I Loveth IT ... Mme.'s Product Reviews #2

It's that time again ... wondering what made the list??? ... See below ;) ~PC

I've been exploring with cooking on my own, with I'd say ... about 75% likability ... lol ... However, packing my lunch gives me an advantage and a much needed incentive to stay out of the food court right down the street from our building, at the mall. I usually make a sandwich, gather leftovers, or grab an entree ... 2 of my favs are ...

Lean Cuisine Café Classics: Shrimp & Angel Hair Pasta

Fat - 4g Calories - 220 Dietary Fiber - 8%DV WW Points® -4

I'm quite finicky when it comes to seafood, especially frozen entree seafood. But this is by far my favorite of all the LC selections. It's savory, yet light ... and the flash-frozen shrimp is quite delish!

WW SmartOne's: Three Cheese Ziti

Fat - 7g Calories - 290 Dietary Fiber - 4 WW® Points® - 6

These help me say "no", during my pizza cravings. A fraction of the cost; it's a simple pasta, cheesy, marinara (and tasty) dish.

I've always been notorious for saving a $. Not sacrificing quality, but just finding smarter choices. I was in Target and noticed that they had quite an extensive activewear section. Mostly comprised of the Champion name brand. Transitioning from a 14/16 recently, to a 12 ... I was in dire need of some new gym and running clothing. Not wanting to drop my paycheck at the New Balance store, I delved into the choices, and spent not over $300 and had basically, a new fitness wardrobe!!! A few of my choices are below ... Everything is great quality, and uber comfy! They also carried sizes XL & XXL.

Double Dry® Semi-Fitted Flare-Leg - $40

Double Dry® Semi-Fitted Capri Pants - $40

Ribbed Cotton Racer-Back Women's Tank Top - 2 for $26

An honorable mention, the most comfy athletic socks I've ever worn. Breathable and eco-friendly liner socks. They don't ride down either when I'm running, even though they're no-shows. It's also super funny/ironic to see the words "No Nonsense" when I look down ... lol

Women's Ventilated Liner - $2.74

EATING Because It's There ....

T.I. got locked up, the Cavs lost last night (did yall see BronBron walk off the court, w/o congratulating the champ-bound Magic??? ... even in my bitter state, I wasn't feeling that) ... I've just had a rough week! ... lol ... But I hope you all are enjoying your weekend! Work has been so busy, my bro's sports schedule, my gym time, and resume writing requests have almost doubled for me over the past few months ... I'm way behind on my email responses, please, please forgive me! ... as I try to get caught up on everything ... :)

Okay, to the post ... ;) ... I have this problem, that even now ... I catch myself eating something ... merely because it's there. And for this reason, I've almost every week this month dug deeply into my allowance POINTS ... lol ... One week even, dipping into my hard-earned Activity POINTS :/ While this is okay for some, it's not helping me ... or my dreams to be at GOAL before the Summer ends ... so I need to take back control!

My grandma used to joke, that our family knew nothing about ever being hungry. Which besides that brief and ridiculous 500 calorie diet I started as a teen :/ ... is true. I don't always give my body time enough to ever get to that point. Lately, I've had to correct myself - realtime.

The weather is nicer, I'm spending more time outdoors and there is food, and food abundantly. Analyzing my motive for opening a bag of tortilla chips, is proving to be crucial. Is it for nutritional gain, or just because it's there, why not? One thing I've learned to do since starting WW is not only logging what I eat, but also noting my location, what I'm doing and my hunger level. I mean it's a lot of stuff to do, but I think after a while it'll help ... and give me a form to measure. It's certainly giving me a better insight on my habits (good & not so good). And this week I faired well ... coming in at 156lbs this morning ... (-2) since my last weigh-in!

~PC

"The Oprah Effect" on CNBC ...

CNBC: "Talk show superstar Oprah Winfrey is one of the most well known cultural and financial icons of our time. If you're lucky enough to create a product she loves - a mention on her show just might make you a millionaire! CNBC's Carl Quintanilla explores "The Oprah Effect" and how she turns no names into brand names. Re-Airs Sunday, May 31st at 10p ET."

Vid: AMY (Smile2DayTears2Morro) Makes GOAL!!!

YT Channel: I've been subbed to her (and her many channels ;) for quite some time. She looks AMAZING, always loved her personality! A great inspiration! Check her out! ~PC

A Team of ME ... lol

I hit the gym today, locked-in ;) ... knowing that it would be slow due to the holiday. But, slow doesn't describe it. I was the only one there, for about a good two hours. Changed the channels ... got good and comfy ... lol. When I finished up in the weight room, and went to walk down the stairs ... a guy was coming up and said "I guess it's my turn" ... lol. It was nice though, a time to work out without those underlining insecurities and social analytics that go on in a full gym ... y'all know what I'm talking about!

It also gave me a sense of reality. Sometimes, it's just going to be ME. And I'm still going to have to conduct myself in a manner that promotes my fitness and weight loss goals. Self-Accountability. I started off kind of slow ("playing" as my my mom would say) but decided to up the ante on the speed and resistance on the machines I used today ... b/c I knew if my trainer were there he'd probably make me do the same. I've been training every day this week ... and tomorrow will of course be my day of rest ...

I've been focusing lately on mind and body restoration. Getting it in physically, moving ... breathing ... pushing, and growing ...

You don't realize how DAMAGED your body is until you begin to repair it.

You have to move. I skated through most of my journey by adjusting my diet only. After while, I needed more. Yeah, it's hard and uncomfortable ... but I always feel like I'm on top of the World (in pain most days) after it's all said and done.

I truly hope you all are enjoying your Holiday weekend ... and NO WORK TOMORROW <---always have to love that ... I'll ttyal ;)

~PC

Today's Summary
B: 1 Cup Apple Sauce, Cheezits <---Yeah, no idea why I had urges for this combo! S: n/a
L: McDonald's Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad
S: Tapioca Pudding, Pear
D: Corn on the cob, sm. Caesar Salad
S: 1 Cup of Grapes

Water: 126oz
Fruits/Veggies: 6
POINTS/Cals: 23.5/1,324

Exercise: 1 Hour Treadmill (varied elevation & speed 2.7-5.6mph), 15 Mins Elliptical Level 5/20, 15 Mins Stat. Bike Level 6/20, 120 Reps Abduct @50lbs, 100 Abs @ 15lbs, Seated Row 100 @ 20lbs, Leg Extensions 50 @40lbs

I Want to Save Your LIFE ... Tonight on WEtv

The show looks extremely interesting. Possibly Biggest Loser-esque ... but one on one. I'll be watching ... ~PC

WEtv’s all-new original series "I Want to Save Your Life" showcases undercover health interventions by Charles Stuart Platkin, a nutrition and public health advocate, also known as the Diet Detective. After struggling with weight loss in the past, spending most of his childhood and early adulthood overweight, Charles lost more than 50 pounds and has kept it off for more than 10 years. This series, inspired by Charles’s own success, follows him on an incredible mission to bring Americans back to a healthy lifestyle. source

"Travis" Smiley ... Living Underneath Your PRIVILEGE ...

I'll be going to see Tavis speak tomorrow (my mom calls him Travis, relentlessly ... then again she also calls Kanye, Cayenne ... lol). This marks year 2 that my company and the Smiley Group have been in partnership. A series of events and accessible activities to enhance financial literacy to low-mid income individuals, and to market the brand in our weakest consumer appeal demo - minorities <---the "unspoken" purpose. State Farm has Dr. Ian ... we, Tavis. Both subjects equally important in my eyes ... health & wealth ... black folks, specifically (speaking as one ... lol) are missing potential in both ...

Last year, Shad caught me taking pictures of him when he got on stage with my cell. He said, "he's not a rapper - you can't do that" ... The audience was quite con$ervative ... but I didn't care ... lol ... I'm looking forward to hearing his take on current events, and picking up a copy of "Accountable"... "Stand" is also premiering at one of our specialty theaters here in Columbus ... but it's airing on TVOne Sunday ... might have to catch it then ...

But, I remember last year when the collabo kicked off, he was talking about how many of us, mentally, physically, economically were living "beneath our privilege". Living to get by and not proactively. I was truly inspired by those words. No ... IMMENSELY inspired ... realizing that yes, I come from relatively nothing ... but I don't have to stay that way ... We all have the potential to be exceptional ... it's up to US to pursue ;) ... let's live at or above our privilege ... as we were born into greatness, despite who are parents are ... we are 1st, a child of GOD ... live like it!!! ;)

That's all that is going-eth on in my world. It's been either work, class, gym or sleep for me these days. But my courses are over with and now it's time to bask in the peace that is SUMMER BREAK ... well from grad studies at least. I'm really going to lock-in to my training ... now that some time has freed up until September ... ohyaaay! ...

~PC

Today's Summary
B: Oatmeal w/ 2sps Sugar, CBINB 4 sprays,
S: Plain Yogurt, 14 Bing Cherries. Granola
L: 1/2 Subway Turkey on Wheat w/ Lettuce, Lt. Mayo, Provolone
S: Apple, 100 Cal Pack Cheezits
D: Large Caesar Salad w/ grated parm, 5 croutons
S: Microwave Popcorn (Lite)

Calories: 1,393
Water: 132oz (4L)
Fruit/Veg: 4 <--- I really need to work on increasing this!!! Exercise: 30 Min Afternoon Walk, 1 Hour Treadmill (interval elevation & speed 2.5-3.6 mph), Seated Row (5 Sets of 20 @ 20lbs), Spinning 30 Mins (independent), Leg Presses (5 Sets of 10 @ 70lbs)

"PRECIOUS" - Presented by Oprah & Tyler Perry

A film based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire - after winning much praise at the indie Sundance Film Festival ... has been sponsored by Oprah & Tyler Perry to come to the "big screen" ... on November 6, 2009. People are also speculating that Mrs. P.H.A.T. Mo'nique's performance could warrant Oscar nods ... I need to read the book before it comes out ... looks deep ... the trailer alone gave me goosebumps! ~PC

Yahoo! Synopsis: Clareece "Precious" Jones is an overweight, abused, illiterate African-American teen in Harlem. Just as she's about to give birth to her second child, Jones is accepted into an alternative school where a teacher helps her find a new path in her life. Starring: Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Gabourey Sidibe, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz

Wiki: Precious (film)

SUNDAY ... Day 'n Nite (Meal Shifting)

I'm generally a heavy after work/dinner time eater. The problem with this is that by the end of the day our bodies and metabolism have calmed down, preparing for the overnight "fast" ... and begins to store most of what we consume last minute ... Where in comparison - much of what is eaten earlier in the day is readily burned for cellular function. So in a sense it's not always about calories in/out ... but also the timing!!!

According to UCLA Researchers: "Women who consume most of their calories in the evening are 450 percent more likely to be overweight." Source

So, I've decided to enact what all have told us to do time and time again (with little explanation) ... eating lighter as the day goes on. Working with my body to enhance fat loss. I'll still be hitting the same targets calorie and POINTS-wise (1500-1900 cycled a day). Socially, this can be difficult ... even at the home front ... but I'll take it as I go. Lunch today was my pasta and pollock ... dinner will probably be a fruit salad ... I'll check back in later ... on that ...

It is a beautiful Sunday! The weather is mild, sun is out ... I went for a jog at one of our nature trails this morning. I have an appt with my trainer today at the gym for weight training at 5 today. He's super! Really getting me into shape, finding where I can improve and executing. We are currently working on a plan that has me effectively switching up my activity approach on a daily basis. My constant is walking during my lunch break now (I've swapped that for an hour gossip session ... using half to eat, and the other to use my feet <---that rhymed). Okay, hope your day is going marvelous ... ttyas ;) ~PC

Tri-Colored Pasta, Low Fat Shredded Provolone, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kraft Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing. I calculated a serving to be about 7 POINTS - estimated 360cals.

RED FLAG Bogus Claims ...

Powered by the Federal Trade Commision. I absolutely love this site ... It's full of "if it's too good to be true, then it is" facts about the plethora of dieting claims/plans out there. Be smart, stay healthy, safeguard your $$$, and research!!!

Site http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/redflag/index.html

~PC

TUNNEL VISION======goal

Hey everyone! The "=" signs are supposed to represent a tunnel ... lol. I got back to the office Monday and it was non-stop busy ... finally found some time to check-in!!!

How about Helen winning TBL??? Walking out looking like one of the Real Housewives of Orange County ... lol ... orange and skinny ... Alot of them looked great, an amazing (long) finale ... can't wait for next season!!!

So, my trainer was telling me today that while my habits are good, he fears I've fallen into the maintenance phase. Which is GREAT ... but, as you know ... I'm not done. So it's time to step it up, put on, push it, grind, get it in, lock in (anything else motivational ... lol) ... I'm going back into tunnel vision on this journey so that I'll be at goal in October of this year. I'm usually not into the "I want to lose x by x" ... but it's time to put some (reasonable) standards on myself, to intensify my focus.

Ummm ... I'm cooking now!!! Growing up, my specialty was eating - not learning how to cook. Intertwined with us always ordering in or eating out. So when I met RaShad and discovered he could throw down in the kitchen ... I was glad, at least one of us can ... lol. But just finding the fiscal, and health benefits of it is even more rewarding ... I just made a pasta salad for tomorrow's dinner, and will let it muurrinate (marinate) until tomorrow, to put with some fresh Pollock (I'll be sure to take a pic) ...

I don't know about you, but I'm ready more than ever to finish. Summer is around the corner, half of 2009 is almost up ... WOW ... let's get it!!!

~PC

Today's Summary
B: Cheerios w/ Skim 2tsp of Sugar
S: Banana
L: 1/2 Turkey Sandwich w/ Cheddar on Whole Wheat (Lettuce, Lt. Mayo),
S: 10 Cherries, Cheezit 100 Calorie Pack
D: Skinless Rotisserie Chicken Breast, Ceasar Salad (LF Dressing, Provolone Crumbles)
S: SF Tapioca Pudding, MintFudge Cookies 100 Calorie Pack

Fruits/Veggies: 4
Water: 80oz
Exercise: 30Min Jogging, 45Min Spinning, 30Min Swimming

The UPs and DOWNs of Being Round ... By Monica Marie Jones

"The Ups and Downs of Being Round is a coming of age story about a girl who struggles throughout her life with issues of weight. Overweight as a child, Madison Jenson struggles with teasing and physical limitations until she loses the weight during her adolescent years. Just as she begins to enjoy life as a slim girl she gains the weight back during her college years. Finally, being fed up with being unhappily overweight, she loses it again as a young adult, but to her surprise she loses a lot more than just the weight and finds out that physical weight loss does not guarantee happiness." - Novel Summary

One of the blogs I frequent has a weekly column by author/motivational speaker Monica Marie Jones. Her insight on various subjects, lead me to check out her personal site www.monicamariejones.com/ where I found the details on the above mentioned title.

Funny thing, as I was reading ... I thought "She must have been a big girl before, or is one!!!" As there were some things in the novel that you could only know of, if you experienced it ... The physical issues, self-esteem, insecurities and random thoughts of a big girl. Lo and behold, once I finished the book her conclusion stated that while the book was fiction ... she herself, had dealt with ... well, the ups and downs of being round. She even provides her diet plan and provides great advice on changing your lifestyle.

Now the book is quite laid back, moreso a diary of the narrators', but I enjoyed it. It was interesting to read and relate how the subject's weight affected daily actions and thoughts. Including dropping off line of pledging a sorority as her chosen line name was "Miss Piggy" ... A nice read if you have the time ...

Author's Site/Click Here to Buy: Amazon $10 +S&H E-Book $5

~PC

Fat Girl Confessions #7: What's The EXCUSE This Year Carter???

High School ... freshman year ... gym class. I just imagined it being a big social hour. I was ready to reunite with all of my homies from the block (I went to an alternative Middle School). But that notion was abruptly removed when I heard "Alright cut the chatter and get to work" - I then learned the harsh definition of calisthenics and changing in the locker room. Ugggh!!! ...

At the time my mom was ill and I spent many of days home and self-studying. But when I did show up I'd have an absence excuse and a gym excuse. Every time ... not because I couldn't perform ... but because I was 14 wearing a D-cup and was completely out of shape and lazy. After I passed with a C :/ ... I decided never to take a gym class again!!! ... against reality, I needed 2 gym credits to graduate. Doh!!

So sophomore and junior year pass ... and I become an untouchable senior ... Had a course audit with the counselor. In my mind I had paid my debt to the public school district. I consistently made honor roll, was treasurer of our school's 1st multi-award winning DECA team. I mean ... what more could they ask for???

"YOU NEED ANOTHER GYM CREDIT"

.::in Martin's voice::. you wanna run that by me one mo' gin????

Now I'm 17 1/2 and being forced to take a gym class with some youngsters ... I spotted my girl 'Kiyah in the class of navy blue and white (gym colors) I'm like cool ... at least I know someone my age here ... And here comes the same gym teacher ... He looks me straight in the eye in front of the entire class [he was a major jokester he didn't care if you were a student everyone was fair game].

"Carter, what's the excuse this year?"

All I could do was laugh. I was just tickled that he would even remember me after all of that time. But I set out to prove a point ... I was heavier since my last gym class encounter but was going to participate ... now that he had put me on blast. After some badminton, track, softball and volley ball activities. Oh, and calisthenics ... I passed with an A.

~PC

Quotables ... "I wanna be NECESSARY"

More life inspiration, from the great P. Diddy ... ;)

Make it a great day!!! ~PC

Columbus 1/2 MARATHON + Weigh In ...

Yes, in 160 days (10.18.09) I will be "runnin' my city like Diddy" ... lol ... via the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon. I'll be pursuing the 1/2 event. I've had a prior FAIL attempt after coming down with an exacerbation weeks before the race in the Chi last year. But I can honestly say I was nowhere near prepared. But this time, it's ON.

Considering that I have that much time left, and 30ish lbs to lose ... I'd also like to be at goal by then ... crossing the finish line will be my "well done" moment ... Closing the door on my WL journey ... and opening a new one to maintenance and all else that follows ... I'll begin focused training for the event in September ... with my fly trainer and 4 time marathon runner Terk!

In addition, I weighed-in on today (at home) and the scale read 158! ... Down 2 more pounds since my last weigh-in ...

Hope you all are enjoying your Mother's Day ...

~PC

Boot Camp, Wack WW Meetings, Blog To-Do ...

I'm headed to a fitness boot camp ... riding dolo to Cincinnati - as my friends are punks busy ;). What a way to culminate a week away from the office, than physical torture ... lol ... I've always wanted to participate in one. And timing is great, while the weather is mild (80% of it is outdoors).

This weekend I will be working on a more in depth regimen of my current journey. And the structure I'm currently following or quasi-following.

My next weigh-in will not be until June 17, 2009 at my last WW meeting: I do plan on continuing my online membership but will no longer purse the boring meetings after this date. My experience has been somewhat mundane ... our leader lacks enthusiasm. And with a starting class of 22 (and only 6 of us left) uh, yeah ... I can see why. She repeats things I read on the site a night before ... It's just not quite for me. But that's OK :) ... I did buy a hungry monster though ... since it opened up to WW members ... that makes it all worth it ... lol ... j/k

Soon to come, pics of what I'm eating (I always eat it before I remember to capture it on my cell ...) ... lol

okay ... ttyas!!!

~PC

People Ask: How Do I Deal w/ HATERS/NAYSAYERS??? ...

Simple ...

I don't.

Make it a great FRIday!!!

~PC

Chrisette Michele: "Epiphany" ...

Her sophomore album "Epiphany" is in stores now. Competing for the #1 spot (with Ciara aka Beyonce Lite ... lol) this week in debut sales. The voice = banging. Part street, soul, and sultry. From her new pics it seems as though she's slimmed down, since Jay-Z introduced her to the world in '07. Despite criticism (and doubt that her size would allow her to flourish in such an image-based industry), she loved every bit of her size 14 self then (every right to) ... and has undeniable beauty and talent ... I just copped the album ... enjoying it as I did her premier, "I Am". ~PC

Click Here To Buy: Amazon iTunes

Video: "Epiphany"

Excerpt ConcreteLoop.com Interview w/ Angel La
source 2007

"Angel: Did you see any questions that you wanted to answer that I didn’t ask?
Chrisette: Let me think for one second. Oh, somebody said, this is me about to be ghetto. So this will be me supporting my ghetto side.

Angel: Okay

Chrisette: Somebody said she needs to lose weight so she can become more marketable or something like that.

Angel: Okay.

Chrisette: I just want to let that person know that I’m very very excited about being my size in this industry. Because the average woman size in America is a 14.

Angel: That’s true.

Chrisette: So at this particular moment, I am an average woman. And if you don’t know what an average woman looks like, you need to open your eyes and look again. That’s all.

Angel: Okaay.

Chrisette: Whoever said that really played they self. I was like, I bet your girl was my size. But anyway.

Angel: [laughs] Imma make sure to add that too.
Chrisette: yeah."

Crunch Gym FILES for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy ...

You can tell when I miss work. I've been intrigued by business practices and operations of the diet/fitness industry. ;) ... While this bankruptcy is not geared towards the demise of the brand ... changes will certainly ensue ...

Bloomberg Article: source

"Crunch Fitness Files for Bankruptcy in New York"

May 6 (Bloomberg) - "Crunch Fitness, a gym operator with 73,000 members and clubs in six U.S. cities, filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors in New York, citing slowing membership and overpriced leases for some locations.

The petition for Chapter 11 protection filed in Manhattan today listed $102.4 million in both assets and debts, according to a March 31 balance sheet. The company has asked the court for more time to file a final list of assets and debts, citing “limited resources” to evaluate its books.
AGT Crunch Acquisition LLC filed for court protection, along with affiliate clubs in New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and San Francisco.

Crunch seeks to sell its assets through an auction under court protection, to New Evolution Fitness Company, formed by CH Fitness, a joint venture of entities formed by New York-based fund manager Angelo, Gordon & Co., and a private equity fund called NEFC Crunch, according to court filings.

The sale “will allow Crunch to emerge as a strong player focused on what we have become famous for: being the place where entertainment meets fitness,” said Tim Miller, CEO of Crunch in a press release. Mark Mastrov, founder of California-based New Evolution, will become chairman of the new company’s board, according to the statement.

Most of the gym’s locations continue to operate, with the exception of a midtown Manhattan club at Broadway and 42nd Street, which will transfer members to other New York locations. Crunch is seeking bankruptcy court permission to continue “business as usual,” said Chief Financial Officer Michael Jacobs in a court filing.

Unprofitable Clubs. Crunch gyms have “suffered operating losses as a result of deficient membership sales” and the inability “to divest themselves of certain unprofitable club locations that are saddled with overpriced long-term leases,” Jacobs said.

CH Fitness bought out all of Crunch’s first lien debt from Goldman Sachs Credit Partners for $46.2 million in December, according to the court filing. Jacobs said the gym lost $11.2 million in 2008, and has had $2.8 million in losses since the beginning of the year.

As of April 30, the company had $56.7 million outstanding under its Goldman Credit Facility, which is listed as a claim from CH Fitness Investors. It also has $22.7 million outstanding under second-lien notes, a claim from AG Super Fund, an Angelo Gordon entity."

A Clever ... EXCUSE ... ;)

~PC

$200K Settlement LA/Pure Weight Loss - Class Action Suit (Oregon)

From my understanding, this was an effective program. My aunt lost 60lbs under the "Pure Weight Loss" brand from a center here in central OH - (no longer in business). Unfortunately, due to the economy, competitive industry, and [damaging] scam/fraud reports of misled and "bait & switch" pricing ... many of these centers have had to shut down - leaving some participants who pre-paid ... out in the cold ... short $ome moulah ... and unsuspecting employees out of a job.

Well, if you are an Oregon resident, who was not rendered due services, b/c of the closing of centers ... you are prompted to contact the attorney appointed for funds disbursement (pursuant to the article below). It is said that similar Attorney General-fused claims (in PA, NV, TN, OH, OK, AL) are pending in other states for appropriate retribution.

Unofficial Response/Apology: Former L.A. Weight Loss NV Employee (click to enlarge)

Oregon's StatesmanJournal.com Article Source

May 5, 2009: "Settlement of a state lawsuit against LA Weight Loss will provide $200,000 for refunds to Oregonians who bought services and products from the now-defunct diet-center chain, Attorney General John Kroger said Monday.

Consumers who think they are owed refunds should contact the attorney general's office, Kroger said in a news release Monday. Kroger's office has sole discretion in determining which consumers are eligible for refunds, along with repayment amounts, court documents say.

"But since we're waiting until July 31, 2009, when all of the consumer requests for refunds come in, we can't say how much anyone will get and what they get refunds for," said Tony Green, Kroger's spokesman.

Under the settlement, LA Weight Loss and its former Oregon franchise owner will pay additional refunds directly to about 100 Oregonians for prepaid time left on consumer contracts when their diet centers closed. The refunds are expected to range from $149 to $299 for each person, Green said.

The settlement agreement, filed Monday in Marion County Circuit Court, resolves a 2007 state lawsuit against LA Weight Loss Franchise Co., a Pennsylvania-based company, and its former Oregon franchisee, NWM Inc. of Lake Oswego. The suit alleged that LA Weight Loss and NWM misled consumers about the costs, fees, products and benefits of the weight-loss program. The state received 295 complaints about LA Weight Loss centers before the chain stopped operating in Oregon, according to the attorney general's office.

NWM went out of business two months after the state filed suit in July 2007. By December 2008, all LA Weight Loss centers in Oregon had closed. Settlement of the state's lawsuit against LA Weight Loss "shall not be considered an admission of liability or violation," and the company denies allegations of wrongdoing, court papers say."

Dependence ...

There used to be a time when all we needed was an Apple a day to keep the doctor away ... now it's Aspirin, and Anti-depressants :/

After closeted bouts of depression, stemmed from sexual abuse as a minor - (a prominent member of the congregation then), being sole caregiver for my mother @14 who was morbidly obese and ill, the violent loss of my father, my fight for Ky & Jay ... the MS and TN diagnosis ... and my prolonged and out of control struggles with my WEIGHT ... I was given ...

A pill ...

I was told that I was different, as I had a medical condition that affected the normal functions of my nervous system. So I shouldn't be ashamed ... All it was intended to do was to filter those overwhelming thoughts and fears ... and could possibly assist with pain ~ with it's mind altering greatness.

In reality ...

It has only blanketed my ability to cope with life ... mentally.

For the first time in 6 1/2 years I went to sleep without it ... last night.

My medicinal assurance that "Yes life is hard, but this will make it easier".

Now I'm ready, fully.

To deal with life.

Naturally.

Like hot water in a dessert.

I don't need it ;).

Kevin Hart: Dude Why are You Still HERE??? YOU WON!!!

warning: some strong language

"Thank You for Calling T-Mobile!!!" ... lol

~PC

My NEMESIS >: ... Boredom

Hello Everyone!!! I hope you all had a fab weekend and wonderful start of the week. Well, here it goes ... I had a great birthday :) celebrated my 24th at work, with family, and my girls ... and I stayed within reason with my eating. So far so good ...

Until yesterday. I told you all I was off of work this week and chillaxin for the most part. I woke up late (cause I can do daaaaat ... lol) ... Normally I'd have my breakfast packed (a nearly fail-proof way to start the AM) ... Here I am in a house with sausage, bacon, eggs, bisquick ... now, I know all of this can be "okay" in moderation ... yet I have not fully been reprieved of my fav food binging habits ... In other words, I still have weak moments. I still feel as though I lack some control, ESPECIALLY when no one else is around, and that the 257lb edition of me dwells ... in the shadows ...

When I was under-grad and even summers at home - I couldn't rip and run in the heat (because of MS inability) sometimes ... so, I'd sit at home and mindlessly eat. No one around, just me and a full kitchen ... bored out of my mind ... Food seemed to occupy me oddly - even though consuming it didn't last long ... I felt satisfied ... (belly & mind)

I ended up eating 3 pancakes, 2 sausage patties, and 2 eggs ... Kind of hearty, but I can live with that ...

So the afternoon comes around, and of all things to hear as I'm struggling to eat my Lean Cuisine and not order that Pizza Hut pasta bowl ... I just saw on TV ... the ice cream truck!!! An annual notion to prove that Spring is here and Summer is knocking at the door ... lol ... with some great seasonal treats in tow ...

So what to do??? In my mind I had technically already sabotaged breakfast ... why not finish the day like that and start over tomorrow? But that's how I've always been. One slip up would lead to planned extra slip ups. I can't keep doing this ... or the last 35-40lbs will never disappear.

I went on my research quest, made some posts on the blog, emailed my friend/trainer and asked if he had time to jog with me in the evening ... loaded the dishwasher ... rescued 3 of my cat's toys from under the basement stairs ... and picked up a new book ...

Moral of the story, I'll know I've "made it" when these struggles aren't so present. The thought of ordering Pizza Hut at noon - SHOULD NOT excite me at this point in my journey. I know this would be a week full of wack choices, if I didn't nip in in the bud yesterday. I don't want to "I deserve this" or "I'll start over again" even "There's nothing else to do but eat" my way back up to my starting weight ... and if it takes me finding something constructive to do each time ... to battle boredom eating ... that's just what I need to do ...

I'm fairing quite well today. I'm stronger than these urges ... all I needed was some healthy diversions ... and something to DO and not EAT!!!

~PC ... (a still very much so work in progress) ...

Make it a great day!!!

What are You TwEATing??? ...

Source

(CBS) "Dropping the weight may literally be at your fingertips on your cell phone. Nutritionists recommend keeping a food diary. But it isn't always easy carting a pen and notebook around everywhere with you, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.

However, there are now new advances in cell phone technology that could help you drop the weight by making these diaries a bit more functional for everyday life. Natali Del Conte, CNET-TV senior editor, showed three new options to help you lose weight with your cell phone on Monday's The Early Show.

Twitter is one of the free newcomers that are pioneering cell phone weight loss. You can go to TweetWhatYouEat.com, and set up a Twitter-based food diary. "When you eat something, you simply text what you ate and how many calories it was. If you don't know the calories, TweetWhatYouEat can help you figure this out.

All of your tweets are saved in a diary format that you can access either on your computer or on your phone," she said. "Your diary keeps a running tally of the calories you've consumed each day." Another free option is to create a photo diary. The idea behind this approach is that instead of simply writing down what you eat, you take a photo of the food. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studied a group of volunteers that did this, and said that the results were eye-opening for all participants.

The photos allowed dieters to see that their portions were too big. When a week's worth of photos are lined up you can see that you've only had two pieces of fruit, or that you ate nothing green all week, or that you had ice cream three times.

Rather than continue to photograph their bad choices, many participants instead changed what they were eating. Plus, having to stop and take a picture before you put anything into your mouth makes "mindless eating" more difficult. "You are forced to pay attention to the fact that you are reaching for another piece of candy or can of soda," Del Conte said. Weight loss applications, similar to Twitter, for the iPhone are also catching on. "Lose It!" is one of the most popular.

"You set a daily calorie 'budget,' and then enter what you eat and your physical activity directly into your phone," Del Conte said. "The app does the appropriate math and allows you to see how much you've eaten, and how many calories you can still consume in order to meet your weight goals." Users and tech experts consistently say that the "Lose It!" program is very easy to use."

Vid: Kirstie Alley Talks Re-Gain on OPRAH ...

FDA Recalls HYDROXYCUT ...

Supplements marketed for weight loss, enhanced energy, and fat-burning ... are now hastily being taken off the shelves. Kidney, Liver damage, Heart Arrhythmia, and even DEATH, are attributed to one of the largest weight loss pill operatives - Hydroxycut (9M units sold in 2008).

We all know this genre of pills have dangerous risks, yet most of us pursue with purchase in hopes of becoming (America's Next Top Model :/) smaller. Be careful, when in doubt consult your physician before taking anything! Get small or die trying??? Imma pass ... Your $$$ would be better spent on healthy food, a gym membership, nutritionist, or trainer.

Article L.A. Times: "FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut "

FDA.gov Statement: "US Food & Drug Administration - Hydroxycut Products"

FDA Briefing (audio): "May 1 - Dietary Supplement Hydroxycut"

IOVATE Statement: (They have literally taken down their website full of pics and testimonials and replaced it with this) "Hydroxycut Information"

Iovate Health Sciences Inc. has agreed to recall the following products from the market, “in an abundance of caution”. The products include:

1. Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets


2. Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets


3. Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets


4. Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets


5. Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets


6. Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets


7. Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)


8. Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets


9. Hydroxycut Liquid Shots


10. Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)


11. Hydroxycut Max Aqua ShedHydroxycut 24


12. Hydroxycut Carb ControlHydroxycut Natural

~PC

Sean's Take: www.youtube.com/undergroundwellness (love this guy!!!)

Big WHEEL Keep on Turnin' ?!? ... Ciclotte Exercise Bike

.::one eyebrow raised::.

These would indeed bring some edge to our spinning classes ... lol ... reminds me of a mature big wheel. I like.

Your thoughts???

~PC

Designer: Luca Schieppati
Producer: Lamiflex Composites
Exhibition: Milan, Italy
Retail Date: TBD - Currently Only a Concept
Details: Carbon Fiber-made, and Egornomic

www.ciclotte.com

SecretTrois: YouTube's BIG GIRL Dance Crew ...

"Beautiful" 1/3 of the "Secret Trois" big girl dance crew (over a milli views) addresses negative people ... and how she maintains her SELF-Esteem. Their homemade performances have landed them on many interviews - MTV, the Tyra Show and at the birthday party of the Queen of Soul ... Aretha Franklin ... who requested them personally ... I wonder if they got to eat any of the inaugural hat cake??? (I know I'm not the only one who's asked) ... lol

An issue: they were highly offended when Jet Magazine reported on the Queen's birthday party and referred to them as a comedy act. They posed a question - were they automatically seen as a comedy/parody act because of their size? My guess is, unfortunately ... more than likely. Despite this perception, their mission is to be big, proud and fearless ... to hopefully inspire others to be the same.

~PC

My BIRTHDAY & Vacaaaation ... ;)

May 1. So, today is my brother Paul and I's 24th Birthday! I know I'm getting old - a teenybopper called me "ma'am" yesterday and I didn't even get an attitude! ... lol ... Not to mention the incident where I got clowned (by my mom!) for bumping Lisa Stansfield's "Been Around the World" in my car the other day - like it just came out ... the best song EVER though!!! ... hands down.

Besides a family outing at The Cheesecake Factory and a night out with some super PRETTY Sorors & friends Saturday ... I plan on kicking back and being cool ... taking it super easy this year. My vacation/time off starts Monday as well (cleverly planned) ... I'll be in Cancun ... uhhh ... Ohio ... lol ... but I'm certainly looking forward to catching up on reading, relaxing, attending a fitness spa experience in Cincinnati ... oh, did I mention relaxing??? This economy has wrecked havoc on my work demands and brain ... :::in Jeezy's voice::: I need a vacaaaation!!!

I'll catch up with you all early next week ... ;) ... Enjoy your weekend!!!

~PC (a member of Club 24) ... I am that Kobe #, 1 over Jordan ;)