Seduced by a Cuban

I was just sitting in my office, minding my business when suddenly I realized it was lunchtime, 1:00pm.  I’ve made a decision to bring leftovers of previous night’s dinner to work as my lunch for the follow day.  I was determined to do this yesterday.  I brought in fettuccine with meat sauce and sautéed spinach.  YUM!!  I was ready.  Then one of my coworkers comes towards me with a brown paper bag with what looks like a sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil.  I was curious.  She told me it was indeed a sandwich, Cuban style.  I started to salivate.  I began to feel heart palpitations.  She notices my reaction and offered me half of the sandwich.  At first, my brain told me to say NO.  My stomach also known as Emilio, said, PLEASE?????  I was at a crossroads.  A picture of my doctor appeared in my mind’s eye, saying, “You know what to do and what not to do.”  I had another thought, Jennifer Hudson (skinny version, not Dreamgirl version).  She told me to eat the half of the Cuban style sandwich and track the points appropriately like a good weight watchers member.  Emilio agreed with her (He loves pork).  So my doctor was out numbered (I conveniently left myself out of the equation). 

So I ate half of the sandwich.  I did not feel guilty; I felt good.  That sandwich seduced me.  That slick pork filled buttery goodness took my breath away and filled my tummy with warmth.  I thanked my coworker for sharing.  I tracked the points appropriately just like Jennifer Hudson told me to do.  I was glad she approved.  The moral of this story is simple.  PORK RULES!!!  Seriously, I did indulge in eating the porky sandwich.  I did not overdo it.  I am still in the beginning stages of this transformation.  This is not an excuse, it's reality.  I am working at changing my habits and creating new ones.  It truly was a test.  I don’t think I failed.  I think I at least got a 70. 

Stay Tuned.

What's OLD is NEW, again.

I just came across this old post on my old blog, EL GORDO Speaks:

1-22-11
This is my first blog for 2011. I have made a decision about my health. I am taking charge of my weight. I have decided to enter this year with a renewed spirit and energy to get my weight under control. I know this is a new year's resolution. I have to admit I am sounding a bit different and contradictory as per my last post. But I am only human. In the meantime, I will still be on here, speaking for all the big guys around who are working at this weight loss resolution and still want to look good in the interim. Stay tuned.

I am posting this here on my New Blog as a testament to the weight loss struggle we overweight people go through. We truly do have a desire to lose the weight. None of us want to be overweight. All I can say is life happened (finishing Masters degree, finding new gig) but I ignored my health. I allowed my weight to increase and I lost focus. I stopped going to the gym (an enrollment I paid for throughout this period). Even as I write this I am noticing the pattern of my weight loss journeys of the past. I was thinking and acting like I had it all under control; as if i was actually making plans and taking the REAL steps towards a change. i was really pre-contemplating my decision to change. I am determined not to repeat mistakes. I've learned my lesson.

Stay Tuned!

What's For Dinner?

As part of my 2013 weight loss journey, I am starting off by planning my dinner meals in advance.  Not just for the week but a whole month.  I think being organized in this way will help me stay focused on losing weight without the worry of “what’s for dinner?”  Also, planning so far ahead can help prevent ordering take out, which is a demon I have faced for many years without victory.  I am also categorizing each night based on the type or style of food.  For example, Tuesday is Pasta Night while Thursday is Chicken Night.  Along with the entrée I add a shopping list for that dish.  This list is based on what I know the recipe will need and what I already have in my fridge and pantry.

I know this might be extreme for some.  Listen, I understand completely.  I haven’t even started eating from the pre-set menu and I can already see how overwhelming it can be.  I am willing to give it a try.  Who knows, it might become a trend.

Here is an example of one dinner:

Thursday – 1-17-13
Chicken Piccata with Roasted Red Potatoes & Broccoli
Shopping List
Capers
Lemons
Shallots
Potatoes
Broccoli

Stay Tuned!

Watch Your Weight!!

I am a member of Weight Watchers.  I must say, it does work.  I have lost weight, in the past, when I adhered to the program and counted my points.  Unfortunately, i gained the weight back once I began to slack off with counting my points. I have to get back on track with tracking my points for each meal. The point system does help with being aware of the portions of my food intake and eating healthier foods. 

I think it gets frustrating having to count points for each piece of food you put in your month when you feel trapped by lack of time, focus or options.  I participate in the program exclusively online. I don't attend meetings.  I'm not saying those who do are better or worse than myself.  It's truly preference for me.  Weight Watchers does set you up to succeed as long as you pay attention. I'm ready to get my eating back under control, especially with this back pain issue.  Exercise has to be very minimal for now.  Eating healthy does take effort. I'm up for the challenge again.  

New Year. New Blog. New Purpose.

I'm here at home on day 3 of 2013 with extreme back pain. My doctor tells me the ONLY way to eliminate the pain is to lose weight.  Those of us who are familiar with this statement will understand what I'm about to say.  WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE ATTRIBUTED TO BEING OVERWEIGHT??

Okay I'm done yelling.  Usually, I would get very defensive and angry when ANYONE would suggest or recommend I lose weight. Don't get me wrong, I KNOW I have to lose weight. I'm not delusional.  I'm just stubborn.  I now know I have no choice but to lose weight. I am now at my largest weight and I'm in my early 30s. I don't want my health to get worse. I've got to get serious about this.

So here I am, laying in bed, resting my ailing back and I realized my blog could use a redesign or makeover. I've decided to take this weight loss challenge and share my journey here. As with my previous blog, I'm gonna vent from time to time, but mostly it's about my experience with reshaping my body and health. 

Stay Tuned!

New Gig!!

Today's work is over. It was my first "official day" at the new site. I'm still with the same agency, Jericho Project. They have truly been good to me during this journey of graduate school. Now with that chapter closed I start a new chapter in a new building working with veterans. This is a new challenge but I'm open for it. I believe in this work. There should never be any such person as a homeless veteran. It's ridiculous. I'm prepared for this new endeavor. Working at a new site comes with its moments. Meeting new people, new personalities, new atmosphere. It's like being in a spin-off show. I feel like George Jefferson, moving from All In The Family to a "deluxe apartment in the sky." I don't know what the future holds but I do know who holds the future.

Stay Tuned!!

Crying!!!

Should I be angry at the little girl crying her face off on the bus this morning or her mother for not getting off the bus? I'm trying to get to work this morning. This baby is literally crying her face off. I can see it. She is one unhappy child right now. She has no words yet. If she did I know she would tell her mommy to get the f#*@ off this bus & let's figure out what's wrong outside this confined space. Sorry parents but I'm just saying.