The Big BLOB Weight Loss Blog

At the end of Stage 3 of the Fat March the walkers have now reached New York City … the half way point in their march of 575 miles.

Walk Away the Pounds : The Breakthrough 6-Week Program That Helps You Burn Fat, Tone Muscle, and Feel Great Without Dieting

Wendy walked out on the group. She just quit. The interesting thing about this was listening to her “self-talk.” It was all about how much she was suffering, how much she hated walking, how much she loathed the food. So, with all that negative self-talk it was no big surprise she just gave up.

On the other hand, as annoying as some of the other marchers are, you do hear them talking to themselves and each other more positively. They are saying things, like I KNOW I am going to make it to Washington, I know I can do it. I know if I just do “X” I can do it. And in most cases they are also helping each other as a team … cheering one another on and helping each other stay away from the temptations (donuts).

I think the most important thing I got from this past episode was the importance of listening to what you are saying to yourself.
Are you supporting what you want, with the messages you give yourself and the things you say to others … or are you sabotaging your efforts by telling yourself you can’t do it and announcing it to your friends and significant others?

Stephanie Oakes\’ Burn Off 10 Pounds a Month: The Ultimate Exercise Program for Quick (and Lasting) Weight Loss

There’s yet another weight loss reality TV show.

This one features a group of 12 people who will hopefully lose weight by walking 500 miles … across 9 states. There is money at stake, but more importantly, their lives are at stake because these are a bunch of very very overweight people.

There have already been a few episodes and several people have already dropped out of the race.

The first one to go was a former rapper, who is one of the most self-centered, spoiled and whinny people I have ever seen. In my last blog post I talked about motivation … This woman’s motivation is to be comfortable. Nothing else counts.

Is anyone watching?

Here are some video links so you can catch up:
First episode: http://abc.go.com/primetime/fatmarch/index
Second episode: http://abc.go.com/primetime/fatmarch/index?pn=diary

Melanie

PS … Fat March airs Mondays on ABC

Yesterday a friend of mine phoned in mid afternoon and told me to watch Oprah.

It got me thinking about Oprah and weight loss and this BLOG.

Many of us have watched Oprah over the years as she continually struggles with her weight issues. We agonize along with her when she gains weight and we celebrate with her (and follow along with her programs) when she loses or maintains her weight.

When I first started this BLOG, one of the things I fantasized was that “being out in public” would help me be accountable, would encourage me to lose weight.

It hasn’t!

And then I realized that even Oprah with her millions of viewers watching every pound go on and off and on again … hasn’t helped her.

When you watch programs like the Biggest Loser or the current one FAT MARCH you can see that what motivates people is totally unique to that individual. Some people lose weight for themselves, others because they are part of a team and don’t want to let their team down … and yes, SOME people are motivated by announcing to the world they are going to do it.

What about YOU? Have you figured out what motivates you? Is it health issues? Is it being around for your kids or to see your grandchildren? Is it too look good? Is it to fit in?

No motivation is wrong … but finding out WHAT your motivation is, is one of the keys to permanently losing weight!

This out of the mouth of a fatty!

Melanie

About two months ago, due to the lack of any other TV content … I started watching America’s Got Talent. And, I’ve become a FAN.

What a diverse and interesting bunch of talented folks.

One of the groups that made it into the semi-finals was the GLAMAZONS … a group of 4 FAT gals who are changing the image of what Sexy and Fun is.

These gals come out on stage and are totally sexy and funny. All of the judges just love them and talk about how these gals are great role models. And great role models they are. They know what they want to do and they just go out and get it. Instead of trying to hide their weight, they flaunt it. They are proud of who they are and what they can do.

In one of their last acts they sand and danced to “It’s Raining Men” … I thought I’d just about crack up!! What fun. Hope to see them LIVE in concert some day, and I’ve no doubt that even through they’ve not made it to the finals, they will have a great run, maybe in Vegas or on the road!

Check out their website: The Glamazons

See them preforming for America’s Got Talent Aren’t they fabulous!!

Melanie

The new crop of corn is starting to appear in the stores. So I thought I’d share a cob cooking technique I just love!

I’ve been microwaving corn on the cob for years. It tastes WAY better than the boiled stuff. Couldn’t be easer. I was going to write all about it, but then I found a website that SHOWS you exactly what to do.

I have never soaked my corn cobs, so you could skip that step! I also cook it for less time … about 4 - 5 minutes. It depends on the kind of corn, how big the cob is. Try your first cob for 4 minutes and then adjust up or down from there.

What do you think? I can’t imagine why anyone would go to the trouble of boiling up a vat of water when it can be so easy and quick!

Melanie

Learn how to microwave corn.

OK … so I got slightly over my baking disaster (I am a good baker) and decided to look up the splenda site.

Because I am in Canada, I went to the Canadian Splenda Site … the American Site is actually a bit different, similar content though.

So … I find the baking section and BEHOLD … there are a PILE of differences in baking with Splenda. So I’m annoyed all over again. Why don’t they put this information on their package instead of implying it is virtually the same.

NOW when I read the fine print, I see that they didn’t actually lie, they just don’t come out and say … “HEY dude, make sure you check out the website before you use this in your regular recipes. ”

Anyhow … to give them credit, the Canadian website is great. There are loads of tips and hints about cooking and baking with Splenda and there are loads of recipes.

This one I’m going to try … maybe even tonight. Molten Centre Chocolate Raspberry Cake. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

AND … though I am pretty good on eliminating the need (or desire) for sugar, I DO have the occasional craving, so I guess another few of the following cook books are on my wish list.

Melanie

Fantastic Food with Splenda: 160 Great Recipes for Meals Low in Sugar, Carbohydrates, Fat, and Calories

The SPLENDA World of Sweetness: Recipes for Homemade Desserts and Delicious Drinks

In the past week I have had this incredible urge for CHOCOLATE and for something sweet. So last night I finally gave in and decided to make my favorite brownie recipe.

I have been making this recipe for over 15 years, it is great … dense, slightly gooey brownies which can be made with the bakers chocolate chunks or with cocoa powder.

Since I have been working at cutting down on sugar and carbs, I thought I’d give the Splenda sugar substitute a go.

Now, I’m NOT imagining this … on their package it says .. “Measures cup for cup like sugar. Great for Cooking and Baking.”

So ma I crazy or what, but doesn’t that IMPLY you can use it in your regular baking recipes? That’s what I understood so I blithely started making the very recipe I’ve made hundreds of times over the years.

My first inkling that something was wrong, was when I dumped in the cup of Splenda. The consistency and texture was very different than usual. But, you know I am still believing the advertising, so I keep on going. I mixed in the rest of the ingredients.

My second inkling that something was wrong, happened when I went to pour the batter into the baking dish. Sheesh … it didn’t even cover the bottom of the pan … the same pan I have used for the past FIVE years. HMMMMMMM I said to myself. This is weird.

As the “concoction,” which I now was quite skeptical about, baked. I took my “prize” of the raw batter. YES, I am still a kid. I will admit out here in public that I lick the bowl … and not only do I lick the bowl, but I make sure there is lots to lick! Third inkling that something was wrong … it tasted different and WAY too sweet.

Finally the timer went off and I hauled the MESS out of the oven. Much of the oil in the recipe was now floating on top of a very unappetizing HARD lump of something that didn’t even come near the ooooy gooey incredibly wonderful brownies I was looking forward to.

BOOOOOOOOO ON YOU SPLENDA.

I know that Splenda has a website with recipes and once I overcome my sheer disappointment at the mess I created, I might see if they have a brownie recipe for the next time I have a craving.

I have also seen several “With Splenda” recipe books in the various bookstores and on Amazon. But … for now, I am just TOTALLY annoyed at Splenda for what I consider to be misleading advertising. It is NOT just like sugar. It cannot be used “virtually everwhere sugar is used, even in cooking and baking.”

Total bummer. One Day later and one Splenda cooking disaster later … I am STILL craving a hit of chocolate!

Melanie

Marlene Koch\’s Sensational Splenda Recipes: Over 375 Recipes Low in Sugar, Fat, and Calories

Cooking Healthy with Splenda (R)