Posts Tagged fat

Lions, Tigers and….Wolves? Oh My.

May 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Keep Moving, Nutrition | No Comments

It’s almost the end of May and it’s raining. Again. Or still? No, that’s not fair because we did have a few lovely days last week. Well one comes to mind actually- last Friday. It was clear and sunny….warm even. It’s summer in less than one month and if the sun doesn’t hurry up and hit this city I…I…um, well I don’t know what I’ll do but it won’t be pretty dammit! I. Need. Sun. OK, enough about what I need though and let me tell you what’s been going on lately…

We had a wolf drop by the clinic today. No, not a “pet” wolf- it was a wild one from the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife who needed some medical attention. He came heavily sedated with his OWN Veterinarian and several others standing guard. I have to admit I was expecting this lithe grey coloured wolf like the ones recently featured in a National Geographic article I read…not the HUGE furry white beast that was carried in. His sheer size surprised me- he was massive. Had I familiarized myself with the Grouse Mountain website, I would have known what to expect! Weighing in at only 100 lbs though, it was pretty clear his coat was quite thick and dense thus attributing to that weight. For a ‘small animal practice’ it was pretty exciting to have a wild animal of that kind in our humble little clinic!

Last night, as My Guy and I sat through the most intense, nail-biter of a hockey game he said, “I can’t wait for hockey to be over so we can go for a bike ride again.” As much as we love our dear Canucks and the fact we’re in the Stanley Cup Finals, I don’t think we’ve even so much as glanced at our bikes for the past 3 weeks. Some may say it’s a sad excuse for hockey isn’t on EVERY night after all…but it’s our story and we’re sticking with it. We do have several days ahead of us however before the next game…so really there isn’t a valid reason I can’t get out and ride. Oh wait, yeah I forgot: IT’S POURING RAIN OUTSIDE!! Summer is creeping up on us and I’m not bikini-ready…

I bought a big jug of OJ at my last grocery shop with the intent of getting back into taking my Greens. I used to take this stuff faithfully and felt great while doing it…and then I let life get in the way and I stopped. I started out using the Greens + Extra Energy and then with all the bowel and intestinal issues I had, I thought perhaps the Greens + Daily Detox might be a better product. I really did notice a difference on the Extra Energy but I got lazy. That’s all there is to it. This product doesn’t come super cheap but I truly feel like it’s money well spent because it’s so good for my body. I had some last night and will again tonight. If you haven’t tried the Greens products from Genuine Health I suggest you look into them and give them a try. Plus the website is jam-packed with info so that alone is a great place to start! Personally I’m happy and I’ve only tried 2 of them! Oh if only I could afford more!

Coming soon will be some new recipes and reviews so check back often!

Tags: Canucks, daily detox, extra energy, fat, genuione health, greens plus, grey wolves, Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, lose weight, playoff hockey, the stanley cup, wolf habitat

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…

Tags: drew carey, fat, lose pounds, obese, skinny, the price is right, weight loss

What I’m Excited About #2

Nov 2

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

It’s that time again folks! Here is a mish-mash of stuff that I’m excited about this week…

San Francisco, I love you. Kudos to the powers that be in office for the most recent ban that involves one of my fave-places-to-hate, McDonalds! What have they done now you ask? City Council has decided to BAN HAPPY MEALS (and other “meals” as supplied by these chain fast food joints that offer toys with meals over a certain calorie and fat %). It’s just one little step to making healthy food more accessible to all; especially low income families that eat out at McD’s because it’s affordable…and yes, for the damn toy. I think this is a HUGE move and if other cities can get behind it and enforce the same ban on all other meal-deals for our kids, then we might be on to something…

I’m one happy camper when I stumble upon sites like this. My head was spinning at all the reusable options for lunches, leftovers and more! The name says it all: Life Without Plastic. Yeah man.

Remember back to grade school…did you carry a lunchbox? I remember the start of each school year and the huge decision that faced me…what lunchbox THIS year? This site, Lunchboxes.com, has something to satisfy every desire and every memory. Trust me. I lost myself in this site today. Over and over…

I don't love Hello Kitty, but I do have a soft spot for nerds.

I wanted to talk about Vegan Lunch Box again…I love this lady. And her little Schmoo. Looks like she hasn’t written much LATELY but her blog is a riot to look through, the pics will wow you and make you believe, maybe, just maybe your little one WILL eat their lunch after all. If you’re not familiar with Bento Boxes you really do need to check this site out, or go straight to the source, Laptop Lunches.

Oooh. Ahhh. So pretty. So organized.

Bran Buds. For real. I put them on all my OTHER cereals….yet to try them on salads. But super crunchy and nutty. Is it sad I’m excited about Bran Buds?

Yup. This really gets me going.

Tags: bento, blog, BPA free, bran buds, chere, chere michelle, fat, Hello Kitty, lunch, lunchbox, weight loss

Day 25 of the Colonix Cleanse

Oct 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living | No Comments

I’m not sure about this cleanse. I’m not experiencing any ‘miracles’ or even really *anything* to be honest. I realize it’s meant to be a gradual thing that happens to your body, slowly eliminating toxins and such…but I’m on Day 25. I really only experience relief if I drink the Kleri tea the night before…the longer I steep, the better the result. I feel as if the fiber powder I drink in the morning is just that- fiber….like say Metamucil or another brand name stir-into-juice type fiber. Sure I’ve read all the reviews- both positive and negative and have to wonder about the positive reviews. I’m honestly starting to feel like they are just a tad hyped up…but is this just the cynic in me?

I don’t feel like I have more energy AT ALL. In fact I feel I’m sleeping more poorly, I have more cramping and don’t feel like I’m any more “regular” than I was before I started this program. I feel like I’m literally dragging my ass. The folks at Dr. Natura have been nothing but nice to deal with though; telling me to be patient, each body reacts differently to the Colonix program.While I do appreciate that, I can’t help but wonder why I’m not seeing the results that so many others are? I know, be patient, right? Right. Gotcha.

I am pleased I didn’t spend money on this because I think any program you start like this, you should put some serious thought and research into. I did look into this company, and the product before I started, and felt confident the product was 100% natural and my doctor agreed it couldn’t hurt…it may not help, but probably couldn’t hurt…I do wish in my research however I hadn’t stumbled upon some of the vile pics Colonix users posted – OF THEIR STOOL! – because I think that’s just going a tad too far. I can’t get the images out of my head and frankly, it kind of grosses me out. Pushing that aside though, I wanted to be honest in my reviews of this program because I have readers asking me my thoughts.

It is Day 25 of what is a 90 day program I believe. I don’t feel rejuvenated, I don’t feel miraculous and I’m not super-regular…I’m being patient.

That’s all I have to say tonight Namaste All.

Tags: chere michelle, cleanse, colon, colonix, diet, dr. natura, fat, fiber, self esteem, vancouver, vegetarian

It’s Better with Someone…

Sep 9

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

Don't do it alone...

So I’ve given myself an hour to write tonight…I’m not 100% comfortable still in my ‘writing’ area but it’s shaping up slowly. A work in progress if you will…

I mentioned I’ve gained some weight back lately and My Guy and I decided to work together more vigorously at getting out and working up a sweat. (mind out of the gutter please!) Just knowing I have his support makes a world of difference. I don’t know if the average person, like my co-workers for example, can tell I’ve gained weight but I certainly can and that’s the issue. I’m not totally happy in this body in it’s current shape- so I need to fix that. It’s so much better to have a support system, and have that person you can go out and do things with. If you’re struggling to lose weight, or to even start on a fitness regime- grab a buddy. I can’t stress how hard it is to do this on your own…

When I lost over 50 lbs several years ago, at the beginning of my journey…I started alone. I had just left a relationship, moved to a new neighborhood and was depressed at the recent changes in my life. I felt I had nobody to ask to help me, and so I struggled through alone. I won’t lie…it was hard. Looking back I feel pride I did it yes…but I remember alot of loneliness during that time. There were people I could have asked but I didn’t want to ‘burden’ anyone. I know now, a true friend would NEVER think it a burden to help someone on a path to being more happy and healthy.

Having My Guy to come home to, and walk with or run with just gives me that added little kick-in-the-butt I need. After all, us BOTH getting out and moving only makes our relationship stronger….right?

I’m back to marking on my calendar with a funky little sticker, when I do get out and get my heart racing and blood flowing. I suggested this a few years back when I needed any little thing to keep me going…and I still stick to it. Looking at the calendar covered in smiley faces and seeing my effort laid right out in front of me really makes me feel good. Life is short and we gotta take care of the little things that make us feel GOOD. Plain and simple…

Grab a buddy, get out, get moving and feel how good it can be. Remember baby steps and go at your OWN PACE…

Love CM

Tags: blog, blogging, buddy system, chere, cheremichelle, diet, fat, healthy, healthy living, thankful, weight loss

Realistic Goals

May 29

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | 5 Comments

Goal Setting. Ouch. Those 2 words diets and fitness regimes always bring up…

This is where things can get tough. Setting personal goals can be really challenging because we don’t want to fail and often put extremely high hopes on ourselves. The key to reaching your goals is to search within yourself and really ask what you want, and what YOU can do. Setting realistic goals will make achieving them easier because you can see the end and you can visualize the result.

A good example of an unrealistic goal is, “I need to lose 50 lbs. by summer time”. And let’s say summer is 4-5 months away. This goal seems so far in the distance and the amount of weight is astronomical to me at this stage in the game. Personally, I want to set a more realistic, reachable goal such as, “I will lose 5-10 lbs. THIS MONTH and exercise EVERY OTHER DAY for at least 20 minutes.” I know I can work at this goal because it’s a) short term, b) the lbs. to lose is within reason and believable and c) I’ve given myself a little extra with the goal of exercising every 2 days. Which one would you set for yourself and KEEP?

In your journal, write down 5 goals you would like to set for yourself and look at how to incorporate them into your life as soon as possible. This is where your daily affirmations come into play too as you can reinforce your goals daily through them!

Tags: chere, cheremichelle, diet, exercise plans, fat, fitness, goal setting, goals, journal, weight loss

Potassium. Load Up!

May 26

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

So for those of you who read me regularly you know I have posted about my bad back. I also have serious knots going on all throughout it, that sometimes render me pretty useless. Like today. My back was pretty much seized up and I made it through the day slightly drugged up on robaxacet…and cut my work day short by an hour. This isn’t a good way to live or function. I was talking to my dear friend tonight and she mentioned she had ‘heard’ something about potassium helping with muscle pain. I admit I had not heard this before so I looked into it…and I was floored. I knew it was an important nutrient obviously, but I didn’t know ALL that it did and why exactly I should make sure to have it in my diet.

So benefit number one has got to be that a diet rich in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes, and we all know that is good news. But did you know that sufficient potassium in your diet can also soothe feelings of anxiety, stress and irritability?

If you’re lacking potassium in your diet, you could experience serious fatigue, a slow down of reflexes and muscle cramping. (of course I must state if you are feeling like this for an extended period of time, you really need to go to the doctor to rule out anything else…). Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m trying to walk against the current, constantly being pushed back but too exhausted to find another route. I do know a part of it is the winter blues and a combination of some other life issues going on…but this information about potassium really strikes a chord in me. I feel I need to up my potassium intake; I need to see if it helps with my back seizing up. I figure I have NOTHING to lose, right?

So how will I get this extra potassium? Well, a banana has 400 mg….and what is more convenient than putting one of these bad boys in your lunch bag or grabbing one on the go? All my research seems to indicate the recommended daily intake should be 3500-4000 mg but realistically, we eat about half of that a day. Most fruits and vegetables are a great source of potassium so make sure to always get enough….

Other potassium rich foods are:

- Lima Beans: 1 cup has 1000 mg. I love this bean. Seriously. With a smidge of butter and pepper.
- Cantaloupe: 1/2 of a 5″ melon has 975 mg. Yum! Quick snack? 1/2 melon with cottage cheese.
- Potato: 1 medium sized tater has around 900 mg and really, is there a more versatile veggie??
- Fresh OJ: 1 cup will give you 975 mg.
- Papaya: 785 mg in 1 papaya. I do not eat enough of this fruit….

This is really only a handful of the foods out there….bottom line, if we’re eating a balanced and nutritious diet with the fruits and veggie requirements our bodies need, then everything is good. Personally speaking, I’m adding a little extra potassium to my daily diet!

Love Chere Michelle

Tags: banana, blogging, diet, fat, nutrition, potassium, supplements, weight loss

I feel pretty, oh so pretty!

May 25

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

Since I’m always bumming around the Web, when I come across articles or blog posts that catch my eye I want to share them. That’s what happened with this post entitled What it Feels Like for a Girl that I stumbled across this evening. The author tells us about the lengths a friend of hers go through to be attractive to her partner. I urge you to read the post because the style is really engaging and you will get a definite feel for what women feel they MUST do in order to be attractive.

I believe women fall into 2 categories: some do it for themselves and some do it for their partner or mate. I do think there are benefits to both…let me explain. I’m not saying you should do everything your partner wants you to do (in regards to your look) but if you know they like a certain ‘something’ it’s great to throw that into the mix every once in awhile right? But women should also be going through their lives looking HOW THEY WANT TO LOOK because they have to be comfortable in their own skin. This is so important and again, ties to the whole self-esteem issue I’ve talked about.

The post I read largely focuses on makeup. It got me to thinking about what I do on a daily basis. I like to think I’m low maintenance. Basically I tip my head upside down after I shampoo my hair and aim the dryer at it….no fussy styling. I will usually run the straightener through it if I have the time, only because it smooths out the frizzies my somewhat curly hair has. That’s it. As for makeup? Eyeliner. I need to wear it or my eyes disappear into my face. Seriously. I like a bit of color on my cheeks too because, the silly little girl in me, thinks it makes me look younger.

But other than that I’m pretty plain and I’m happy with that. I can’t imagine putting on face make up and powder every single day…I can’t imagine putting on full eye make up and choosing shadow colors every morning! It’s just not me. I think if a woman is happy with wearing make up daily, with wearing lingerie, or with getting waxed…then by all means DO IT.

Do it for yourself.

I shave my legs when I’m single…and I always paint my toenails, but never my fingernails….this never changes. There are certain things I do for myself…such as wear perfume! I need my scent. I’m lost without it.

Going back to feeling good about ourselves, these are the little things I do to feel good about MYSELF daily. Think about what you do daily, weekly or monthly, and WHY? Are you changing yourself for someone else? Or are you simply doing what you need to feel good?

Love life. Love yourself.

Tags: community, depression, fat, nutrition, obese, pretty, self esteem, weight loss

Self Esteem: Why does it seem so hard to keep hold of?

May 25

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

Do you think that beautiful woman you pass by every morning at the train station, smartly dressed in a pinstriped suit, with perfect shiny hair and makeup has high self-esteem? What about the chubby teenager with acne who grabs your coffee at Starbucks in the morning- think she has it? Or your boss? Your mother? Your best friend?

The first thing that pops up in the dictionary when you look up self esteem is “a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self respect.” Well. When it’s put this way it almost seems EASY to understand! Respect- we all want that don’t we? So it shouldn’t be hard to give it to ourselves…

So why are we struggling? What will it take for us to look in the mirror and actually like that face or body that we see there? This is the body we were given; it’s the only one we are EVER going to get so we really have no choice but to accept it. Of course we have the choice to fix it, or better it so that we may like what we have more. This is why we exercise, why we wear makeup and style our hair so painstakingly every morning. We either don’t like what we see, or we simply want to elaborate on it.

I’m not concerned with what you do on the outside to make yourself look pretty, or feel stylish- I do it too. Do you know how hard I struggle to straighten my hair? Or how I still look at the cellulite on my thighs and wonder for a moment what it would be like to have smooth legs? I’m concerned with what’s going on in your head to make you feel that you aren’t worth giving yourself the self-respect you deserve. You may grumble about not getting respect from others; perhaps it’s a pattern you repeat with men, or with female friends you attract. Have you stopped and asked yourself- are you showing the world that YOU respect YOURSELF? I’m not trying to berate you- I’m just putting a simple question out there. Think about it. How do you appear to others?

Do you let people walk all over you? Do you stay in a situation you know you should be out of, or deserve better, such as a relationship or your job? Do you not speak up to people and let your opinion be heard instead of letting others decide for you? These may seem like such small things on this page but when you add them up, they really do speak volumes.

Actions speak louder than words. Think about this statement. Why do we find it so hard to say what we really want? We may want something so bad, but our actions tell a completely different story. And since we’re not saying otherwise, this is what outsiders see and come to know about us. Until you find your voice, nothing can really change.

Tags: blog, blogging, chere michelle, confidence, diet, fat, obese, self esteem, skinny, weight loss