Jeffrey Scott’s – Best of his Blogs 2010

Most of my friends know I maintain two blogs. One dedicated to health and fitness and one for my creativity. I’m proud to say I’ve kept up with both this year. So for those of you only familiar with one of the two, I’ve decided for the first time ever to do a cross-over blog. And why not, I’m a creative person and both illustrate that in various ways.











January
Tegan - Will You Miss Me
An interesting poem I wrote. But can you tell what it’s really about?
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser (No Motivation)
I began to recognize my fitness was slipping. I wrote a few observations as to why.

February
Tegan – Haiku
In 2009 I wrote several Haiku’s. In 2010 I wrote one last one. Follow the links to view more.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser – Top 5 Faults With the Show
I’ve always been a Biggest Loser fan, but at times it can irritate me. Here’s why.

March
Tegan – Travel Preparations for London
Two month from the actual trip, I began making lists.
Carrot Sticks – Feed Me Seymore
Random thoughts on how I can do better at what I eat and what my downfalls are.

April
Tegan – Loss & Love
For a month, I worked on a short story on Facebook. I reprinted it to my blog.

May
Tegan – I’m Nothing
Sometimes a poem hits me. Here is one I wrote this year.
Carrot Sticks – Procrastination vs. Motivation
You can either procrastinate or be motivated. Here are my thoughts.

June
Tegan - Fuse CD Review
I discovered a new CD and wrote a review. The artists read it and enjoyed it!
Carrot Sticks – Tracking Disaster
I tried to become more serious about my tracking, but I failed.

July
Tegan – Interview With An Admiral
I had a nice chat with Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars.

August
Tegan – Who is River Song?
I’ve got a firm belief, but this was one farcical theory.

September
Tegan – I Tweet Therefore I Am
Another poem, this time based on…. Twitter???
Carrot Sticks – A-Z Fitness (Atmosphere)
In hopes of making myself more accountable, I began a new fitness series.

October
Tegan – Doctor Who (The Early Years)
I give in to my nerdyness and begin writing a Doctor Who themed series.
Carrot Sticks – Jillian Michaels – GoDaddy Commercial
A funny commercial Jillian is now appearing in.

November
Tegan – Time Travel Museum
Can you find your favourite time machine in the time travel museum?
Carrot sticks – Top 9 Way To Tell If You’ve Been Watching Too Much Biggest Loser
With a lot of my posts centered on Biggest Loser, I wondered if I watched too much.

December
Tegan - Jelly Babies
I did a photo shoot with… candy???
Tegan – Saturn Girl Selling Telepathic Telecommunications
I guess I’m a true Legion of Super Hero nerd to come up with this.
Carrot Sticks – Tastes So Good
I wrote a song parody and why junk food tastes so good.

That’s not all I wrote in both logs, but it gives you pretty good idea. If you enjoy both, why not subscribe and follow both? You’re bound to find something you like sooner or later. ;)
Jeffrey Scott

A-Z Fitness - Organization

So far in this series I've talked about many things including blogging, goals, lists and nutrition labels. In these weeks I've given you written goals. Now is the time to concentrate on how you keep everything together. Hopefully, you don't have several lists in one place and a pile of notes and memos in another. If so, you'll need to organize everything. But why is this important to your health and fitness? Because if you are taking the time to make notes, you need to have everything organized so you can review it when you need to. Continual review is essential and organization is key to making sure you can find the notes you want to keep track of. Organization not only makes things tidier, it also means your review will be more enjoyable. Pulling your hair out because you can't find the one article you saved means you'll be less likely to review in the future.

Tips: One of the best ways to organize your notes is to keep a binder. A loose-leaf notebook is okay if you are simply taking notes, but sometimes its interesting to keep other items along with your notes. Attend a gym? Keep essential material with your fitness notes. Do you attend classes like Weight Watchers? They provide lots of useful information, keep all motivational material in your binder. Do you use a fitness coach or personal trainer? Include all your schedule times in the binder.

Remember: Keeping all your notes, thoughts, lists and motivational material in one place will make it easier to review. What better reason to keep everything together than to do a review from time to time. Include pictures or success stories along with everything else, in an organized fashion, and your biggest inspiration will be you.

Goal: Organize all your fitness material in one place. Even if you don't go as far as creating a binder, simply keeping things in a folder is still better organization than in several piles here and there. Do you already have things organized? Your goal then is to do a review. Is there anything you can include? Is there information you could weed out? Now is the time to do so.

Last Weeks Goal: Were you able to accomplish last weeks goal? It was a fairly simple task of reading nutrition labels and taking notes and comparing favourite foods. Did you learn anything looking at the labels? Did you decide to make any changes after what you discovered? Or are doing well in what is being put into your body? If you eat a lot of organic food, you are one step ahead of the game as processed foods have so much more junk added to them. But working on this task, you'll have noticed it for yourself.

What fitness words starting with the letter "O" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Nutrition

No matter what your goals for fitness are, keeping tabs on your nutrition is paramount. Without being aware of what you are eating, or more importantly what's in what you are eating, you will have little success. For the most part, anything we purchase in the store has a nutrition label. When's the last time you took a peek at what you are eating? There are key things to look for: Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat and Fiber are just a few things to search for. Foods higher in fat are certainly not good for you, but you probably know that already. A little isn't bad, you'll find fat of some sort in most foods you eat. The trick is discovering how fiber and carbohydrates relate as well. The higher the carbs and protein, the higher the calories are generally going to be. So if you keep tabs on calories you'll want to be aware of that.

Tips: Everyone has a set number of calories they should be eating in a day. Do you know what yours are? Slight changes in fiber, protein and carbohydrates can affect how good the calories you eat are. A quick search on-line and you'll find dietary calculators which can help guide you in making proper choices.

Remember: Let's face it. Not all calories are created equal. It's not like the old trick question, which weighs more a pound of lead or a pound of feathers because 100 calories of fruits is certainly not the same as 100 calories of a Twinkie. That's why you need to identify what you are eating, and how it affects the food you are eating.

Goal: Keep an eye on nutrition labels. Compare a few of the same items and you'll see big differences. Cereals for example can differ wildly. This week take a 'comfort food' and really look at the nutrition label. If your comfort food is something like home baked cookies, your task might be a bit more daunting but it can be done. Just keep track of the nutrition labels of all ingredients as you make the cookies.

Last Weeks Goal: What did you discover when searching for your motivation last week? Did you find anything new to motivate you? Or did you discover your original motivations were enough?

What fitness words starting with the letter "N" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Motivation

Motivation is probably the most important thing you can have when you want to do weight loss or maintenance. Without it, there is no drive to do what you want to accomplish. A few weeks back we talked about having an initiative. The initiative is nothing without motivation, though. You can find motivation through various sources. You can be inspired via friends, family or even those you see on TV. I've always been a big fan of the show Biggest Loser, and though I'm not sure that's the best way to lose weight, it's certainly effective. What motivates me more than anything is when the contestants keep the weight off. At one point I weighed over 300 lbs, and was properly motivated to lose 100 lbs. My motivation somehow slipped and I gained about half of it back, but I'm proud to say I've found the motivation once more and have been doing well at taking it back off.

Tips: Don't have the right motivation? Talk to someone you know has the proper motivation. Or simply talk to your friends and family and let them know what your goals are and ask for their help. You will be surprised how supportive they can be, and that's the biggest motivation of all.

Remember: Motivation can be tricky. Unlike a goal, motivation can be easily lost. Keep a firm grasp on what you are shooting for and never lose focus of your motivation. Also, it's not like you can only have one thing motivate you. As stated above, there are several things to motivate you. What motivates you?

Goal: Last week you were making lists, did you make a list of what motivates you? If not, it's your goal for this week. Find what motivates you, this time be more specific. If family motivates you, name each person who motivates you. Does a particular feeling motivate you, (a feeling of accomplishment), list it. What about a particular picture? What else can you find to motivate you?

Last Weeks Goal: The goal for last week was to make a few lists, of food to shop for or exercises to try. What did you come up with? Did they help and possibly inspire you?

What fitness words starting with the letter "M" inspire you?

Tastes So Good

(Sung to John Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good")

When I was a fat boy,
Said put away those junk food ways.
Now that I'm getting thinner, so much thinner
I crave for those fattening ways.

With a treat like this, with a snack like that.
Lord knows there are things I can eat, oh no
I must resist, I will not give it up.


Tastes so good,
Why does junk food, always taste so good?
Eating well don't taste like it could.
Junk food, tastes so good.

Just have to keep exercising,
and trying' to give myself a little less flab, yeah.
Yet junk food is so invitin', sugary sweetness on my tongue.
So, what can I do? Come on, what can I do?
Sink my teeth into these scones? Oh no!
Something better to chew, 'cause I won't give it up.

Tastes so good,
Why does junk food, always taste so good?
Eating well don't taste like it could
when junk food, tastes so good.

I ain't talkin' no big meals.
I don't plan to, ignore my health,
I ain't talkin' no fake deals
maybe, 'I could walk around, all day long.
Walk around, all day long.'

Tastes so good.
Why does junk food always taste so good?
Eating well don't taste like it could
when junk food, tastes so good.

Tastes so good. (Come on tell me now),
Why does junk food always taste so good?
Eating well don't taste like it could
when junk food, tastes so good.

J.A.Scott

A-Z Fitness - Lists

Writing lists can be an effective tool to losing and maintaining your weight. How? If you think about it, the best way to keep active on your goals is to keep track of them. What better way than to make a list of what you want to work towards? But goals aren't the only thing a list is good for. Make sure you take a list with you to the grocery store. I've been in a grocery store and I know how easy it is to be tempted by special deals and offers or foods less healthier than what you are planing on purchasing. So you've got a grocery list and a goal list set up, what else can you do? Why not make a list of exercise routines you'd like to try. Stair climbing, track, spin class; put them in a list and set about doing them.

Tips: I've said it before and I'll say it again - Kiss. 'Keep it Simple Sally.' The point being, one or two key words are all you need for each item on the list. Keeping a list helps keep your thoughts and ideas in order, so don't over complicate it.

Remember: Your lists do not have to be 800 pages novels. A simple list will be an easier list to remember and work on. The more complicated you get, the harder it will be to maintain. Check things off your list as you go along.

Goal: Before your next stop to the grocery, make a list of the items you want to pick up, make sure the foods are healthy. Don't be afraid to put a snack on the list, as long as its not a trigger food for you. Already write a grocery list? Concentrate on your goals. Make a list of all minor and major goals you are working towards. Can you think of a few new ones to add to the list? Can you think of something else to make a list of? Why not share it with us here?

Last Weeks Goal: I know you all did a great job on last weeks goal, right? It was a fairly easy goal, and a way to give appreciation to your friends and family. I really took this goal to heart this week and did what I could to give kudos to those I appreciate. I gave a few through my twitter account, on my facebook account, through various comments on web sites and of course live in person to those I know personally. How did you do? How did you give kudos to those you appreciate? How did you feel afterward?

What fitness words starting with the letter "L" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Kudos

It's said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That may be true, but ultimately people are more flattered when they receive kudos from a loved one. Kudos are what you give people when you appreciate something they have done, to acknowledge the hard work they have put in on a particular task. So how do kudos relate to fitness? It's true, you can give yourself 'props', but how much more will someone else appreciate receiving them? The more you recognize how others are doing in their fitness goals, the more you'll focus on your own. And you never know, you might receive a few of your own.

Tips: Don't be surprised if someone thinks you are 'after something'. True, it does seem in this day and age the only time a person gives kudos they are trying to receive something back; either fishing for a compliment back or some sort of favour. However, a true appreciation for someone is to NOT expect anything back. To solve this problem, send an anonymous note or preface a verbal compliment with "I was thinking how much I appreciate you for", and then give a valid reason for why you appreciate them. The intended recipient will realize its more sincere and less likely to think you are 'fishing'.

Remember: There are different ways to give kudos. A pat on the back, gift card or note of appreciation is as effective as a verbal accolade. Also, you don't have to reserve your appreciation for only fitness goals. There are many things you can appreciate someone for; being a good mother, a caring person, keeping a bedroom nice and tidy, working hard for the family. Certainly you can think of something you give a person kudos for.

Goal: This week I've got a unique goal to work on. Instead of trying to give yourself kudos, try spreading it to other people. Truly, the best acclaim one can receive is from another person. Everyone enjoys knowing they have done a good job or are appreciated. Try to give away either three kudos in a single day or try to give one out each day to a different person. Especially at this time of the year will it be more appreciated.

Last Weeks Goal: So how did you do on your goal from last week? What substitutes did you make? Was it a continual effort all week long or did you try once? Even trying a single time can be helpful as you'll likely keep it in mind for later use. As always, even though it's not this weeks goal, doesn't mean you can't keep working on it.

What fitness words starting with the letter "K" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Junk Food

Having the right attitude about junk-food is certainly helpful. When I say junk food I mean candy, fast food, bakery, soda, highly processed foods and stuff of this sort. Of course when I mention junk food, generally people know exactly what I mean. Sure, it might taste good while you're eating it, but it certainly catches up with you. You know what they say, 'A moment on the lips, forever on the hips'. It's so much easier to take in the calories than to burn them off. Did you know McDonald's medium size French-fries has 380 calories and 19 grams of fat? A Starbucks Caffè Mocha has 260 calories and 8 grams of fat. A piece of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake can have as many as 1000 calories per serving? That's a lot of sit-ups! Something to think about next time you have a craving for junk food.

Tips: You can still eat out or buy snacks without it being 'junk food'. Look for foods low in calories, low in fat and unprocessed. These foods are much healthier for you and make you feel better physically and mentally.

Remember: Junk food is just what it says, junk. Americans especially have gotten into the habit of using junk food to replace wholesome nutritious meals, and I'm just as much at fault as anyone. Sure, it's fast and easy but at the end of the day, it takes it's toll on the body.

Goal: Try replacing a high fat item you enjoy for a low calorie one this week. Enjoy French fries with lunch? Try a bag of baked chips. Drink Caffè Mocha's in the morning? Why not replace it with a regular black coffee. Enjoy cheese cake? A cheesecake flavored yogurt will do the trick. Can you think of other substitutions you can make? Why not make a list and share them here?

Last Weeks Goal: So what did you decide was your ultimate initiative for wanting to keep fit? Did you figure one out? I kept coming back to thinking my main initiative is to encourage others. Of course I've been struggling with my weight for a few weeks so I wonder if that's enough? How about you? What did you come up with, and what did you discover about yourself because of it?

What fitness words starting with the letter "J" inspire you?

Top 9 Ways To Tell If You've Been Watching Too Much "Biggest Loser"

9. You know who Alison Sweeney is but have yet to watch one episode of 'Days of Our Lives'.




8. Your friend offers you a piece of Trident Sugar-Free gum and you correct her saying, "You mean Extra Sugar-Free gum".




7. Someone calls you a big loser and you take it as a compliment.




6. Your last nightmare featured the local gym and Jillian Michaels.




5. Uncontrollable guilt grips you every time you use bottled water instead of a Brita Filter.




4.You complain the Biggest Loser contestants used to inspire you, instead of make you angry.




3. You own a T-shirt that says "Team Bob".




2. You refuse to eat Thanksgiving dinner unless a Jennie-O Turkey is used.




1. Every Tuesday night you're sitting on the couch eating a pint of ice cream.

A-Z Fitness - Inspiring Initiative

Having the right initiative is very important for succeeding any fitness goal(s) you might have. Without it, you'll never properly be in the right frame of mind. Your initiative is what fuels your goal. Having a goal of losing weight is great, but without the proper initiative it simply won't work. It can be something as simple as wanting to feel better about yourself, wanting to look better, or wanting to eat healthier. Somewhat related to a goal and your motivation, having an initiative will get you started in the right direction, because motivation isn't enough.

Tips: To find your initiative, ask yourself why you want to achieve your goal. The answer will likely be the same for each goal you have.

Remember: Your initiative is a lot like a goals, but one initiative is what inspires you more than anything else. It's very important to figure out what yours is because it'll be different for everyone.

Goal: This week you are assigned the task of making sure you know what your ultimate initiative is. If you feel you have various reasons for wanting to keep fit, compare them and determine what is primary. I've got to admit, I've been trying to work towards several goals, with a main initiative. So this week I'm making sure I complete this goal personally.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week you were going to change one bad habit. Which bad habit did you try to break? How well did you do? Fall a little short? Don't worry, change takes time and with the right support and motivation you can do it! I may not be a professional fitness trainer, but I can offer my support to anyone that needs it.

What fitness words starting with the letter "I" inspire you?

A - Z Fitness - Hard Habit to Break

I've been working on this fitness blog for over 8 weeks now. You might say writing these articles has become a habit for me. But what really is a habit? A habit is something you do repetitively, on a continual basis so that it's second nature. So how does this relate to your health and fitness? Not surprisingly we have habits when we eat, whether we recognize it or not. The bad habits we've formed when it comes to something as simple as getting a drink or quick snack can be very important. We may need to break a habit when it comes to our exercise routine as well, or perhaps lack-there-of. The key is to identify the habits we've picked up, and change as many bad ones as we can.

Tips: Try replacing your regular soda with a diet soda. You'll be surprised how satisfying many diet sodas can be. Even better, try switching to water. Do you worry water may be too bland? There are many 'mix-ins' available for water. Most are low in calories and surprisingly taste very good. Have a craving for chips or candy? Why not try a piece of gum. It'll keep your mouth busy, and you'll enjoy the taste of the many varieties and flavours available. What about other bad habits? Make a list of what you feel your bad habits are, put a star next to the ones you feel are the most important to change.

Remember: Much like gaining weight, you didn't pick up a habit overnight. Going 'cold turkey' is not usually very effective. True, you may struggle, but if you keep with it and 'exercise' patience, you'll be surprised how many bad habits can be reversed. Keep in mind not all bad habits are food related.

Goal: For the next week, make it your goal to change one bad habit and stick to it. You don't have to change all your bad habits, take it one step at a time. Once you beat one, the others will fall in line (with a little work).

Last Weeks Goal: Last week your goal was to create a new goal for yourself. Was it weight related? Did it involve dropping a clothing size? What goal did you create and how have you been doing with it? My goal for the past year has been to stay away from soda, even diet. I'm happy to report I've done great with it so far. Drinking water is second nature to me now, I don't even miss soda.

What fitness words starting with the letter "H" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Gooooooaaaaaals

Goals are important to have because it focuses you on a specific task. Without a proper goal, you really aren't working towards anything. A marathoner has the finish line as his goal, as does the race car driver. A footballer has the goal as his goal, even a barrista has a goal of serving you fresh, delicious coffee each morning. Working on your health and fitness without a goal is almost pointless. Even a person with excellent health and a fit body should have the goal of making sure they stay that way. Of all goals to have, ones with your health and fitness in mind are extremely important. When you keep yourself fit, you'll look better and you'll feel better too.

Tips: Make sure goals you set are ones you'll actually do. Focusing on something you have no interest in will never inspire you. It should be effective and simple, set goals that will be fun, interesting or unique. As long as you're truly interested in working towards your goal, you'll be able to accomplish it. Also, make sure your goal is specific. "To lose weight", will hardly inspire you.

Remember: Goals are great to have, but setting one too high will only result in failure. Instead of setting your initial goal as to lose all your excesses weight, why not start off with something simple? How about a goal of losing 5 pounds? Goals don't have to be about weight loss. Set a goal of having one piece of fruit a day?

Goal: As our topic this week is goals, you should set one for yourself. No one will have the same type of goal. Be creative if you want. Don't forget to share with others for additional motivation.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week your goal was to try a new kind of fruit. What did you discover as you searched around? Did you find anything new to try? What did you think? Share your experience.

What fitness words starting with the letter "G" inspire you?

Jillian Michaels in new Go-Daddy commercial

A-Z Fitness - Fruits

Fruits are one of natures greatest snacks. Juicy, delicious, full of flavour and come in many varieties. Apples can be tart, sweet and/or juicy. But why stop with an apple? Grapes, pears, nectarines, strawberries, bananas and many others are easy to come by. But are you getting enough, and what are the benefits? Besides the endless variety being over-whelming, fruits have many great qualities. Low in calories and yet filled with such wholesome goodness. Most fruits help reduce the risk of various diseases and are filled with important (and essential) vitamins and minerals. Fruits have also been known to help smokers stop smoking. Can your candy bar say the same thing?

Tips: It's true, out of sight can be out of mind. Do you or family members have snacks in handy easy to reach areas? Why not do the same with your fruit? Is there a better place to keep your fruit so its closer and easier to reach? Do you see them once you open the refrigerator? Try leaving a few apples, bananas or oranges in a small bowl in the kitchen. You'll be more prone to reach for an apple on the kitchen table than you will when it's buried in the bottom of your fridge.

Remember: Everything needs to be done in moderation. While not eating any fruits isn't a good idea, neither is eating only fruits. There are plenty of other food options to enjoy in life; healthy, tasty, alternatives to a bag of Doritos.

Goal: This week I'd like you to try one new piece of fruit. Over the course of the year I've tried Kiwano, Cherimoya, Mango and fallen in love with Pitaya's, more commonly known as Dragon Fruit. These exotic fruits might be hard to find, but ask your grocer what is available in your area.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week your goal was to take control of emotional eating. Were you tempted to eat when you weren't hungry? What did you do to battle emotional eating? Did you ask for support from your family and friends?

What fitness words starting with the letter "F" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Emotional Eating

Stress and depression target many people. You don't have to be diagnosed with depression to have it. One problem with these feelings is you're more prone to emotional eating. Essentially emotional eating is eating when you're not hungry, primarily comfort foods. It doesn't matter what time of the day it is. Emotional eating can be early morning, if bakery happens to be your thing; mid-afternoons with a handful of candy bars; or evenings and a pint of ice cream. The key is to identify when you are emotionally eating and figure a way to combat it. This can be done simply by going for a walk, keeping away from your trigger foods or finding something to keep yourself busy such as gardening, scrap-booking or even cleaning. It might not sound easy, but you'll feel better and that's the first step in battling emotional eating.

Tips: It's never simple to resist the urge of your favourite foods. Make sure you stock lots of fruits, vegetables or other healthy snack options at home or the office. Keep 'snack' buying to a minimal or none at all if possible. If you need that one piece of chocolate in the house for emergencies, buy a single candy bar and put it away, out of sight. You know the adage, out of sight out of mind (for a little while any way).

Remember: In the long run emotional eating does not make you feel better. More often than not, it makes you feel worse. Whether you binge on your comfort food or not you'll regret eating when you're done. And that will make you feel even worse.

Goal: Take control of your emotional eating. Do your utmost to make sure emotional eating does not take control of you. Do what you can to stop it; keep yourself active, call a friend for support or simply resist the urge to buy comfort foods that make you prone to emotional eating. Feel free to try something different and report back with your success.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week your goal was to find a food alternative. How did you do? Did you find something new and different as a healthier food option? This past week I bought a different kind of cereal, one higher in fiber and lower in calories. I still enjoyed it, maybe not as much as a bowl of Lucky Charms, but I'm doing better for it.

What fitness words starting with the letter "E" inspire you?

Biggest Loser Comments - S10E04

Just what are people saying about this season of Biggest Loser? Here are a few random thoughts from viewers while live chatting about episode 4 of the Biggest Loser this past Tuesday on Twitter. What were your thoughts?

Yes a cupcake challenge and Curtis Stone teaching them how to make 100 cal cupcakes

I hate that they have these temptations.....I like how most people chose not to participate

And the cupcake winner's plan backfires -- target on your back, oh yes

Enough with the gameplay, enough with the babble, LET'S WORKOUT ALREADY!

The Red Shirt curse! Are we suddenly watching Star Trek?

Mark, I don't care about your hurt back. Stop whining.

The girls are not really pulling the big numbers like the past few seasons.

Wait, weren't we supposed to be going to Bob's for dinner?
I thought Bob lived at Subway.

Another hidden commercial. Pretty sneaky sis. BRB, off to get my Yoplait yogurt.

Okay, Ada. I should remember her name. It's different, and she's super cute with those pigtails.

I wish they'd show us a few more commercials. Not enough.

Frado... TWENTY pounds? Wow!

Only two pounds? Good bye Orange Bow... or whatever your name was.

Bob's fridge is filled with water and gum.

Bob is admitting to being vegan after he pimped Jenny-O turkey last week?

Okay, I like Frado's decision. Or more to the point, why he did.

I don't know how the women even have a chance in a challenge like this. unfair.

Pushing 900lbs of carpet is going to seem a lot heavier to a woman.

I think next week they competition should be knitting a scarf.

This will be a boys club soon enough.

They're (left behind players) baaack!

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL10

A-Z Fitness - Diet is a dirty word

Okay, so you've realized you need to drop a few pounds. The natural thing to decide is you need to go on a diet. But did you know thinking that way may not be the best route? Maybe it's splitting hairs, but the word 'diet' gives the connotation you'll be doing this for a short while. Reaching your target weight shouldn't mean though, that you go right back to eating what you did before. Once you do that, you'll be more prone to gain it all back, and probably more. What you want to do is create a program that you can stick to indefinitely. The reason you gained weight in the first place was not watching what you were eating or getting proper exercise. And that's something you should be doing on a daily basis, for the rest of your life.

Tips: Don't create a program you won't be able to stick to. Work on a program you are certain you can work with.

Remember: Cutting out all your favourite foods won't help. In the long run, you'll crave them more which can lead to binging. You can still eat your favourite foods, you just need to remember to keep in moderation, with smaller portions.

Goal: Do you have a favourite food you love? Is it high in calories? See if you can find an alternative, with a lower calorie count. Or cut your consumption of your favourite food this week to a minimum.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week you were going to find a new food or a new way of preparing your food, in a healthier manner. What did you try? Let others know in the comments.

What fitness words starting with the letter "D" inspire you?

Biggest Loser Comments - S10E03

Just what are people saying about this season of Biggest Loser? Here are a few random thoughts from viewers while live chatting about episode 3 of the Biggest Loser this past Tuesday on Twitter. What were your thoughts?

Why did Tina plan a vacation if there were even the CHANCE of getting on Biggest Loser? Yep, she's the biggest loser.

WTH is up with these people? They are VERY unlikeable, with a few exceptions.

So happy Weight Watchers weigh-ins aren't as daunting as #BL10!! I would not handle the yellow line!

Alliances suck - wish there was a way to make it all about who earns it week to week instead of gaming the program.

I think some of these people may be the stupidest #BL10 contestants ever. Seriously.

I think if you win immunity, you are automatically given a 1 pound disadvantage the following week. Will stop all the game play

I wonder if anyone has ever fallen up the stairs to the scale. Oh I would die of laughter!

Is there going to be only 1 guy below the yellow line?

Brendan was too busy dreaming about Anna rather than working out.

If Ada can do it, the other women could to.

Jillian - "I am still the man around here!"

Funny that bob is eating an apple yet he didn't do a plug for Fruit, guess they didn't pay him enough for true healthy snacking.

Aaaron pleaded his case more? HUH?

Course he chose a guy!

Part of me hopes Tina goes home. You know, so she can go on her $16K vacation. *rolls eyes*

So tired of commercials, anyway off to make myself a Yoplait smoothie.

This #BL10 is very Lord of the Rings...

Hope Branden finds a few cat turds.

Once again all women up for eviction!

Now we get to hear how they really don't want to go home. To little to late.

I'd send Lisa and keep Tina just out of spite so she couldn't enjoy that ridiculous vacation! (Yes, I'm evil!)

Tina, don't forget to send Bob and Jillian a postcard from your vacation!

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night, on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL10

A-Z Fitness - C is for Cooking

C is for 'cooking', that's good enough for me. But how does cooking relate to your fitness? It all boils down to how your food is prepared. Eating chicken can be a great lean alternative to a hamburger but frying it up in grease really defeats the purpose. Same goes for vegetables used in your cooking. Trying to be lean while covering your vegetables in butter or cheese sauces can have the opposite effect of what you are trying to do. Anyone else remember the Saturday morning PSA's of the 80's telling you not to drown your food? "It's no fun to eat what you can't even see."

Tips: Try baking your chicken instead of frying it. Seasoning your vegetables can bring as much flavor as sauces. If you are a meat eater, try cooking with the leanest cuts or try turkey alternatives.

Remember: All foods have calories, if you absolutely must 'liven' up your cooking with a condiment, choose something low in calories, especially fat calories. Your waistline will thank, as will your arteries.

Goal: This week, look through cook-books or on-line for a new, healthier way of preparing your favorite foods and give it a try. You might be surprised.

Last Weeks Goal: Last weeks goal was to track your calories. How did you do? Were you able to start a journal? If you did, why not keep it up?

What fitness words starting with the letter "C" inspire you?

Biggest Loser Comments - S10E02

Just what are people saying about this season of Biggest Loser? Here are a few random thoughts from viewers while live chatting about episode 2 of the Biggest Loser this past Tuesday on Twitter. What were your thoughts?


I see they didn't address the sports bra issues.

I'm glad Biggest Loser doc just increased national awareness about serious flaws with gastric bypass surgery.

"The terminator" and "the grave digger" sandwiches hahaha

There seem to be lots more close ups of the fat hanging bellies.

There should be 2 weigh-ins. One for the men, one for the ladies. At least for the first few weeks.

How do you lose 41 pounds in one week?! Holy crap!

Dear Burgandy: There are no lanes. Love, Alison

And now the sob stories of why they can't lose weight at home. Guess what, sooner or later you'll have to.

They got rid of the fridges with their names at the end. HOORAY!

I think Tina would do better at home. But game play says she stays.

So sad when you can't rely on family for support.

If Tina walks out next week, that is so sad!


Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night, on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL10

A - Z Fitness - Blogging?

Why is this a suggestion in my fitness article? Well, before I dig deep into the meat of this series I wanted to point out what has helped me. I've noticed when I keep up to date in my blog, I'm more serious about all I do. My tracking improves as well as my exercise routine. When writing things down I've found it makes me more aware of what I'm doing. I'm more aware when tracking, especially when thinking of reaching for that extra snack. If you're not sure where to begin, look at other fitness blogs and see what others are writing about. It'll either give you ideas of your own, or you'll be encouraged by someone else.

Tips: Don't feel you have to write a novel. Remember KISS - Keep It Simple Silly. Your blog can be tracking your calories, writing a daily affirmation to keep yourself inspired or one or two sentences on how well you are doing.

Remember: You don't have to have a blog with hundreds or millions of readers for it to be effective. Your blog can be for just you, friends or family. The objective is to get your thoughts down to review later. Your best encouragement comes from yourself.

Goal: For one week start a blog and track all your calories. Alternatively, write a message a day on why you want to get fit.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week I challenged you to find one item in your surrounding which distracts you from your goal and change it. What did you change and was it effective?

What fitness words starting with the letter "B" inspire you?

Biggest Loser Comments S10E01

Just what are people saying about this season of Biggest Loser? Here are some random thoughts that occurred to a few during the live chatting on Twitter this past week. Do you see your comment? Feel free to claim it, or just add your own to the list.

Obesity and anorexia in one family? OMG.

It seems like those who are not making it to the Biggest Loser ranch, need it the most.

There is more death on this episode of Biggest Loser than all Arnold Schwarzenegger films combined.

Your life is NOT over just because you didn't make it onto a television show.

"I need the Biggest Loser" Oy Vey. No, you need self confidence.

Bob - "You have made it through chemo...and now here is the new Extra sugar free gum to help curb cravings"


Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night, on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL10

A - Z Fitness - Atmosphere

When I say 'atmosphere', I'm not talking about the air around us, but that could work as well. You can't keep fit if you can't breath. However, this time I'm referring to our surroundings. The 'atmosphere' of your apartment, home or office.

When we've decided to dedicate ourselves to a fitness goal, one might forget no matter how motivated we are, influences are there we may not be aware of. For example; you decide to go out for a jog. How motivated do you think you'll continue to be if your route takes you past bakery and doughnut shops? Answer, not very long. Yet influences come from all over, posters at work, what you watch on TV, even your computers desktop wall paper.

Tips: Drastic changes need not be made if you feel your 'atmosphere' is working against you. Choose a route on your run that doesn't take you past bakery shops, change your computer desktop to a motivational one. Hang a few motivational pictures at the office or even your house. You might even want to find something different to watch on TV if you enjoy cooking shows which feature food high in fat.

Goal: Try to find at least one item in your immediate surrounding which distracts you from your goal and change it.

Remember: Little things add up to big things. It doesn't matter if it's little calories you take in, or calories you burn off.

What fitness words starting with the letter "A" inspire you?

12 Week Goal

Now that the Biggest Loser is beginning again, I've decided to get back to keeping my blog updated. There are a couple of things I'm going to be working on in the next 12 weeks to look forward to.

First I'm planning on playing along with Biggest Loser at home. This weekend I purchased a copy of the Biggest Loser Wii game and there is an option for a 12 week program so I will be using that as a template to follow. In conjunction, I'll restart my visits to Weight Watchers. It's been a bad summer for me and I put on a lot of weight. So much so, I'm actually ashamed of myself. For the most part I've been hiding from weight watcher meetings as well as friends and family.

The other project I'll be working on is a 26 part A-Z fitness series aimed at working on something new every week, and doing a bit of research on how to improve in that particular area. My primary goal is to print a new article each week, so I'll still be working on it by the time my 12 week Wii program concludes.

In both projects, reader support, encouragement and comments will be greatly appreciated. True, I've had a hard time with weight loss lately, but when I get working on a project, I tend to stick with it till the end. Not that watching weight, (or more to the point) fitness has an end.

Emotional Eating

I certainly have a love/hate relationship with eating well. When I'm eating well, I'm really doing it well. When I begin to slack, I really slack and emotional eating takes over. Initially I've lost over 100 pounds but since then I've put almost half of it back. I really want to get back to what I lost before and know it'll be a struggle. I know the reward is worth it and taking baby steps will lead to more and more inspiration. I'm going to continue to keep my own blog updated, because that always seems to help inspire myself, as well as finding inspiration from you (others dealing with the same thing I am).

Tracking Disaster

As can be seen from my last post, I'm a horrible tracker. Even with the best of intentions, my plans fall by the wayside. Why do I let this happen? Why can't I motivate myself? It always comes down to finding a reason to be motivated. Sometimes, even when you want something, you don't give yourself enough incentive. So what is my motivation? Losing weight does not seem to be enough, I need to discover exactly what I want to lose weight for.

I'm not saying I'm giving up till then. I have taken a few steps to do some changing. One thing, changing the night I go to Weight Watcher meetings. Last night I decided to try Monday nights at 5:30 and see if that works better than 6:30 on Tuesday nights.

And for the record, I started to track this morning and so far have everything logged.

Tomorrow is Today

Yes, I am still battling with procrastination vs motivation. As my motivation has ebbed away, it's filled more and more with procrastination and bad food choices. Sometimes the best way to tackle a problem is to look at it face on, acknowledge what the difficult bit is and work on it from there.

So what is my biggest obstacle? Where has all my motivation gone? I think it started after my sister stopped going to Weight Watcher meetings with me. From there it's been a slow and steady progression. Latest news is the team leader at the same Weight Watcher meeting has now moved on to other locations.

So I've toyed with the idea of moving on from Weight Watchers myself. I really only want to do that if I can make sure I have something else to fill the void. I wonder what sort of classes might be available at Bally's on that day? I'm paid at WW till June though so I've got some time to decide. In the meanwhile, perhaps I'll give the new team leader a try.

I also wonder how encouraged I might be to eat healthier if I try and do an online food tracker. Giving friends and family (and strangers) the opportunity to comment on how well I might be doing, tips on what I can do better, and possible suggestions for areas to improve in. I keep telling myself I don't want to wait till tomorrow anymore, I need to start doing things today. So I'm going to start the tracker and list what I've had so far today. I'll try to update as the day goes along.

Wednesday - May 26th
Morning - Banana, 2/3 cup cereal, fruit & yogurt parfait.
Lunch - Corned Beef on flat bread with Swiss - 100 Calorie Chips - one pear.
Snack - Pack of WW Fruities.
Dinner - Cheese sandwich (on flat bread again), 1/2 cup cottage cheese, bowl of cherries, a handful of chips and for dessert a few mini caramel waffles.

Feed Me Seymore!

I really have been trying to do better in all aspects of my fitness. Lately things have not been going so well and during the course of the Winter added more weight than I care to admit. Now things have been taking a slow, but steady turn around once more for the better. Some days I'm better at it than others, and other days I just want to eat. I've found the most critical thing for me is tracking. Once I get side-tracked (get it?) it's almost impossible for me to get back on target for the day. Phrases like "I'll do better tomorrow," really annoy me because during the Winter months that was my modus operandi. So last night I'm at the mall with my kids and they both opted for the Subway route. I've been doing my best to train them in what is good and what is bad. I'm proud they decided to bypass the McDonald's and the A&W for something far more better. I wish I would have been able to stay on the same course as them. I opted for the Chinese restaurant and an orange chicken and teriyaki chicken combo. Well, today I've done much better so far. Had a bit of oatmeal for breakfast and a 2-point weight watcher snack bar for mid-morning. However, I'm so hungry right now I could eat just about anything. Currently I've got a stick of gum in my mouth and hope that will last till lunch which will consist of a snack bar, a 2-point bag of weight watcher chips and an apple. Then I have a few more smaller snacks prepared, which should hold me over till dinner. Can I do it? I think I can, I think I can. I just wish I wasn't so hungry, I need to do better at shopping for filling foods. I need to do better at making decent dinners. I need to do better at preparing decent lunches and breakfasts. Maybe then I won't feel the need to eat whatever comes my way. Maybe then I won't feel the need to eat whatever tastes good, just because I'm hungry and perhaps a little lazy.

Finding My Motivation - Tomorrow?

What's the opposite of procrastination? Isn't it motivation? Even though I want to be thin and fit I find my motivation lately has been replaced with procrastination. How many times in the past few weeks have I told myself, "Tomorrow I work out" or "Tomorrow I start eating better". Yet, tomorrow never seems to arrive. Well things are going to change, I've reached my wits end for various reasons. Today I begin to change my procrastination back into motivation; here's what's going to help me.

Weather
As mentioned in a recent article, the lack of sun seems to drain all motivation from my system. At long last, the days are getting longer and soon to be followed with warmer days. As the days move along, tomorrow seems to be gradually approaching.

Clothes
There is nothing so motivating as trying to put a shirt or pair of pants on and realize they no longer fits. I can only blame the washer and dryer for so much. Currently I'm enraged it keeps eating one of my socks from every pair I own. Oh, how I long to once again put a shirt on and not have it ride up.

Food
Does this make sense, food as a motivation for me? I think it's more a reminder. For the past few years, I have been trained to not eat garbage/junk food. So lately as I've been doing so, I'm finding myself feel guilty for shoving that piece of pie into my pie-hole. I remember being satisfied as I ate my healthier dinners, and light snacks. So why have I been so bad with my eating lately? Probably because it's so easy to say you'll start eating healthier 'tomorrow', then find out the next day you are too depressed and turn once again to your favorite snacks. Suddenly you are locked in a never ending cycle. Funny how comfort food turns out to be anything but.

Health & Fitness
Believe it or not, I'm one of those persons who actually likes to go to the gym. The problem is actually getting to the gym. The short, cold Winter months make most people want to hibernate and I'm no exception. Still, I've been longing to make it back to the gym and do a few miles on the track at the very least. I've always rewarded myself with a trip to the hot tub or steam room. I've been feeling really bloated and miserable lately, so I'm longing for the time I will once again be fit and feel so much better. I'm tired of my back and legs hurting like they did back when I weighed over 300 pounds.

Travel
I think currently my biggest motivation is knowing my travel plans are coming closer and closer. This year I'm looking forward to a full week of vacation, something I haven't done in over 10 years. Being over-weight is not an option for me, I want to feel and look good in my travels.

Yes, I seriously want to be 20-30 pounds less in the next few months and I know if I don't get on the ball now, tomorrow won't be here till sometime next year. I refuse to accept that. I'm getting back to being serious with my fitness goals. I'm not going to start tomorrow. The time for excuses has past, the time for fitness is NOW!

Biggest Loser – Top 5 Faults of the Show

It’s a game.
When you first consider what the show is about, it’s hard to remember it's just a reality show and the main focus is on game play. Looking at it from that aspect and there is no problem. But the contestants on the show are trying to change their lives and the focus turns dramatically to weight loss. Watching these people change their lives can be truly inspiring and it’s what drew me to the show originally. Let's remember though, there is the $250,000 dollar cash prize and many of the contestants remind us of that. Ironically, those contestants are generally seen in a negative light and at times unfairly shunned by the other contestants and trainers. Not really fair when you consider it is just a game after all, and the prize is there for a reason – to inspire the contestants to do their best.

Couples
I get annoyed any season they bring couples to the show instead of individuals. Couples seem to heighten the game-play aspect of the show as alliances are now formed from the get-go. Once three or more couples align there is a major alliance formed with a possibility of controlling the game to their own end. This doesn’t happen so dramatically when just singles play, usually because several different groups form and many people focus more on voting people off based on weight loss rather than the person they like least. Also, once you are closer to the end of the game with any original couples still around, you KNOW they will always vote together. Blood is thicker than water and a contestant is certainly going to vote to save their own family member/friend rather than someone they met on the Biggest Loser ranch. If the show wants to focus more on the weight loss than on the game play, they need to go back to the original formula of singles.

Commercials
Normally commercial breaks don't bother me too much. In a world of DVR, it’s a simple task to simply fast forward through undesirable commercials. Ah, but the producers have found a way around that in the form of in-house commercials. I’m sure you could ask any avid follower of the show to name a brand of chewing gum or chicken and get the same response. I also know I can buy Biggest Loser books, movies and video games, though these are not advertised during the normal commercial breaks. Sure, they have their products and they want us to be aware of them, but each time they want to sell their own products or the products of their sponsors, they take away time from the game. The movie Space-Balls did this years ago as a joke; Biggest Loser doesn't have a sense of humor I'm aware of.

Recaps
Let’s go over what's been mentioned so far. The focus of the show tends to move away from the weight-loss aspect and more towards game play. Having couples enhances the game play focus, but when weight loss is the spotlight its usually interrupted with commercials in one form or another. Now that I’ve reviewed the points, let move on to the next one – recaps. Why is it after every commercial break they feel we are in need of being reminded of what just took place. Then at the beginning of the first hour we are given another recap of what took place during the first portion of the show. Now either the target demographic for the show is Alzheimer patients, or they think the average person watching has a piss-poor memory. I can't imagine other shows trying to pull this off, but then again the show does have lots of time to kill.

2-Hour Format
If I were to change something major in the show it would be the time frame. You’d think in 2 hours we’d get lots of great information and entertainment. For me it’s more of an aggravation. If the show were cut down to only an hour or even an hour and a half we could do away with many of the points above; i.e. the endless recaps, and product placements. Sure the producers want to make a buck, but what other reality show force feeds us their products as much as Biggest Loser does? The average person does not want to sit for two hours filled with recaps and product placements. A shorter condensed episode would be forced to maximize what the show is truly about; people changing their lives and giving couch potatoes and fitness nuts alike something to be inspired from.

Would Biggest Loser do this? Could changing the format save the show? Is the show even in jeopardy? Well, if they want to keep this viewer some things need to change. I really don't see it lasting much longer otherwise.

Jeffrey Scott

Biggest Loser?

OH man, it's been a rough few months. This winter has me knocked for a loop and it's just starting. I've gained 15 pounds (over a stone) in this time. The biggest problem for me has been the motivation. I've got no motivation to do much of anything. Exercising has been non-existent and I've had no motivation for proper food shopping and tracking. Even my Weight Watcher meeting attendance was scattered for a few weeks. I'm trying to get back on the ball and get myself motivated. With the nights finally starting to get longer I'm hoping I'll get myself more and more motivated. It would also help if I could kick this cough I've had for two weeks.

Biggest Loser is always a motivation and I'm glad it's back on. Anyone else feel like motivating me, please feel free to include your comments. Maybe we can all motivate each other!

Meanwhile, enjoy the cartoon.

Alison Sweeney Clerihew *

You may know her as just Sweeney.
Is she sweet or just a meany?
Do you prefer her as Losers host?
Or as Sami, burning toast?

*I figured this might slightly fit in with this blog rather than my other one. But only just. ;)

03/22/10