Fat Boy Wreck-Tennis Accident

Can you believe this weather, for December.  Felt like a spring day out  So, Tracy and I decided to go play Tennis today.  I got Tracy a new Tennis Racket for Christmas, to stimulate our getting out, exercising, getting healthy.  Great Plan....!

We got out to Ber Juan park, and no one was on the courts.  We start by volleying the ball back and forth, getting loosened up and getting our swing back.  It has been a bunch of years since we have played.  The Weather was beautiful and I was feeling my oats (or my oatmeal from breakfast.)

We both had some wild shots, and we spent a lot of time chasing the ball.  More chasing than volleying.  Well, I decided to Andre Agassi an overhead ball as I chased to my right and to the back of the court.  Well, me being a "FAT BOY" means I am pretty thick on the upper end, and I am not talking about between the ears.  Not saying that I am not thick between the ears cause I am, I am talking upside down bowling pin thick.

 So, as simple physics would have it, an object in motion tends to stay in motion.  A large heavy object in motion, tends to go faster than the feet can carry it.  So, as I ran, hunkered over like a bull charging, trying to stay on my feet, my upper body going faster than my legs could carry me, I fell, slid about 5 feet, head first into a fence post.  A big metal gate fence post.

My glasses went flying, I saw those little planetary object circling my heads, and I think was momentarily knocked out.  As I became cognizant of my surrounding Tracy had already made it across the court to me and was saying, "Are you alright, Mark, are you alright."  After a few seconds, and after the planetary objects stopped circling my head, I said, "I think I am."

My lip was bleeding, my knee was bleeding, my left elbow and left side rib area was thriving in pain.  I walked around for a bit and composed myself, and Tracy and I were able to have a good laugh.  What little bit I could laugh.  You really need intact ribs to laugh.  I bet I looked like a NASCAR wreck in turn three at Talladega.

We jumped in the car to take my glasses to Dr. Faulkenheins to get repaired.  We arrived just as the Office personnel were locking up.  She was able to put my lens back in and I will have to go back next week to have em straightened out.

We went grocery shopping and I said, "We have to go back and play tennis."  So we ate a banana and  headed back to Ber Juan Tennis courts.  I did not do much Aggassi, but had a nice time with Tracy just hitting the ball back and forth.

I feel like I have been hit by a Mach truck.  I have a knot on my forehead, a booger-ed up arm and a half dollar size asphalt rash on my knee.  Man I hope I can get out of bed tomorrow.

Oh, its OK to laugh about it.  We are.  Including my mother in law.  Although, my mother wants me to go the ER.... I think I will be fine.

I am calling this, "My Fat Boy Wreck...."

Christmas Dinner with my famiy. VICTORY...

The Leathers/Mahurin family are a hard bunch to get together, with all the busy schedules.  Nevertheless, we pulled off another successful year.  This year, last evening we all met at The Brick House in Salem.  VERY good place to eat.  Even if you are on a strict diet.

I say diet, I was telling my twin brother on the phone this morning that I really don't consider myself dieting.  I am just eating right.  Eating what I am suppose to.  No junk.  No Fats.  No Sugars.  And, I am really enjoying it also.  I like a good challenge, and I think that is why I am having success. I am excited about the results, I feel better than I have in a very long time.

Now, back to my story.  As we all gathered, Tracy and I were the first to arrive.  I did this on purpose, as I wanted to study the menu and planning my dinner.  I was very impress to see some healthy choices, such as Spinach Salad, with Balsamic vinegar.  Baked or Blackened Tilapia.  Baked Chicken Breast.  Seafood mix.

I was excited and ordered the Spinach Salad and the Blackened Tilapia, with Rice Pilaf and Cottage Cheese.  Everyone was watching to see what I would have, as some had all you could eat fried Catfish, or a big ole Steak.  As the food arrived, everyone commented on how good my dinner looked.  The taste would not disappoint.  It was very delicious, and fulfilling.  I gave tastes around and everyone concurred the flavor was wonderful.  I really really enjoyed my dinner with my family.  Good Food, Good Family, Very wonderful and satisfying meal.  I was fulfilled, not busting full, but very satisfied.

My victory was ratified this morning as I stepped on the scales.  259 pounds.  I was excited to get my tablet PC and log my loss.  The graph continues to fall.  Closer to my target.

 It is all a mind game, and I am winning. 

I lost 160 pounds-Amazing story video

 Linda Goff lost weight to save her life, and her marriage.  She has an amazing story and a great blog.
  VIDEO:
http://bcove.me/z5qetbzn

  LINDA GOFF BLOG

http://blog.thywillpower.com/

Do you know your real age?

There is your real age, and your physical age.  Check out this page and take the tests to see.  LOTS OF USEFUL  information.  Leave some feed back...

www.realage.com

Apple Cider Vinegar Cures

My buddy Matt has been talking about drinking Apple Cider Vinegar, for numerous health reasons.  Another friend of ours, also mention the same and recommended the web site:  www.earthclinic.com

Here is clip from this page.  Pretty good stuff, I will be doing more research on this...


Apple Cider Vinegar, that wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy -- we're convinced! From the extensive feedback we've received over the past 8 years, the reported cures from drinking Apple Cider Vinegar are numerous. They include cures for allergies (including pet, food and environmental), sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis, and gout. Apple Cider Vinegar also breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. It has also been reported that a daily dose of apple cider vinegar in water has high blood pressure under control in two weeks!
Apple Cider Vinegar is also wonderful for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. It helps them with arthritic conditions, controls fleas & barn flies, and gives a beautiful shine to their coats!
If you can get over the taste of apple cider vinegar, you will find it one of the most important natural remedies in healing the body. As a wonderful side effect of drinking apple cider vinegar every day, we've discovered that it brings a healthy, rosy glow to one's complexion! This is great news if you suffer from a pale countenance.

Best Ever Oatmeal Bars Recipe..

These are great and easy to make.  I took several bars to work today and my gene pigs liked em.

You can follow my simple recipe, and add to it what ever trips your trigger.

1 cup Quaker Quick Oats
1/4 cup of skim milk (substitute soy or other milk products.)
2 heaping table spoons of NATURAL Peanut Butter  (more if desired)
2 table spoons Honey.  (add more to taste.)
Peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, raisins, craisins... What ever nuts or dried fruit you would like

To add protein you can add Whey.. Vanilla or Chocolate.  (the Vanilla they said is great in this recipe.)

Thought... If you wanted to add fiber, consider adding Barlív™ barley betafibe, or Benefiber additive.

Pour oats and milk into mixing bowl.  Stir and let oats soak up milk.  Add peanut butter, and honey and fiber additive.  Add nuts.  Keep mixing until you acquire a thick doughy ball.  You may need to add more oats or mild to adjust consistency.

Pour out onto cookie sheet, flatten to about 1/2 thick.  Place in refrigerator to let set up.

After setup, cut into bar sized strips.  Wrap in wax paper of plastic wrap.

Hope you enjoy....

To Quote Julia....

"He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it hath already committed breakfast in his heart."

C. S. Lewis

 

Thanks Julia for the steal.... Loved it.

Little Tracy - Camping and Hiking this spring....

Pretty proud of my Tracy.  She was able to endure the Christmas season and still be minus 10 pounds.  Keep it up girl...Together we will triumph.

The family teased me in that I bought Tracy and I camping backpacks gear about three years ago, with the intention of doing lots of hiking and camping.  But, in my previous state, I did not have the energy, and my knees and feet would  not let me.  So, I have knocked the dust off the gear and have planned a couple of camping trips for this spring.  Looking forward to it.

Top 10 reasons to eat oatmeal

1. Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3. You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It's estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.
4. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
5. With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient... rolled oats.
6. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
7. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
8. The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.
9. Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usually be made in less than 10 minutes. And what about instant oatmeal… a hot breakfast in under a minute... incredible!
10. Oatmeal can be absolutely delicious! Whether instant, cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, the combination of flavors you can fit into a serving of oatmeal is limited only by the imagination. Visit Mr Breakfast's Oatmeal Collection to see just 60 of the ways you can start to enjoy oatmeal today!

Special thanks to Mr. Breakfast.  Check out his web site for more great information.

http://www.mrbreakfast.com/index.asp

Scallops, Broccoli & Mushrooms

This is one of my favorites.. Thanks U of New Hamp.

2-3 servings
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 10 minutes

• 1 lb. scallops
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 TBS. olive oil
• 1 pkg. (~10 oz.) frozen, chopped broccoli
• 1 can chicken broth (or 1 1⁄2 cups water with bouillon)
• 2 TBS. soy sauce

1. Cut scallops in half.
2. Heat oil in nonstick skillet on low heat. Add mushrooms and cook over medium heat until tender (5 minutes).
3. Stir in scallops and broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, until scallops are white (3-4 minutes).
4. In a bowl, combine chicken broth and cornstarch; mix until smooth. Add soy sauce to chicken broth mixture.
5. Stir chicken broth mixture into scallops and broccoli.
6. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 1 minute.
7. Serve over rice or pasta or spinach.

Variation:
Use chicken, shrimp or beef instead of scallops.
If you use regular fresh spinach instead of baby spinach, take a minute to remove the tough stems.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Christmas was hard on the gut.

Merry Christmas everyone..

Christmas was hard on the ole gut.  All the candy and cookies, pie and just great cooking.  I did pretty good though.  Don't get me wrong, I had me some HAM AND TURKEY, tutor tators and dressing.   Oh, and one piece of peach cobbler, with skim milk on it.  I passed on the Pumpkin pie (that was hard.)

I digressed three pounds, but that's OK.  Weight loss is just a by-product of becoming healthier.  Eating (righter) only results in a healthy weight.

And, how crazy do you think I would be if I eat carrots while everyone else had all the good ole holiday goodies.  Wait a minute, I ain't doing the ole carrot thing anyway.

All in all.  Great Christmas here at the Leathers House.  That three pounds will be gone tonight after the big ole workout.

GOOD EATS

Good eats from the Health Services of the University of New Hampshire.

http://www.unh.edu/health-services/good_eats/contents.html

HEALTH TASTES GREAT DOT COM

Great resources here...

http://www.healthtastesgreat.com/index.html

My Point of VIEW

I am not a professional dietitian.  I am not a professional trainer.  I am not a fitness professional.  I am just a fat boy, diagnosed with HIGH CHOLESTEROL, high other blood stuffs, enlarged liver and a fatty liver.  I was told, you have to change your life style, and it was a matter of life.

So, I have changed the way I eat, I have changed the way I think and am trying to reduce my size.  And, it is working.  Since Thanksgiving, I have have lost 26 pounds.  From 288 to 263.  So, I must be doing something right.

So, I have made this a project and I hope to share what I am learning as "WE" go along.

I have noticed that everyone has advise and ways to become healthier and fitter.  But, I can't do all that calorie counting, and carb watching.  Mine is simple.  NO FATS and NO SUGARS.  What I eat, I don't have two plates full.  My portions have gone to the size of my fist. And, I only drink black coffee, a little SKIM milk and water.  LOTS OF WATER.  And don't eat any of that processed JUNK.  Eat lots of FRUIT and veggies.  Fish, Turkey and Chicken.

I have made a hobby at finding, collecting and perfecting healthy recipes, that enjoy making, eating and passing onto others.

So, I started this blog in hopes that someone else can take the journey with Tracy and I.  And, I hope that  you have the success I have had so far.

Stay in the saddle, and if you fall off, dust yourself and get back on.  It is all a mind game.

Good luck, and I approved this message....

Mark and Tracy Leathers
Rolla Missouri......

Gave up loving to eat, to eating to live and loving life.

SUCCESS step number one.

Say a small prayer over ever meal, and even your snacks.  Ask that this meal be nutritious to your body and give thanks for it.  And have faith that it will.  This might sound funny, but you would not give thanks for a Snicker bar would you?  So, if you make a HABIT, you should be less likely to "CHEAT."

Did you ever see someone in a restaurant or across the break-room table bow their head and say a small prayer over their food?  And then think about their commitment, and know that their public display of thanks was genuine? Same goes in your commitment to eating healthy.

Now, if you are doing this as a joint project with your spouse, then join hands and pray together.  Also, if you have in your plan a "free meal,"  also ask blessing over it.  I promise, it will be more fulfilling because of your commitment.  And, may cause you to push the plate away before it is all gone.  Call it "PSYCHOLOGICAL", call it "SPIRITUAL",  call it HOG WASH, whatever, IT WORKS...

So, truly be thankful for your food.  In a short time, you will see that it works, EVERY TIME.

Everyday Health dot com

http://www.everydayhealth.com/

Tangy chicken

This is one of my favorite ways to do chicken...  VERY VERY TASTY....

1 tablespoon butter

1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or Healthy Request®)

1can tomato sauce

1/4 cup water

1 1 1/2 tablespoon packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides.

OR:  Bake in oven at 450 degree for 1 hour.  Prep with extra virgin olive oil and lemon pepper.    (BEST CHOICE)

• Stir the soup, water, brown sugar and vinegar in the skillet and heat to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.  Serve the chicken and sauce with the rice.

RECIPE TIPS

• Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted carrots and crusty bakery wheat rolls. For dessert serve chocolate pudding with whipped cream.
• Ingredient Note: We develop our recipes using a 4-to 5-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half per serving. However, there are a range of sizes available in-store, from the butcher counter to the meat case and the freezer section. Use whichever you prefer- just follow the recipe as written above for the best result. If you're using larger chicken breasts they may require a little longer cooking time.