Readers shared their thoughts on this article.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Day 33 and I finally feel thinner!!!
My husband kept saying weight loss is not linear. It just comes off at some point. It seems that point is Day 33. I have not eaten cheese and had one bowl of popcorn today. The feeling of being a little thinner is very encouraging to keep plugging away!
Monday, March 30, 2009
I Ate 750 Calories (5 servings) of Popcorn Today!
I asked my husband to look over my 6 weeks of eating logs to look for possible culprits to my inability to lose weight. He noticed that I was eating lots of butter, cheese and popcorn.
I might have a cheese addiction. I was salivating in the cheese aisle of Trader Joe's today. . Thank God their were no Whoopie Pies there! I wonder if I could binge on broccoli? Would that be considered bingeing? Why do I find it comforting to shovel food of any kind in my mouth? It's crazy. I bought fake, organic (oxymoron?) butter today. I am trying to get off the butter and cheese. As my sister-in-law said, "you're not leaving much left to eat!" Actually there are plenty of things to eat.
I guess I will always find something to binge on. Today it was Popcorn. My lips are cracking from all of the salt on the lightly salted popcorn. I just kept shoveling it in. Stressful week, dealing with kids stuff and a project I need to get done for school by Friday. I suppose I should be grateful it wasn't cookies. But that action of shoveling a food in my mouth. It's weird.
I might have a cheese addiction. I was salivating in the cheese aisle of Trader Joe's today. . Thank God their were no Whoopie Pies there! I wonder if I could binge on broccoli? Would that be considered bingeing? Why do I find it comforting to shovel food of any kind in my mouth? It's crazy. I bought fake, organic (oxymoron?) butter today. I am trying to get off the butter and cheese. As my sister-in-law said, "you're not leaving much left to eat!" Actually there are plenty of things to eat.
I guess I will always find something to binge on. Today it was Popcorn. My lips are cracking from all of the salt on the lightly salted popcorn. I just kept shoveling it in. Stressful week, dealing with kids stuff and a project I need to get done for school by Friday. I suppose I should be grateful it wasn't cookies. But that action of shoveling a food in my mouth. It's weird.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Eating Out - Could Be Trouble
My husband and I have been eating out practically every night of this ski trip in Steamboat. We ate at a gourmet Mexican restaurant La Montagna, two night ago and I had fajitas with corn tortillas and pellegrino (probably the only healthy thing I ingested!). The food was delicious. How could I resist the tortilla chips they make themselves? Last night we at a delicious Italian place, Mazzulo's Majestic Italian Diner. I had seafood stuffed mushrooms, unbelievable! $4 salad, amazing. We did not eat the flatbread which they make every 20 minutes but did eat the fabulous hummus that went with it. I ordered the veal marsala with mashed potatoes and brocolli. I was so full from the other stuff, that I brought the rest home.
My husband and I both felt too full from the rich foods and I am sure it wasn't on our "plan" as my husband put it. So my point is, be really careful when you eat out. I saw someone getting a salmon and brocolli dish which looked fabulous and I wish that I had ordered that...
We are going out again for our last night...It will be good to get home!
My husband and I both felt too full from the rich foods and I am sure it wasn't on our "plan" as my husband put it. So my point is, be really careful when you eat out. I saw someone getting a salmon and brocolli dish which looked fabulous and I wish that I had ordered that...
We are going out again for our last night...It will be good to get home!
Friday, March 27, 2009
I Just Read Skinny Bitch
My friend Cyndi, the woman who looks fabulous gave me this book to read. If you can get past the extremely vulgar language it is a quick and interesting, no-nonsense read. It made me realize that giving up sugar, flour and alcohol is only the beginning of my journey to good health. I need to keep cutting stuff out to get healthier and thinner if that is the goal. And it is for me. That is the great thing about keeping a food journal. You can go over it and see your eating hot spots. I am eating an awful lot of cheese. I use it as a spice to give flavor to my foods. An anxiety website said that cheese is an anixety causing food. The Skinny Bitches say that cheese can be addicted. Yet another addiction! Anyway, it's an interesting read and it really comes down to you are what you eat. The healthier you eat the better you will feel and the better your organs and organ systems will operate.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Just saw an old friend who looks fabulous!
We had an old friend from Steamboat over for dinner last night. When she walked in the door the first thing out of my mouth was "You look fabulous!" And she did. Cyndi is 55 and must have been 20lbs lighter than when I saw her last year. She had been off sugar, flour, alcohol, meat, etc. for 18 months. She said the weight just fell off. She sleeps great and feels wonderful. She exercises. What an inspiration. She told me to stick with it, I will see results. It's only been 28 days and I am eating a lot of butter and cheese and probably some other stuff I could cut out.
Also, she said that before I hit menopause (I'm 46) I want to get in shape. It'll just get harder after menopause when women naturally put on weight.
Also, she said that before I hit menopause (I'm 46) I want to get in shape. It'll just get harder after menopause when women naturally put on weight.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Day 27 off Sugar, Flour, Caffeine & Alcohol - Developing Patience
I feel good, not thinner. I do eat a lot of cheese & butter and food in general. When I get home from vacation I will pare the size of my meals down a tad. I know these things take time. If the American dieter doesn't know something, it's patience! Weight loss is not linear, it just happens. Right now I am in Colorado and high altitude always causes me to retain water.
I've been out to eat a couple of times in the evening with my husband. We usually have a glass of wine. I had seltzer with lime, feels kind of cocktailish...so it was fine and no headache in the morning. We were back home within an hour. Giving up drinking alcohol certainly frees up more time!
I've been making slice and bake cookies each afternoon when the kids get home from skiing. That is challenging, the slicing and not taking a taste. The smell of baking chocolate chip cookies is a killer but I've been making it through. I hope this is a case of what doesn't kill you (or tempt you in my case) will make you stronger.
I've been out to eat a couple of times in the evening with my husband. We usually have a glass of wine. I had seltzer with lime, feels kind of cocktailish...so it was fine and no headache in the morning. We were back home within an hour. Giving up drinking alcohol certainly frees up more time!
I've been making slice and bake cookies each afternoon when the kids get home from skiing. That is challenging, the slicing and not taking a taste. The smell of baking chocolate chip cookies is a killer but I've been making it through. I hope this is a case of what doesn't kill you (or tempt you in my case) will make you stronger.
Monday, March 23, 2009
I dreamt I ate a cookie!
I was bummed in my dream that I ate one cookie. I realized what I had done a passed the plate of cookies without eating another. I felt bad in my dream and was glad when I woke up and it wasn't true! But I am thinking if my subconscious and conscious are on the same page this is a good thing.
Anyway I notice I am putting cheese on everything. Perhaps this is why I have not been losing any weight. Not sure. Although cheese is supposed to aggravate anxiety.
My daughter has told me she is tired of listening to me talk about food, my anxieties, etc. I think she has a point. Now that I am working my plan of healthy eating I can save all my musings for the blog and perhaps talk about things the my family is interested in. That will be a change, the idea of taking the focus off myself. (My sister will be happy about this too!)
Anyway I notice I am putting cheese on everything. Perhaps this is why I have not been losing any weight. Not sure. Although cheese is supposed to aggravate anxiety.
My daughter has told me she is tired of listening to me talk about food, my anxieties, etc. I think she has a point. Now that I am working my plan of healthy eating I can save all my musings for the blog and perhaps talk about things the my family is interested in. That will be a change, the idea of taking the focus off myself. (My sister will be happy about this too!)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Anxiety Disorder - Self Diagnosis!
I had an epiphany! I figured out that I have Anxiety Disorder. Under that umbrella falls OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Eating Disorders and Phobias. I have all three. I am an obsessive cleaner, etc. We all know I have an overeating problem and I have many phobias, water, flying, claustrophobia and fear of heights. Those are the ones I have figured out. Apparently, Anxiety Disorder is something that has gone awry in the brain. It is not caused by trauma. Anyway, I have done some research on how to manage this with diet.
1. Cut out caffeine
2. Cut out refined sugars and flour
3. Cut out alcohol - although it's relaxing at first it later causes anxiety
4. Exercise
5. Eat carbs
6. Eat 5 to 6 meals a day instead of 3
I am going to add from my own personal experience:
1. Don't procrastinate
2. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep
3. Face your fears-I recently went zip lining. I was terrified. But I did it and I embraced my fear. Today I rode down the Gondola with my daughter. I was scared. She was kind enough to hold my hand. I did it later in the afternoon and put my faith in the Gondola. I figured mine wouldn't brake because it had a 1,000 lb limit and I'm under 200. I even looked out at the scenery. Not so bad.
4. If you worry about your kids, get them out of sight occasionally. I don't worry so much when I can't see them!
1. Cut out caffeine
2. Cut out refined sugars and flour
3. Cut out alcohol - although it's relaxing at first it later causes anxiety
4. Exercise
5. Eat carbs
6. Eat 5 to 6 meals a day instead of 3
I am going to add from my own personal experience:
1. Don't procrastinate
2. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep
3. Face your fears-I recently went zip lining. I was terrified. But I did it and I embraced my fear. Today I rode down the Gondola with my daughter. I was scared. She was kind enough to hold my hand. I did it later in the afternoon and put my faith in the Gondola. I figured mine wouldn't brake because it had a 1,000 lb limit and I'm under 200. I even looked out at the scenery. Not so bad.
4. If you worry about your kids, get them out of sight occasionally. I don't worry so much when I can't see them!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Whoopie Pies are Stalking Me!
Whoopie! Cookie, Pie or Cake, It's Having Its Moment
Francesco Tonelli for The New York Times
FOR generations, vacationers in Maine and visitors to Pennsylvania’s Amish country have found a simple black and white snack in restaurants and convenience shops and on nearly every gas station counter: whoopie pies.
Skip to next paragraph 
Marilynn K. Yee/The New York Times
INVASIVE SPECIES Emily Isaac makes whoopie pies at Trois Pommes Patisserie in Park Slope.
Readers' Comments
They were found in other pockets of the country, too, from New England to Ohio. But in most of the United States, people could be forgiven for not knowing that the whoopie pie is not, in fact, a pie at all. (It is sometimes described as a cookie, but that is not quite right, either. The closest description may be a cake-like sandwich, or perhaps a sandwich-like cake.)
Now whoopie pies are migrating across the country, often appearing in the same specialty shops and grocery aisles that recently made room for cupcakes. Last fall, they even cracked the lineup at Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan, which helped turn cupcakes into a national craze thanks to the bakery’s exposure on “Sex and the City.” Under the name “sweetie pies,” heart-shaped whoopie pies showed up in the February catalog from Williams-Sonoma. Baked in Maine with local butter and organic eggs, they sell for $49 a dozen.
In their traditional round form, whoopie pies can be found at Trader Joe’s supermarkets, at Whole Foods in Manhattan and at small bakeries like Kim’s Kitchen in Evanston, Ill., outside Chicago.
Kim’s Kitchen (soon to be renamed Fraîche) was an early adopter, first offering its hockey-puck-size pies seven years ago. The cakes come in chocolate and pumpkin, which remains a popular flavor long after the autumn leaves are gone, according to the shop’s owner, Susan Friedman.
“If we took them away after it stopped being fall, there would be a riot outside,” Ms. Friedman said.
Whoopie pies have been on the rise for several years, and nobody can pinpoint the reason they finally broke into the national consciousness. But the snacks evoke a more homespun era that seems to provide some comfort amid the economic gloom. “Pure edible nostalgia,” the Williams-Sonoma catalog calls them.
“Especially now, when people are so stressed out, they are going back to whoopie pies,” said Emily Isaac, owner of Trois Pommes Patisserie in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Ms. Isaac had never heard of whoopie pies before she was asked to make them as wedding favors three years ago. Entranced at first taste, she put them on the menu at her bakery when it opened in May 2007.
There are dozens of variations on the shape, flavors and fillings. Trois Pommes serves what seems to be the classic version: two round mounds of chocolate cake, about three inches across, with French vanilla cream filling.
The whoopie pie sold since last fall at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, in Ann Arbor, Mich., sports a chocolate glaze on its dense chocolate cake and is filled with Swiss buttercream filling.
The basic elements of the whoopie pie turn up in many other snacks that might be considered its far-flung relatives. Amy Emberling, a partner at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, grew up in eastern Canada eating a similar cookie called a Jos. Louis. Oreo sells a whoopie pie look-alike called the Oreo Cakester, while the Hostess Suzy Q is a square version that vies for space on some store shelves with whoopie-esque Little Debbie snack cakes.
Food historians believe whoopie pies originated in Pennsylvania, where they were baked by Amish women and put in farmers’ lunchboxes.
Tired from a morning’s work, the farmers purportedly would shout “Whoopie!” if they discovered one of the desserts in their lunch pails, Ms. Emberling said.
In parts of Pennsylvania, whoopie pies remain a celebrated sweet. The annual Whoopie Pie Festival at the Hershey Farm and Inn in Strasburg, Pa., features a whoopie pie eating contest and the coronation of the Whoopie Pie Queen.
The whoopie pie would probably be Maine’s state dessert, if the state had one. The filling is generally of one of two types: a thick, sweet frosting made from Crisco shortening combined with confectioners’ sugar, or, more conveniently, a dollop of Marshmallow Fluff.
The cake itself is typically not especially sweet, and is often on the dry side, since the frosting lends plenty of sugar and a gooey consistency, said Sandra Oliver, a food historian and columnist in Islesboro, Me.
How the cookies traveled to Maine is a mystery, however.
One theory holds that whoopie pies were brought north during the Great Depression through the Yummy Book, a recipe pamphlet first published in 1930 by Durkee-Mower, the Massachusetts company that makes Fluff.Day 21 - Some Thoughts
I have written because I've been depressed at feeling fatter after 3 weeks off my favorite foods! Today I gave birth to my 4th child 6 years ago. One year after that I weighed 175 lbs at 5'3". I started exercising and thinking about eating right at that time. It has been a long (and short) and sometimes arduous journey. I am probably in the 145 range but don't weigh myself. Also peri-menopausal which I believe has a hand in all of this.
While visiting my mother with my sister in Florida last week, I drove them crazy talking about food, food deprivation, how hungry I am and how I fantasize about treats. It is ridiculous. I have been thinking about Whoopie Pies and then they appear on the cover of the NY Times Dining section as if I conjured them. I sometimes feel I could throw all this away for a Whoopie Pie, how pathetic!
I have not been getting enough sleep and using caffeine to perk me up. I have not been going to OA meetings.
I don't miss the alcohol at all.
My husband and kids say I am nicer and I do feel no guilt so that keeps me going on this path to good physical and mental health. I have been keeping up my exercise regimen and have been getting out more socially.
I think I need to stop obsessing about food and move on. I did have full fat bacon today. It is the first time I felt full in awhile. Perhaps its the fat I crave as well as the sugar. I also found myself eating bags of popcorn. Shoveling it in like it was the last thing on earth. It makes me a little full but the shoveling handfuls in my mouth is disturbing. It is appearing all over the house. In yoga the other day, some fell out of my cleavage during my down dog pose!
Key learnings:
1. Try to stop obsessing about food
2. No more popcorn
3. I have an oral fixation (smoking would probably do the trick)
4. Get at least 7 hours of sleep
5. No more caffeine
6. Try to just be with the feeling of hunger without doing anything about it.
7. Keep exercising
8. Go to OA meetings - I haven't been in 2 weeks
9. Keep going out socially
10. Start planning meals
While visiting my mother with my sister in Florida last week, I drove them crazy talking about food, food deprivation, how hungry I am and how I fantasize about treats. It is ridiculous. I have been thinking about Whoopie Pies and then they appear on the cover of the NY Times Dining section as if I conjured them. I sometimes feel I could throw all this away for a Whoopie Pie, how pathetic!
I have not been getting enough sleep and using caffeine to perk me up. I have not been going to OA meetings.
I don't miss the alcohol at all.
My husband and kids say I am nicer and I do feel no guilt so that keeps me going on this path to good physical and mental health. I have been keeping up my exercise regimen and have been getting out more socially.
I think I need to stop obsessing about food and move on. I did have full fat bacon today. It is the first time I felt full in awhile. Perhaps its the fat I crave as well as the sugar. I also found myself eating bags of popcorn. Shoveling it in like it was the last thing on earth. It makes me a little full but the shoveling handfuls in my mouth is disturbing. It is appearing all over the house. In yoga the other day, some fell out of my cleavage during my down dog pose!
Key learnings:
1. Try to stop obsessing about food
2. No more popcorn
3. I have an oral fixation (smoking would probably do the trick)
4. Get at least 7 hours of sleep
5. No more caffeine
6. Try to just be with the feeling of hunger without doing anything about it.
7. Keep exercising
8. Go to OA meetings - I haven't been in 2 weeks
9. Keep going out socially
10. Start planning meals
Monday, March 16, 2009
Box of Medical Gowns Triggered a Carb Craving! 18th Day
I was at the doctor's office and their were boxes of surgical gowns with a logo that looked like the girls scout cookie logo. I started to salivate. I need to retrain my brain either not to continue to look for things I am no longer eating or not to make the associations. It's crazy.
On another note, I am not even missing the white wine. Somehow my acitivities for the last three weeks have left no room for sitting and having a drink. Interesting. I am very focused on the food. Still feeling fat. I feel like my body is hanging onto the extra weight for dear life and still waiting for a bad carb infusion!
On another note, I am not even missing the white wine. Somehow my acitivities for the last three weeks have left no room for sitting and having a drink. Interesting. I am very focused on the food. Still feeling fat. I feel like my body is hanging onto the extra weight for dear life and still waiting for a bad carb infusion!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I traveled successfully! Day 16
I am in Florida visiting my mom. I was able to fly from Chicago to Florida and eat healthy. I packed cheese sticks, banana, apple and pistachios. I bought a latte at the airport and some water. It was tough when I got to my moms because there was very little I could eat. I don't like my food choices to be a burden on anyone. We did go to the store and get some stuff. I could have packed my oatmeal and tea and that would have made things easier. I didn't think to call my mom and ask her to pick up stuff. I am still feeling fat. My digestive system has not seemed to adjusted to the new way of eating. I'll keep plugging away.
At lunch today, I had a grouper salad which was delicious. But I never get full from just the protein and vegetable. I was salivating looking at the uneaten chips on my mom and sister's plate. I couldn't understand why they didn't devour them! Same with the brownies at dinner tonight. I was salivating. They each had one and left the rest on the plate. I wanted to devour them. I hope this feeling goes away at some point.
At lunch today, I had a grouper salad which was delicious. But I never get full from just the protein and vegetable. I was salivating looking at the uneaten chips on my mom and sister's plate. I couldn't understand why they didn't devour them! Same with the brownies at dinner tonight. I was salivating. They each had one and left the rest on the plate. I wanted to devour them. I hope this feeling goes away at some point.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Can't Fit into My Summer Clothes!!!!
Going to Florida today. I can barely get into my clothes! This is so depressing! Two weeks of eating and exercise and I feel like a blimp. But since I have no choice I am going to work through this! I can see why people give up. Stay tuned. Something's gotta give!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
2 Weeks off the White Stuff - and some Revelations
I am finally starting to feel a little lighter. I don't weigh myself, I take note of how my clothes fit.
I have been off caffeine for about 5 days. I realized that I want to try and give up all of my crutches; no caffeine when I am tired or feeling a little blue, no sweets or starchy stuff when I'm stressed, no alcohol to unwind. Perhaps I can lighten up on the cleaning, we'll see.
I want to stand alone, so to speak and see what happens. Will life be okay? I'll let you know. I was shoveling popcorn in even when I wasn't hungry. What's that all about. The action of shoveling something into my mouth to relieve stress. Interesting. Although with the popcorn, I don't feel guilty.
I still salivate when I see delicious foods but I have not been obsessing about my future without them. I've noticed that I am more relaxed. I had to take one of my kids downtown to the doctor (stress) and stayed relaxed while we waited. Normally that drives me crazy. Waiting for doctors.
I am definitely calmer.
I have been off caffeine for about 5 days. I realized that I want to try and give up all of my crutches; no caffeine when I am tired or feeling a little blue, no sweets or starchy stuff when I'm stressed, no alcohol to unwind. Perhaps I can lighten up on the cleaning, we'll see.
I want to stand alone, so to speak and see what happens. Will life be okay? I'll let you know. I was shoveling popcorn in even when I wasn't hungry. What's that all about. The action of shoveling something into my mouth to relieve stress. Interesting. Although with the popcorn, I don't feel guilty.
I still salivate when I see delicious foods but I have not been obsessing about my future without them. I've noticed that I am more relaxed. I had to take one of my kids downtown to the doctor (stress) and stayed relaxed while we waited. Normally that drives me crazy. Waiting for doctors.
I am definitely calmer.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
New Web Site Helps Predict Alcohol Problems
To Your Health: New Web Site Helps Predict Alcohol Problems
www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov
By MELINDA BECK
The conventional wisdom used to be that alcoholics had to hit bottom before they got better. But it can be a long, slow way down. A new government Web site called "Rethinking Drinking" aims to help people recognize problem patterns earlier and catch themselves before they fall.
"Most people don't know what 'drink responsibly' means -- they think it means not getting tanked," says Mark Willenbring, director of treatment and recovery research at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. "But there are levels of drinking that raise your risk for alcohol problems just like high cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease."
Discuss
* Are you drinking too much? Join the discussion at Journal Community.
Health Mailbox
* Columnist Melinda Beck answers readers' questions about "textile dye dermatitis" and "empathetic pain" syndrome.
Behind the NIAAA's effort is a new understanding that there is a spectrum of alcohol-use disorders, which some experts hope will replace the current criteria for "abuse" and "dependence." The old definitions were based on observing addicts in treatment. Several large studies of drinking in the general population show that some patterns clearly pave the way for future problems.
The NIAAA say you are at "low-risk" for serious problems if you consume no more than four standard-size alcoholic drinks a day for a man or no more than three for a woman. That may sound like a lot, but you can't drink like that every day. The weekly "low-risk" limit is no more than 14 drinks for a man or seven for a woman. Drinking more daily, or weekly or both carries higher risk of abuse or dependence.
At www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov, you can plug in your average consumption and see how you compare with the general population and problem drinkers. Since this is anonymous, you can try different amounts and see what they mean.
Some 37% of Americans always stay within the daily and weekly limits, according to the site. Only two in 100 of them progress to serious alcohol problems.
But 19% of Americans exceed either the daily or weekly levels; one in 12 of those people has already progressed to alcohol abuse or alcoholism. About 9% of Americans exceeds both the weekly and daily limits; half of them have alcohol problems.
Very few Americans exceed the weekly limits without exceeding the daily limitations, according to Dr. Willenbring. That contrasts with drinking patterns in Europe, where people are more likely to have wine with lunch and dinner on a daily basis.
About 35% of Americans don't drink at all. "That can be a real eye-opener for people who drink heavily and surround themselves with other people who drink a lot," says Ann Bradley, an NIAAA spokeswoman.
Even "low-risk" drinking can be risky for people with bipolar disorder, liver disease, abnormal heart rhythm and chronic pain, the Web site notes. It also links to a list of dozens of medications that can react adversely with alcohol, including drugs for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain and depression.
The limits are lower for women than men not just because of their size. According to the NIAAA, women's bodies tend to have less water so the alcohol tends to become more concentrated and more damaging to organs like the liver.
The Web site also notes that being able to "hold" a lot of liquor is actually a warning sign of dependence. And driving and judgment can be impaired even if you don't feel a buzz.
Safer Spirits
Most people are at low risk for alcohol problems if they stay within these limits:
* Men: No more than four standard-size drinks on any single day and no more than 14 weekly.
* Women: No more than three standard-size drinks on any single day and no more than seven weekly.
*Source: NIAAA
Knowing the size and strength of a "standard" drink is critical, so the site has a size chart and a content calculator. Some cocktails contain as much alcohol as three standard drinks. A wine bottle usually holds five 5-oz. glasses.
"Rethinking Drinking" leaves it up to you whether and when to change your habits, though it notes that alcohol is a factor in many fatal accidents and increases the risk of heart and liver disease, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes and many cancers. One section discusses the merits of cutting down versus quitting completely. Another lists pros and cons to consider—including "I'd need another way to wind down."
In focus groups when the site was tested, "some people got very quiet and engaged when they got to this part. It turned into an intervention," says Maureen Gardner, who co-authored the program.
The site also lists strategies for changing drinking habits, from "space and pace" (no more than one per hour) to "avoiding triggers" (recognizing external situations and internal emotions that tempt you to drink). An "urge tracker" lets you record times when you wanted a drink and why, what you did and what you might have done differently. A section on "refusal skills" helps you plan ahead to say no in social situations.
Dr. Willenbring hopes the site, and a downloadable print version, provides a tool for doctors, clergy and others who counsel people concerned about their drinking habits.
Awareness already seems to be rising, says Eileen Travis, director of a New York City Bar Association program that assists lawyers with substance abuse. "We get calls all the time from people who say they think they have a problem and want to stop before it gets bad—many more than in the past, when the only people we dealt with were in trouble in some way," she says.
Studies show that just five minutes of discussion with a primary-care doctor can reduce heavy drinking by 25%. Exploring online all by yourself might be just as useful.
* Email HealthJournal@wsj.com
www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov
By MELINDA BECK
The conventional wisdom used to be that alcoholics had to hit bottom before they got better. But it can be a long, slow way down. A new government Web site called "Rethinking Drinking" aims to help people recognize problem patterns earlier and catch themselves before they fall.
"Most people don't know what 'drink responsibly' means -- they think it means not getting tanked," says Mark Willenbring, director of treatment and recovery research at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. "But there are levels of drinking that raise your risk for alcohol problems just like high cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease."
Discuss
* Are you drinking too much? Join the discussion at Journal Community.
Health Mailbox
* Columnist Melinda Beck answers readers' questions about "textile dye dermatitis" and "empathetic pain" syndrome.
Behind the NIAAA's effort is a new understanding that there is a spectrum of alcohol-use disorders, which some experts hope will replace the current criteria for "abuse" and "dependence." The old definitions were based on observing addicts in treatment. Several large studies of drinking in the general population show that some patterns clearly pave the way for future problems.
The NIAAA say you are at "low-risk" for serious problems if you consume no more than four standard-size alcoholic drinks a day for a man or no more than three for a woman. That may sound like a lot, but you can't drink like that every day. The weekly "low-risk" limit is no more than 14 drinks for a man or seven for a woman. Drinking more daily, or weekly or both carries higher risk of abuse or dependence.
At www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov, you can plug in your average consumption and see how you compare with the general population and problem drinkers. Since this is anonymous, you can try different amounts and see what they mean.
Some 37% of Americans always stay within the daily and weekly limits, according to the site. Only two in 100 of them progress to serious alcohol problems.
But 19% of Americans exceed either the daily or weekly levels; one in 12 of those people has already progressed to alcohol abuse or alcoholism. About 9% of Americans exceeds both the weekly and daily limits; half of them have alcohol problems.
Very few Americans exceed the weekly limits without exceeding the daily limitations, according to Dr. Willenbring. That contrasts with drinking patterns in Europe, where people are more likely to have wine with lunch and dinner on a daily basis.
About 35% of Americans don't drink at all. "That can be a real eye-opener for people who drink heavily and surround themselves with other people who drink a lot," says Ann Bradley, an NIAAA spokeswoman.
Even "low-risk" drinking can be risky for people with bipolar disorder, liver disease, abnormal heart rhythm and chronic pain, the Web site notes. It also links to a list of dozens of medications that can react adversely with alcohol, including drugs for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain and depression.
The limits are lower for women than men not just because of their size. According to the NIAAA, women's bodies tend to have less water so the alcohol tends to become more concentrated and more damaging to organs like the liver.
The Web site also notes that being able to "hold" a lot of liquor is actually a warning sign of dependence. And driving and judgment can be impaired even if you don't feel a buzz.
Safer Spirits
Most people are at low risk for alcohol problems if they stay within these limits:
* Men: No more than four standard-size drinks on any single day and no more than 14 weekly.
* Women: No more than three standard-size drinks on any single day and no more than seven weekly.
*Source: NIAAA
Knowing the size and strength of a "standard" drink is critical, so the site has a size chart and a content calculator. Some cocktails contain as much alcohol as three standard drinks. A wine bottle usually holds five 5-oz. glasses.
"Rethinking Drinking" leaves it up to you whether and when to change your habits, though it notes that alcohol is a factor in many fatal accidents and increases the risk of heart and liver disease, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes and many cancers. One section discusses the merits of cutting down versus quitting completely. Another lists pros and cons to consider—including "I'd need another way to wind down."
In focus groups when the site was tested, "some people got very quiet and engaged when they got to this part. It turned into an intervention," says Maureen Gardner, who co-authored the program.
The site also lists strategies for changing drinking habits, from "space and pace" (no more than one per hour) to "avoiding triggers" (recognizing external situations and internal emotions that tempt you to drink). An "urge tracker" lets you record times when you wanted a drink and why, what you did and what you might have done differently. A section on "refusal skills" helps you plan ahead to say no in social situations.
Dr. Willenbring hopes the site, and a downloadable print version, provides a tool for doctors, clergy and others who counsel people concerned about their drinking habits.
Awareness already seems to be rising, says Eileen Travis, director of a New York City Bar Association program that assists lawyers with substance abuse. "We get calls all the time from people who say they think they have a problem and want to stop before it gets bad—many more than in the past, when the only people we dealt with were in trouble in some way," she says.
Studies show that just five minutes of discussion with a primary-care doctor can reduce heavy drinking by 25%. Exploring online all by yourself might be just as useful.
* Email HealthJournal@wsj.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Susie Orbach, Pyschotherapist on our body
"I wish we could treat our bodies as the place we live from, rather than regard it as a place to be worked on, as though it were a disagreeable old kitchen in need of renovation and update."
12th Day -I Want to go off Diet but forgot I'm not on one!
I was very hungry yesterday. I went to Target and found myself bumming out over not being able to buy something sweet. Salivated over the french bread I bought for my kids. Went so far as to breath in the delicious fragrance. I was tired but did not have caffeine. I was off of caffeine for eight years and felt good. Did not get that sudden fatigue you get when you need a cup of coffee mid day. Also was not tired in the a.m. I am trying to get to that place again.
I think maybe I should not be eating the popcorn. I found I was shoveling it in my mouth because it was available and I was feeling stressed because I need to take a kid downtown to the doctor and I didn't have anyone to watch the kids. I did eventually get a babysitter. Being in action when your stressed is a huge stress reliever. I am not going to buy the popcorn and try to stop eating the pepperoni and cheese, which believe it or not does not satisfy me.
I am still feeling fat and remembered that I am not on a diet. Any weight loss will be icing on the cake. Somethings gotta give. I feel like my body is in shock and has not accepted that it will not be getting those delicious calories. But then again, I may be eating too much! I am certainly more even-tempered, feeling no guilt and cooking more.
I think maybe I should not be eating the popcorn. I found I was shoveling it in my mouth because it was available and I was feeling stressed because I need to take a kid downtown to the doctor and I didn't have anyone to watch the kids. I did eventually get a babysitter. Being in action when your stressed is a huge stress reliever. I am not going to buy the popcorn and try to stop eating the pepperoni and cheese, which believe it or not does not satisfy me.
I am still feeling fat and remembered that I am not on a diet. Any weight loss will be icing on the cake. Somethings gotta give. I feel like my body is in shock and has not accepted that it will not be getting those delicious calories. But then again, I may be eating too much! I am certainly more even-tempered, feeling no guilt and cooking more.
Monday, March 9, 2009
11th Day - Easier when it's no longer an option
So far so good. It's interesting, now that I have realized that sweets and white flour are not the optimal food for me, that they are no longer an option, it has not been hard to give up. I do get sad at the thought of not having my key lime pie or chocolate chip cookies...I have also not missed the alcohol. It is nice to wake up on a weekend morning fresh and ready to go. My husband and I can still sit in front of the fire and have tea and conversation.
When I think about the long term, it seems daunting to give up all of the treats that I love but one day at a time is not so bad. As long as I am satisfied with other foods I don't get the cravings. Also, now that I've realized that I am a stress eater, the problem seems to have almost gone away. I have noticed that I might shovel some popcorn in my mouth when I get stressed but that's not so bad. Also, I acknowledge, "I'm stressed" I need to shove something in my mouth, whereas before I had no idea what was going on.
What I am saying is that when you've told yourself you no longer have a choice in the matter, you can move on. When you vacillate that is when things can happen
When I think about the long term, it seems daunting to give up all of the treats that I love but one day at a time is not so bad. As long as I am satisfied with other foods I don't get the cravings. Also, now that I've realized that I am a stress eater, the problem seems to have almost gone away. I have noticed that I might shovel some popcorn in my mouth when I get stressed but that's not so bad. Also, I acknowledge, "I'm stressed" I need to shove something in my mouth, whereas before I had no idea what was going on.
What I am saying is that when you've told yourself you no longer have a choice in the matter, you can move on. When you vacillate that is when things can happen
Sunday, March 8, 2009
10th Day Off The White Stuff
Things are going well. Seeing sweet foods does make me want it but having accepted that I have a problem with treats and made the commitment to myself to deal with it gives me a lot of strength. There is no longer an option. It is not available to me. So I move on. I am definitely happier.
Interestingly, I went to a dinner party last night which was very nice. The hostess knew that I was not just giving up sweets for Lent but believed that I had a true problem. I did inform her ahead of time that I would not be eating dessert. I did not want her to be offended when we did not eat dessert. She did try to entice me with her homemade brownies. I was a little surprised. even though I've know that people would try to get you to eat the stuff. I'll have to come up with some good responses...
Interestingly, I went to a dinner party last night which was very nice. The hostess knew that I was not just giving up sweets for Lent but believed that I had a true problem. I did inform her ahead of time that I would not be eating dessert. I did not want her to be offended when we did not eat dessert. She did try to entice me with her homemade brownies. I was a little surprised. even though I've know that people would try to get you to eat the stuff. I'll have to come up with some good responses...
Friday, March 6, 2009
9th Day off the white stuff
I am starting to feel better but worry about the future. What if I accidently eat something with sugar in it? Will that set of a binge? How do I handle people who try to convince me that eating trigger foods won't be a problem (It would probably help if I didn't announce it to everyone). I must work on trying not to explain myself to everyone.
I am not finding it hard to do, one day at a time. I am finding it hard to do for the rest of my life.
I am not finding it hard to do, one day at a time. I am finding it hard to do for the rest of my life.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Torture Your Way to Weight Loss? (Ruminations on my 8th day)
I have always tried to get healthy and thinner by traveling a route of torture rather than comfort. I would use what I called the "tourniquet" method. I would wear jeans way to tight, they often had to be rubber-banded shut. These pants would be a reminder not to eat to much. They weren't comfortable and probably looked bad as well. I was successful in persuading some of my friends to try it. I do think you'll eat less if your clothes are too tight.
In the past I'd also give up foods and announce to everyone what I am doing. I would moan and groan while breathing in the sent of a newly opened bag of marshmallows. I have now realized that I must choose to eat healthy. I am not sacrificing bad food. I am choosing good food. Now that I have done this, cookies and french bread are not an option. By doing this, I have no guilt. No thoughts "Did I eat something bad." I also wear comfortable clothes that I feel good in. I am in no rush to lose weight because I feel good everyday. I go about my business and don't think about weight loss. It will come. Of that I am certain. In the meantime I am enjoying the freedom from foods that make me irritable, unhealthy and happy. My family is noticing a difference in my moods (for the better).
In the past I'd also give up foods and announce to everyone what I am doing. I would moan and groan while breathing in the sent of a newly opened bag of marshmallows. I have now realized that I must choose to eat healthy. I am not sacrificing bad food. I am choosing good food. Now that I have done this, cookies and french bread are not an option. By doing this, I have no guilt. No thoughts "Did I eat something bad." I also wear comfortable clothes that I feel good in. I am in no rush to lose weight because I feel good everyday. I go about my business and don't think about weight loss. It will come. Of that I am certain. In the meantime I am enjoying the freedom from foods that make me irritable, unhealthy and happy. My family is noticing a difference in my moods (for the better).
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Many Compulsions
Cleaning - I wipe down the bathrooms and toilets everyday
Laundry - I like the bins completely empty, laundry washed and folded and put away every day
Garbage - I want every bit of garbage out of the house on garbage day.
Wastebaskets - emptied at least once a day.
Garage - cleaned once a week in the warmer months
Basement storage - straightened up once a month
Kid's hair - I obsess if they are not neatly coiffed.
I am always on time
90% return phone calls on day I receive
Belts and Shoes - must match
If my car is dirty, I obsess until I get it to car wash
I am sure I can add more
Laundry - I like the bins completely empty, laundry washed and folded and put away every day
Garbage - I want every bit of garbage out of the house on garbage day.
Wastebaskets - emptied at least once a day.
Garage - cleaned once a week in the warmer months
Basement storage - straightened up once a month
Kid's hair - I obsess if they are not neatly coiffed.
I am always on time
90% return phone calls on day I receive
Belts and Shoes - must match
If my car is dirty, I obsess until I get it to car wash
I am sure I can add more
Day 7 off the White Stuff
Polled my husband and kids. Husband and daughter say that I am nicer and less irritable. I think so. Also, still very hungry, like my body is searching for sugar in everything I eat. Ate some popcorn yesterday without a bingeing problem. Feeling fat. I can see how people go off diets at this point.
Things I need to remember:
My family likes me better this way
I feel better
No guilt
Not gaining weight
More free brain power to think about other things.
Cooking more
Things I need to remember:
My family likes me better this way
I feel better
No guilt
Not gaining weight
More free brain power to think about other things.
Cooking more
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
6th Day and this is an Addiction Not a Diet
I got up this morning feeling kind of blue. Six days and I don't feel any thinner. I forgot that I am not on a diet. I am making a lifestyle change because I can't control my eating of sugar and flour! Losing weight and looking better will be an added bonus.
This is not something I stop and go back to eating all those delicious and momentarily comforting foods. I must plug on even if my butt remains larger than my husband and I have to continue to wear my Lee Comfort Waist Jeans (which by the way look good and are the most comfortable pants I've ever worn!) I'll probably continue to wear them even If I begin to look like a model!
Anyway, plugging away. I was so hungry yesterday. I find the inconsistency in my hunger from day to day daunting. Once again, a control issue. I have certain expectations as to what I can eat and feel satisfied and it doesn't always work out that way.
I am continuing to exercise consistently. I am happy about that. I am continuing to go to my OA meetings twice a week. I find them helpful, I am not sure why. There are a lot of people with much worse problems than me. I do find the addiction stories that are read in the meetings helpful and sharing helps to gather my thoughts and I guess making the efforts to go to the meetings reinforce my commitment to myself and family.
This is not something I stop and go back to eating all those delicious and momentarily comforting foods. I must plug on even if my butt remains larger than my husband and I have to continue to wear my Lee Comfort Waist Jeans (which by the way look good and are the most comfortable pants I've ever worn!) I'll probably continue to wear them even If I begin to look like a model!
Anyway, plugging away. I was so hungry yesterday. I find the inconsistency in my hunger from day to day daunting. Once again, a control issue. I have certain expectations as to what I can eat and feel satisfied and it doesn't always work out that way.
I am continuing to exercise consistently. I am happy about that. I am continuing to go to my OA meetings twice a week. I find them helpful, I am not sure why. There are a lot of people with much worse problems than me. I do find the addiction stories that are read in the meetings helpful and sharing helps to gather my thoughts and I guess making the efforts to go to the meetings reinforce my commitment to myself and family.
Monday, March 2, 2009
5th Day off the White Stuff!
I feel pretty good today. I think I may be eating to much popcorn. I was eating it last night before bed. Trigger, water in the basement. We have had an ongoing water problem that our builders have been diligently trying to solve. We thought a rainstorm last week had not effected the basement but lo and behold, water. So I started stuffing popcorn into my mouth. I felt hungry, so we'll see. Was I truly hungry or just truly stressed?
Most of my issues of not eating those foods are my worrying about not eating them long term. I am not craving anything. Although when I see treats, I do salivate. I started to salivate when I pulled into a parking space next to the corner bakery truck. I am like Pavlov's dog.
Eating lots of popcorn. This may be a problem. I am very hungry today. I feel like I am real hungry not "head hungry" (where it's in your head). I was shoveling the popcorn in my mouth. I felt like I should just attach a feed bag to my face like they do with horses. I must've been stressed about something!
Most of my issues of not eating those foods are my worrying about not eating them long term. I am not craving anything. Although when I see treats, I do salivate. I started to salivate when I pulled into a parking space next to the corner bakery truck. I am like Pavlov's dog.
Eating lots of popcorn. This may be a problem. I am very hungry today. I feel like I am real hungry not "head hungry" (where it's in your head). I was shoveling the popcorn in my mouth. I felt like I should just attach a feed bag to my face like they do with horses. I must've been stressed about something!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Control and Eating
I have realized that my compulsive eating stems from my need to control everything. My house needs to be clean, my kids, husband and dog need to behave the way that I want. In public I need everyone to follow the rules: stop at stop signs, be polite in the store, control their kids, not talk on their cell phones to loud. My list of rules is endless. If anyone does not behave they way I expect I get stressed and want to eat something. Philosophically, I know that I have no control but it doesn't stop me from reacting.
Another thought: Once I have been eating healthy and have dropped a few pounds, I often start eating unhealthy foods again. Just a little...and before I know it I am back to full-fledged consumption of whatever I want. The fact that I don't put 25 lbs. on overnight allows me to think that I have it in control and can eat like this. But then one day I wake up and I'm say to myself, "Whoa, what happened?"
I spoke with husband today. He said I am nicer when I am eating healthy. I cook more when I am eating healthy. Those are two good reasons to stay the course!
Another thought: Once I have been eating healthy and have dropped a few pounds, I often start eating unhealthy foods again. Just a little...and before I know it I am back to full-fledged consumption of whatever I want. The fact that I don't put 25 lbs. on overnight allows me to think that I have it in control and can eat like this. But then one day I wake up and I'm say to myself, "Whoa, what happened?"
I spoke with husband today. He said I am nicer when I am eating healthy. I cook more when I am eating healthy. Those are two good reasons to stay the course!
4th Day off the White Stuff
I am very tired today. I don't know if using the caffeine is a good idea. Yesterday I had one cup in the a.m and one at 3 p.m. I had a difficult time going to sleep. It is depressing when I think long term about no more sweet treats, bread, etc. But at the same time, I feel better and more even-tempered. I know I won't get fatter eating healthy. I stress about questions people will ask about my experiment. Everyone has an opinion. People don't like you to change. I don't think this new way of eating will slip by unnoticed...
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