Gracefully Aging, Day 8: Using health and fitness to defy your age

77-yearold body builder Ernestine Shepherd
Photo Credit

First of all, a disclaimer: none of this series is meant to be a "do as I do" thing, as if I'm an expert on aging gracefully and that I've got everything together.

Instead, it's a culling together of things I've learned, women who ARE doing it right, and tips and knowledge that I'm at least trying to implement in my life, with varying degrees of success.

There's no doubt in my mind that proper eating and exercise is key to aging gracefully.

Ernestine Shepherd

We may not all be able to aspire to the level of fitness exhibited by  Ernestine Shepherd--pictured in the photo--but we can certainly be inspired.

Shepherd tells The Daily Mail that she gets up at 2.30am every day, prays, prepares her first meal of scrambled egg whites and a handful of walnuts, and then runs 10 miles before she has her second meal and hits the gym.

And I'm tired after a 45-minute bike ride! But you know what? It does definitely inspire me that someone old enough to be my mom has reached that level of fitness.

10 Natural Ways to Defy Your Age

Health and wellness coach Ellen Goldman has come up with 10 Natural Way to Defy Your Age. (I'm just going to hit the high points here, but feel free to read the entire article here.)

• Adjust Your Mindset: YOU Control How You Will Age 
• Exercise: The Fountain of Youth (Cardio, Weight Training, and Lifestyle Activities)
• You are what you eat, so feed your face (focus on foods containing vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols)
• Get Your Beauty Sleep (work on getting 7-8 hours a night)
• Calm the Years Away: Deep Breathing, Meditation and Yoga (prayer is a great option as well)
• Take Care of Your Smile (the health of your mouth can also affect the health of your body)
• Protect Your Skin (and Eyes) from the Sun
• Don't Neglect Your Ears (By all means, enjoy listening to music--but turn down the volume)
• Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol
• Your Brain: Use It or Lose It ( Many habits, such as exercise and healthy eating, can keep our brain cells functioning well into our elderly years

I'm participating in "31 Days: A Writing Challenge,"  in which I 'll be blogging on the subject of Gracefully Aging every day during the month of October.  Click the button below for more information and links to each post as they become available!

My love affair with biking

When my husband told me he was going to buy me a used bicycle, my response was "Don't waste your money!"

Frankly, I had no desire to ride a bike.  It has been more years that I would care to count since I had been adept at riding one (think: childhood), and I was more than a little scared of  how my not-so-graceful adult self would fare on a bicycle.\

Thankfully, he ignored me.

And I'm so glad he did...because this little mama has been the source of an enormous amount of fun, relaxation, exercise, and re-discovering one of the purest and simplest joys of childhood.

"It's just like riding a bike...you never forget how!"

Mmm-hmm. I'm sure you've heard that little saying before.

Well, yes and no.  The truth is...while your body remembers how to balance itself on a bicycle...this grown-up and significantly larger body had a hard time remembering just how to maneuver the contraption with confidence.

My first bike ride, together with my husband, was a disaster.

He had already been riding for several weeks, and even at its worst, his strength and endurance is way above mine.  And he's a natural athlete.  I'm...NOT.

It was one of the worst 55 minutes of my life.  I thought I was going to die.  And I was horribly clumsy and awkward...I kept thinking how my kids would have thought it was hilarious (they're not mean-spirited, but they enjoy ogling a train wreck as much as the next person.)

Practice makes perfect

I was ready to give up after that first awful ride.  But I didn't.  I purposed to take a short spin around my neighborhood every day until I had more confidence.  And you know what?  I finally did!

Riding my bike has brought me so much enjoyment this past summer.  Besides giving me much-needed exercise, it has helped me get in touch with and really appreciate beautiful parts of my city, like the ones depicted here, up close and personal.

Living in Northern Illinois, the day will come when I'll have to park my bike for a long hiatus.  I'll be sad when that happens...but I'll look forward to springtime and the first time I can take my trusty little blue friend for a spin again!

I took this one underneath "Symbol," a large metal sculputre that's supposed to be symbolic of our city.

The Sinnissippi Recreation Path, where I did the majority of my biking this summer

Five Things I'm Loving on My Fitness Journey!

With spring finally in place and summer just around the corner, my husband and I are making a conscious effort to eat less, exercise more, and devote ourselves to healthy living more than ever.

The stunning flowering tree in my neighbor's back yard--a herald of springtime

Several products/items/practices have really helped us in our journey so far.  First of all, we've taken up bike riding--my husband with unbridled enthusiasm, myself more tentatively.

Biking

I love the used bicycle my husband bought me.  It's no-frills, although it does have three-speeds...it doesn't make me have to lean way forward and put all my weight on the handlebars.

However, our first ride together was a near-disaster for me.  I hadn't been on a bike in years.  I felt awkward, un-confident, and at times, downright scared.  On top of that, he took me on a 50 minute trek that wore me out.

That was this past Saturday.  I'm happy to say I haven't given up.  In an effort to gain confidence and get better acquainted with my bike, I've taken it out around our neighborhood for 20 minute spins every day this week.

Each day I gain more confidence and less awkwardness.  I plan to build my endurance and sureness to the point where I can accompany him on lengthier treks...Rockford has great bike paths!  Baby steps, you know.

My Fitness Pal

I've tried the My Fitness Pal app with some success before.  This time, I got my husband hooked too. His health and weight were really starting to concern me.

The logic and basic math of the calorie-counting app really appeals to him.  I've developed a new appreciation for it too.  One of my favorite features? The bar code scanner.  Anything with a bar code can be instantly scanned into your My Fitness Pal database.

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars

Everyone needs ice cream, or at least something like it, in the summer time! At only 100 calories and 7 grams of protein (!), these delicious bars are definitely a guilt-free treat.  They're not as sweet as your average ice cream bar, but that doesn't bother me a bit.  

I pick these up at my local Walmart.  So far they only carry two flavors--chocolate fudge and sea salt caramel.  Both are yummy, but I see on their website that other flavors are available.

Popcorn Indiana

I stumbled on these delicious products at Walgreen's, but was happy to find them at Walmart too.  So far I've only tried the Kettlecorn, which has a lightly sweet flavor, and the Aged White Cheddar flavor.  Both taste great, and are a good calorie investment, at only about 130 calories for two cups.

These are just great when you crave a crunchier texture.

Add caption

Aunt Millie's English Muffins (Multi-grain or Sourdough)

I've put myself on a bit of a hiatus from breakfast cereal, because frankly, I tend to overeat it, and not just at breakfast.

I found Aunt Millie's Muffins at Walmart after I had been eating the Thomas brand for a while.  I found out that Aunt Millie's is much better, thicker and more satisfying, and costs less than half of the Thomas brand!

The varieties I eat are only 100 calories per muffin, so I can add some of my favorite all-fruit spread without guilt.  I try to have some protein as well, usually in the form of an egg or peanut butter.

Other...

There are lots of other things that are helping...abundant fresh fruit, cucumbers, squash, Skinny Cow products, and more.

Are there any health/fitness products you've been loving? Let me know in my comments section!

Miscellany Monday...

Today I'm participating in Miscellany Monday, hosted by Lowercase Letters

I've often mentioned on this blog that I spent a couple of years in Beirut, Lebanon when I was a little girl (my parents were missionaries.) One of my favorite links to that era in my life is Edgar Feghaly and now his wife Roseann.  Edgar, or Eddie as we called him, was a teen-ager when I was a little girl in Lebanon.  Now he heads up an amazing ministry to people in Arab countries.  He was the special speaker at our church's missions conference this past week, so my husband and I were able to spend time with him and Roseann.  It was a wonderful time of reminiscing about two years that made a lasting impression on my life.  Edgar and Roseann have literally risked their lives to bring the good news of Christ's love to the Middle East.  I love and respect them deeply!

Edgar and Roseann Feghaly, me and my husband Doug

I believe I've found the best tea-bag tea I've ever tasted!  Doug and I were at Olive Garden one night when I decided to have a cup of tea.  It was Tetley Orange Peach tea, and it was incredible.  It only took one sip for me to realize that this tea was in a class by itself.  I looked in almost every Rockford grocery store to find it, and couldn't. So I ordered it online, and I don't regret it for a moment.  A cup of this tea is like a treat!

November is special for many things, but one of them is the birthday of my precious little grandson, Josiah. (We call him JD most of the time.)  He turned 3 on November 9th.  I wish I could have been at him Thomas the Tank-themed party, but I console myself that we're going to spend Thanksgiving with him and his family.

He is such a sunny little fellow...I love so much! Happy birthday, JD!

I love this little boy so much!

The last time I went to my doctor and had my A1C (a 3 month test of how my blood sugar is doing--I'm a Type 2 Diabetic), I did NOT like the trend I was seeing.  My blood sugar was still in the safe zone, but it was definitely rising.  While diabetes is a degenerative disease, I realized there were things I could do better in the areas of managing my eating and increasing my exercise.  

I resolved to do both, and a key component was joining the site, My Fitness Pal.  I've always kept track of what I was eating..but what I didn't realize was just how many calories I was consuming! My Fitness Pal has made me accountable in both eating and exercise.  I've lost 8 pounds so far (it's taken about a month, so I'm losing slowly and safely) and hope to lose a total of 20 by the time I visit my doc again in January. I can't say enough good things about this site.  What's great is that you can also use it as an app on your smartphone. I recommend it highly!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Click the icon to take part in Miscellany Monday

Is fast food from the devil?

Quick answer: it doesn't have to be.

Today is National Fast Food Day...and despite the (often deservedly) bad rap that fast food restaurants have garnered, there's still a lot of good things to say about the concept. From the website punchbowl.com:

The concept of ready-cooked food for sale can be attributed to the Ancient Romans. In many cities, street stands or "thermopoliums" (small pub-like shops) offered hot sausages, bread, and wine to patrons on-the-go.

Thousands of years later, in 1867, the first American fast food restaurant opened in New York. It was a hotdog stand on Coney Island!

Today, fast food is an American staple. There are over 300,000 fast food restaurants in the United States alone, making it nearly impossible to drive down the road without going by at least one fast food chain restaurant.

BeefARoo's Summer Berry Salad

Pictured above is the Summer Berry Salad from a local fast food chain (northwestern Illinois) called Beefaroo.

Yep, kind of a goofy name...but would that there were Beefaroo's all over America.  Why?  Because along with all the other stuff that's terrible for you, Beefaroo boasts a varied menu of choices that are both healthy and delicious.  Witness the Summer Berry Salad's nutrition facts:

Nutrition Facts

Beef-A-Roo - Summerberry Salad

1. Servings:  1 salad

Calories	321	Sodium	608 mg
Total Fat	14 g	Potassium	0 mg
Saturated	0 g	Total Carbs	21 g
Polyunsaturated	0 g	Dietary Fiber	5 g
Monounsaturated	0 g	Sugars	0 g
Trans	0 g	Protein	24 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Vitamin A	0%	Calcium	0%
Vitamin C	0%	Iron	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Not too shabby, eh?

But, you say mournfully, I don't have Beefaroo where I live.

I maintain that you can find healthy choices at almost every fast food outlet these days, even McDonald's.

And not just salad. Fast food "joints" (as my dad used to call hamburger places) now offer grilled chicken sandwiches, soups, veggies,yogurt parfaits, even oatmeal.

On most diets, even a small burger is OK if accompanied by a side salad instead of fries.

So...inquiring minds want to know.

Will you be celebrating National Fast Food Day with a visit to your favorite eatery?

Which one is your favorite, and why? What are your favorite fast food meal choices--healthy or not-so-healthy?

Let me know in my comments section!

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole: A Smashing Pinterest Success!

Source: skinnytaste.com via Cindy on Pinterest

One of the great things about Pinterest is the plethora of amazing recipes available. But although I have a "Food and Recipes" board chockfull of recipes I plan to try, I've actually gotten around to making just two of them.

Last night's Pinterest recipe endeavor was a SMASHING success. I made Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole from Skinnytaste.com, a wonderful site that blogger Gina bills as "delicious low fat recipes from my family to yours."

As soon as I discovered this site on Pinterest, I immediately "followed" it and put the link on my sidebar.

2012 is the year of eating healthy for me and my husband. Recipes that fill his grown-man stomach but stick to our healthy mantra are, as my son would say, "money"!

Not only was this casserole delicious and filling, but judging by my blood sugar check this morning, it's very good for Type 2 diabetics as well.

Of course, you'll only like this recipe if you like cabbage...fortunately both my husband and I love it!

There is brown rice in the recipe, but some commenters at Skinnytaste say they substituted quinoa with excellent results. Others fiddled with the spices or made it with spicier or Italian-seasoned tomatoes or tomato sauce. There's lots of room for improvisation.

Some commenters also saved some valuable prep time by using bagged cole slaw, but I liked having the cabbage pieces a little bigger.

(The only way I had to modify it was that I couldn't find Sweet Hungarian Paprika at my local grocer, so had to use just regular paprika.)

Anyway, two thumbs up from both me and my hubby!

I'm linking up today to Company Girl Coffee, hosted by Home Sanctuary--click on the icon!

2012: The Year of the Healthy Lifestyle

This poem kind of says it all:

Twas the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
the eggnog I'd taste,
At the holiday parties,
had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales,
there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store,
(less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous,
meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces,
and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls,
the bread and the cheese,
And the way I'd never said,
"No, thank you, please."

As I dressed myself,
in my husband's old shirt,
And prepared once again,
to do battle with dirt,

I said to myself,
as I only can
"You can't spend a winter
disguised as a man!"

So-away with the last,
of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake,
every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food,
that I like must be banished
Till all the additional,
ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie,
not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew,
on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits,
or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot,
and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome,
and life is a bore-
But isn't that what,
January is for?

But...

It doesn't have to be that way! You don't have to be "hungry, lonesome and bored" with exchanging and unhealthy lifestyle for a healthy one.

In fact, I know by experience that it's much more rewarding and satisfying to make healthy food choices and exercise regularly!

As a Type 2 Diabetic, I've been lax for the past several weeks. That changed, as of New Year's Day. And you know what? I'm EXCITED about it!

You'll probably notice more posts on this blog encouraging and providing tips and info for health, weight loss and fitness.

Who's with me?

*photo credit

Thoughts on this season's Biggest Loser

via

Olivia Ward's amazing transformation

Listen to my 4-minute podcast, or just read the post below!





Well, I finally--belatedly--was able to watch the Biggest Loser season finale, and since I've been commenting on it all season long, I thought I'd wrap it up with my final thoughts.

First of all, I am really glad Olivia won! To be honest, the sisters--Hannah and Olivia--weren't my favorites from the beginning. Although I'm all about sisterhood, their giddy comments and "OMG!"s occasionally got on my nerves.

As the season progressed, though, I grew to really admire those two. Their all-out determination and gung-ho attitude and competitive spirits impressed me.

It eventually became clear to me, just in recent weeks, that it was actually Olivia that I wanted to win it all.

I'm sure Hannah is an awesome girl, and kudos to her for all she's accomplished. I think she looked lovely at the finale.

But it just seemed to me that Olivia was a bit more mature, her spirit and attitude a bit more seasoned and balanced. I just felt that she would be a terrific spokeswoman for The Biggest Loser. So I was truly delighted when she won it all.


Olivia on Access Hollywood

Now for just a few random comments about the finale...

...Congrats to Deni for winning the at-home competition! I always thought she was a sweet and lovely lady, and she certainly went the distance at home.

...I read that Rulon was invited to appear at the finale, despite the fact that he had left the show voluntarily and couldn't be part of the at-home competition, but the show's producers never heard back from him. Kinda weird. Rulon was never my favorite, but I would have liked to have seen him again.

...Is trainer Cara pregnant, or has she just been choosing clothes that really emphasize her slightly bulging tummy? My husband pointed it out on one of the last shows, and her dress really emphasized it at the finale, but nothing was said. In fact, it seemed Cara was rather slighted when it came to any attention given to the trainers.

...I've also read that Brett and Cara are not going to be back on the show. When they introducted Anna Kournakova, I assumed she would be replacing Jillian but that the new trainers would be back. Bummer. I really grew to like Brett and Cara.

...Random question...why do the returning female contestants feel the need to dress as skimpily as possible? I know they're proud to show off their new bodies, but some of them should realize that everything isn't worthy of being displayed. In fact, some of the dresses can be downright unflattering. (By the way, I'm not talking about Olivia or even Hannah here--they looked amazingly toned in their dresses.)

For example, some of them just don't have pretty legs--do you really need to display them in a miniskirt? And when trying on those strapless dresses, shouldn't the question "How is this going to make my arms look while I'm waving to the audience?" be one to consider?

Don't get me wrong, I totally applaud these women for accomplishing something that is VERY difficult, and I can understand their justifiable pride in their new bodies. I'm just saying, maybe they don't need to bare quite as much as they do. End of mini-rant. :)

Still one of my faves

All in all, despite its excesses, audience manipulation and sometimes manufactured drama, The Biggest Loser remains one of my very favorite shows. I love the transformations that take place. I get inspired by the hard work and dedication of the contestants. I end up truly caring about the participants.

I already can't wait until the next season!

Biggest Loser Update: Down to the Final Four

It's been a while since I've done a Biggest Loser update, but I have been watching the show. And now we're just a couple of weeks away from the finale, and the Final Four are in place!

From the beginning of this season, my favorite contestant was Courtney, and I was crushed when she was eliminated--way too early, in my opinion. Courtney had the spirit and determination that could have helped her win it all.

After she left, I cast about for my remaining favorites, and I soon realized that they are the sisters, Hannah and Olivia.

To be honest, I wasn't always so crazy about them...but as the weeks have gone by, these two have definitely emerged as my favorites. Honestly, I would be fine with either one of them winning, and that could very well happen.

Last night, Austin was voted off. That leaves Jay, Irene, Hannah and Olivia.

I hope it's not mean of me to say that I've just always felt Jay is a little boring. I like Irene, but she's been quiet for the most part and fairly under-the-radar.

Olivia before, and on the make-over episode

I just really, really like the sisters. I think they've shown remarkable strength and determination, and I think I identify with them because I love my own sisters so much.

It's also been amazing to watch their transformation into such lovely and confident women. (And were you blown away when Olivia sang last week?)

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite among the final four? Let me know in my comments section!

My Biggest Loser Update: No, No, not Courtney!!!

***Scroll Down for my Ultimate Blog Party Post***

Farewell to a remarkable young lady

Listen to my Biggest Loser update, or just read the post below:

Well, last night the Biggest Loser ranch said good-bye to my favorite contestant of this season--Courtney.

What an amazing young woman. When you talk about The Biggest Loser, you toss the word "inspiration" around a lot--but in Courtney's case, I have to say the word was truly deserved.

21-year-old Courtney had already lost over 100 pounds on her own when she came to the show...where she lost another 92 pounds.

As this week's show began, Courtney was the only person left on the red team, coached by trainer Brett (who I've grown to like more and more over the course of the show.)

She had been experiencing what she called a "plateau"--although, in the real world and in my experience, a plateau is when the scale is NOT budging. Courtney had never stopped losing weight...she was just doing it slowly, and that's not good enough for the Biggest Loser show. You have to pull substantial numbers or you get eliminated.

So despite giving it her all, basically working her rear end off (literally), Courtney only lost one pound this week. And that meant that not only she had to go home, but so did her trainer, Brett.

It was one of the show's saddest moments. All the trainers were incredulous and even angry. I think sometimes the trainers get really frustrated with the "game" aspect of the show, and last night was one of those times.

Courtney's attitude was, as always, amazing. She assured everyone that she knew all about losing weight at home, and that her weight loss journey was far from over.

I have loved the confidence and determination of this young lady from Day One. I'm so sorry she's gone, because she was the one I wanted to win it all. I honestly don't know who will be my favorite now.

One of her parting comments was to tell the audience directly that you DON'T have to be on the Biggest Loser ranch to lose weight, and she encouraged us all to get up off the couch, believe in ourselves, and make it happen. For me, her few words of encouragement were better than an hour-long sermon on the need to lose weight!

As we saw in her follow-up, Courtney's doing fine at home. I have every confidence that when we see her at the finale, we're going to be wowed. She's a beautiful young woman with the kind of spirit and attitude that will take her far in life.

How about you? Were you sad to see Courtney go? Who is your favorite to win it all?

***Scroll Down for My Ultimate Blog Party Post!***

My Biggest Loser Update

I've got to say, this show always know how to throw you a curve ball!

First of all, I was interested to see how Courtney and Jen would do when they lost that pop challenge and had to spend a week off the ranch.

Jen was so sure they wouldn't need a trainer, and that they just needed to put into use all the things they'd been taught to do in their time on the ranch.

The price of having their trainer for one day WAS a bit steep--200 dollars, and they only had a thousand to work with. However, as my hubby pointed out, they could have given up a few luxuries and at least had their trainer for a couple of days.

At weigh-in time, we saw that their lack of a trainer probably bit them in the behind. Courtney lost 2 pounds, Jen none at all...which ended up sending her home.

Olivia found the Golden Egg in the Easter egg hunt challenge...but instead of it being immunity or something as terrific, it was the lone vote in the weigh-in. Did you think Rulon of the black team would be the one to go home? I sure did...and honestly, after we saw that he wasn't giving 100 per cent in the diet area, I thought maybe he deserved to go.

But no, Rulon gets a reprieve, and Jen goes home. As we saw in her follow-up, she's doing fantastic.

I'm just glad Courtney didn't go home. I firmly believe she needs to be there as long as possible, and I'm wishing her all the best.

By the way, I'm getting used to Brett and Cara, and now it feels like they really belong on the show.

Oh, and I just have one question. WHEN WILL THEY GET THEIR MAKE-OVERS!!!???

How about you? Do you have a favorite contestant...a least favorite? Let me know in my comments section!

The Biggest Loser: Marcie's Best-Laid Plans Go Awry

Listen to my 2-minute podcast by clicking the player, or read the post below!




I've gotta say, The Biggest Loser is at the point where it's really getting good. There are fewer contestants, so you can really focus on and get to know the ones who are left...and the changes in their appearance are stunning!


However, I thought this week's episode was a little on the lame side. I don't mind the contestants zeroing in on the emotional problems that made them gain weight in the first place--in fact, I think that's crucial--but it gets a little heavy-handed when that's what the episode is mostly about.


One of the more interesting things about last night's show was the fact that captains were chosen--Marcie for the black team and Justin for the red team--with certain responsibilities.


Each captain had to choose who would cook for the entire team. Marcie chose Olivia for the black team; Justin chose Ken. Both cooks got a taste of what it will be like in the real world when they go back home, and household and other responsibilities force them to carve out time for exercise.


All during the show, Marcie stressed that whatever happened to her team at the weigh-in, she would sacrifice herself to let all the younger women stay on the ranch. And as it happened, the black team did lose the weigh-in--after having a stellar week last week, a few of the women eked out small weight losses, bringing the team total down.


But what Marcie didn't count on was that she would lose the most weight for her team--thereby getting immunity. Anyone could be voted off EXCEPT for Marcie.


She was devastated. But although we didn't get to see how the black team arrived at the decision, it appeared Sarah was fine with being the sacrificial lamb, and she was sent home.


And wow...her home transformation was incredible! I always knew Sarah was a pretty girl, but after losing more weight at home, she was downright gorgeous.


Sarah's main reason for losing weight was so that she can become pregnant. I really hope this happens for her.


Despite the fact that this episode was less than exciting, I still prefer it to the "drama" generated by over-zealous game-playing in past seasons.


What do you think? Were you amazed at Sarah's gorgeousness? I'd love to hear (read) your thoughts and feedback!

The Biggest Loser Update: There's No Love Like a Parent's Love

Listen to my 2 min. 32 sec. update by clicking on the player, or just read the post below it!

Well, that was an interesting turn of events!

The show really laid it all on the line last night...the red line, that is. Early on in the show, Alison told the black team that the person who fell below the red line (with the lowest weight-loss percentage), would be immediately ousted...while the losing team at the weigh-in would have to vote off one of their own.

I had a feeling the red team would win, just because the black team has killed them more often than not in the past. But I admit I never guessed why the black team would lose the weigh-in.

As it turned out, Deni, Marcie and Jesse purposely gained weight so their children would be safe from elimination.

This saved Jennifer, who actually wasn't the child of any of them...but she had gained two pounds, obviously UNintentionally, and was on the chopping block until the weight gains of Deni, Marcie and Jesse insured she would NOT fall below the red line.

As I've said before, The Biggest Loser often touches my heart and brings a tear to my eye. Last night was no exception, as these parents expressed their sacrificial love for their children. Each of them--especially Jesse, I think--would liked to have stayed on the ranch, but they were more concerned about their offspring.

Deni actually gained 8 pounds to insure that her daughter Sarah would not be in danger. Apparently, Sarah's weight had caused her to be unable to sustain a pregnancy in the past. Deni wanted to make sure Sarah is able to lose the weight so she can have a baby in the future.

I loved the selflessness of these parents. What a contrast to Biggest Loser winner Helen of a few seasons ago, who not once, but twice allowed her daughter to be thrown under the bus and ousted from the ranch.

So, the show is really heating up as the black-versus-red team rivalry continues, and each week brings changes in how these contestants look.

What are your thoughts? As a parent, would you have sacrificed yourself to make sure your child got to stay on the ranch? I'd love to hear your feedback!

If you'd like to read a detailed recap of the episode, go here

Biggest Loser Update: The teams unite!

Click on the player to listen to my 3 and half minute podcast, or just read the post below!

If you're not seeing a player, go here to listen

Well, we finally got to see the weigh-in that we didn't get to see last week. The team that's been on the ranch the whole time had to eliminate Don after he followed in his twin brother Dan's footsteps and sabotaged the weigh-in by gaining weight so he could go home.

Honestly, that annoys me. I have to agree with this blogger from tvsquad.com:

"...after watching I've decided I'm glad we didn't get the first weigh-in last week. I don't think I could have handled two weeks ending with Dan and Don throwing their weigh-ins so they could go home. Talk about infuriating as a viewer; I can only imagine what it must be like for those would-be contestants who just missed the cut."

OK, we get it--the ranch isn't for everyone. But I think you could determine that if you've EVER watched the show! I personally know that I could NEVER make it on the ranch, so I wouldn't try to take up space there, knowing there are other people who would give anything to be there.

The "Unknowns" Return

The other big event of the evening is the return of the "unknowns" to the ranch, complete with their trainers, Cara and Brett. (We need to find a different term for them, because they actually aren't unknown to us anymore.)

I'm finally feeling like I'm getting to know these people better. We were also able to see that the unknowns "family" doesn't feature complete solidarity...they obviously were just waiting for a chance to get rid of Q, who they view as a slacker.

However, they did listen to the pleas of both Q and his wife Larialmy to let him stay, and Larialmy went home.

Some random observations:

--The former "unknowns" seem to be firmly embedded in their identity as a family--but what do you bet the show shakes things up by doing something to integrate the two sides? I can totally see that coming!

--Justin and Rulon seem to be the leaders of the former unknowns, but as I mentioned earlier, I think they get a little heavy-handed in their motivational preaching/lecturing. (By the way, have you heard about the 1.5 pound "Rulon Burger" that he sells at his Wyoming restaurant?)

--Whatever Cara and Brett are doing to help their people shed the pounds, it's definitely working! Before they were able to be in the ranch's gym, it looked like they were mainly doing a lot of boxing.

--I noticed the trainers were absent at the final weigh-in last night. Wonder why? And did I catch a sense of some tension between the old and new trainers in the previews for next week?

I'd love to get your thoughts and observations in my comments section!

My Quest to Lose 10 Pounds

Going Public With It!

I've made the decision that I want to lose 10 pounds. And yes, I'm going public with it.

This is kind of scary, but I think making this public will hold me accountable and maybe even give me some much-needed encouragement.

Also, if any of you want to join me in this quest, feel free!

10 and counting down

No, I'm NOT going to tell you how much I weigh...that is for me, God and my doctor to know! I'll start with 10 and count down to zero.

I weighed this morning, so I will weigh again next Monday, a week from today. (I don't believe in frequent weighings, because body weight can fluctuate so much).

I will report my results here. (Whooo...this is a little nerve-racking.)

My plan

These are my basic guidelines:

1) Try to stick as closely as possible to what my diabetes educators recommend for me, carb-wise: 45 carb grams per meal and 15 per snack.

2) Focus on vegetables, fruits, lean meats, legumes, whole grains.

3) Drink lots of water with lemon.

4) Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

However, none of these guidelines are engraved in stone, because once I engrave them in stone, it's too easy to give up if I fail in one area. (That's just the way I am, unfortunately.)

By the way, I do need to lose more than 10 pounds, but I just want to conquer this 10 pounds at this particular juncture.

Wish me well! And comment if you'd like to join me.