Flyin' High

It seems as though most of my blogs are inspired by negative things. Writing in general, seems to be as a result of pain, hardship, and emotional distress.
    But today I write from a place of love and positiveness. This emotion probably stems from this ; my productivity this weekend: I graded 90+ essays, completed graduate homework, lost 3 pounds on my diet, went to the gym, etc. all while coming down with a cold.
      Maybe it was the fact that I had an argument with my mother, after I texted her about my one pound weight loss last week. The text I received was, "That's all? One Pound?"
   Now, before I continue, I love my mother to death. I am her, in a young form. Our face, body shape, and even personalities mimic one another. So, to say the least, I am a product of my mother and she wants the best for me.
     Sometimes, as we all know, our mothers, even fathers, can be brutally honest, or just plain brutal. Was I hurt as the prospect of my mother thinking less of me? Or was I hurt at the fact that well yeah, one pound, in the grand scheme of things, is not much.
    What I realized in the day that I went without speaking to her is that I am loved. My mother was not trying to be hurtful, rather, motivational.
   At the end of the day, I have learned not to analyze everything, rather, take everything with a grain of salt (pun intended) and move on.

Eating to Live, Not living to Eat

   I sat down with a friend today over a piping hot cup of coffee. We naturally had to catch up on months that have gone by, as she is living in Quito, Equador, while I reside in New Jersey.
  As we got to talking about our lives, I shared how content I was with my job, boyfriend, friends, family, etc. But what one thing still remained unsatisfactory? My weight-duh.
    I inspired myself today when I said, I feel like there are so many people that just eat to live.
 Then I said impulsively-BUT I LIVE TO EAT. I feel like once a meal is finished, I am thinking about the next. Or, when I am teaching my last period of the day, the last few minutes of class are spent on me checking out wondering what my diet food will be for my lunch, Alcoholics, shopaholics truly have a disease in which they cannot control, but noone realizes that foodaholics is a serious condition that exists-AND I AM LIVING PROOF.
   Not only that, but a comment from a loyal follower (shoutout to EREC) pointed out that my main focus seems to lie on the fact that I pressure myself all too often to lose weight.
   Maybe a new focus would help me get back on track, and enjoy the positive aspects of my life that already exist...

Cement Wall

   Do you ever feel like you are talking, and no one single person is listening, responding, or even taking in what you are saying? Do you ever feel like you are consistently talking to a brick wall that seems unable to be broken or knocked down?
    There is an unbearable wall that stands before me. I am talking to it, screaming at the top of my lungs, to simply listen to me, and just hear me out.
   "Please help me break through, and stay focused on my diet. Why do I keep going back to food? What is the comfort I feel in ruining my diet and stepping off the plank into my own ocean of weight gain? Please wall, please help me break you down".
    As I tell myself, I will begin my diet the following day, it doesn't seem to happen. Why? Help me break down this damn wall...please...

Epiphany

"One day, you are going to wake up, look at the scale and weigh in at 240 pounds. You are going to ask yourself, what happened? You need to get out of this cycle before you let that happen"...are the words that my trainer said to me today. As the words rolled off his tongue, the tears flowed out of my eyes.
    I could not believe that such honesty would first bring me to tears, then motivate the hell out of me. The remainder of our training session was probably the most emotional and intense session I have ever had. I don't know if it was the truth that hurt so much, or the fact that something keeps holding me back from achieving my goals.
     Not only did my trainer say such powerful words, but at the end of our session, he went above and beyond, and ran 20 minutes outside with me.
   After spending an amazing weekend with friends at my Alma Matter, I woke up this morning sore from the alcohol and greasy foods that I consumed. I gained four pounds from one weekend of chaotic eating. I had gone the entire day, dreading my training session, thinking about how uncomfortable I would be in my workout attire with all the other workout fanatics at the gym.
   "Getting here is the hard part, working out is the easy part"...
  Thank you for putting things into perspective. Thanks for being the support and backbone that I need to help me focus.
    This might be the start of motivation and success.
  

WE ARE, Penn State

I went to Penn State University, and because all of the drama surrounding this sex scandal, I feel compelled to speak my mind. I am heartbroken to see this legend let go because of the actions of a disgusting man. The issues at hand are being dismissed, the real truth about why we are experiencing these emotions. I will continue to refer to the sex abuser without a name, because his name has become a curse, something that I will not or can not bring myself to say.
    As I watch my Penn Staters riot in honor of JoePa, as pictures are dispersed over the internet, I feel honored, pride, and shame at the same time; feelings that are so intertwined that I myself, become confused. I never liked football, never cared about the game, but a sense of pride in Penn State is something that I felt when I went to each game, saw the legendary JoePa, and shouted, "We Are" from the stands in unity with my fellow classmates.
     But at this time, my heart hurts. I don't know what to be angry about first; the fact that this man has gotten away with such a heinous crime for years, or the fact that these victims have to suffer through this; or the fact that blame is being put on all the wrong people; JoePa, the police, etc. Yes, these people are partially to blame, but where is the blame on the actual evil? Why has the real monster been put on the back burner?
    You may read this and feel confused about my stance on all of this, well, you should, because I myself, am utterly confused.
   At the end of the day, WE ARE ashamed of this man who victimized young boys, WE ARE in support of justice for these victims, WE ARE sad to see JoePA leave and WE ARE and always will be PENN STATE.

Move it life, you are in the way

Zaftig returning...
     I am a human, not a robot, and definitely not a perfectionist. But when I do something, I want to do it right. As you know, I started Jenny Craig again, with every intention of eating only the Jenny Craig food, and the Jenny Craig food only. But guess what, life happens. Between going away to the Poconos with my boyfriend, visiting my alma matter for my best friend's birthday, my 25th birthday approaching, and other events in my future, I can only be realistic and not idealistic. I am going to have to socialize, as I am nearing my 25th year of life, but I hold back from social situations sometimes because of my weight insecurities.
     Knowing that I have an event coming, my subconscious says, "FREE FOR ALL-EAT WHAT YOU WANT, START YOUR DIET AGAIN ON MONDAY".  I am a pretty smart gal, if I say so myself, but I am so darn stupid when it comes to dieting.
     I went away this weekend, and got off the Jenny Craig express, and I am having a hard time getting back on. If I wrote today, and said, I LOST SO MUCH WEIGHT, I would be lying to you, but more importantly, myself.
     After losing an initial 4 pounds the first week of the diet, round 2, I am struggling to get back on and stay on.
   Zaftig is in need of help... any suggestions fellow followers?

Signing off,
The Zaftig

Trick or Eat...

Hello all and happy Halloween. As the kids dress up, venture off into the spookiness of the night, we are left to ponder the big question...trick or treat, trick or eat? Ok, being on Jenny Craig, and being a human being...I am left with an important decision. To trick my diet by eating candy, or stay true to myself and bypass the sweets...
     Guess what ghosts, goblins, and chronic dieters...I am making a short and "sweet" blog today because I am going to prepare a delicious platter of VEGETABLES tonight instead of digging into candy.

    Trick or Eat Trick or Eat Give me something HEALTHY TO EAT!

GO VEGGIES!

Signing off,
The Zaftig

A new venture

Zaftig here...returning after yet again another long break.
   So I had a revelation in the past few weeks as I have had some time to reflect on my life. A few years ago, when I started my freshman year in college, I gained more weight then I ever thought imaginable. I encountered severe body issues, individuals who pointed out my significant weight gain, and people who were insensitive to my body issues.
   I will never forget this one boy who lived in my dorm. Day in and day out, he would remind me of my weight, whether it was in front of a crowd, or a smirking comment straight to my face.
   What enjoyment did this boy get in making me feel lower and lower in a sea of low self-esteem and unhappiness?
   Maybe it was that boy who turned things around for me, or maybe it was the fact that I hit the lowest point in my life. Whatever it was, that summer I decided, no more junk food, no more eating my feelings, and certainly no alcohol. That summer, I decided to go on the Jenny Craig diet, and lost a whopping forty pounds before returning to college my sophmore year.
     I kept off that weight for a good two and a half years, but somehow, some way, the weight crept back like a slow moving and invasive disease.
    That boy who lived in my dorm was not there to taunt me or point out my flaws, but someone else stood out in my mind. The cruelest person that I have encountered in my life, the person that was the hardest on me, brought out my weakest points, my lowest and deepest emotions. Someone that I would call an enemy.
      That person will forever live in my heart, and reflect back in the mirror every time I look into it. That person is me.
    I woke up last week and asked myself, why am I my worst critic? There is no need for a tormentor to motivate me, because I am the biggest nemesis to my own self esteem.
   So this week, I am starting a new venture; something that has worked in the past, so should work again...history repeats itself, right?
    Jenny Craig round two, here I come. But this new venture also allows me to meet someone special; my inner beauty.

And loyal Zaftig followers,
 I pledge my honesty, my sincerity, and the real raw truth. I will be blogging more to allow you to follow my highs and lows as I approach this challenge, this time, for good.

Signing off,
The NEW and IMPROVED Zaftig

I OBJECT!

Breaking news: Zaftig has been a victim of a hateful crime against humanity. A crime so heinous that it is even hard to discuss. What will the jury say once they hear what the Zaftig has endured...
    It all started many moons ago. This little thing we call, being a foodie, a zaftig-figured woman, and someone who is trying to "keep up with the times" by following the latest diet trend, has yet again been faced with a losing battle.
   Well, it has been quite a few days since I last wrote. But, since then, I have attempted, failed, and attempted let's see... The Eat five small meals and try to be healthy diet, that did not work, so I moved into the SEE FOOD DIET(you see it, you eat it), the skip the gym for days diet, and well, on to the next.
    Why do we fall victim to the hardship of steadily following a diet? What prevents us? Is there an imaginary wall that our weight puts up and says "Forget you, I'm stickin' on her bod". Really, is there a conspiracy against my weight loss? Do all the food groups line up each day and say, "Hey you know what, maybe The Zaftig will get a hold of us today, and we will live and conquer her body for the rest of her life!"
   Honestly, there is a conspiracy, I am convinced. I will prove it in court if I have to! Wait a second, the conspiracy is self-inflicted. The lack of determination, self-confidence, and the constant struggle has put up this wall that is temporary.
   The first step is recognizing your problem, right? Well, I have already recognized my diet fails, but it is time to take this case to court, and rip down that wall, little by little.
    It is time to take those food groups before the jury, and when they try to stay on my body, I will reply... I OBJECT!

Signing off,
The Zaftig
   

Digging

      Do you ever feel like you are constantly digging and digging to get to the root? Sometimes, we are fenced in our own little garden, and we become blinded by the weeds to even notice the beauty of the flowers around us that are trying to bloom. Has a beautiful red rose ever caught your eye, but it seems as though you can only find yourself being pricked by the thorns.
  Often, we become so lost and sidetracked in our own world, that we don't have the time to notice all of the beauty surrounding us.
  Often, I find myself wondering what makes me happy, sad, excited, fearful, or even anxious. What I have discovered as I dig and dig into the soil, is the unknown. What lies beneath the roots that are embedded in our earth? What does each layer of our atmosphere hold? What does each layer hide as we get deeper and deeper, closer and closer, to the depths of our roots. What secrets will be shared as we find ourselves shedding each layer, slowly, one by one?
     The unknown is happy, sad, exciting, fearful, and anxiety provoking. But what can we do? Keep on digging.

Happy Sunday,

Signing off,
The Zaftig.

IMMMMM BACKKK in the gameeee

Hey all!
   Zaftig is back in the gammmme. Here I am, returning from a long journey of having no time at all between grad school-teaching-leading 3 clubs at school-and welp, leaving little to no time for the gym. But guess what, it is Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year. As I sit and ponder the important things that I would like for this year, there are many things that pop in my mind.
    Love, peace, happiness, and health are the top four categories that I wish for my family, friends, and myself. Let's revisit health-that is one of the most important things that we have.
   This week at school, I was greatly impacted by a fellow coworker who went to the hospital because of chest pains. The outcome of his sudden hospital visit was due to high blood pressure from salty foods and poor eating habits.
   Not only was I upset and worried about my colleague, but more importantly, it made me think about how valuable health is.
    Let's face it, ladies and gentleman, when we are so busy doing a million things, the last thing on our mind is what vegetable we can eat, what fruit we can enjoy, and how we can balance our meals. When we are on the go, we are thinking about the first available thing we can grab at a fast food restaurant, the next quick bite, and well, the famous, "No Gym for me this week, I just don't have the time". Dinnng dinnng...ringing any bells?
     So as I sit here and reflect on this game that I call life, the importance of tuning our bodies and minds, I think about friends, family, and myself. I wish that we all take care of ourselves by feeding our bodies with healthy things, rather than poor foods and drinks that can be detrimental to our health.
    La Shana Tova, Happy Jewish New Year, to both my friends that observe, my friends that don't, and anyone else that may be reading. I wish everyone the best as I continue my journey for self-discovery, self-confidence, and a better understanding of who I am.
   Remember, our lives are baseball games. We get a few strikes, maybe some foul balls before we are out. So make each pitch count, make each hit memorable, and hit a home-run until the referee calls the game.


Thanks for tuning in,
  I will be continuing to write more frequently!

Signing off,
The Zaftig

Sunday Blues

It is Sunday, and what does Sunday bring? You said it sista, the Sunday Blues. The weekend is over, the work week is about to get started, and we are left alone with our thoughts.
    Lets's talk reality, and step away from our dieting dos and do nots. Life is about a series of events, good, bad, and neutral. Some events change our lives, others keep us on a tracked path.
    As I continue my life, I seem to become overly busy, maybe even a bit overwhelmed. Teaching, taking graduate classes, leading two clubs at my school, and now being the student council faculty adviser, seems like I might have bitten off more than I can chew.
     As my Sunday night continues, and the clock ticks, closer to bedtime, closer to the morning; I wonder how I will balance my busy week. I look through my papers, look at my list of things to do, and it seems as though I have fallen into a deep ocean, and I need oxygen to  last until I get to the surface.
    Am I drowning in an ocean of work? Does it seem like I am the only fish in a deep abyss filled with sharks?
     This month of September brings a new year, a new start, and new events that will come my way. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, and that swimming away from my responsibilities will allow me to get to the surface faster, I need to take it slow, one stroke at a time, until I am swimming alongside the sharks.

Signing off,
The Zaftig 

Chugga Chugga...Oops I fell off the train

    Zaftig here returning after a long train ride. You see, I was riding my train to a destination, a trip that would lead me to a lifetime of weight loss, but my train derailed and I fell off. We all know how hard it is to diet, and we can do so well, but from time to time, we have our challenges. And, well, I met my nemesis, my final match.
    Drinking alcohol and going out to dinner night after night has not served me well. In fact, I got on a ride to diet hell.
   So here I am, putting it all out there. I, The Zaftig, have taken a slight delay  off that train, but what happens when something does not go as planned? You reschedule...so tomorrow, Monday, September 12 my new train ride will arrive.
    I am getting back on that darn train and taking a sweet ride to diet heaven.
 Wish me luck,
Signing off,
The Zaftig

Back To School

    I WILL NOT DO MY HOMEWORK TONIGHT, are the words I hear as I drift into my sweet slumber,  The infamous "teacher nightmares" seem to return as we enter another school year. No matter how many years of experience we gain under our belt, it seems as though going back to school can be frightening and nerve-wrecking. We all have those well...what if this child acts out this year, or what if...
   But as the year begins, continues, and ends, it seems almost laughable at the fact that we felt this nerve wrecked for the year. Once we walk through the doors of the school, into our classes, and await on the smiling faces of our students, the worries seem to become eased. The first few days we are so busy running around, we almost forget to eat, and we become so consumed in our daily lives, that our diets seem to be "right on track".
   But what happens when we get into our comfortable routine...you guessed it. We start to snack, party with our students' birthday treats, and well, it seems that we continue to fall right back into our bad eating habits.
 But not this year for Miss Zatig! Watch out now kids. Make one less brownie this year, one less cookie, and one less piece of candy, because Miss Zaftig is holding out strong. Instead of, "Happy Birthday, sure I will have a piece of large cake to celebrate this joyous day with you," Miss Zaftig will be saying, "Oh no sweetie, I will pass; but thank you so much for offering and happy birthday." Well, ok maybe just once I will indulge.
  Happy NEW (school) Year!

Signing off,
The Zaftig
   

Hurricane Disaster

Zaftig returning after the tumultuous aftermath of Hurricane Irene. I had no power, however, similar to Hurricane Irene, I destroyed my diet with gusting winds, torrential down pouring, and unfortunately everything that came into my path was gone.
   Really, I had no power for several days, and we had to eat everything in the fridge and freezer before it went bad, what's a girl to do?
   When the power turned off on Saturday night, most people were thinking about the windows being smashed as the wind swished through the sky, the trees falling into houses...but not I; I was concerned about how the food was going to be prevented from going bad.
   How does one ruin weeks of hard work by a simple three days?

Some of us chronic dieters know that dieting has its ups and downs, but getting back on that track can be challenging. If I told you I was wonderful and did not stray away from eating healthy during my time of hurricane hibernation, I would be lying to you and myself. So let's just put it out there, I completely destroyed it!
  But what does this mean for Zaftig? Does this mean quit, give up, relinquish my powers of dieting forever?
    Absolutely not! As of today, Wednesday, August 31, 2011, Zaftig will overcome and conquer. As the aftermath of Hurricane Irene is cleaned up amongst many throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, etc.,  Zaftig will also repair the damage that has been done.

   How did you guys survive the hurricane (if you were hit)?

That is all for now, but stay tuned for more because the power is restored (in both my house and dieting!)

Signing off,
The Zaftig

Weight Limit

 

   The next story that I want to share with you has nothing to do with me, yet I felt compelled to blog about something I  witnessed. During the spring, I went to Six Flags with my students on a field trip. I went on rides with some of my colleagues, students, and all in all, had a tremendous day. The rides are safe, and are built to keep people locked in. Right?
     I waited on line, pushing through others to make sure I would align with my colleagues to ride in the same row, when I spotted some commotion amongst the ride workers. I then zoned in on the situation at hand. A man, appearing to be about twenty years old, was told he could not go on the ride. He was too big for the seat, and it would be a safety hazard if they allowed him to continue.
    I watched as he peered around the crowd to see who was looking. His cheeks  were flush, with a rosy touch of shame and embarrassment. I then, looked away, looked down at my feet, where I hid my tears that were unstoppable. I never said a word to this man, never locked eyes with him, and never saw him again, but that day, I felt for him.
    Although I have never been in that situation whatsoever, I know what it feels like to not do something because of who you are. I have never been asked to step off a ride, to order an extra seat on an airplane, because there would never be a need for that. But internally, I am the one who prevents myself from buying that bikini, impulsively taking that ride down to the beach, or feeling comfortable in my own skin.
    Then again, I know who I am, I know what I am capable of, and change is the future.

Signing off,
The Zaftig
     

Bad Girl

  Bad Girl, Bad Girl, Whacha gonna do, whacha gonna do?

           So I have this amazing trainer; he motivates me, hes a friend to me, sometimes he even yells at me, but it is all from that tough love trainer mentality. I have been seeing him for over a year now, and it seems as though we have built a wonderful relationship. I can talk to him about personal issues, but also about my weight issues.
    So I may have been told on occasion, that I am his most inconsistent client, well....I am. He has seen me change diets over and over again. This time it's going to be different, I tell him. As I settle into a new diet over the summer, I have been working hard. But, one day I came down with Bronchitis, and may have milked that a little too long.

One day I came into the gym for a training session without that spark; without that motivation to workout and put in my full effort.
     I was a bad girl. My trainer wanted to teach me a lesson. Next thing I knew, I was outside of the gym, side by side with my trainer, pushing a tire up and down a hill. Mind you, this tire was not for a little Honda, but more like a monster truck. To top it off, he then had me run around the building several times. What really motivated me, was the fact that he was right there next to me. Instead of telling me what to do, and watching me do it, he joined in and pushed me along the way.
Now you know what happens when you come to the gym and are not ready to work your hardest,he said.
  From that day on, I come to the gym every day with a big smile on my face.

Thanks for the motivation!

Signing off,
The Zaftig

What goes through the lips, ends up on the hips

Bigger snacks mean bigger slacks.  ~Author Unknown


I have the best Jewish family; a loving mother, father, sister, brother and Nana and Poppy. There were always two things that I was never denied: love and food. I remember the days where I would have slumber parties at my grandparents and loved every minute of it (still do). But, my favorite thing to do was venture off to WaWa with Nana and Poppy where we would get their branded chocolate peanut butter ice cream. It became a staple for every visit. However, as years went on, I think I had too much of that "staple" food, and not enough of my peas and broccoli.
     It became apparent that a diet was in the cards for me, and it was no longer a happy poker game, but time to give up the sweets.
    I have always had Nana and Poppy's unconditional love, but with that, in a Jewish family, comes a little tough lovin'. Nana still offered me food even after a meal, but Poppy caught on to the fact that Zaftig was not an attractive look for a young woman.

     "What goes through the lips, ends up on your hips"was now the staple statement whenever our family got together (coined by my Poppy). And most people would be upset, most people would be annoyed, but I find it to be words of wisdom. Don't ever deny what your grandparents say, because in my experience, they have a 99.9999 percent rate of being accurate.  AND Guess what?! Poppy was right! I ate, and my hips grew! Who knew?


Signing off,
The Zaftig

Partner in Crime

Zaftig here wishing you a happy dieting Monday morning. Look out for a new motivational quote every blog!  
"If food is your best friend, it's also your worst enemy.  ~Edward "Grandpa" Jones, 1978.
     This quote goes along perfectly with my sentiments for today. Don't we all have those friends for different reasons. Some friends are easier to talk to, others are our shopping buddies, while we have are partying chumps, our work friends, and then of course, we have our friends that we can call up and say, "hey you wanna grab a bite? I feel like cheating on my diet."
    We all have those friends that struggle with something, and often, friends who struggle with their weight. We need to break free from that chain of constantly looking for comfort in our foodie partner in crime. Think about it, why do we take such pleasure and comfort in eating with someone rather than eating alone? Why do we think it is better to cheat with a friend? Does it make us feel better about ruining our diets? 
   Put the darn fork away, call up your friend, and tell them, "it's me or the food." Go for a walk, talk about your day, and enjoy your time with your friend. Leave the food behind.
 


Signing off as I begin my first book. Stay tuned for a book comin your way!
The Zaftig

"I DO"

Gulp...Gulp...Gulp... Zaftig here with the latest and greatest. 

Alcohol can be a major setback when one is trying to diet. But again, with anything it is all about moderation. "I do" want another drink, I will be thinking as the bride and groom solidify their vows, their promises to each other, and well, just give me a drink.
    We all know that when wedding season hits, it hits hard. Drinks, food, and more partying. Hey, it should be that way, we are celebrating two people beginning their lives together.  But how do we survive a diet when we are constantly at weddings.
    First, we have cocktail hour. Close your eyes and picture the norm. People flock like herds of crazy birds trying to get their drinks at the bar. Well, here is a solution for those of us on our diets...ready? Slow down, let the line pass. We are in no hurry to get a drink right away. You can nurse that baby for a while so you have your drink in hand at all times.
         And the hardest part is the hors d'oeuvres hour. STEP AWAY FROM THE FRIED STUFF. Scan the aisles, and see what you really want. If there is something that you are dying to have, have it, but eat half. Fill your plate up with fruit and even cheese. The protein that cheese has will allow you to feel fuller, thus you will eat less! 
        Next we have our meals. You do not need to partake in everything that is served. Eat your salad, and then go dancing for a while. Let them bring the other five hundred courses while you are burning calories on the dance floor. 
      You can have your cake and eat it too. Dessert is something that many dieters assume they should stay away from. FALSE! Everything is in moderation. If you are absolutely starving, and feel like you have not eaten in days, then have a bite or two of your cake. Pour some pepper or other odd condiment on your slice and set it aside (a trick I have learned) then you can't eat it! Often, fruit is served at dinner, so keep an eye out!

     Alright, it's time to get ready for this shindig tonight. Can I do it? Can the Zaftig pass the test? I will be reporting back so stay tuned for more.


Signing off,
The Zaftig
   

Run Zaftig Run

      Raise your hand if you enjoy running. Anyone (crickets...) Don't be shy now.
Running is one of those sports that you either love or hate. I am learning to "love" it. As I embark on my weight loss journey, I know that eating right is not the only way to shed those pounds. Fitness is also a key ingredient in this process. Let's be honest, I hate running. I sweat, I get short of breath, and well, it's just plain hard work. I will be the first one to admit that running is challenging. But who doesn't like a challenge? I found a way that works for me.
     First of all, hitting the pavement can seem overwhelming if you have never done it before. Start off at a slow, moderate pace on a treadmill or on a flat surface outside. Do interval running/fast walking at first. Running at a steady pace for an extended period of time is well, it just stinks! So, try running/walking until you feel that you have built up to a running pace that works for you. And the obvious, search the web for some sweet jams to keep your motivation up. I personally enjoy Hip Hop songs and beats that encourage my fists to pump in the air. Sometimes, my fists rise in the air, and seem to gyrate uncontrollably.  But again, we all have our preferences.
   Check out this website. You can search any music genre with your running pace!  http://jogtunes.com/
   Ok fellow Zaftigs, stay tuned for some new recipes that I am conducting in my weight loss lab.

P.S. does anyone have any running tips or other fitness suggestions/comments! 

Signing off,
The Zaftig


     

Bye bye Pounds! See you never!

Knock Knock. Who's there? Its The Zaftig here reporting live on this Wednesday morning. As I continue this journey, each day seems to come and go. But what seems to be disappearing? You guessed it, the pounds and my waistline. Down four  and feeling great. What could be helping me shed these pounds besides my delicious treats?
     Finding things to do that you enjoy is key. I found my calling; spinning. I woke up at 5 am this morning, headed straight to the gym and took a spinning class. As the sweat dripped down my forehead, I could feel the adrenaline rise as I stopped and thought to myself, "hey, this hurts, but it hurts so good"! The instructor was encouraging us to turn up the gears, turn up the heat, and in turn, I turned up the effort. Burning a whopping 700 calories in the beginning of the day sounds like good motivation to me.
    I find it hard to sit at home and watch television, because what do most of us do? We nosh (another Yiddish word I am throwing at you which means to snack). But in my case, or many cases, we tend to OVERnosh. It is ok to snack while watching t.v, but it doesn't allow us to eat an entire bag of chips. Who has done that before? Of course I have! But it is time we make a change, and we make a change for the better. If you are inclined to snacking while hanging by the tube, continue to do so. But, you need to make some changes in order to shed those darn pounds. Switch up your chips for some carrots, and snack on them. Or hey, enjoy your chips, but switch them out for baked chips, and only have what the portion size allows you.
   I know, I know it sounds sooo much easier said then done. But try it, give it a whirl, and wave your hand goodbye as you watch those pounds slip away. That's all for today, but stay tuned for more!

Signing off,
The Zaftig

Let me take you on a Sweet and Salty Ride

The Zaftig here reporting live from Hungryville. First off, I want to thank my followers, keep spreading the word!

    So today I made a healthy concoction that used only three ingredients. When I created this masterpiece, I think I tasted something like what Heaven would taste like.

Take notes, this is going to be the easiest, most delicious and guilt-free treat that you will ever partake in. Ready? I think you are, so here it goes.  This treat will only add an approximate 180 calories to your day.

Ingredients:
1. Vitamuffin tops (100 calories) (any flavor you like(for this specific recipe, chocolate may taste the best), they can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store)
2. Pretzel Sticks (approx. 60 calories(crush up about 5) check your portion size and calorie content, any brand will do)
3. Lite  Cool Whip (approx. 20 calories)

Ok, are you ready to be amazed?Here are the three steps you must take in order to take a ride to healthy Heaven.
Steps:
1. Cut your Vitamuffin top in half
2. Place two tablespoons of cool whip(lite)  on each side of your Vitamuffin
3. Crush up 5 pretzels (depending on size, use your judgement) and sprinkle within your new "sandwich"

You can enjoy this delectable treat room temperature, stick it in the microwave for a few seconds, or stick it in the freezer. Now, the last and most essential step is to eat it!

And...another way to switch up your delicious treat is to simply add strawberries. Still three ingredients, and three easy steps (you could add the pretzels as well).

A little taste of Heaven

Let me know what you guys think of this recipe, more to come! 

Signing off,
The Zaftig

Slow and Steady Rock Climbin'

Timberrrrrr! Rock climbing? Dieting? Do they go hand in hand? Let's be honest, this girl has never been rock climbing, but I sure have been dieting for oh, let's say 17 years? You see, dieting is similar to climbing a rock; challenging, overwhelming, and even a bit scary.
     With each step, you want to make sure that your foot stays centered and doesn't slip, but we all know that sometimes we can feel our own feet slipping from underneath us. Dieting is not a steady climb, however, we can see it as a thrill, something that we need to overcome.
     With every fad diet that comes my way, I  venture off into an abyss of rocks, sometimes even avalanches. You name it, I have tried it, failed it, and started all over. But what really works? I will take you on my adventure as I climb this incredible journey, and finally make that change that will take as much will power and determination as it takes to climb Mount Everest. By the age of 25, I hope to reach the top, reach my goal, and feel  empowerment and control.
      Strap on your harness because we are in for a rocky climb.

Signing off,
The Zaftig
   

Rock Bottom

So here I am. I have officially hit rock bottom. I went away for a weekend with my boyfriend and met up with some great friends from college. I knew that it was time to really make a change when everyone suggested going to sit by the pool. What did I do? I suggested that we go site seeing, even though it was the weekend where the temperature reached about 1000 degrees. Good call on my behalf...or not.
    At age 24, I know what I should be doing-enjoying my life, going to the beach, prancing around in a little bikini at a cute little tiki bar with a margarita in my hand. But, instead, I am 24, buying as many black shirts and pants as possible to cover myself up. Instead, I am wondering why I have been faced with this issue of weight, and why so many of my friends don't understand.
     So through my blog, The Zaftig, I will write about my journey, my challenges, my triumphs, and other tribulations that I endure as a woman in her twenties.
     This is where it ends, the Zaftig life, and a new journey begins. I hope that I will be able to lose the weight that I want to get the self confidence back that every woman should have. So here it goes...

Signing Off,

The Zaftig