The Graduation-Travel Diet

Can it really be another week of HASAY dieting and reporting with very little to show or tell?

Most of the week was spent preparing for the graduation trip or attending the graduation. I think I lost several pounds just stressing about the whole event.

Of course, the cinnamon swirl croissant french toast with strawberries I had on Saturday morning probably wasn't the best choice to eat, but it tasted delicious.

We stayed up later than we have in a decade and I think that makes you feel more hungry. But being around at 3:30 am on a college campus is truly eye-opening. It also confirmed the fact that mixing beer bongs, sweet tequila drinks and whiskey from the bottle is NOT a good idea. (Not me, thank goodness).

My exercise routine? That would be schlepping through the airports, carrying bags that do not roll because I have given my kids all the decent-looking roll suitcases!

I intend to do better this week. Big surprise, right? We all want to do better and work harder and exercise stronger and eat less. It's just easier said than done!
Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current Weight: 131 pounds

Symphony Conductor Arm Exercises are All the Rage

I am a little late with my weekly HASAY update, but to tell you the truth, I was afraid you all might think I've gone completely mad with this post. And maybe I have, but I simply don't care anymore.

I am obsessed with doing my arm exercises to utube videos showing symphony conductors! Did you know that conductors have some of the best cardiovascular workouts just by doing their jobs? It's true. And their arms are tight and strong just like I want.

So starting this week, I have been standing in front of my computer and mimicking conductors through their long songs and I have to tell you.....my arms are sore. It's true. Move your arms exactly as they do for the full song, it's really a kick.

And, it's a nice break from typing on the computer all day. And I love the music, too. Here is one of my favorite old-time conductors for you to try the newest, hippest form of HASAY exercise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhcR1ZS2hVo

Now, wasn't that fun?

HASAY Weekly Report: Ready and Willing

Have you finally stopped just lurking around here and decided to join the HASAY bandwagon? Great. Let's get fit together. Don't know the details about the HASAY group diet? Go here and find out more, but please come back because I need your love and encouragement!

Keeping the gym bag ready and in the back seat of the car last week proved to be a smart move. It caused me to go to the gym two more times than usual. You simply cannot drive by without stopping when the bag is in the car.

It was very hot here last week, so my appetite was not as HUGE as it usually is. But my husband was still hungry, so I cooked and consequently ate more than I would have if I was alone. Now, I am not saying that being alone would be better, it wouldn't. But sometimes, it can work against eating lighter, that's all. And a cooked, plain chicken breast over some lettuce isn't called a meal by many people, including Bill. Let's just say, I need to think about how to satisfy all my family needs in the food category.

This week, I am pushing to work hard at the gym 5 times this week. That's harder to do now that I am working lots more hours on the consulting jobs I have recently picked up. But that's the goal, regardless of the work load. (I sure hope that having "active" sex can substitute gym visits or I am screwed...either way!) Ha.

Also, I am carrying the extra weight in the upper stomach area, above the belly button. Does anyone have some exercises to target this odd area?

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds

Working in Workouts Inbetween Work

All this new work is really wrecking havoc with my diet and exercise goals. Or rather, this new work has become my new excuse for not devoting enough time to workout or eat properly. But I didn't join Casey's HASAY diet group for nothing! I just need to make some serious adjustments to my everyday routine.

First, I will continue to walk Wrigley every morning for about 45 minutes. We are going earlier each day as the sun comes up sooner and it's starting to get hot, too.

Second, I will pack my exercise bag with clean workout clothes, several sets, and put in the trunk of my car. This way, there really is no excuse for not going to the gym on most days, at some point in the day.

Third, I am going grocery shopping after I write this post and will get food for the whole week. I hate doing this. I prefer picking super fresh items and cook them that evening, but when you are tired at the end of a work day, I find I choose more comfort foods, like pastas, and less fresh fish and vegetables.

Fourth, I will continue to do some serious hard care exercise with Bill over the weekends. This weekend, we did a killer hike in the middle of day. Pretty soon, it will be too hot for such adventures in town.

The good news...I did not gain any weight during this week of missed workouts and having that extra glass of wine at dinner. Probably because I am moving around a lot more these days. My butt has not been attached to my computer chair and that is a good thing. (Although, I have been a lousy friend to my favorite blog sites and have not spent time commenting as much as I usually do! Sorry about that.)

25 Reasons to Stick with Hasay Diet in Week 25

You have probably visited Casey's website and read guest poster, Jen from Steenky Bee's hilarious story about rear contests and rear gear and stupid radio contests. She made you look at your rear didn't she. I checked out the backside and has kicked me back into a stronger routine with this very special list about rear-ends:



1) Rear ends should not resemble the jowls of a basset hound;

2) A tight rear helps the fat legs look better;

3) People will see you coming and they'll watch you leaving (this was in a 80's exercise tape from a guy wearing 4" shorts);

4) 500 squats a day will produce rear results;

5) 500 lunges will also produce awesome results;

6) A hate long lists;

7) Does anyone ever read past #5 of a long list anyway?

8) Even when my rear becomes the most awesome rear in all of North Scottsdale, I will not send a copy/picture to the local radio station (I already have a gym membership!);

9) While a tight rear is a goal of mine, I don't necessarily want to be known as the 'woman with the tight rear';

10) Why don't radio stations care if men have great rears? The typical double standard is always present. It's time for women to complain;

11) I am tired of focusing on the arms anyway;

12) Also, the legs need a break, it's the rear's turn;

13) Perhaps rear gear will speed up the process of getting a tight rear;

14) If you do a handstand up against the wall and take a picture from that angle, your rear can be right where it's supposed to be;

15) A funny joke: Two rears walk into a bar from the front...WTF? Don't get it, do you? Ha, got ya. Well, most of you;

16) Good friends like Jen have us covered, even if it's Arby's fake cheesy sauce that's covering us;

17) Casey keeps us in gear and this week just happens to be 'rear gear'.

18) I lied a little earlier, or maybe I just got to thinking about it. Okay, maybe I wouldn't mind being known as the 'woman with the tight rear'. Smart and witty are sometimes overrated!

19) Can you name your 5 friends with the best rears? If so, please go to visit another site. That's kind of creepy.

20) But now that I asked you the question, I am sort of curious...

21) It's a little known fact that most of the Easter peeps that we all inhaled yesterday, goes directly to the rear, no stopping at the chest or stomach.

22) I am 'reary tired' of writing this list and have no intention of finishing it to the bitter end of # 25!



I leave you with this "happy moment" to inspire you, to depress you and to get your rear in gear:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1137883380?bctid=2065176001

HASAY: Baby Steps Taken

I am still taking baby steps in the diet and exercise category. This is my 23rd or 24th week participating with Casey and the large HASAY group diet. If you want to join us, you should. Just go to her site and read the gory details.

This week, I have been very good with my food intake. After the cleanse/detox program I did with Dr. Keith Smigiel a few weeks ago (see archive posts), my stomach feels like it shrank. I am rarely hungry and when I crave food, it's using good things (although not always green vegetables).

I fell flat on the exercise department, except for my daily morning, hour-long walk. Thank goodness for Wrigley! But I have been keeping busy and have left my computer chair more than a few times this week.

I know what I need to do and I will continue to take baby steps towards my goal.

Isn't Food Grand?

I survived my first ever cleanse/detox program. My program lasted seven days which was just the perfect amount of time, if you ask me. For my HASAY group, I would definitely have to say that it was well worth my time and effort. Here are some thoughts and suggestions and a few parting words:

1) Make sure you a great health care practitioner working with you, as I did with Dr. Keith Smigiel, DC. Sure you can go online and buy a tub of the UltraClear PLUS but you can also just eat less and exercise more and that hasn't always worked for us in the past. Having someone who cares about your progress and is paying attention to what you say through out the week is very important. And believe me, sometimes you are quite woozy and need a clear head around.

2) My main goal was to "jump start" my metabolism and lose some weight. Both objectives were achieved. I lost 6.5 pounds and time will tell whether the rate is kicked up enough to help me lose weight quicker.

3) I could not believe that I rarely felt hungry. The medical food drinks and about two helpings of green vegetables filled me up. I missed the nightly wine, I'm not going to lie.

4) You have to keep the exercise light, like walking and simple strength training as you can get pretty dizzy.

5) No real unpleasant side effects: no gas, no smelly urine, etc.

6) Some great side effects: detailed, interesting dreams, you feel very relaxed (almost high).

7) Perhaps my favorite thing: my stomach has flattened (not gone away, but I lost the pooch)!

8) Maybe my insides are all cleaned and the toxins have all been removed; I honestly don't have any feeling or sensation about what's going on inside.

9) You will be tired of every vegetable you eat. Really, no vegetable should be eaten all day long and without any pepper, salt or other ingredients. I ate: broccoli (twice), asparagus, romaine lettuce, green beans, and zucchini squash (twice).

10) Now that I am eating real food again, everything tastes and smells divine! I am working on only small portions. But I can tell, my inner devil is trying to tempt me with my favorite fattening foods. I must stand strong, as I am on a roll, now. I'd like to lose 5-10 pounds and then I can fit into my closet full of clothes that are just hanging there, looking sad.

Perhaps most importantly, I made my mind up to do this program and stuck with it all week, no matter what. I attended a ladies luncheon where I only chowed on lettuce and packaged up the rest for Bill's dinner, I was offered a slice of pizza fresh out of the wood stove and said "no" and I even cooked a gigantic steak and potato dinner for Bill and sat with him at the table, nibbling on zucchini. I feel good about these things and helps me to know that if I really put my mind to it, I can lose the extra weight on my body.

If you have questions or just want to talk to Keith, here's his contact information:

602-485-9390 or drkeith@smigielfamilychiropractic.com

Sticking with the HASAY Diet

I am beginning to get the hang of this HASAY diet. I know, I have been participating for 19 weeks and maybe I should have gotten the hang of it a lot sooner. That's just how diets seem to be, though.

This week, I kept the alcohol content way down which is boring, but seems to really help lose the pounds. The rule is no drinking from Monday through Thursday, except for holidays and special occasions. Several people in the neighborhood are doing this together, so it makes it a little more fun. PS: I am thanking the little green leprechauns that St. Patrick's Day falls on a Tuesday this year. I hear a Smithwicks calling me already!

I went on two difficult hikes this week and to the gym twice. Mostly I was entertaining my daughter and her friends for their spring break. Exercise Tip from the girls: dance the whole time you are driving or in a car...burns at least 100 calories per trip. Here's an example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY2wBE8UdQY

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds:

Current Weight: 130 pounds

Losing Weight Taking Baby Steps

I feel very close to the chararcter that Bill Murray played in "What About Bob?" because this week's HASAY efforts has been about baby steps for Beth. Here is how the week played out:

Baby Steps Forward:

I wrote down everything I ate. Remarkably, I had no guilt whatsoever writing down the three Girl Scout cookies I ate for breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. But the exercise does make you stop and think before shoveling the food in your mouth.

I tried some new group classes at my gym. Normally, I am too intimidated to join the classes. This week, I said "to hell with it, you have to start somewhere". My yoga flow class was really good. Pilates at Sommet Fitness is always strong and the spin class was off the wall. I also added more jump roping to my daily exercise routines.

Baby Steps Backward:

My daughter came to town with three of her college friends for spring break (yes, it is her fault) and we ate delicious Mexican food with lots of chips, guacamole sauce and several margaritas. We also went out to breakfast and we enjoyed a big blended coffee drink that had to have at least 400 calories.

My BNI group had a bowling function, which had to include (at least for me) a pitcher of beer and some slices of thick-crusted pepperoni pizza.

This week's net result: I did not lose weight, but I did not gain weight, either. I just need to take more baby steps forward this coming week. Hope "life" doesn't get in my way........

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds

Current Weight: 131 pounds

I Am as Cute as the HASAY Baby

Every week (that's 19 weeks) when I place Casey's adorable child's picture in my update post, I say to myself, "he's such a cutie pie. Those arms and round tummy are so cute, I just want to squeeze him"!

Only this week, I was sitting on the floor of my bathroom clipping my nails, facing my full length mirror, when I reached up to get the lotion.....I saw that I look almost exactly like him! I have that cute horizontal line underneath my sweet little boobs. My tummy is round and sticks out just like his. The arms? Identical, I swear. The only noticeable difference is my hair. (I took a picture of myself to show you, only Google would have shut down my massive revenue stream for that one, to be sure). The only problem is that the look is NOT SO CUTE on a 51-year old woman. But a picture is worth a thousand words and I have it pinned on my desk next to the computer to help me become successful in this old diet.

This week I am going to write everything down and share it with you next week. I have been good so far today, but hey, it's only been 9 hours.

I exercised 4 times this week, but for me, this amount doesn't even allow me to maintain weight. I know.......that does suck.

Having a period every two weeks and shedding like a 14-year old girl isn't helping either. The doctor thinks I'm just about at "the end". Yeah, now that would be cause for a celebration...of celery and low fat peanut butter, of course.

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 132 pounds

Be a "Loser" and Join the HASAY Diet

This marks the eighteenth week of my participation in the group HASAY diet, hosted by our fearless leader, Casey. If you haven't joined yet, you aren't a loser! And I mean that in a bad way. Most players are losing weight, one way or the other.

This was my "week off". My excuse: my sister and her husband came to visit. Basically, we ate from sun up to sun set. Everything was delicious and the company even better.

Still, I know there is no such thing as taking a week off (read the rules!), so I will be working extra hard for the next few weeks.

Also, it's Lent Season, so I have decided to give up "LARGE PORTIONS" for this six week period of time. I think God and my stomach thank me for trying.

Original HASAY Weight: 135 pounds

Current Weight: 130 pounds

129 and Holding

This is week 17 for the HASAY group diet that I am happily, er haphazardly, participating in with Casey and her gang. But mostly, I feel like all I say is I eat well, exercise 4 times a week, I started at 135 pounds and I am STILL at 129 pounds. Yes, I am stuck and have to either do more exercise or eat less. No big deal, right? Except I never get around to it.

Why can't I be like this Mom in the picture? First off, love the bathing suit "thing" she is wearing. I could totally pull that off. The husband? A doll with a big, beautiful smile. And the child is a-okay, too. And, I love butter. I miss butter.

I know, Senator Graham would tell me to stop my whining and he would be right. Look for a reading of 128 next Monday.....

HASAY Update for Those of You Who Dare (Care)

Here is my weekly update for HASAY:

Monday: Worked so hard at Pilates I literally wet my workout outfit! That's not embarrassing or anything. Steve was a gentleman and held in his laughter (or disgust) until I left the studio. He managed to eek out, "you really pushed yourself hard today, good job".

Other than about 1 mile of walking every morning, I did zero exercise! I did however, READ about Body for Life at a suggestion from a guy who's had tremendous weight loss success this past year. It was exhausting (the reading that is)! But, it a great website with good pictures of dedicated people who lose and keep off the weight for many years. My only question is when do the people take the before picture?

I did not pig out any day, limited alcohol to acceptable (at least to me) level and ate lots of vegetables, salads, lean meats. Oh, and lots of tremendous, calorie-reducing sex over the weekend. So, I have that healthy glow!

I get why people "give up" trying to lose weight, though. They say, "I can't lose enough weight to make a difference, so why try". Reading about all those successful dieters this week, one important point hits you in the face: they are happier and have more energy. That could help you answer the WHY part.

Use Jump Roping and the Steam Room for Effective Weight Loss

The little (fat) engine that is ME is actually starting to believe that the extra 1" of fat that has surrounded the stomach and thigh areas may be dwindling away. The continual pushing from Casey at Half as Good as You, the weekly reporting of diet and exercise (or lack thereof) is starting to show. Now, mind you, the progress is tiny, but up until now, the scale number may have dropped but the jeans felt just as uncomfortable.

I think I can, I think I can..........

One thing I have been fortunate to use is a steam room after exercising. I have been using the steam room about three times a week for the past two weeks and I have to believe that this is helping reshape me. It feels as if the toxins in my body are sweating out. But, I do not understand the science behind it at all. Maybe it's all psychological but who cares of its working!

I think I can, I think I can...........

I also find that if I jump rope for my cardio work, I tend to lose more weight than when I use exercise machines or jog. This week I jump roped on three different occasions. Here's my routine: jump rope fast for 100 jumps, no stopping, then walk around the indoor track twice (1/8 of a mile). This is mostly to catch my breath. I do ten sessions each and then, I am completely exhausted. I think I see some definition in my lower legs, too.

I think I can, I think I can...........

Finally, I think I need some sort of game, like tennis, to add to my routine. I think I will talk to some people (who are lousy at tennis) to see if they would like to hit some balls or play a few games with me. I only have a few more months before it gets too for me to play tennis, so i must jump on this real soon!

I think I can, I think I can.............

And isn't that what this is all about, thinking and believing we can alter our food intake and do some exercise and WE WILL lose weight?! I am not giving up hope.

The Little White Lie

Don't you get a week off from the HASAY diet and the HASAY reporting the week after you write the guest post for Casey? I thought I read that in the terms and conditions. What, you say there are no terms and conditions?





Oh that's right, well, I think I heard about getting to skip one week from, umm, Jenn at Steenky Bee. Oh, maybe not.



Maybe I'm just a lazy piece of ass (larger than life) and have the guts (also larger than life) to admit it.



So there. See you next week.....

HASAY Guest Post Today

My little guest post is over at Casey's fantastic blog called 'Half As Good As You'. But before you race over there to read my carefully thought out words of wisdom on dieting, I have a question for all of you who are not yet participating in this HASAY diet effort:

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!*!

Okay go.

You can come back and read my other pages when you're done.

Actually, you are personally invited to come by and visit me every day this week. I would love to have you (and you can take those words in any way you can imagine. I'm just that nice). I love your company and yes, it does sound like I'm begging. I do have my manners, y'all. So,

Please come by more often.....and thank you!

Do Not Read This Post if your Stomach is Weak

Over the Christmas Holidays, my whole family decided to try the 'Stomach Flu Diet Game'. Yes, it's kind of like when the family gathers around the kitchen table to play "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" or do the daily crossword puzzle, or play "Monopoly", only it's a lot less fun.

The diet/game began when my Mom and Ed flew from Florida to Phoenix to visit us for the Holidays. One of the passengers had tired of the game and decided my Mom might want to play, so he/she passed it on to her. It's easy enough to transfer as there are no parts to lose and no board to play on. The rules come to the participants automatically. And the game begins almost immediately after it is transferred. Approximately 40% of all players chose the airplane to "give the game away".

Perhaps your family is in need of some quality together time and would like to play this game, so I will share our family's RUN at this fun, family activity:

First, everyone should sit down and have a big, family dinner that includes wonderful, traditional dishes and something dark in color to drink. My family chose a delicious red wine from Napa Valley. It's best to have seconds on the items you love the most.

Next, the player who was transferred the game will feel their stomach turn upside down and inside out and they should run, not walk to the nearest bathroom. Player number one reserves bathroom number one for the next 48 hours. Each player should count the remaining bathrooms in the house at this time, as this will become an important fact later in the game. Please note: this game can be played with partners or individually. If you select the partner-style, partner number one should follow player #1 into the bathroom, hold their nose and be prepared to clean up, hold partner's hand and generally be supportive to the person throwing up over the pot.

Round Two: Each of the remaining game players boast about how great they feel and how they rarely get sick to each other. Points are made by looking good and having color in your cheeks while discussing how many times they heard player #1 get sick. Another delicious meal should be prepared adding some body's favorite dessert at the end of the meal. Players # 2 and #3 chose the bathrooms they wish to spend the next 24-48 hours in. Bonus points can be made if they can prove that "it" has come out from both ends, (but you may find the points aren't worth it).

Round Three: The remaining players #4,5 and 6 realize that they are now only 1 bathroom left in the house and they must try new schemes to avoid being the next players stuck in a bathroom or left being sick without a bathroom to use. Washing hands repeatedly, avoiding contact with each other and eating bland, white-colored foods all day are what most players try at this stage in the game. But, it's too late, one player must go down! Player number one assists with the game by sharing how many pounds they lost by throwing up 5 times during the evening. Player #2 chimes in with, "I'm feeling so much better after being up all night", or "I'm never eating meatloaf again" to the remaining game players.

There is no winner but everyone gets to play. The last remaining player can give this game away to someone else or chose to let the 'game bug' linger in the house for someone to pick it up at a later date. (We chose to let the bug linger until our next house guest arrived several days later). And then the game starts all over.

The end result: each family member/player loses approximately 4.5 pounds and countless hours of sleep and most of their dignity. Most family traditional meals will never be served again and the house will need to be scrubbed from floor to ceiling with the strongest products sitting on the grocery shelf.

I cannot recommend this diet game to anyone I care about. Even going to the gym and sweating and panting is more fun that this long, drawn-out game!

Original HASAY pounds: 135 pounds

Current weight: 129 pounds ( and a very weak stomach!)

Don't Hate '08, Hasay Diet

My daughter graduated from high school last year, in 2008, and their class motto was 'Don't Hate '08'. I thought to myself, what a nutty saying. Why would anyone hate 08? Was there something I was missing?

Well the same goes for the eighth week of the HASAY diet that Casey has organized. What's not to love? Each week she posts all our riveting stories of the progress (or lack thereof) on our individual attempts at losing weight. She gets on us (not literally) if we are slacking and complements us when we are doing well.

This week, I was sporadic in my eating and exercising. I hiked a difficult trail Saturday afternoon, then ate 'like a pig' and 'drank like a fish' at a really fun party that evening. Another day I ate healthy salads and grilled salmon but didn't exercise at all. My goal for this coming week is to be consistent for 7 days straight...starting tomorrow. I know, HA HA, Beth's being funny. No seriously, I cannot start today as I drank sooo much red wine at another really fun party last night, that my stomach is still queasy and maybe I'm still a little drunk (HADAY?). But I want to have some success and lose some weight.

One of the ladies I was talking to this weekend had had great success with a product called Alli, bought at Costco. Does anyone know about or have tried this product? If I hear good things from you, I may give it a try. But not today, I think I need to go lie down. The room is starting to spin........

Original HASAY diet weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds

You Say HASAY, I Say Time Out

This week was a complete time out on the exercise and diet fronts. Unless you count the following creative ways to burn those pesky calories:

Lifting a 22-pound turkey in and out of the oven to baste every 20 minutes;

Chasing the 2-year old nephew around the living room so his Mommy can enjoy her meal;

Giant bear hugs to the kids home from school for the weekend (at least 50 each);

Racing to and from the airport with bags on Wednesday and again on Sunday;

Chasing the dog around the house when his mouth is full of our appetizers;

Serious lifting and lowering of large wine glasses, every day, over and over....and over; (more points if you squeeze in those abs while lowering the glass to the counter to pour more)

Stripping the beds, doing the laundry and remaking the beds to be ready when the kids return for the Christmas holiday/ Winter break;

Napping on the couch through endless hours of football on the TV (more points when the inner thighs squeeze the blanket around your legs).

Okay, so you're not buying into my new workout routine? Let's see how it worked....

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds
Today's weight: 132 pounds (up 3 pounds from last week). Damn. Such a shame.

HASAY Secret Strategy Revealed

Sometimes, you just fall into something that works for your dieting efforts without really trying. That's just the way the world works. I have learned that running around the house half-naked is a great way to curb your appetite and lose those stubborn pounds, even if I feel a little foolish doing so.







It all began with my thought to wash all the windows of the house prior to everyone arriving for the Thanksgiving holiday. For the exterior windows, I attach the hose to the Windex Outdoor window product to get the windows to really shine. I usually get very wet and now I have Wrigley (14 month old golden retriever) to "help me" wash the windows, so there's a greater chance of getting wet and dirty, too.







I chose a bathing suit top and shorts for this chore, which looked pretty bad even to my loyal dog companion. When I went by the TV room where Bill was watching football, I sucked in my stomach and held my breath until I got outside. I prayed golfers wouldn't get too close to my backyard and get an eye full. Still, I had a job to do so got started. I know what you're thinking. The vision in your head just now is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6wQuOZ-18w

(You're welcome, Chris). Not exactly! It was more like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNjYCOYXyVw



And now for the ladies, a little window washing treat...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy_WkPLMEfY

So many window washing videos, so little time!

Still, I find it fascinating that wearing less, changed my behavior and eating habits so drastically.

Original HASAY weight: 135 pounds

Today's weight: 129 pounds