10 for $10.00 : Grocery Injustice!

 Are the Grocery Stores Run By The Illuminati?

 10 for $10 seems to be the newest grocery bargaining trend over the past 2 years.  Everybody is doing it; major grocery chains, smaller stores even Mom and Pops stores are on the pricing band wagon.

But what grocery items can you get 10 of for $10?  Well popular “shelf” items like salad dressings, canned goods, condiments, boxed foods, frozen foods, sometimes cheeses, sugary juices and every blue moon, fruit.  Basically anything processed!  With the rising costs fresh non-processed foods like produce and meats like poultry, fish, shell fish, beef, pork and wild game meats; healthy eaters and dieter’s alike are facing a financial dilemma at the grocery store check out. 

Everything costs too DAMN much!  Gas today as I write, is nearing $4.00/gallon in my local area!  Chicken Breast at my local grocery store was $1.99/lb, 2 Cucumbers were $1.35, and a selection of my favorite freeze dried Herbs (Tarragon, Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic Essence, and Dill Weed) alone yesterday cost me $26.44 and that was not in bulk!!!   So what are healthier eaters and dieters like me to do?   Do we continue to eat the processed foods packed with Sodium, preservatives and saturated fats and other chemicals added in production for longer shelf life?  Or do we dip into our already limited disposable income to make sure we are buying proper selections at the grocer?

This is a thought that plagues me each time I grocery shop.  In my individual case, I shop at least once per week because I have not yet mastered the art of deciding what I am going to eat for an entire month at a time.  I watch the prices and try to adjust to the trends.  For instance I know that Chicken goes on sale most anywhere every 12 weeks.  So as long as I adjust to that 12 week cycle I am able to stock up on Chicken at the “sale” price.  Fresh and Organic veggies are another story.  I rarely find it possible to ever get a price break on something as simple as broccoli or Romaine Lettuce.

I have a theory about the price of groceries and why fresh foods are much more expensive.  A theory other than the hyped “trucking / delivery / stocking costs” that consumers are fed.  Want to know what I think?  Ok, here it is.  I think it is Corporate World’s way of keeping themselves profitable.  Ok, ok, I know I am about to sound like some radical lunatic conspiracy theorist right about now, but follow along for a moment if you do not mind.

The more processed, frozen and canned foods we put into our diets the bigger our waist line gets, thus prompting us to do one of two things – 1) Shop ($pend) for larger clothes or 2) Buy ($pend) Diet Products; and on the extreme end Buy ($pend) a larger vehicle.  Furthermore the medical community is also profiting from this “food revolution”.   Foods high in sodium = High Blood Pressure (which can lead to or increase any number of other ailments) = Doctors Visits ($$), Prescriptions ($$), Purchase ($$) of foods that are “marketed” as “healthy alternatives”.   I think I even saw a commercial for a weight loss clinic that said you can lose 10lbs for $10!!!

So what are we healthy eaters and dieters to do about our inflated grocery bills?  I suggest doing the following:

1. Determine the cycle of sales on fresh meats (including fish) stock up and freeze. 
2. Only buy the Veggies and Fruits you are definitely going to eat within the next 2-4 days (the longer they sit in your refrigerator the more likely you are to toss them because they have gone bad.)
3. Shop Farmers Markets / Start A Garden (seasonal)
4. Befriend a local butcher (You get more bee’s with honey)
5. Watch the Sale Papers Closely (In most markets new weekly sales begin each Sunday)
6. Clip Coupons – And Use Them
7. Buy Less Beverages – Soda, Juices and Bottle Water have little nutritional value and can take up over 50% of your grocery bill.
8. Shop the Perimeters - The perimeters are where you’ll find the fresh produce, bread, milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, etc.  This should be the main focus of your meal plan and grocery budget. If you start in the middle your money will be spent before you get to the items your healthy / diet lifestyle require.
9. Meal Plan – buy only what you need to create your meal.
10. Check your receipt – Cashier’s make errors, and things are not always priced properly!

A Grocery Shopping we will go! And Good Luck!

Xoxo,

BG

The Color of Pee Pee (Light Yellow Works For Me)

So my friends, last week I felt like I my ass and stomach were having storage wars!!! No matter what I ate to try and "move along the latrine progress", if ya know what I mean NOTHING HAPPENED!

I was bloated, lethargic, fatigued, slightly constipated and did I say bloated?  With the calendar indicating there was no immediate impending visit from the Crimson Queen Aunt Flo for at least another three weeks I was baffled as to what was causing this feeling.

I then saw a post from a Virtual Friend (Joanne fellow member of the My Fox Detroit 21 Day Challenge Group on Facebook) she said she experienced the similar symptoms.   Her solution was to up her water intake from 64oz to 96oz+.  So based on her raving posts of feeling great; last week I too upped my water intake dramatically -- I mean its just water right? No harm, no foul... 

Now we all know when you increase your water intake the ‘latrine workout’ goes into full swing, something like this: ♬♬ Pants Down, Squat (or Man-Stand), Aim, Release, Wipe, Pants Up ♬♬  – aaaannnnddddd REPEAT!

So with all these latrine workouts going on, naturally I started paying closer attention (than usual) to the color of my Urine.  And that made me wonder what color should my Urine be? … Light Yellow? Neon Yellow? ... Maze?... Mustard?... Sun? ...Clear?

“Seek and Ye Shall Find …”

The Science of It All:  Urine is made up of excess water and waste products that have been filtered by your kidneys from your body.  Its natural light yellow color is due to excretion of a pigment found in your blood called urochrome. So, depending on the amount of fluids you drink, your urine can range in color from almost clear (hydrated) to dark orange or yellow (uber-dehydrated).

Clear Urine? : Over Hydrated! And you could be drinking too many liquids!   A good rule of thumb is to shoot for drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day (i.e. I weigh 185 pounds, so ideally I should drink 92.5 ounces of water per day).  As a note and health warning this could also mean a liver disorder, such as acute viral hepatitis or cirrhosis (however, you would have other signs and symptoms like a yellowing, jaundiced complexion, nausea, vomiting, fever and fatigue).

Neon Yellow or Bright Green? :   This is a Great, Color for Fashion Week but coming out of your other end...Not So much.  This could mean some sort of vitamin supplements that are being taken in excess or not being absorbed by your body.  Whole food-based vitamin supplements are for better absorption.

Dark Yellow, Golden, Maze? :  Dehydration!  You better drink some damn WATER NOW!!!  Try the “half your body weight in ounces” method; and don’t cease the water intake when your pee returns to normal -- make it a habit!!!

Pink or Red? : It could be blood in the urine from a kidney or bladder infection; you may want to go check with your doctor.  Or it could be as simple as you've eaten too many pink or red foods like beets or berries or foods that are artificially colored – yes that means KOOL AID TOO!!!  It could also be a side effect of some laxatives (read the packaging on your brand).

Orange? : This could be a side effect of a medication (you may be taking) a good idea is to ask your doctor about this at your next visit; if you are not on any medication it is possible that you've eaten too many orange or red foods like beets and berries or foods that are artificially colored.  It could also mean dehydration.

Brown, Dark Brown or Shade of Brown? : This could mean a liver disorder!  Document other symptoms and note your stool color and complexion irregularities and contact your Doctor at once!   If you are on any medications; it could also be a side effect of certain medications – read the packaging from the pharmacy or accompanying document for over the counter products.

Cloudy or Murky? : You could have a potential urinary tract infection.  Document your other symptoms like low back or lower abdominal pain, frequent or urgent needs to “go”, and fever and then see your Doctor.   Another cause is potentially Kidney stones (these usually cause a great deal of pain… if this is you, see your doctor!).  Or the least of the serious it could be that you have just eaten too much asparagus.

May your Pee Be Light (Yellow) and Your Spring Wardrobe Colorful!!!

Xoxo,

BG!

PH Balanced Bullshit? : Alkaline Water

I was listening to one of my favorite afternoon AM talk radio shows on the drive home today (Mason on AM1200 WCHB.)  His guest was Dr. Keefa (According to her website: Dr. Keefa's studies and practices of Wholistic health care date back to 1977 and stretch across the globe - encompassing both Eastern and Western healing arts.)  She was promoting Alkaline water and it's positive benefits.  And she also mentioned that she sells it in her store; and that her store is currently expanding due to customer demand.  

At first my inner health nut was slightly intrigued by her claims of the PH Balancing powers of the alkaline water and its healing powers to get rid of carcinogenic agents in the body.  According to her the body does not eliminate these things on its own -- (she said more about eliminating cancers, tumors and other ailments but I cannot correctly quote it all.)

Then my Inner Skeptic kicked in after she mentioned her store for the 8th time in a 3 minute segment.  Is there something more to this Alkaline Water? Or was her guest spot on Mason's show free publicity for her health food store? 

As you know I do not do thing's blindly; I investigate, explore, research and discover.  So I decided to research some reputable doctor's websites as well as the Cleveland Clinic's and the Mayo Clinic's websites for answers.  Here is I found:

Is Alkaline Water Better For You Than Regular Water?

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than does tap water. Some proponents say that alkaline water can neutralize acid in your bloodstream, boost your energy level and metabolism, and help your body absorb nutrients more effectively. Others say that alkaline water can help you resist disease and slow the aging process. However, researchers haven't verified these claims.

Some research does suggest that alkaline water may slow bone loss, but further study is needed to determine if the positive effects can be maintained over the long term or influence bone mineral density overall. (Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.)

Does Alkaline Water Promote Health?

Home water ionizers, which I've seen offered for sale on the internet, are just the latest twist in the ongoing effort to promote the notion that alkaline water is somehow protective of your health. The underlying idea is that you can prevent disease by balancing your body's pH. Promoters claim that alkaline water is energizing, hydrates the body more effectively than regular water, improves the taste of food when used in cooking, promotes "regularity," helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively, and on and on. I've even seen claims that it can cure everything from obesity and high blood pressure to breast cancer.

None of these claims are true. Furthermore, your body needs absolutely no help in adjusting its pH. Normally, the pH of blood and most body fluids is near seven, which is close to neutral. This is under very tight biological control because all of the chemical reactions that maintain life depend on it. Unless you have serious respiratory or kidney problems, body pH will remain in balance no matter what you eat or drink. As for water, you should consider the fact that alkaline water is common throughout the western states but to my knowledge it has not protected anyone from the diseases and disorders that occur elsewhere in the U.S.  The health claims for water ionizers and for alkaline water are bogus. Save your money.  (Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D.)

Does Alkaline Drinking Water Have Health Benefits?

Ads and promotional materials on alkaline drinking water claim that alkaline water helps neutralize acids and remove toxins from the body. Some even go to the extent of asserting that it retards the aging process and prevents cancer. Unfortunately, there is not a single iota of scientific evidence to support any of these claims.

...Thus, alkaline drinking water cannot change the pH in any part of the body; much less can it have any beneficial health effects.

The claims of alkaline water advocates are clearly outrageous. Yet, they have been successful in convincing many people including you to replace their drinking water with it.

But if it is any consolation for those who drink it, alkaline water apparently has no adverse effects, except on one’s wallet.

But why do some people swear they feel better when they drink alkaline instead of tap water? The answer is placebo effect, a very remarkable phenomenon where an otherwise ineffective treatment alleviates the symptoms and improves the feeling of wellbeing of someone who believes the treatment work. (Eduardo Gonzalez, M.D. Click For Full Article)

Other Notable Comments About Alkaline Water:

"You hear a lot these days about alkaline or ionized water. In short and based on actual science, raising the alkalinity of water doesn't do much for you...There is not one mention of this ''Amazing Drug'' on any government medical website such as the FDA, CDC, EPA or any others. There are no clinical studies proving any of the claims made by the salespeople. " - Source: www.aspwater.com

“As far as the health benefits claimed for alkaline ionised water are concerned, these seem to be based on some serious misunderstandings of chemistry and physiology.” - Source: Dr, David A Bender – Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London

Personally I recommend doing a HIGH LEVEL of Research before adding Alkaline Water to your dietary lifestyle.  The positive benefits seem to have negative consequences in the long run.  As for me, well the final answer is : NOPE, NO WAY JOSE! I will not be buying, drinking or trying to produce in mass quantities ANY sort of Alkaline Water. 

Further Read: Alkaline Water: Good Health or Junk Science? By Jan Roberts CLICK HERE for her Full Article

 Xoxo,

BG!

Food Planning FAIL!

Basically I pretty much SUCK at following a menu plan I see.  Shit ... not only did I go off course on the menu I prepared I totally skipped breakfast this week.

FAT FAIL #1 : I did not prepare my boiled eggs for the week on Sunday Night.
FAT FAIL #2 :  I did not prepare my lunch at night before bed.
FAT FAIL #3 :  I was too lazy to cook at all this week!


Solitary Accomplishment : I did not skip the gym at all this week.







So all in all I did not stick to my carefully calculated menu.  I did however workout each night.  So now this week its back to prep, prepare and being ready.  I am not giving up on the menu planning, however I guess with this week's menu I will actually follow through with it a little better.

Ah well, lesson learned.



3/6/12 @ 6:08am UPDATE: I skipped Breakfast but at lunch pretty early. Lunch was Tuna 3 cheese cubes and 3 whole wheat crackers. I sprinkled one tsp of Chia Seeds in my Tuna and by Dinner Time even post - workout I was NOT the least bit hungry. I settled instead for about a 1/2 cup of Roasted No Salt Sunflower Seeds and Water.

Xoxo,

BG!!!

I Ate ALL THIS ... (with my eyes)

FOOD CRAVING ALERT!!! 
     
     FAT BITCH DOWN!!!
           
            FAT BITCH IN DISTRESS !!!

I was in distress today the thought of a yummy burrito bowl plagued my mind, tugged at my debit card and almost carried me to the food court in my building at work.  My Co-Worker stopped me!  I think her exact words were "Eat your Turkey Burger... or whatever that is you made and be happy."  But I am still having a fucking food attack like RIGHT NOW.  I want it all.  So I decided to EAT ALLL THIS SHIT ... With my eyes... Have some?

BURP!

Ah, whew! Thank #DietJesus For Pictures of Food!  I'm Super Full!

Xoxo,

BG

Attempting Menu Planning (Again).

Going to try menu planning AGAIN this week; it has been an epic fail previously.  I didn't cheat or eat any "bad foods"; however, I failed to eat anything I planned to eat.  But if you know me, you know I persevere -- never giving up!  At the end of the week I will update to see how well I did / did not follow "this week's plan". 

Xoxo,

BG!

Fat Ass Update : Feb 2012

It's been a LOOOONNNGGG road, a journey, a true battle!  Hell I didn't think I could get to where I am today when I first started last May (2011); matter of fact, I kept wondering in the back of my mind when I would fail and just get even fatter.  Well my public outburst and vow to KICK THIS FAT GIRL'S ASS seems to be the one thing that worked!  My original hypothesis of not being able to stand global scale failure has worked and this Blog has been my face, forefront, drive, and support.  So without further ado I give you my FAT ASS UPDATE for Feb. 2012!

Food Choices
After 10 Months of this lifestyle I still find breakfast a challenge.  Mostly these days it's just remembering to eat it or take it with me.  I did manage one week to prep a package of sausage and boil eggs for the week ahead thinking it would be a quick "grab and go" breakfast.  That however quickly fizzled after I had an overnight guest whom ate up my sausage.  Then my mom came by and used my eggs in a tuna salad!  #Fail.  Other than that I find it very simple and easy to avoid Carbs.  I did add in 10 carbs before each workout; generally opting for 1/4 slice of 12 grain wheat bread just for the fuel.  Also, I now drink 16oz of water before each meal, helps me from overeating.

Clothes
I no longer own not a single item (not even undergarments) that I did when I first began.  Shrunk out of sizes 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, and currently don a 14/12.  Size 8 HERE I COME!!!!  Every day is a fashion show!  Every item of clothing I currently own is a recent purchase.  I stake my claim at upscale resale shops and thrift stores finding some tremendous deals; only perpetuating my already claimed FABULOCITY!!!

Exercise

I remember when I joined the gym and what a personal milestone it was for me.  These days I am such a regular there, when I miss a few days the gym staff texts, calls and emails me of my whereabouts.  My trainer affectionately named "Drill Sargent G" has not slacked up on me at all.  I still sort of get teary eyed when I see him.  Sometimes I do not think I can cry another tear, then he demands 15 more squats!

How I Feel 
I required myself to wear a smile at all times during the day as part of my job, (mostly because I think my candidates that I see should see a friendly smiling face; and to counteract my coworkers who genrally look so dayum grumpy).  What used to be a huge fake smile is sometimes genuine as I truly do feel good, from the inside out!  It makes a big difference.  So in other words I feel great!  I do not feel food deprived, depressed or defeated; hell I am WINNING this Fight!

Personal Growth 
I am adding this section to my updates because it has become part of my lifestyle goals.  Let me say personal growth was is definitely harder than giving up my Double Fudge Chocolate Brownie desserts.  Putting a positive spin on things, (trying to) think before I speak, offering a smile to everyone, speaking a kind word when my thoughts are negative, and learning that I am capable of love are just a few turnarounds.  This is the renaissance of me; with sophomoric thinking behind I captain the ship who is embarking on the great journey of Me. 

Stay Tuned as I keep telling you; MY BEST IS YET TO COME!

My progress is amazing, hard work, effort and motivation are paying off; click below for highlights of my previous FAT ASS UPDATES!
Fat Ass Update 07/30/2011

Fat Ass Update 07/22/2011

Fat Ass Update 07/15/2011

Fat Ass Update 07/08/2011

Xoxo,

BG

I Lost SELFISHNESS : I Gained LOVE

Cha - Cha - Cha CHIA! : The Skinny on Chia Seeds

Now me, when I think of Chia-Seeds I think of the ever cool 1980's novelty plant coined "The Pottery That Grows";  that allowed you to grow "hair" in a moss looking plant on prepackaged clay statues. 

However, now from what I gather people are sprinkling these seeds on food to trick their stomach into thinking it is full.  Is this another form of dieter's delusion?  Or is it really packed with power enough to help you shed unwanted inches, pounds and keep you fuller longer?  Below I seek to answer my own questions.

Top 10 (Claimed) Benefits of Chia Seeds: 

1.   Lose Weight Without Starving: The tiny, healthy seeds can be made to taste like whatever you want, and their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours.  When the Chia Seed is exposed to water, it forms a coating of gel, increasing its size and weight. Since the gel made of water, it has no calories. It’s also difficult to remove from the seed, meaning that it helps your body think it is full, without adding calories.

2.   Balance Blood Sugar:  Both the gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. If you eat chia with a meal, it will help you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and downs that wear you out.

 

3.   Help Prevent Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis:  Each seed is coated with soluble fibers which aid its gelling action. The exterior of the seed is protected by insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is unable to be digested (it does not contribute any calories, or break down) so instead, it helps keep food moving smoothly through the digestive process. Soluble fiber, and the gel coating of the seed keeps the colon hydrated and ensures the easy movement of food.

 

4.    Add Omega-3 Oils to Your Diet:   Chia is the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. By weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon, and it still tastes like whatever you want! Omega 3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health. It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper. USA Weekend magazine also reports on a study where overweight dieters who included omega 3s in their eating plan lost 2 more pounds monthly than the control group, who did not.

5.   More Energy All Day Long:   Chia though, it’s protein is complete to raise your energy levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady, never jittery energy.

6.   Age Defying Anti-Oxidants:  Anti-oxidants have been in the news lately due to their super healthy benefits.  Did you know that chia is extremely high in anti-oxidants too? These helpful substances are what makes the Chia Seed stay fresh for so long. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and ready to eat for over two whole years! And that’s all without a single chemical or preservative. This amazing ability is not found in other seeds like flax or sesame, because those seeds don’t have the same rich anti-oxidant content.  Anti-oxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues. 

7.   Cut Food Cravings:   Being deficient in minerals or vitamins can create a craving for food. For example, if you’re low on calcium, you may feel compelled to eat lots of cheese and ice cream. This happens because your body knows that cheese is a source of calcium, and it hasn’t been getting enough. But what if dairy and whole milk are a “Diet don’t”? You can always add calcium to your food by sprinkling on the chia. By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It also has magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins. By balancing your vitamins and minerals with chia, you can curb cravings that might tempt you.

8.   Bake with Less Fat:  Chia gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes! The food will bake the same and taste the same (or better) from the addition of the chia gel. All you need to do is divide the amount of butter or oil in half, and then use the same amount of chia gel to fill in. The anti-oxidants in chia can even help keep the food tasting fresh longer. Everything from cookies to cakes to muffins, pancakes and waffles can be made with chia gel as your butter replacement.

9.  More Flavorful Punch to Foods:  When the chia seeds hydrate, they magnify the taste of whatever they were added to. Put them in pudding? Chocolaty! Swirl them into a smoothie? Fruity! The same thing goes with dressings, dips, salsas, sauces and more. These two factors combine to let chia seeds take on the taste of whatever you add them to. They distribute and never dilute, the flavors you love.

10.  Save Money on Your Diet Plan: You already know diet pills are expensive, and ‘box meal plans’ can run up to $500.00 a month. If you’re buying ‘calorie counting packs’ or other individual portions in the store, you can also end up paying more because more preparation and materials go into these foods. More than enough chia for 1 month costs less than a dollar a day. You can use as much or as little as you want to achieve your own desired results. There are no preparations required for these simple seeds, not even pesticides need to be used to grow them. They’re always safe and 100% chemical free. A measuring spoon is all you’ll need when you’re ready to take advantage of chia for yourself. It doesn’t get any easier or more inexpensive.

My Conclusion:  Hmmm may be time to go purchase some Organic Chia Seeds!

Xoxo, 

BG!