw in a touch of soda or sparkling water for a little pop.


Makes 1 serving

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup pomegranate or

cranberry juice

1/4 cup club soda or

sparkling water

Garnish with lemon or  lime wedge

Per serving: 50 calories, 0.3 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 13 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 0%.

Weight Loss Wednesday - Sharon loses 168 Pounds!

A Belfast nurse who spent years battling a weight problem and transformed her life by having surgery is using her experience to help patients in a weight management clinic.


Sharon Watterson, who was forced to quit her job as a nurse in a GP surgery because she was so big she just couldn’t walk, has shed an amazing 168 pounds after having a gastric bypass. The mum-of-two is now a shapely size 16 more than a year after the operation and has just clinched her dream job – as a bariatric nurse specialist with weight management specialists Vita Clinics, in Belfast.

Fifty-year-old Sharon has dropped 16 dress sizes since the operation to help control the amount of food she eats. She has stopped taking the 12 tablets a day to control her blood pressure, because it is back to normal and she doesn’t need to take her diabetes drugs as the symptoms have disappeared.

She said: “I spent years dieting after two pregnancies, but for every pound I lost I put two back on. I was quite active, which really helped to keep the weight under control. Then I suffered with depression for a while, which sent me into a downward spiral. I struggled to get out and exercise, and comfort eating helped me feel better. Then I suffered a prolapsed disk in my back and I started gaining weight at a dramatic rate. I didn’t do any exercise, because I couldn’t. To help myself through I was comfort eating. I became so big that I could hardly move. I developed diabetes and seriously high blood pressure and I had to quit my job.


“It was a vicious circle that I just couldn’t break. Surgery was the only option and it has changed my life. After a year of losing weight after the surgery I am now a size 16 and I am healthy. The problems with my back have healed as I don’t have to carry the weight round. My blood pressure is normal and I don’t have to take diabetes medication any more. I can now exercise again. I am happy. I have got my life back.

“When I saw this job advertised, I couldn’t think of anyone who was better qualified for it than myself.

“People who are obese or overweight have usually had a long time of friends, family and medical professionals not understanding. When they come to Vita Clinics I show them my before picture and then they can look at me standing fit and healthy in front of them. I tell them my story. It is great to be able to share my experience with people who come to us in such a desperate state. I used to be in their shoes, so I understand exactly what they are going through. I am pleased that I can help them to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is possible to lose the weight and change their lives for the better,” she added.


****NOTE: While this writer seldom reviews bariatric surgery as a good way to lose weight, I do, as a journalist, note that there are many, many candidates who have successfully lost weight with the procedure and appear to be maintaining their new healthy lifestyle. It is my belief however, that individuals should attempt other avenues first before resigning to this technique. Even to the point of nutritional and dietetic counselling before seeking the aid of a bariatric surgeon.

As with any weight loss program, see your physician before deciding upon any one method.

Tantalizing Tuesday - Spinach and Gruyere Tart

Spinach and Gruyere Tart

Looking for a delicious holiday entree that is also meatless? Here's one that will set your tastebuds to talking for quite awhile! Talk about delicious? This is it!

INGREDIENTS:

3 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Wisconsin Gruyère cheese

3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained from oil-packed)

1 1/2 teaspoons Caribbean jerk seasoning

1 (9-inch) frozen prepared pie crust (or homemade)

10 to 12 thin slices (8 ounces) Wisconsin Provolone Cheese



DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl whisk together the eggs and milk.

Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the pie crust. Pour mixture into the pie crust.

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 6 servings.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Per serving:
Calories: 531
Carbs: 19g
Fats: 39g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 675mg

Monday Munchies - Christmas Delight

Nothing says Christmas more than the lowly candy cane.

While over indulging in the holidays, especially with sugars and fats, is normal, we do try to keep some semblance of control over ourselves in order to maintain the weight we've worked so hard to get to!

There is one holiday indulgence, however, that will allow you to be a part of the festivities and not pack on the extra weight associated with sugar.

The lowly candy cane!!!

Yep....

One regular sized candy cane contains the following nutritional facts:

Calories: 55

Carbs: 14g

Fats: 0g

Protein: 0g

Sodium: 0mg

Come on! What a perfect treat!

Pop a candy cane into your morning green tea. Suddenly you have peppermint green tea!

During your afternoon snack, enjoy a candy cane!

Watching a late night movie and want a treat?

Try a candy cane!

Enjoy the season!!!

Sin-Sational Sunday - Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is [on average] 500 calories a slice!!!

Heading to a party and the main dessert is your favorite.

Southern Pecan Pie!

You turn it down, but the hostess, your best friend, insists she made the pie JUST FOR YOU, knowing it's your favorite!

So, how do you turn it down without either offending the hostess, or bringing attention to yourself that you are trying to lose weight?

[Yep.... been there! "Oh, so sorry but I'm trying to lose weight!" Every head in the room turns to see who said it, and suddenly... you're the center of attention!]

Okay... so here's a little trick I read about on Women's Health....

simply pick five pecans off the pie and you have trimmed 100 calories from the total!. Eat only half ["So sorry, but I really am stuffed!"] and you are now down to getting to eat some of that delish pecan pie, and you've only ingested 200 calories!!!

Eating at parties in this manner, you get to have a little bit of whatever you enjoy most. Simply mind the serving size!

Remember that portion control is key.

In this manner, you've pleased that hostess who made your favorite dessert just for you, and still managed to maintain control over your intake.

Remember...

YOU...

control the food!

Not the other way around!!!

Enjoy this season!

Eat Responsibly.



Zen-Sational Saturday

Today we will learn another trapezius strengthening exercise:

Shrugs


1. Stand upright, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent.

2. Keeping arms straight 'shrug' shoulders as high as possible and hold for a count of 3.

3. Relax and repeat.

4. Do not roll shoulders backwards as you shrug up.

Fabulous Friday - Crabmeat Spread with Crudites

Planning to entertain this holiday season, and want to serve something you can actually enjoy?

Steer clear of the traditional cookies and cakes.

Here's an alternative that is absolutely fabulous!!!

Crabmeat Spread with Crudites

A picture-perfect addition to any holiday spread, this crabmeat pomegranate dip is low in calories compared with the typical veggie dip. Light mayo is the only ingredient that adds a few fat calories; otherwise this holiday appetizer is protein-packed and full of flavor.

Makes 16 appetizer servings

8 oz lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed

4 tbsp light mayonnaise

1 tbsp finely chopped green scallion tops or chives

1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice

Assorted crudités (red pepper strips, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks)

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Mix crabmeat with mayonnaise, scallions, and lime juice. Mound crabmeat mixture in the center of a platter and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Arrange colorful vegetables around the plate.

Per serving: 26 calories, 3 g protein, 0.4 g carbohydrate, 1.4 g fat, 0.2 g

 

Thirsty Thursday - Egg Nog

Eggnog

Eggnog is a minefield of calories -- from the heavy cream to the sugar to its main ingredient, eggs. Weighing in at around 340 calories per cup, with 19 grams of fat, this is one holiday drink that’s better left at the bar -- unless you make some serious changes. First, skip the heavy cream and use skim milk and fat-free half-and-half instead. Egg substitutes are just as good as the real deal, and a single packet of artificial sweetener can add all the flavor of a teaspoon of calorie-heavy sugar. And, since you’ve carved off the calories in all the right places -- down to about 60 calories per serving -- feel free to add 1/4 cup of brandy or rum for a little kick, or spice it up naturally with a shaving of fresh nutmeg.



Makes 4 servings



1 1/2 cups skim milk

1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half

1/2 cup pasteurized egg substitute

1 tsp vanilla

1 packet artificial sweetener

1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)

Nutmeg (for garnish)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker or blender, or whisk to blend. Serve cold or over ice and garnish with nutmeg.

Per serving (without brandy): 64 calories, 7 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate, 0.5 g fat, 0.3 g saturated fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 144 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 7%.

Regular Exercise Can Help Prevent A Myriad of Problems!

Regular Exercise Reduces Large Number Of Health Risks Including Dementia and Some Cancers, Study Finds

Regular exercise can reduce many physical and mental health conditions and slow down how quickly the body ages, according to a research review summarizing the findings of 40 papers published between 2006 & 2010.

The report provides an invaluable source for both news and feature editors as it is divided into a number of key sections, ranging from:

"Why should I exercise" to "I'm too busy, I don't have time." Health conditions covered by the review include: cancer, heart disease, dementia, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.

People who take regular exercise could reduce their risk of developing around two dozen physical and mental health conditions including some cancers and dementia, as well as slowing down how quickly their body deteriorates as they age.

An extensive research review, published in the December issue of IJCP, the International Journal of Clinical Practice, says that apart from not smoking, being physically active is the most powerful lifestyle choice any individual can make to improve their health.

"The literature reviewed shows that how long people live and how healthy they are depends on a complex mix of factors, including their lifestyle, where they live and even luck" say researchers. "Individuals have an element of control over some of these factors, including obesity, diet, smoking and physical activity.

Although the focus of the study was on men's health, the messages on physical activity are relevant to both sexes and all age groups.

Health benefits identified by the review include:

* Regular moderate to intense physical activity is associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and ischaemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

* A growing body of evidence suggests that increasing physical activity can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.

* Evidence of the beneficial effects of physical activity in the primary prevention and management of cancer is growing and there is an association between higher levels of physical activity and lower cancer death rates.

* Research has found that walking or cycling for at least an half-an-hour a day is associated with a reduction in cancer and that when this is increased to an hour cancer incidence falls by 16 per cent.

* Evidence is mixed when it comes to specific cancers. Research has shown a strong relationship between increased physical activity and reduced colon cancer in both sexes. And men who are more active at work, not just sitting at a desk, have lower rates of prostate cancer.

* Other cancer studies show that physical activity after diagnosis can aid recovery and improve outcomes.

* Studies have also shown that men who are physically active are less likely to experience sexual performance problems.

* There is growing evidence that physical activity could decrease the risk of dementia in the elderly.

Recommendations identified by the review include:
* Healthy adults aged between 18 and 65 should aim for 150 minutes of  moderate intensity physical activity a week, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking, five days a week. And people who undertake more vigorous intensity exercise, such as jogging, should aim for 20 minutes three days a week.

* Healthy adults should aim for two strength-training sessions a week that work with the body's major muscle groups.

* Older people can benefit from exercise that helps to maintain their balance and flexibility.

* People who are physically active should continue to exercise even when they become middle aged or elderly and those who aren't should increase their physical activity.

* Not smoking and following a healthy diet is also important.

Ideally, to gain maximum health benefits people should exercise, not smoke, eat a healthy diet and have a body mass index of less than 25.

Physical inactivity results in negative physiological changes to our bodies. It appears that our bodies have evolved to function optimally on a certain level of physically activity that many of us simply do not achieve in our modern, sedentary lifestyles.

"What is clear from the research is that men and women of all ages should be encouraged to be more physically active for the sake of their long-term health."

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Journal Reference:
"What men should know about the impact of physical activity on their health." International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2010;

Weight Loss Wednesday - Sandy Loses 55 Pounds!

Here's another great weight loss story from the Jillian Michaels website!
Sandy, Olive Branch, Mississippi


Following Jillian's plan, Sandy lost 55 pounds and discovered that she wasn't destined to be overweight for the rest of her life.

Up to a certain point in my life, I never thought of weight as an issue or something that I had to “deal with.” When I was young, I gained weight during middle school, but I lost most of it by my senior year of high school. It wasn’t until I after college that I really began to notice my weight gain. I stopped being physically active, and I began regularly skipping breakfasts and overeating at lunch and dinner to make up for the missed meal.

By the time I hit 40 — and weighed 177 pounds — I had already accepted myself as being overweight, and I never imagined that I could successfully do something about it — that is, of course, until I watched The Biggest Loser for the first time. Incredible! I told myself that it was now or never. I needed to lose the weight, and if those contestants could do it, then so could I!

After watching just a few episodes, I found a link to JillianMichaels.com. I didn’t have to think twice about signing up. What drew me to Jillian the most was her tough-love attitude, which actually reminded me of myself! She didn’t pamper or babysit the contestants — she was a drill sergeant! I realized that she was just the person I needed if I was going to make this work for me.

I decided to jump right in and get started losing weight. I followed Jillian's online program, counted my calories, performed the online circuit workouts, lifted weights, and exercised to Jillian's DVDs. I also made sure that I changed my routine (and calorie levels) periodically to avoid plateaus. Of course, there were weeks when I would gain a pound or stay the same, but I’ve since realized that slowdowns come with the territory.

I took my time and kept pushing myself, losing on average about 1 to 2 pounds a week. I was consistent and determined — and it paid off. Now, at 42, I have not only lost 55 pounds but I’ve gained a confidence about myself that I never thought I’d have. And while it’s still hard for me to believe that I am physically smaller now than I was two years ago, this journey has shown me just how much stronger I am — both physically and mentally — than I ever thought I was.

Activities now: With a new body, a stronger mind, and a fresh outlook, my life has changed for the better in so many ways. Physically, I can get around a lot better and I am a lot more flexible. I've started biking, and I absolutely love those hardcore circuits on Jillian's Web site! I have so much more confidence now, and I actually like having exercise be a daily part of my life. I make a point to always have variety in my exercise routines and to keep things interesting and challenging.

Best compliment: This journey has been incredible. I found that when others begin to take notice of the healthy changes in your life, you realize that all the work that you put in is paying off. Someone once commented that I was now “half the person” I was before. It really made me stop and realize that while this may have been physically true, I am more whole mentally than I could have ever imagined!

Advice for others: The most important thing to understand is that this is a never-ending journey. You MUST make up your mind to lose the weight — because it’s as much mental as it is physical. Weight loss is not a race, and neither is LIFE. It’s about getting healthy. Make sure you are doing this for YOU and no one else. Find a positive support group, and be honest with them — and yourself! Take advantage of the Message Boards on Jillian's Web site — sometimes you need that tough love to get you back on your feet. Set both small and large attainable goals, and reward yourself for each one as you meet it. It’s okay to have a piece of cake every now and then, you just can’t have the whole cake, and you can’t have it every day. We all must crawl before we can walk. Our walk may be a bit wobbly, but eventually we all find our balance. And remember, you have all the tools you need — you just have to do it!


****While I do not follow the Jillian Michaels plan, I do follow one that is nutritionally similar, and I do believe the Jillian Michaels program is one worth endorsing. I encourage you to check with your physician before embarking on any weight loss program.