Hi, everyone,
I’m sorry I didn’t return yesterday – DH was on my computer all day getting everything set up and transferred, etc. This morning I met my mom halfway between here and her house for her to take my girls for a visit this week. They’ll be at my parents’ house for a couple of days, then they will go with them to a conference at a very nice resort. They go with them every year, but this will be the last since my dad is retiring at the end of July. I will enjoy lots of time to myself this week! By the way, I am an INTJ – the IT&J are very strong; I think the N used to be an S.
A couple of you asked about the Abs Diet – I read the original book and the one for women last summer when DH and I needed a jumpstart to eat better and drop a few pounds. It made sense to me and was not difficult to follow. There’s nothing *weird* about it IMHO, and his meal plans aren’t a huge pain. In fact, some of his recipes are pretty good. It’s not all that different from how we eat generally when I’m not being lazy about food prep. Here’s a blurb about it from a review online:
*Hidden under the glossy marketing-speak in the Abs Diet, you will find sensible and workable ideas for fat loss. The principles are not new, but simply repackaged for a different market. In fact the program is quite similar to Body For Life. . . . The Abs diet contains a 7 day meal plan, made up of 12 ‘power foods’ (almonds & other nuts, beans & other legumes, spinach & other green veg., dairy, oatmeal, eggs, turkey & other lean meats, peanut butter, olive oil, whole grain breads, whey protein, berries), along with recipes. One meal per week is designated as a ‘cheat’ meal - where you eat anything you want. The book advises avoiding foods like fatty meats, processed/refined carbs, high-sugar foods. . . . The Abs Diet pretends to be something new. However it is simply a basic guide to strength training, good nutrition, and exercise. It provides good sensible nutritional advice, and, if followed correctly would result in weight loss and improved overall conditioning.*
So there you go.
Tneah – I admire you (and Lainie & Deb) for being willing to do your own color – yikes! I would undoubtedly look like a freak if I did my own. About your comment to BG about the point of doing your program – I truly believe the point is sometimes just the challenge – stretching yourself, seeing what you’re made of, digging deep. I learned that when I ran my first marathon. I also quickly learned that you can’t stay in that good of shape if you’re not training at that level, but there’s some huge value to having done it!!! (sorry – that was probably just blah, blah, blah)
Leanne – I’m not sure it’s going to work out for me to hook up with Lorrayne and Laura after all b/c we’re flying different airlines into different terminals, etc. Oh, well – I’m a big girl – I can manage on my own, I guess.
That gospel brunch sounds very interesting! You totally read my mind on the *pee* versus *nipple* thing; I was wondering which one had the most references on our thread.
Shelley – I also do NOT pee in the shower. OH, NO about RT!!!!!! I’m soooo sad; I was sooo excited about meeting you!
Deb – You can see exactly what I’m eating all week at this website (each day is on a different page) --
http://www.menshealth.com/cda/artic...item=c54a99edbbbd201099edbbbd2010cfe793cd____
I think some of the recipes have different names in the Women’s book. I occasionally make substitutions, if necessary; for example, I sent yogurt in DH’s lunch today b/c a cup of milk wasn’t feasible. It helps me get on track because it tells me exactly what to eat, and I don’t have to think about it or count the calories myself, although his calories are sometimes higher than what I end up with because I use lighter ingredients. And, as I said above, I like it because it’s not too *weird*.
Robin – Hope you’re enjoying your day off! Your trip to the Finger Lakes wineries sounds so fun! I like both red and white. All I’s need plenty of E’s in their lives – otherwise, we’d just be clammed up it our hermit shells all the time.
Let us know what color paint you pick.
Shannon – Hope you are having a lovely day off!!!
Lainie – You are awesome!!! I just clicked over and saw *our* forum on your blog! I’ll go do a test post when I finish here.
Allison – That picture was sooooo cute!!!
BG – Amy’s ice cream in Austin makes the beer ice cream. They don’t have it all the time, though. If you ever are down here, let me know, and we will track some down.
Peggie – I’m like you and Lainie – I just say what I think. I guess sometimes it steps on toes, but that’s not my intent. I’m frank, but never intentionally unkind.
Okay, I’m off to work on laundry and to do B&G – I may do the Leg Blast premix that Leanne loves.
