Happy Halloween - no candy for you!

I am truly a masochist, starting The Plan on Halloween - ug. That said, I followed my day #1 menu to the letter, nibbling on bits of kale and broccoli, munching on pumpkin seeds and granola. It was a long day so I did feel a little hungry before dinner but that may have been because I was preparing a killer meal for the rest of the family. Again, I must be a masochist.

Checking in tomorrow with Lyn Genet so those pounds better start melting off in the night cuz right now I am one bloated babe.

Otherwise, a beautiful fall day. My younger dudes and I had a great weekend visiting with my oldest at college. Amazing how much he's matured and I am so very proud of the choices he's making. Started sending in college applications for the twins - Hallelujah! The little dude went trick or treating and came home with candy for everyone. David has been busy walking into town, ping-ponging between the library and his favorite little eatery. My sophomore stepson is in a good place :) for which the Mr. and I are very grateful.

Enjoy those Halloween treats! More tomorrow.

Congrats to me!

After taking my temp for three consecutive days and sending the info to Lyn Genet, she congratulated me on my wonderful thyroid. Yea for me! If only I had anything to do with it.

So, I'm ready, set, go with The Plan starting next Monday (road trip to visit #1 son in college this weekend). My flax granola is standing by and I'm heading to the grocery store after work to pick up other recipe essentials -- kale, carrots, assorted veggies, seeds and beets. Hmm, isn't this Bugs Bunny's diet?

I'm supposed to be in daily touch with Lyn Genet once things get underway, so stay tuned ....

Otherwise, rainy fall day matches my generally drippy frame of mind. Is it Friday yet?

First steps on The Plan

After my chat last week with The Plan "founder" Lyn Genet Recitas (http://www.neighborhoodholistic.com/) I was ready to get things started pronto. So I was a little disappointed not to receive the follow-up info she'd promised right away. That said, I e-mailed her wonderful assistant Maggie on Friday and today my in box had the info I was waiting for. Now I can get started; Lyn Genet asked to learn my basal body temp for three mornings in a row. Not entirely clear how, but from those readings she can tell if your thyroid is hyper or hypo and make appropriate dietary adjustments and/or recommendations.

All else in our world is quiet this weekend. The fall colors are so amazing they almost look artificial. Mother Nature is one creative gal.

Enjoy the week!

The Plan, The Diet, The Hopes

I'm a subscriber to More magazine (http://www.more.com/), the only publication I've found thus far targeted to women over 40 who have more to worry about than the next "It" bag, "It" girl or how the latest secrets to "Best Sex Ever" -- although More certainly provides sound fashion advice and pointers for success in the bedroom.

Earlier this year, More ran a profile on Lyn Genet Recitas ( http://www.more.com/weight-loss-diet-recitas) who developed "The Plan" for nutrition and weight loss.  Frustrated with the stubborn creep of pounds and my inability to lose them, I signed up for a consult with Lyn Genet. Today, The Plan gets underway.

So, for the next few weeks, much of my blog content will be dedicated to updates re: my success on and with The Plan. Fingers crossed that I get to reclaim my slimmer self while still enjoying my much-needed vino and dark chocolate (Lyn Genet said potato chips are better than rice cakes and to pick chocolate over dates! I love this woman!)

Otherwise, all is well in my part of town. College application deadlines loom for my two high school seniors, my oldest has had some recent academic and personal successes, and my little dude continues to entertain me. The Mr. is good but struggling with issues related to work and kids, and my Ex has found yet another way to make my head spin. So it goes....

Until next time, choose happy.

Winter Prep by the Pound

Nature is truly an amazing thing. It brings us these gorgeous fall days, when brilliant blue skies highlight the golden, crimson and purple leaves. It allows our bodies to make and nurture babies.

And, somehow, it flips a genetic switch -- passed down through millenia -- that it's time for us to bulk up for the colder weather, as the harvest soon will be gone.

Bummer that the harvest, or grocery store as I refer to it, is just two blocks away even in the dead of winter, so all these unwanted pounds to stave off starvation are useless. Unless, it's nature's way of allowing me to single-handedly spur the economy through the purchase of larger-sized jeans. Hmmm.....