Michael Moore Talks 70lb Weight Loss & Goal ...

Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore (Capitalism: A Love Story set to release nation-wide this Friday) divulges some insight on his transformation ... ~PC

Source: "Michael Moore on 'Capitalism,' Democracy and Weight Loss" by Angie Argabrite

AA: You mention your weight -- I read you lost 70 lbs; how long did that take you?

MM: Yeah, I lost about 70 lbs since last Christmas ... another 70 to go.

AA: Do you have a goal for when you want to lose the other 70?

MM: My birthday next year -- end of April.

AA: What advice can you give to people who are looking to get healthy or lose weight?

MM: You have to virtually eliminate these three things from your daily diet: salt (or sodium), white flour (or processed flour) and sugar (or corn syrup). If you can just get by without those three things and move around during the day a bit, you'll see a tremendous difference in how you feel and how much weight you can lose. Also, I've noticed overweight people have these three things in common: We all drink diet soda [laughs] but never lose any weight because it's so packed with sodium that it actually works against you, because it's breaking down the cellular structure by retaining fluid; number two, overweight people sleep less than seven hours a night, they never get a full night's sleep, which causes eating during the day to make up for it because you're tired, you need energy; and number three, we never eat.

AA: You never eat?

MM: Essentially; in other words, we put off eating because we're trying to not eat and then we get hungry by not eating [laughs].

Curvy Actress Scarlett Johansson Debunks Weight Loss Rumors ...

Enfumed by accounts that she subjected herself to extreme lengths to lose weight for a movie role - Scarlett Johansson has refuted reports that she dropped 14 pounds for the upcoming, "Iron Man 2".

She tells Glamour Magazine in it's Oct. Issue, “There was this rumor mill cranking out stories that I had lost 14 pounds—I could never lose 14 pounds…I hate seeing these ridiculous articles where [tabloids] guess someone’s weight. I can’t look at somebody who is 6 feet tall and 120 pounds and say, I’m going to get that body. That’s just never going to happen. You have to work with what you’ve got.”

However ... the actress does admit her fame has made her more self-conscious about her curvy figure. Curvy? Oh, "Hollywood Curvy" ... ;) ~PC

PAIN ... less

I am no stranger to pain as you all know ... lol ... MS issues, mixed with the aftermath of my intense 1/2 marathon training leaves me, let's just say ... I should own stock in Excedrin! ... But I truly know throwing back pills to alleviate my discomfort at each occurrence, can't be good long-term. So in light of my epiphany that 'God has given me the natural resources of this Earth and my body all it needs to cope' (trust me, that alone warrants another post) - I was pleased to run across the insightful piece below on a few natural elements that assist with lessening inflammation. Now, the "Extra Strength" bottle is still at the bottom of my bag, but I do hope to find ways to use it a little less ... ~PC

Foods That Heal Muscle Pain

Source: Dr. David Orman, www.ormaninstitute.com

"They are often referred to as edible aspirin. They are nature’s natural pain killers, foods that help to heal our muscle and aid in their recovery. The major action is clearing inflammation and once cleared, the body begins its natural repair work. This process typically takes a few days but can be lessened with the use of the following foods:

1. Tea. Green or black, hot or iced, sports scientists at Rutgers U. found that a 9 day supplement of tea-extract decreased inflammation and in particular, delayed onset muscle soreness.

2. Soybeans and/or Tofu. The branch chain amino acids stop muscles from degrading during periods of long activity such as a marathon. The antioxidant portion in these foods help alleviate aches in pains following these types of events.

3. Salmon and Tuna. Should be at the top of the list as the omega 3 fatty acids in these fish are great to clear inflammation by increasing blood flow.

4. Turmeric. Love Indian food? Hopefully the answer is yes, particularly if you are an athlete. This herb is loaded with anti inflammatory compounds known as curcumin. It also increases endurance and speeds recovery.

5. Cherries and berries. Tasty and healthy. Not often those 2 fit into the same sentence. U. of VT researchers noted that the high anti inflammatory molecules suppress and treat the micro tears in the muscles.

I Won't Miss It ...

Fall is my favorite season ... ideal temperatures, deep radiant colors and so romantic. Last year, I was so consumed with the promotion at work, joining the weight loss FMC book project, dieting ... oh and did I say dieting? lol ... I missed one of my favorite past times - reveling in the beauty of my favorite season. I actually hadn't noticed it was Fall, until all of those colorful leaves had a new home - the ground. RaShad was telling me recently, how he's always admired the diligence in me, but at times I sacrifice the joy in other things when doing so. It's now time to enjoy my journey, enjoy my career & studies, my relationships and family ... simply, enjoy life. All of it. So to Fall I say ... I won't miss it this time ;) ... ~PC

B: Kashi Almond Flax w/ Soy Milk, Mixed Berries

L: Papa John's Pep Pizza, 1cp Globe Grapes

D: Lean Cuisine Grilled Chicken Primavera w/ Veggies, 1/2 Cup of Pineapples

Total Calories: 1,376

Water: 112oz

Fruit & Veggie Svgs: 4

Exercise: AM-Treadmill 45 Mins (2.9-4.0 Intervals) PM- Yoga 30 Mins ... last song on the MP3 ... "Venus vs. Mars by Jay-Z"

Article: Obesity-Care = Not a Sound Investment

Source The Boston Globe: "What’s the return on fighting obesity?" By Roberta Clarke

Discovered this while watching MSNBC's CoJ on Thursday morning. The summary is simple yet, mind-boggling. Insurers don't necessarily cover preventative or educational obesity care - as the subscriber (statistics show on average people change insurance companies every 3 years) will take those good habits and lowered-health care costs/risks, as a result - to a new insurer. Therefore there's no "ROI: Return on Investment". Silly me, sometimes it escapes me that the health care system and insurance companies are nothing but BUSINESS. We're on our own. ~PC

excerpt:

"WHILE RECOGNITION of childhood obesity is widespread, solutions to the problem are in surprisingly short supply. Having just closed one of the few pediatric obesity treatment programs in New England, I can identify one of the most cogent reasons for the shortage of such programs: ROI, or the return on investment demanded by health insurers." continued

Cascadian Farm®: Non-Bank Breaking ORGANIC Food ...

In my quest for true organic/natural items - I discovered the Cascadian Farm® brand at my local Kroger. Okay, let me be honest ... lol, I discovered this brand after a slight moment of anger at the price of Kashi® (that I've been buying since my undergrad days) and ventured off to explore other cereals in the "Nature's Market". It was nearly 3/4 the cost of the mainstream brands, and met my personal criteria - whole grain, low fat/cals, organic and comprised of ingredients I could actually pronounce ;) Everything I've tried is quite delish, might I add. ~PC

Product Line [CascadianFarm.com]

• Organic Cereals
• Granola Bars
• Spreads
• Frozen Fruits & Veggies
• Drink Concentrates

Lifetime's "DietTribe" - Season 2 ...

Another size-focused show is set to air its 2nd season, this October 2nd. "DietTribe" follows the lives of 5 diverse women (in culture, size, weight loss experiences) as they maintain their day-to-day obligations, on a 90 day program. Guided by professional fitness trainer and health expert, Jessie Pavelka and psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser, the ladies will work towards developing healthier and happier lives. Missing last season, I'll definitely tune in to see what it's about - this go round. ~PC

Season 1 Before & After Photos

Season 1 Full Episodes (Online Video)

Lifetime.com's Season 2 DietTribe Page

(The New Cast)

"Sisters Stephanie Taulealea (40) and Tiffany Young (36) have shared everything about their lives, including their bad eating habits and gastric bypass surgeries. Despite the medical procedures, they have gained back most of the weight. The sisters know now is the time to take control of their weight and their lives. Stephanie and Tiffany enlist the help and support of their "softball mom"-friends to reach their weight-loss goals. Joining Stephanie andTiffany are Mary Lasnier (38), a stay at home mom who has packed on the weight; LaNessa Watson (27), the only "non-mom" in the group who suffers from low self-esteem; and Rita Porter (33), a former athlete who longs to regain her old body."

I'm back ... like I forgot something ... ;)

Who does that? Abandons a personal blog for a few weeks, retreating only to emails and twitter? ... lol ... umm moi? What's up everyone, I hope you all are well these days. I've been quite involved with work and whatnot, but the calm is approaching! Oh, and this ridiculous MS relapse (which is letting up, thankfully) has almost run it's course. So bare with me as I get my groove, swagger, steez (or lack of) back ;) ... lol ... ttyas ~PC

B: Oatmeal, 2 Pinapple Rings, 3Lg Strawberries

L: 1/2 Panera Tuna Salad on Honey Wheat, Kettle Chips, Strawberry Kiwi Crystal Lite

D: Healthy Choice Lemon Pepper Fish & Rice Pilaf, Freshly Steamed Spinach

Calories: 1,409

Fruits & Veggies: 2.5

Water: 121oz

Exercise: AM: 45 Mins Lt Walk (outdoors) PM: 30 Mins Group Yoga, 30 Mins Elliptical ... Last song playing on the MP3 "What up, What's Happenin'" by T.I.

The BIGGEST Loser ... Season 8

Aside from being one big arse (pun intended) infomercial, lol ... I'd be remiss if not to e-scribble a few thoughts on The Biggest Loser premier last night. Pulling 10.3M viewers (surpassing both summer reality hits "More to Love" and "Big Brother" finales, sharing the time slot).

Disclaimer: I see this show as more entertaining, than inspirational. It does fulfill this everlonging obsession of us on journeys to see an end. Finding visual instant/seasonal-gratification in the methods of "doing what's right", will pay off. Even if it is someone else. Not forgetting, that at the end of the day ... it is a competition oh, and it's TV.

Yes, it's exploitative, but it's relative - in a sense that the majority of Americans are big, and many of that demographic ... want to lose. While shedding 100lbs in 3 months (medically-frowned upon), is good for ratings ... it's not realistic to the average viewer. You know, those of us who don't have the capability to quit jobs, send kids to a babysitter for an extended stay, go into seclusion, hire a celeb trainer, with the luxury a top-class in-home gym, etc. So like it would be silly, to find much inspiration in one of the most sought after quests of human nature (LOVE) as the result of ... someone running through hurdles (literally) of an obstacle course to win a date against 50-11 other chicks, as to not be "eliminated" - all for a man "I'm in love with" on VH1 ... lol

With the growth of the show, marketing products and streaming new revenue - seemed to be inevitable ... Body Bugg, Designer Whey Protein, and Brita Water Filter all leading the barrage last night. I think they all had on Asics tennis shoes too, when they were hopping off of that tour bus. lol ... Jillian, Bob, and super svelte, new mommy Allison (who looks friggin amazing btw) pushing the products intermittently of the actual show. They kept calling them "tips" ... now, that was funny ... my snarky self chiming in "you mean blatant ads" ... lol. With Jillian herself coming out with a fleet of weight loss pills recently ... more and more ... we're being sold how to lose weight, and not told. <--that's a whole nutha post. I digress.

On to the contestants. I was happy to see everyone going into the venture, not knowing other people. I know they will begin to forge relationships, alliances, and such - but everyone starting on leveled personal slates, was a plus.

Daniel: "The Second Chancer" I was so upset he had to leave last season. It was truly premature, and all at the hands of his former teammate, who wasn't ready to make a change. I'm wishing him great things! [Player Profile]

Shay: The heaviest player ever to make the TBL roster. First off, she's beautiful - and one can only adore her initial essence, after hearing the story of living with an addict mother, raised in foster care - and turning around to become a social worker, herself. Second, was Bob's reaction to her weight - 476lbs, not ridiculous though? I mean, we see she's a big girl, no need to kick her while she was down (or up on the scale in front of 10 million viewers). Anywho, being chosen by Daniel as his partner - I was pleased. And mark them as my 1st string favorite team. [Player Profile]

Coach Mo: Refreshing to see them showcase an older black man. Far too often, they live silently suffering. Purposely dismissing a doctor's visit, ignoring soon to become detrimental side effects-and keeping hush. I've witnessed this commonly contrived demeanor among black men, in my own family. After years of self- physical neglect, by the time all was discovered, it was simply too late. Looking forward to witnessing this coach's lifestyle change. [Player Profile]

Abby: (the lady who lost her husband and 2 children in a car accident) certainly stood out to me. Amidst her former contestant's declarations of changing to be around for their children, spouses, etc. She no longer had that. Losing it all, and having the strength, will and desire to accomplish all that's still in her path - takes a new kind of dedication. [Player Profile]

So ... did you watch it? Have any favorites yet? Thoughts? ... ~PC