Y- FIT - Reality Weight Loss Journey with Cynthea Wight Hausman - Week 6

 Working out with YMCA trainer Alex Jasinowski

Hello.  My name is Cynthea.  I'm a 40-something single mom who owns her own business and is overweight.  I’m joining the Summer Y-FIT program with Alexandra Jasinowski to take my own advice and make my health a priority.

All calories are not created equal.  I attend many business events and all I want is to eat cheese and use up all of my free drink tickets.  Oh, and still lose weight.  I had a heart to heart with my trainer about it because this is one of my toughest situations regrading food (the other is when I have to go to court and talk over my impending divorce - I'm an emotional eater, remember). 

Alex came up with a great concept when I"m in social eating situations.  She suggested taking a plate and going over the buffet one time and then only eat off that plate of food.  This way you don't have to eat it all at the same time but you can keep track of the calories.  I even went so far as to take a picture of my plate with my phone so I wouldn't have to try and remember everything until I got home to my computer to log it into Calorie King.

With the plate concept in mind, I went to a huge business networking gathering and banked 1000 calories so I could eat what I wanted (cheese!), not go over my 1500 calories for the day and not feel deprived.  I ate 1000 calories of cheese.  Do you know how much cheese that is?  10 one inch cubes. And I loved every inch.  Until the next day when I felt horrible.  I had no energy.  I thought I had played by the rules and figured out how to still do what I wanted.  I still lost weight but, I didn't physically feel good.  It's the last time I'll do something like that.

Weight lost so far: 13.4 lbs.  Has it gotten any easier? No, but I am giving it everything I've got.

Cynthea Wight Hausman is the owner and operator of Cynthea’s Spa, a petite, urban day spa in the heart of Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.

Y- FIT - Reality Weight Loss Journey with Cynthea Wight Hausman - Week 5

 Cynthea working out at the Greater Burlington YMCA

Hello.  My name is Cynthea.  I'm a 40-something single mom who owns her own business and is overweight.  I’m joining the Summer Y-FIT program with Alexandra Jasinowski to take my own advice and make my health a priority.

I am extremely proud of myself today.  I lost my first 10 pounds in the program!  It feels really good.  No, I am not a "perfect" dieter.  I'm not a "perfect" work out scheduler either but, I did my best and I am really excited.  I like to win.  I like to achieve things I set my mind to.  I also push myself really hard to remember the goals I set.  Sometimes in healthy ways and sometimes not.  However, even without being that perfect rule follower, I am still finding success.  Phew.

Alex helped me with one of my greatest challenges - social eating.  I am lucky to have such wonderful friends that invite me to parties and gatherings.  The buffet is sometimes a gauntlet I have to survive.  I do make good choices but, the running total of all the little things I sample gets crazy and hard to remember for later food logging.  Alex made a really great suggestion, take a plate and make a pass at the buffet.  Then eat only what you have on your plate - even if you don't eat it all at the same time.  Genius!  I think that will definitely help.

The other thing I notice is that my crazy sweet tooth is so much better.  Maybe it's because I am not quite as tired in the evening or maybe because I have actual food in my belly from real meals throughout the day.  I'm not sure but, I'm glad it's gotten better.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes, "The journey IS the reward."  That is what I have to hold close to my heart.

Cynthea Wight Hausman is the owner and operator of Cynthea’s Spa, a petite, urban day spa in the heart of Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.

Y- FIT - Reality Weight Loss Journey with Cynthea Wight Hausman - Week 4

With my girlfriends at a summer wedding

Hello.  My name is Cynthea.  I'm a 40-something single mom who owns her own business and is overweight.  I’m joining the Summer Y-FIT program with Alexandra Jasinowski to take my own advice and make my health a priority.

An interesting thing happens when you begin to put yourself higher up on the list of importance . . . LIFE!  Work, family, and a strained interpersonal relationship with a particular person I wish I no longer had to talk to, are part of the fabric of this journey.  Remember when I told you that I am an emotional eater.  Now is a very emotional time.  I am doing a very good job of not over or under eating.  I am doing a great job at keeping up my food log and making good choices.  Losing weight is VERY important to me.  My resolve to take care of myself has been challenged to the core this week.  Sometimes I have to take things in 10 second increments - making choices that take care of me in that 10 seconds.

My goal this week was to maintain my weight loss.  I was sick last week and I'm making my way back into my full training sessions this week.  I did achieve my goal but, I am very motivated to see the scale get lighter.  I hope I'll have a loss to post next week.

Cynthea Wight Hausman is the owner and operator of Cynthea’s Spa, a petite, urban day spa in the heart of Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.

Found it - Clean Eating Ice Cream Sandwiches!

I was searching every where to find this recipe and I finally found it! I am a huge fan of this recipe, especially, when it is still extremely hot outside.

Clean Eating "Ice Cream" Sandwiches
From Clean Eating Magazine July/August 2009

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients

1.5 cups strained low fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup agave nectar
2 tsp vanilla

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine strained yogurt, agave, and vanilla. Stir until blended, then spoon mixture into a shallow 9x9" non-reactive freezer-safe container.
Transfer container to freezer and chill until mixture is starting to freeze slightly around edges, about 45 minutes. Scrape ice crystals from edges with a spatula and mix thoroughly back into yogurt mixture. Continue to blend until creamy again, about 2 minutes. Return container to freezer and repeat this process 2 more times, for a total of 3 times. Each time the mixture will get thicker and harder to blend. After third mixing, return container to freezer until ready to eat, about 2-3 hours. For best results, store tightly sealed in freezer and use within 2-3 days.

Chocolate-Spiked Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

olive oil cooking spray
1 1/4 cup quick-cook old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tsp flaxseed meal
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder (I had more success with out the baking powder - they were flatter)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 large egg white
2 tsp. unsalted almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup dark mini chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray 2 baking sheets with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together agave, egg white, almond butter and vanilla. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients all at once and combine. Stir in chocolate chips.
Divide batter equally into 16 mounds and arrange evenly spaced on prepared baking sheets. Using the back of a slightly dampened spoon, flatten each mound into 2.5 inch circles. Bake 9-10 minutes, until golden. Cool on sheets for an additional 10 minutes before transferring to racks to cool completely. Stored in an airtight container, cookies will keep fresh for 2-3 days.

Putting the two together:

To assemble sandwiches, spoon 3 Tbs frozen yogurt between 2 cookies. If yogurt is too hard to scoop, allow it to warm slightly for a few minutes on counter until desired consistency. Repeat for remaining cookies. Eat immediately of transfer to freezer-safe container and store in freezer until ready to eat. For best results, eat within 2-3 hours of filling cookies.

Makes 8 cookie sandwiches
Nutritional Facts:
calories 260

total fat 4.5g

carbs 50g

fiber 3g

protein 8g

ENJOY!

Enjoying the Warm Weather!

Lifting next to the Winooski River

For all of you reading this blog outside of the New England area: Oh my is hot outside here! Buildings are not setup in Vermont for such heat waves, which makes working out a bit uncomfortable…you sweat all day doing nothing but sit at a desk then you go to an even muskier place to workout?! My first thought is “No thank you! An air conditioned restaurant and my air conditioned condo sounds much more appealing, especially if there is a creemee involved!” The reality is that if I followed through on that decision, I would go crazy and my rear-end would get so wide -- from all the yummy creemees -- that I wouldn’t fit in my new bathing suit! So how do I keep myself comfortable and energized to workout in such hot weather? The key is wearing the right clothing, eating the right food, and staying HYDRATED.

The best type of clothing is light-colored articles made out of breathable and thin fabric. I look for tanks and shorts made out of wicking fabrics, which tend to be thin and very breathable. Wearing the least amount of clothing is also your best bet (that does not mean I am giving you permission to go workout naked). Your body regulates its temperature through sweating and allowing the sweat to evaporate off the skin causing a cooling effect – thermoregulation. Wearing too much clothing incorrect fabrics can prevent your body from efficiently regulating its temperature. The right clothing does make it more comfortable to workout in the warmer temperatures, especially when you are not used to the temperature.

Now: eating the right food in the summer to stay cool and energized… an interesting concept considering a summer past-time for me and most people I know is barbequing. Last time I checked, barbequing produces quite a bit of heat and requires you to stand outside in the heat to cook. Better yet, you cook foods full of fat that sit heavy in your stomach and do NOT energize you for a workout. Also, new studies have shown that direct heat on fattier foods, i.e. hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks, oxidizes the fat in the meat causing it to release carcinogens. Sorry if I just ruined your summer barbeque plans-- I promise I am not the food-police. I love to barbeque, but I make it healthier without having to worry about cancer causing chemicals! The easiest way to barbeque healthy is to not let the fat burn on the meat and don’t put it directly over the flame-- use indirect heat. Also, use leaner meats such as chicken breast, ground turkey breast, sirloin, flank steak, etc. My favorite barbeque tip is using aluminum foil. Simplest recipe: take a pork chop (or chicken breast) and lay it on top of aluminum foil, put a pineapple ring on top of the meat, then drizzle your favorite teriyaki marinade over everything, wrap up the aluminum and throw it on the grill. Another summer foodie past-time would be ice cream or creemees, if you are in Vermont. However, ice cream is full of fat and sugar and does not help the waist line or the summer body. Substitute ice cream with homemade frozen treats. I love freezing berries and grapes and snacking on them to cool off during the day. Also, making homemade “ice cream” sandwiches are quite tasty (recipe blog tomorrow).

Most importantly, STAY HYDRATED! To stay cool you need to sweat and to sweat you need fluids, so drink up! Try your best to drink water all day long. If you find water to be boring throw some lemon, lime, and/or orange slices into your water for some citrusy-pizzazz. Another one of my water tricks is to add watermelon slices and cucumber for a very crisp-melon flavor.

Now that you have all the knowledge of how to stay cool and healthy during the long, hot summer months and still maintain motivation to workout, I’ll see you in the gym!

Y- FIT - Reality Weight Loss Journey with Cynthea Wight Hausman - Week 3

 photo by Brett Luper

Independence Week:

After my first week of training my second week seemed to fly by so easily.  Before I knew it, it was Thursday and I was doing really well.  My body has adapted quickly and I'm not feeling specifically sore from each training session.  Generally tired but, not in a bad way.  I even seem to have enough energy to push the pace when fellow Y-FITers are less then thrilled about the exercising part.  It's hard to breathe heavy and question at the same time (wink).

Friday was our 3rd of July Celebration here in Burlington and because of my schedule with my former Husband, I had my son this year (he'll have him next year).  I co-sponsored a charity event that I feel very strongly about, many friends were there and it was a beautiful night.  Only slightly marred by an outspoken young man standing directly behind me who could make endless conversation mainly about himself to his lady companion.  Food choices were limited and I picked the least fatty thing I could find.  I allowed myself one cocktail but, it seems every photo that was taken of me that night was while I was holding it!

On the 4th my son and I made our way to Lake Placid for a BBQ festival.  He bounced for 4 hours in the bouncy house and we never did get any BBQ but, there was live music and after our hotel room fell through, we had a very nice sushi dinner and drove home to see the Richmond fireworks and sleep in our own beds.  The other alternative was to take our chances with some Kazakhstan hooligans that had seemed to overrun my friend's Inn while she spent the night in the Hospital.  No thanks.

The next day we took a big hike and went on a fossil finding expedition to Isle LaMotte with great success.  But, after that I have been having horrible flu like symptoms and not feeling like myself.  I missed my workout today and stayed home from work.  As I am self employed - I can count on one hand when I have done that. 

The good news is that I lost a good solid 4 pounds this week for a total of nearly 8 pounds so far, the somewhat bad news is that if I simply maintain that loss for this week I'll consider that success.  Other successes include consistent food log entries and drinking lots of water.  Challenges include social eating and drinking (still working on that one!)

Cynthea Wight Hausman is the owner and operator of Cynthea’s Spa, a petite, urban day spa in the heart of Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.

Y- FIT - Reality Weight Loss Journey with Cynthea Wight Hausman - Week 2

 At Miguel's sponsoring a Singles Party with Seven Days

Hello.  My name is Cynthea.  I'm a 40-something single mom who owns her own business and is overweight.  I’m joining the Summer Y-Fit program with Alexandra Jasinowski to take my own advice and make my health a priority.

Day 1: Insanity . . .

Slept late, had to bring my son to the Dr. (like we do almost every Monday).  15 minutes late.  Good report from the Doc. I am supposed to make it to my first workout with Y-FIT at 10am it is now 10:04 and I still need to drive my son back to daycare and then get downtown to the now waiting Press for our interview and weigh in.  Not going to happen.  Decide to bring my son to the YMCA and luckily there is Member Daycare so he can play there while I give my first interview to FOX 44.  I am nervous.  I do well in front of a camera, must be the years of media training on the US Luge National Team.  I think I do an alright job of explaining why this program will help me and why it’s so important to put yourself at the top of the list.  But, deep inside I am feeling like “FAT” on display.  Hi, I’m Cynthea, I’m fat.  It’s mean.  It’s not fair.  But, that is what my inner self is saying at this very moment.  I recognize the inner talk as unhelpful at best and self sabotage at worst.  But, I am hanging in there and not taking it very seriously. There is a huge shift happening right now.  A great shift but, a not completely comfortable shift. PHEW.

Onto my first workout: I feel great! Cardio on the treadmill was challenging but good.  My whole body hurts from rearranging my entire house over the weekend.  I am one of those people who couldn’t write a college paper if there were any dishes in the sink and I can’t begin to think about a new weight loss program when there is a month of clean laundry on the couch waiting to be put away.  I busted my butt getting my surroundings ready for me to be more efficient in my house work and home management so I could send more time working out and spending fun time with my son.  The cardio helped my muscles actually recover from the weekend.   My homework is to food log (ARGH!) and drink lots of water.

Day 3: I have kept my food log and I am totally pi$$#*!  I drink too much and don’t eat enough during the day.  I am a bit sore and tired but holding up OK.  Many events and lots to do at work have my head spinning a bit but, I can’t over think things.  Today I did walk on my treadmill but, all I could muster was to let the dog out and then get on it in my nightgown and slippers for 30 minutes.  Hey, it’s better then not doing it at all!  Yes, squeezing my self into my jogbra and Lycra shorts was too much for me at 6am.  If I could have had my coffee at the same time it would have been even better!  I also realize that I like to chew.  Chewing makes me very happy.  Maybe it sets off some kind of happy endorphins in my brain.

Day 6: I am in PAIN - but, very proud of myself.  I could barely move today.  I managed to get out and do a bit of yard saleing with my dog.  Then we dropped down to the Burlington Farmers Market and I got a massage (from one of my wonderful staff of course.)  My Golden and I went on a walk and I drank lots of water.  I’m feeling better.  

Day 7: Weigh-in - Down almost 4 pounds! Hooray! Now it's time to sweat some more . . . 

Cynthea Wight Hausman is the owner and operator of Cynthea’s Spa, a petite, urban day spa in the heart of Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.