Life with Chere Michelle

Inspirational Rambles by one Veggie girl trying to live happy & healthy.

Archive for category Weight Loss

Now That Hockey is Over…

Jun 19

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Vegetarian, Weight Loss | No Comments

I have no excuses to NOT exercise and to not have these extra pounds come off. Ideally I’d love to drop the weight before My Guy and I go to the UK in September. That’s my goal and since it’s not a huge amount of weight, I feel it’s a realistic and attainable goal. You know, even when it’s not alot of weight, it’s enough that clothes don’t feel right on my body, my self esteem is lower and overall I don’t feel very positive. I try not to let it bother me and just let my mind settle on it late at night; usually when I’m in bed. I promise myself to be more comfortable in my own skin and to lose these extra pounds safely and intelligently. If you have a goal you can set, and join me in the journey, all the better! This is one task that’s better done with someone for sure…

Clockwise top left: Potato & Cauliflower Curry, Chana Masala, Mango Chutney, Roti, Vegetarian Tofu Chili and Rice with Cumin Seeds

Today My Guy dished up an amazing vegetarian meal before we headed to (how appropriate) VegFest!  He started this food last night because curries and chili get better with time and he wanted them to sit. This my readers, is how I eat. My Guy is a genius with East Indian food which is fabulous because it happens to be MY COMFORT FOOD. I find Indian food soothing, warming, satisfying and the fact it’s mostly vegetarian makes my soul happy. I know the chili isn’t Indian but it happens to be something Moops thoroughly enjoys (as do I of course) so it was a welcome addition. All this food was completely vegan and cruelty free- and how good does that taste! The curry was thickened with coconut milk if you’re wondering why it’s so light coloured. All I can say is WOW. I am one lucky girl.

Once we stuffed our bellies we wandered over 2 blocks to VegFest and the Car Free Days on Main Street. Now I love the idea of car free days and letting people take over the streets….what I don’t love however is how 4 neighborhoods have them ON THE SAME DAY. What if I, who live in Mount Pleasant, want to take in Car Free Days in Kitsilano and maybe explore a new side of my city? I can’t unless I rush from one event across town to the other! It’s Sunday…it’s a car free day, I don’t want to rush. I also don’t want to be deprived of checking out the other local neighborhoods and what they have to offer. I’m sure there is a valid reason why they all occur on the same day; probably city permits, logistics and public transit play a role in the decision, but I don’t like. Not one bit.

My Guy and one of his bands (he’s in a few), called The Singles, performed at the Main Street Car Free Days. They are a Motown/Swing/Funk/Rock cover band with My Guy on the drums. They had people grooving and tapping thier toes all the while munching on top-notch vegetarian fare. The only thing that would have made it even better was if the sun made an appearance, but we saw not even the slightest glimpse all day. (If the link for The Singles doesn’t work, please let me know- here is the MySpace link…)

Of course today was Fathers Day. Moops and I took out My Guy for breakfast at dinner time, and now we’re just chilling out. As My Guy sat down on the couch he sighed and said, “Ah this is what it’s all about. Just relaxing at home with the people I love…” I couldn’t agree more! They’re watching a movie on Netflix while I try to write something that may appeal to some readers out there…My father lives far away so while I can’t spend time with him on this day, we have the phone and the computer. Unfortunately due to the damn postal strike my lovely hand made card is sitting God-knows-where waiting to be delivered…

Sleep well tonight my friends, hug your loved ones and be thankful for all you DO have. Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers!

Keep me updated if you’re joining me on shedding a few unwanted pounds…

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Colonix and Dr Natura

May 27

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Vegetarian, Weight Loss | No Comments

I’ve decided it’s time. I will re-start the Colonix Cleansing program. Part of me regrets quitting after 1 month but I didn’t see or feel these dramatic results so many people have told me they experienced. No doubt I gave up too easily. My tummy hurts with it’s bloating. I feel lethargic and tired and never really satisfied with how things are ‘moving’ along, you know? So what do I have to lose? The kind folks at Dr. Natura were gracious enough to send me samples and I foolishly gave up…so with what I have left I’m embarking on this journey again. This time I’m determined to give my body a chance to cleanse and heal…stay tuned.

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Another Wednesday…

May 18

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | No Comments

I’m sitting here with the game on and Moops on the other computer playing Mario. I’ve just disappointed her because yet again, I can’t make the damn Wii work. I have been shown how to hook it up (because we’ve got a different than normal set up) several times, but when I went to do it tonight, nothing was as it should be. I know it’s because we watched a DVD the other night, and the settings are different…I just feel like such an idiot. I’ve disappointed Moops who wanted to play Boom Blox and now I’m mad at myself for a) not getting it and b) wondering why I can’t seem to understand these extra steps to go through when I want to do something with the Wii or Netflix. I’m feeling stupid and sorry for myself right now…My Guy isn’t home, obviously…or else we would be ‘up and running’ smoothly. Thankfully Moops is a good kid (and no doubt has already forgotten I couldn’t hook up our game) and can amuse herself…but I’m feeling kinda bummed!

I think later tonight I’ll take a little walk or a bike ride. These past couple of weeks with the non-stop rain that has hit the city, really took a toll on me. I was struggling to stay awake; it’s amazing what a little sun can do for my spirit though. It shone today in a perfectly cloudless blue sky. Heaven. I was inside the clinic working, but I did manage to find little reasons to wander around outside and soak up some precious (and much needed) Vitamin D. It feels as though Vancouver never really got Spring, and now summer is a month away! I have so many hopes and plans for the summer; we’re not going anywhere, but my goal is for us to be outside in the garden or out on our bikes making the most of it.

Hopefully this warm weather is here to stay because it’s so much easier to get, and stay, motivated to exercise. We all know exercise is crucial to our well being, our self esteem and our outlook on life- and when we forget to do it the effects can be debilitating. Isn’t it so much easier to go for a walk after work in the sun, rather than to trudge through the rain? When it’s sunny maybe you want to walk to work, but if it’s raining? Not so much. I’m not making excuses, I’m just being real. Sunshine and warm weather makes me want to get outside, and if I’m out there I will exercise. I can’t stress how important exercise is. We all have to make an effort to get out each day and move our bodies. One of my ideas was to go out for a bike ride BEFORE work. I thought it might be a nice way to begin the morning with the fresh air and few cars on the road. Part of me isn’t quite ready to ride to work, only because I’m having trouble overcoming my fear of riding in busy traffic and since I’d have to go through the downtown core…I couldn’t possibly avoid the traffic! I got dinged by a truck 2 weeks ago on a ride and I’m having trouble shaking that…

I’m feeling very thankful these days. I absolutely love My Guy and when I look at him I think, “I waited years to meet you, but I’m so glad I found you.” Do you know that feeling? I get a little thrill when I receive a silly text message from him…or when he rubs my shoulders for no reason. I don’t need a man in my life for it to be complete- but it’s certainly a lovely life to have when you’re with someone you love. The only thing that is missing is a job that pays me what I’m worth for what I do, and for the care we all put into animals. It’s a shame Animal Health pays so little…we all do it for the LOVE and the desire to help those who can’t ask for it…but it’s sometimes a thankless job. I love what I do, I truly do…but it doesn’t pay the bills necessarily every month. I wrestle with that; the need to move on in order to survive. I’m just weighing the pros and cons…

Are you happy where you are? Are you doing what you love and surviving? If so, my heart is happy. There’s no better feeling.  Hold on to it.

That’s it tonight. No reviews and no “things I’m curious about” etc. Sorry to disappoint! Just me and my evening rambles and I thank each of you, as always, for reading.

Now go pull your bike out of the garage or storage area, clean it up and make it road worthy…and join me in MOVING YOUR BODY.

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Saturday Thoughts

May 7

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Keep Moving, Weight Loss | No Comments

I got up today to the rain. I wanted to go right back to bed and sleep the day away. In fact, as I type this I’m watching a hail storm out my living room window; the hail stones are bouncing up as they hit the ground and pummeling the window. Ah Spring, how lovely you are…

Instead of going back to bed this morning though I decided to walk to work. No, I don’t work Saturdays but I told myself awhile back that if the gas ever goes to $1.40/litre or above, I have to think of an alternative method of getting to work. Since I moved off of the North Shore where I work, getting there isn’t as easy on transit…but of course it’s do-able. I don’t want to take transit though because is that going to save me any money, really? I drive a VERY economical car and the price of a transit pass in this city is pretty high…so no, transit wasn’t what I was thinking.

I thought I could always walk. I love walking. I knew the driving time and distance, but had never tried to walk it so today was a test run of sorts. I only planned to walk to Stanley Park, not actually walk across the bridge today, just to see how long it would take me. My house to the park is almost 6 km and I got there in just over 56 minutes and there is still a long way to go. Realistically, if I walk to work it COULD take me awhile. Once I timed myself, I needed to walk home of course…so I cut through the West End and took the Seawall home. The scenic route so to speak…now I’m dead-tired.

These ridiculous gas prices make me so mad. There is no reason for it and yet we will keep paying it…there will always be a group of people who can afford the higher prices and will keep buying. I’m seriously not sure how long I can justify the purchase though.

I can bike to work too. That’s a possibility. Something about cycling through downtown scares me though and it’s a silly fear. This city is COVERED IN BIKE STREETS. I have options.

That’s what is on my mind this rainy Saturday. I’m staring out the window thinking how lucky I am not to have been caught in that downpour earlier…and how schizophrenic the weather here is. Hours ago the sun was shining through the clouds and I was walking without my coat. Now it’s stop and start hail…

Sunshine where are you?

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Spring, where are you??

May 5

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | No Comments

I heard it was Spring. You know, the season…Spring. The time when the sun comes out, flowers start to bloom and ‘new life’ awakens in nature, and in our souls. It seems in my neck of the woods, on the Wet Coast, we get a day of blissful sunshine followed by 2-3 days of dreary rain. Just last night, and the night before even- I was out on my bike in only a t-shirt, sweating under the early evening rays of sun. Tonight I donned a sweater and  just turned on the heat. What’s wrong with this picture?? It’s May 5th for crying out loud! I heard an announcer on CBC this morning say yes it was another day of rain but this was needed to get all the flowers and plants ready for a scorching hot summer…hmmm. I can only hope.

It gets increasingly difficult to exercise outside when the rain keeps falling. I want to be out on my bike but I don’t relish riding in the rain- unless I absolutely have to. Like a matter of life & death…Many people I talk to are dragging their asses lately. I don’t know if it’s from the weather, or the countless cold and flu bugs running rampant through our workplaces. All I do know for a fact is, the sun NEEDS to come out and shine it’s life-giving, energy-laden beams down on us.

Unless my scale is broken, and  it very well could be, I *think* I’ve lost a few lbs. I’m glad there’s finally some movement; I felt I was on this plateau of sorts and no matter what I did, I wasn’t getting anywhere. My Guy and I don’t eat much junk food- I guess if we have a vice it would be good wine and micro-brews! But even those are enjoyed in moderation. I think I personally have to admit that I’m (oh god I can’t believe it) getting older – gasp- and weight just seems to go on faster and take twice as long to get off. My metabolism is different now…everything is different now. I need to embrace the change in my life and body but I’m not ready. I’m so not ready!! There’s more I want, more I thought I’d be! But alas, I’m just panicking…point of this story is, I’m not the spring chicken I used to be and have to work a little (alot) harder!

I came across this article and even though it’s from 2010, since it’s about weight loss for summer I thought it applicable for the time. It’s  Celeb-Doc Dr. Oz telling us his 16 Tips for Summer Weight Loss. I like the first one: See Yourself Looking Fabulous. I used to have what I called a Dream Board. It was basically a glorified cork board on the wall but it was where I put things I hoped to acquire, or things I hoped to aspire to…it was where I put my hopes and dreams. But it was VISUAL. I looked at it every day. So this first one of Dr. Oz reminds me of that- picture yourself in what you want to be. How you want to be. Where you want to be. The mind is a powerful thing. I’ll let you all read through the rest of the article and you can decide if the tips are right for you…or if it’s a bunch of malarkey.

I’ll end this post with a little video to warm the heart. Animals never cease to amaze me and this just proves that they do have beautiful, curious souls!! Watch it here.

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Stuff I’m Excited About #5

Apr 18

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | No Comments

Today at work wasn’t the best…I mean it IS work and all…but after work is another story. I drove home with the sun shining and barely a cloud in the sky. I rounded the corner to the back door of my house and noticed My Guy’s motorcycle was gone. I immediately texted him, thinking he better be ON his bike or else it’s stolen. The reason I was surprised it was gone is because it’s not been insured all winter, sitting under the patio looking cold and lonely. I know My Guy was waiting and wishing for the sun to come out so he could get it back on the road…and looks like today was THE DAY. He texted me back and said “Wanna go for a ride?” I got ready in a flash, met him at the door, helmet in hand…

Once we got back from the ride, I traded the motorcycle helmet for MY KICK ASS NUTCASE bike helmet and took off for a ride. I thought I’d take a new route and basically, well, got lost. I went farther into the East side and then turned south…but couldn’t find a bike street to take me back west so ended up almost down by the river…but it was an awesome ride nevertheless! I was actually HOT with the sun beating  down on me, and as I cruised around taking it all in I wondered at the amazing vehicle a pedal-bike truly is. I felt like my legs would take me anywhere I wanted. It was all in my power, I could go anywhere…

The helmet rocks by the way. Totally unobtrusive. Fits like a glove- not too tight and not too loose of course. The strap is wide and comfortable- it’s very light weight…and hell it looks good.

Something else I’m pretty excited about? Netflix. We finally got it. We stopped our cable TV a few weeks ago because honestly, the prices you are expected to pay here by the one major cable provider…starts with an S….ends in a W….are outrageous. Plus we have little choice here in Vancouver…so we decided we’re not going to pay those prices and besides, maybe cancelling cable TV will get us out more. And there is Moops to think of…we all need to BIKE MORE! Anyway I digress. (So excited I  forgot my train of thought…) Netflix. $7.99 a month. Movies. Good TV shows…movies…$7.99 a month. We’re stoked about it and this next month will be a test since it’s the FREE TRIAL and if all goes well, we like it….hey $7.99 is the cost one bloody new release almost at the video store! My Guy is seriously pumped about the documentary selection available…

If you’re like me, the Seal Hunt makes you sick and disgusted. Please check out this amazingly cute, and informative video about the Canadian Seal hunt. Yeah so I’m personally invested a little in it, but put that aside, and watch it because you support those who are against the Seal Hunt. Watch it because you think, and feel, that animals should be the only ones wearing their OWN FUR. Watch it because all life is precious. My heart thanks you…

Now that Spring is really here, get out and ENJOY IT. Seize each day like it’s the dawn of a new beginning. Feel the wind in your hair, get your legs pumping and don’t forget to EAT FRUIT. (oh and your veggies.)

Now go out there. Enjoy. Be. Move. Live.

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This ‘n That

Mar 12

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Weight Loss | No Comments

**First things first, my heart goes out to everyone affected and suffering as a result of the quake and tsunami in Japan. I cannot fathom what anyone over there must be going through and can’t wrap my head around how one moves forward. How a nation moves forward. It makes me feel so small and helpless to be over here…sitting in my warm house with light and food. I can only send positive thoughts.**

—–

I have lots to talk about tonight. Yeah, yeah it’s Saturday night and I should be out and about right? I just love you all so much I NEED to blog and tell you all the good stuff I’ve learned this week! So sit back, hand off the mouse or key pad and listen in…

The other love of my life, Gardein, has just introduced a Meatless Burger. For real. I’ve not tried it of course as it’s so new I can’t really find it here but the Internet is all a-buzz about it and BIG things are expected! I will say however, that in My Guy and I’s opinion, for what it’s worth, we think Presidents Choice Worlds Best Meatless Burger really is the best. This new burger from Gardein has to a) knock our socks off and b) be reasonably priced. While the Presidents Choice burgers aren’t super cheap, they do come in a pack of 4 frozen patties so they last for awhile. I find Gardein sometimes priced too high, so I’m really hoping the burgers are more affordable. (Hopin’ and Prayin’)

I’m back on the quinoa train. I LOVE THIS STUFF. I have been making up a batch at night (1 cup quinoa to 1 3/4 cup water, simmer for 12 minutes, fluff, cool) and then mixing up with whatever chopped veggies, some salad dressing etc and have it as a cold ‘salad’ for lunch. The beauty of quinoa is it’s more than a grain…it’s a PROTEIN. It really is perfect food. This is the food you want in a disaster situation…this is the food that will fuel you…perfectly cooked quinoa should have a slight bite to it and you can see the separation of the kernel a bit. It has a nice subtle nutty flavour to it. I noticed while grocery shopping today, the price of bulk organic quinoa has come down significantly. Funny because it seems everything else has gone UP…

Running out of lunch ideas? Making sure My Guy and I both have nutritious and filling lunches each week day can be a chore. It’s great if we have leftovers from the night before but that doesn’t ALWAYS happen. This weekend I’ll be making up a batch of burritos to stick in the freezer for those times when we forgot to make something….grab ‘n go. This is obviously a more healthy option than buying those frozen little burrito-things at the grocery store full of preservative and salt! I buy multi grain tortillas- the big ones, and whip up a batch of rice. It’s fun to change up your rice; so maybe make Spanish rice one time and just add tomato paste and some chili’s to the rice water…I like to saute up peppers and onions, get a can of re-fried beans ready and begin to assemble. I always top with a bit of cheese and some chili or enchilada sauce; not so much that it makes it a gooey (and fattening) mess, but enough to act like the “glue” when you heat it up later! These burritos have saved me on more than one lunch…

This weeks goal? Get to the gym and/or run at least 4 days out of the 7 coming up. I’m so down on myself and this is exactly what I tell others not to do….do not beat yourself up. Problem is I feel I should know better. I am upset because I lost alot of weight years ago and have slowly put just enough back on to be uncomfortable in my own skin. Very uncomfortable. So I challenge everyone out there, to get up off the couch this week and get MOVING.

That’s all for tonight…

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It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas…

Nov 22

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Weight Loss | No Comments

Yes folks, it’s THAT  time of year again. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas but it brings with it all the temptations of abundant food & drink. This is a tough time for “dieters” and those of us just trying to stay healthy, one day at a time. I honestly believe with a little willpower and a good dose of positive AND realistic thinking, the Holidays can be enjoyed by all of us. First things first: Christmas DOESN’T mean you stop exercising. It’s not a ‘get out of going to the gym or walking etc’ pass. Remember, you can indulge in those Xmas treats but you HAVE TO BURN OFF THE EXCESS CALORIES YOU PUT IN. It’s simple.

Second, don’t deny yourself this season. Don’t put unrealistic expectations like, “I will not eat any chocolate this Christmas” because as devoted as you may be, this is only asking for trouble. It’s OK to indulge, just choose the occasions wisely and make it the best damn indulgence you possibly can. I was cruising the Web tonight looking for articles to quote and found this one from The Today Show. I know we’ve all probably heard these tips before, but the average person has to hear something at least 8 times before it sinks in…so why not give these tips another quick go?

Third, for all your holiday baking, why not experiment with lower fat recipes? Cooking Light is a great starter-site for this because it not only has a ton of recipes but also articles and straight talk on eating less fat and calories. I refer to this site often for my own cooking and baking…remember it’s OK to have Christmas baking, just put realistic expectations on yourself and if you can’t get to the gym, WALK IT OFF. Get moving any way you can and get your heart pumping…

I work in the health care industry and this time of year we are given endless amounts of chocolate and baking by our Clients. In fact the first tin of cookies arrived today by one of our oldest and dearest Clients….suddenly, I was face to face with CHOCOLATE and you know what? It was so damn busy at the clinic, I had time for ONE chocolate and I was OK with that. I savoured it as I walked out the door at the end of my shift and it was bloody marvelous.

I have a Cookie Exchange to participate in this year and need to come up with a suitable recipe that is equal parts YUMMY and health-smart. I’ve already poured through my cookbooks with no luck so I now turn my attention to the Internet and it’s vast array of information. If you have any recipes you swear by for tasty holiday treats, send ‘em on in!

Christmas shouldn’t be about guilt or negativity. It also shouldn’t be a time we throw our health to the wayside. All it takes is a little planning and responsibility and you CAN enjoy all the season has to offer.

I know I will!

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No More Fat Funny Guy

Nov 20

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Weight Loss | No Comments

Say hello to the new and improved (less 77 lbs!) Drew Carey!

Is this even the same man??

Yes folks, Drew Carey, host of The Price is Right, lost almost 80 lbs the old fashioned way- through diet & exercise. WAY TO GO. Of course I only know what I read online, see on TV and glimpse on the tabloids…maybe he DID have surgery but I’m going with the information I have. He did this the hard way and look how amazing the results are. I know there are real people every day losing weight and I salute them from the bottom of my heart; but I don’t have access to their stories, and I do to Hollywood’s. So a HUGE SHOUT out to Mr. Carey and his svelte new look. Doesn’t it make you just want to get up and go to the gym? My Guy and I are headed there tonight…

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Counting Calories- A Sure Way to Lose the Weight…

Nov 15

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Weight Loss | No Comments

I don’t have trouble believing this story. It’s about a little weight-loss experiment where the author ate a mostly “junk food” based diet (think Twinkies…) and lost the pounds. He did it by cutting calories- so of course this makes sense. This is a common sense answer to an age old equation: If you put in less calories than you normally eat on a day-to-day basis, then you WILL lose the weight….just the same as if you burn more calories than you put into your body you WILL lose weight. Makes total sense right? I think we all need to keep this story in perspective. It’s not about WHAT the author put into his body so much as it’s about HOW MUCH he put into his body. I think he made a really valid point and I hope consumers see this: we need to watch how much we eat. I don’t mean what we’re eating necessarily, because I do believe treating ourselves is a great way to live…but the amount of food we’re ingesting. Simply put we’re eating too many calories.

This site can give you an idea of how many calories you burn on an average day; so what your body needs to function at the level you are accustomed to. If you take the amount and eat LESS calories, along with a regular exercise regime, you WILL lose weight.

Did you know 3500 calories make up a pound? Think about the calorie dense foods/drinks you may indulge in on a daily basis, and then eliminate them. How about soda? Drink alot of that? One can of Coke  has 140 calories approximately. Are you someone who has 3 Cokes a day, 7 days a week? If you cut those out you would see a savings of almost 2800 calories a week! It’s the little things people! How about a little treat with your morning cuppa coffee at Starbucks? Personally I love the Banana Nut Bread but at almost 600 calories a (teeny) slice, I have learned to pass it up. Imagine one of those bad boys 5 days a week? Saying no to that bread is equivalent to a pound of fat. Chew on that.

It’s common sense living. Take the initiative and look at what you’re eating every day. If you’re struggling to lose weight than make a few simple changes with your diet…baby steps…

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