Save Energy in Your Kitchen

You already recycle religiously and always unplug appliances. Now starts cooking up some savings with these four easy moves

1. Wash dishes while you sleep “The hours of peak energy use are between 4 and 8 p.m.,” says Kate Heyhoe, the author of Cooking Green. During that time, power plants are less efficient, turning on extra stations to cope with the surge. Run your dishwashing before heading to bed or work and only when it’s full.
   
   


2. Trash your garbage disposal It eats up extra electricity and water, so turn yours off and scrape your scrape into a compost bin instead.
   
   


3. Use the oven light Each time you open the door to check on your pot roast or cookies, the temperature drops roughly 25 degrees—
   
   requiring you to cook your food longer. Also, whenever possible, Heyhoe recommends opting for the stove top, which is up to six times more energy-efficient than an oven.
   
   


4. Dial down the heat No need to keep the burner on high once the water starts to boil; conserve energy by lowering it to a simmer. – JENNA AUTUORI
   
   

Are you at risk?

Find out if your health is in danger with a condensed version of the same quiz contestants take

The numbers don’t lie. This is the “Number HealthScore technology to take each person’s weight, blood pressure, family history, lifestyle habits, and blood values to reveal information like disease risk and inner age. Take this simple quiz and find out where you stand.

The Quiz

1. What is your gender?
   
   
   1. Female
      
      
   
   
   2. Male
      
      
   
   


2. How old are you?
   
   
   1. Younger than 50
      
      
   
   
   2. 50 or older
      
      
   
   


3. What is your ethnicity?
   
   
   1. White
      
      
   
   
   2. Black or Hispanic
      
      
   
   
   3. Asian
      
      
   
   
   4. Other
      
      
   
   


4. How many times a week do you exercise for at least 20 minutes?
   
   
   1. 5 or more
      
      
   
   
   2. 2-4
      
      
   
   
   3. 1 or fewer
      
      
   
   


5. While exercising, how hard do you breathe?
   
   
   1. Hard
      
      
   
   
   2. Moderately
      
      
   
   
   3. Normally
      
      
   
   


6. How would you describe your smoking habits?
   
   
   1. Never smoked
      
      
   
   
   2. Used to smoke
      
      
   
   
   3. Currently smoke
      
      
   
   


7. How would you describe your blood pressure?
   
   
   1. It’s within the normal range (< 120/80)
      
      
   
   
   2. It’s a little high (120/80-140/90)
      
      
   
   
   3. It’s very high (>140/90)
      
      
   
   
   4. I don’t know
      
      
   
   


8. How would you describe your current weight?
   
   
   1. I am at a healthy weight
      
      
   
   
   2. I could stand to lose a few pounds
      
      
   
   
   3. I should probably lose 10-30 pounds
      
      
   
   
   4. I should lose 30 pounds or more
      
      
   
   


9. Have you ever been diagnosed by your doctor with any of the following diseases or condition (circle all that apply)?
   
   
   1. Heart disease
      
      
   
   
   2. Stroke
      
      
   
   
   3. Diabetes
      
      
   
   
   4. Asthma
      
      
   
   
   5. Sleep apnea
      
      
   
   
   6. High blood pressure
      
      
   
   
   7. High cholesterol
      
      
   
   
   8. None of the above
      
      
   
   


10. Do you have a parent or sibling who currently has or has had any of the following diseases or conditions (circle all that apply)?
    
    
    1. Heart disease
       
       
    
    
    2. Stroke
       
       
    
    
    3. Diabetes
       
       
    
    
    4. None of the above
       
       
    
    

What your score means Scoring: After you take the quiz, find out your score by adding up the points for each answer. Then read about your risk below.

• QUESTUON 1: a=0, b=1
  
  


• QUESTUON 2: a=0, b=2
  
  


• QUESTUON 3: a=0, b=1, c, d=0
  
  


• QUESTUON 4: a=0, b=1, c=4
  
  


• QUESTUON 5: a=0, b=1, c=4
  
  


• QUESTUON 6: a, d=0, b=3, c=8
  
  


• QUESTUON 7: a, d=0, b=3, c=8
  
  


• QUESTUON 8: a=0, b=1, c=3, d=8
  
  


• QUESTUON 9: a=8, b=8, c=8, d=2, e=2, f=4, g=4, h=0
  
  


• QUESTUON 10: a=3, b=2, c=4, d=0
  
  

<5 points Great news! You’re at low risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are two of the most important lifestyle choices that you can make to reduce your risk for disease. Be sure to have regular checkups with your physician, because engaging your health care provider can help keep you on the road to a healthy, long, and satisfying life. 5-7 points Your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke is moderate. Since risk for disease naturally increases as you age, you should begin addressing any unhealthy risk factors you have now. Did you know that diabetes, heart disease, and strokes are often preventable? Consider taking the comprehensive assessment that show contestants use to find out and change your disease risk. >7 points Unfortunately, you are at high risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But there are things you can do to lower your risk! Because unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to disease risk, you should talk to your doctor about crafting a plan to lower your risk. Consider taking the comprehensive assessment that show contestants use to find out and change your disease risk. Source: The Biggest loser weight loss planner

Avocado

Not just for guacamole anymore,” avocado adds a creamy texture and mildly nutty flavor to salads, fish dishes, and more,” says Martin Brock, executive chef at Atria in New York City. These new ways to use the fruit:





As a soup

Mix 6 tbsp. diced cucumber, 1 diced avocado, ½ cup fresh crabmeat, 3 tbsp. lowfat yogurt, 1 tbsp. each olive oil and chopped mint, and 2 tbsp. lemon juice; divide among 6 bowls. In a food processor, puree 1 cucumber, ½ honeydew melon, 1 cup lowfat yogurt, and 2 tbsp. Lemon juice. Pour on top of avocado mixture.







As a salad

Quarter 1 avocado and toss in a small bowl with 4 halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tbsp. each olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt, sugar and cayenne pepper to taste. Place 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce in a separate bowl and top with avocado-tomato mixture. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. crumbled feta and 1 tbsp. pitted, chopped kalamata olives.





As an entrée

Dice 1 plum tomato and 1 avocado and combine in a medium bowl with 1 tbsp. diced red pepper, ½ tsp. minced jalapeño, and the kernels from roasted corn cob. Add 1 tbsp. each cilantro, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve on top of grilled fish, chicken, beef, or pork tenderloin.





*In ½ cup sliced avocado: 117 calories, 7 g monounsaturated fat, 5 g fiber, 198 mcg lutein

Weight Loss Q&A

The Best Way To Fight Diet Envy

Q: My sister and I are on a diet, but she’s lost more weight than I have. How can I stop feeling resentful?

A: Cut yourself some slack—you and your sibling share only about half your genes, which means your varying degrees of success may be beyond your control. “Everyone has a unique biological makeup that influences how quickly she can lose weight,” says Martin Binks, Ph.D., director of behavioral health at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center in Durham, North Carolina. So while your sister may have inherited your dad’s fast metabolism, it’s possible you got stuck with your mom’s average one—along with her sweet tooth.



     The next time the green-eyed monster rears its head, try focusing on what you can control: your own behavior. Start by telling yourself you’re happy for your sister, even if you have to fake it for a while. “The more you practice positive thinking, the weaker those negative thoughts get,” says Binks. And an optimistic outlook will not only keep sibling rivalry at bay, it will also help you stay on track; according to Binks, you’re more apt to make unhealthy choices when you feel helpless or sad.



Q: I’ve heard that eating less, not exercising more, is the only way to lose weight. True?

A: Though both can help you slim down, dietary changes do help you shed pounds faster than working out. To lose a pound, you need to create a 3,500 calorie deficit, which break down to 500 fewer calories a day for a week. “Most women find it easier to nix their midmorning bran muffin than to run four and a half miles at a 10-minute-mile pace,” says Jeannie Gazzaniga Moloo, Ph.D., R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association in Roseville, California.

     But before you throw in the (gym) towel, consider this: According to a new study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, women who cut calories and boosted their daily activity levels shed more weight than those who only dieted or exercised. And another study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that women who stuck to a regular workout routine had the most success in keeping pounds off over a period of seven years. “Physical activity does so much more than just burn calories,” says Gazzaniga Moloo. “It also boosts your metabolism by helping you build muscles, ups your brain’s production of feel-good endorphins, and curbs stress-induced snacking.”

4 healthy foods that cost less than $1

Tryng to tighten your grocery budget? If you’re not careful, you may have to loosen your belt. ”In an effort to save money, many women trade fresh produce and lean meats for processed foods that are high in calories and fat,” says Molly Morgan, R.F., author of Choose Right Supermarket Shopping Guild. “But some of the most nutritious foods are also the cheapest.” Add these wallet- friendly picks to your shopping cart.

Sweet potatoes

60 CENTS EACH Each spud packs 4 grams of fiber and more than 25% of your daily vitamin A and C needs. “Cut one into wedges or thick slices, toss with olive oil and sea salt, and bake for 30 minutes at 425 F,” says Morgan.



Frozen spinach

45 CENTS PER ½ CUP These greens are just as flavorful and vitamin K-rich as fresh spinach. After defrosting and draining the excess water, mix into pasta dishes.

Black beans

34 CENT PER ½ CUP Ounce for ounce, these legumes have the most antioxidants of any bean. For a quick meal, sauté with onions, garlic, and tomatoes and serve over brown rice.

Eggs

16 CENTS EACH Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. Hard-boil a batch at the start of the week, says Morgan, then slice one on top of toast or add it to a salad or sandwich.

---

Sweet whole-grain cereals

Even though your childhood favorite is now being made with whole-grain oats, it doesn’t give you a free pass to pour yourself a big bowl. “Many sweet cereals that contain whole oats or rice still have very little fiber and more sugar than a doughnut,” says Keri Gans, R.D., a New York City dietitian. For lasting energy, look for at least 3 grams of fiber and fewer than 10 grams of sugar. –JUNO DcMELO

Halloween Eve

It's 6pm, and I'm sitting here in my gray banshee wig and witch costume. I'm wearing outrageous eye makeup with black eyebrows, black glitter eye shadow and red lipstick. I have black spider stickers on each side of my face. I'm waiting for the little ones to start ringing the doorbell, yelling "Trick or Treat!". I already have a headache. I hate wigs. This is the last year I'll be wearing a wig. I forgot how uncomfortable they can be (although I had on a different one last week and it wasn't this bad). 

I've never dressed up for the kids before. I don't know why I decided to do so this year. It seemed like a good idea at the time. We have a lot of kids on my street and they all know me. The last few years I made the decision that I was sick and tired of handing out candy that I couldn't eat and it wasn't good for the kids anyway. So we'd turn off all the lights and head out to a scary movie at the theater. Talk about being a Halloween Scrooge.

For some reason I had a change of heart this year. I dressed up for work last week so I had a costume (actually, I bought two - a witch and vampire). Tonight I'm the witch because I can't talk very well with the vampire teeth. Of course, now I'm thinking maybe this was a stupid idea. The wig is bugging me and the makeup is itchy.

I just answered the door to the third set of kids. They seem to be getting a kick out of me being dressed up as a witch. I love the wide eyes of the little ones. Maybe they think this is what I always look like.

My husband is still mowing the lawn (at 6pm...???). The motion detector gigantic brown recluse spider hanging over the front door is continually yelling, screaming, howling. I need to turn off his sound until the mowing stops. I'm just too tired.

Strangely the candy isn't bothering me and it's all my favorite stuff, Twix, Mounds, Kit Kats, M&Ms (no problem with the Reese cups since I have a peanut allergy). They're nice sized bars that are about two or three bites, at about 80 calories each. I really have no interest.

The caramel cake I had Thursday night has pretty much done me in on sweets for probably a long time. I can still taste the intense sweetness of the brown sugar in the frosting, the slight grittiness against my teeth. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really didn't like it that much. I never want to have it again. It wasn't that it was a bad tasting cake, it just wasn't all that great. The same with the Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Maybe it's because I'm associating these foods with a sleepless night, filled with tossing and turning and a bad bout of night sweats. I really don't want a repeat of that night. I accept that I failed and I may fail again, but the sickening sweet taste is still too familiar. Perhaps I'm not as addicted to sugar as I once thought.

I'm 100% back on track this weekend and actually tracking my food online and drinking tons of water. Three hours of exercise between yesterday and today.

I even tried out a couple cardio machines I've never used before. I tried the recumbent bike because Bally's had a thing on their Bally TV about it, that it looks like the Lazy Boy of workout machines but you could get a really good workout on it. I hated it. After thirty minutes on the crossramp I tried the recumbent for twenty minutes. It was pure misery. I like the upright stationary bike or the spin cycle or a real bike, but that recumbent is really uncomfortable, my back is still hurting.

Then I tried the old rowing machine. It looks like an antique torture contraption, and I never see anyone using it. It has a steel chain with a bar attached to it. There are slabs of wood with straps on them that you hook your feet into and grab the bar and pull back. It's not fancy at all, but boy was it difficult. My heart rate zoomed up to 135 in about a minute (remember, I'm old and my resting HR is 49...so 135 is high for me). I did it for ten minutes and thought I was going to die. I burned 80 calories in that ten minutes according to my Polar heart rate monitor (that thinks I weigh 152 pounds because I never changed it because you know I'm going to lose that 25 pounds I gained :).

Okay, I'm ready for Halloween to be over. It's only 7:45 p.m. and the kids keep coming. About forty kids so far, and most of them I didn't know (and some were kind of old for Trick or Treating).

I'm feeling nauseous from the wig. I'm just about ready to pull it off and let my  natural hair be my witch hair. My husband is having no part of handing out the candy which really isn't like him at all. Usually when we did do the candy thing in the past he was always the one to hand it out. Not sure what's up with him this year.

Damn...the doorbell again.

BLT Burger

Tip: But 96 percent lean ground beef rather than 93 percent, which packs as much as twice the fat.



Ingredients:

• 4 strips extralean turkey bacon, halved


• 1 lb 96 percent lean ground beef


• 4 whole grain or whole wheat hamburger buns, split


• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves


• 4 large or 8-12 small thin tomato slices


• 4 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise

Preparation:

• Preheat grill to high.


• Place medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add bacon. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until crisp.


• Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.


• Divide beef into 4 equal portions and shape into balls, packing them tightly. Press each into a patty that is about ½ “ larger than diameter of buns.


• Grill burgers about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness (don’t smash burgers with spatula). Place bun halves, cut sides down, on upper grill rack or away from direct flame until toasted, about 20 seconds.


• Place each toasted bun bottom on plate, Top with spinach, tomato, patties, then 2 pieces of bacon each. Spread 1 tbsp of the mayonnaise evenly on each bun top, flip atop patties, and serve.

Make 4 Servings:



Weight Loss Recipes Amount per Serving: 295 Calories, 29 g Protein, 25 g carbohydrates, 4 g Fiber, 9 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 70 mg cholesterol, 547 mg sodium

Sweet Grilled Cheese

Tip: Always use low-fat cheese when cooking. You’ll lower the fat and save a lot of calories.



Ingredients:

• 2 slices low-fat provolone or Swiss cheese


• 2 slices Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Preparation:

• Coat nonstick sauté pan with oil cooking spray and set over medium heat.


• Place cheese between slices of bread and set sandwich on pan. Cook, pressing down gently with spatula once or twice, until bottom side is golden.


• Flip sandwich and repeat. Serve immediately.

Make 2 Servings:



Weight Loss Recipes Amount per Serving ( ½ sandwich): 120 Calories, 8 g Protein, 20 g carbohydrates, 2 g Dietary Fiber, 2 g fat, < 1 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium

Tacking as I go

Still tracking my foods, still doing the do... will write later about my CRIMINALLY INSANE leaflet campaign that makes me think I deserve to wear Underoooooo's

Breast Reduction | Reduction Mammaplasty

Breast Reduction, although actually a reconstructive surgical procedure, is used to correct marked breast enlargement, out of proportion to body size, and causing significant back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as a tendency to rashes and yeast infections in the folds under the breasts. The cause varies but is generally associated with genetic pre-disposition, hormone fluctuation (e.g. puberty, pregnancy, or menopause), or marked weight variation. Breast Reduction is a surgical method of size reduction of the breasts, relieving the weight burden, and usually producing an improvement in breast shape. Mastopexy or Breast Lift is a similar but distinct technique, designed to cosmetically restore a youthful breast shape and tissue firmness, but not remove any breast tissue. Insurance has traditionally covered the cost of Reduction Mammaplasty surgery (but not cosmetic Mastopexy), however, many HMO's and similar discount insurance schemes have found it convenient to deny this service by falsely labeling it "cosmetic surgery". Be aware that if you are trapped in one of these limited service insurance plans you have the legal and contractual right to appeal denials of necessary Reconstructive Plastic Surgery services. Every state has an Insurance Commission which oversees operations of such insurance schemes, and they are usually responsive to consumer healthcare complaints. Pre- and post-operative photos of several representative patients are displayed below.

Case 1 : A 23 year old woman with large breasts out of proportion to her 125 pounds underwent Breast Reduction to correct the disproportion.

Before and after photos of Breast Reduction are shown with a one year result. Note the deep shoulder grooves due over-sized bras. Also note how minimal the scars appear at this point. Relief of back, neck , and shoulder pain was complete, and virtually immediate. Side views of the same Reduction Mammaplasty result. Scars are located beneath the breast around the nipple/areola, and down the front of the breast in the shadows.

Case 2 : An otherwise healthy 24 year old female with very large breasts was seen for Breast Reduction surgery.

Before and after surgery photos are shown, at which time she is completely healed, and has achieved total relief of back, neck and shoulder pain that was solely related to her breast size. Significant breast asymmetry was corrected at the time of surgery as well. Scars will fade with time.

Case 3 : A 35 year old professional woman with very large breasts causing back, neck, and shoulder pain, rashes beneath the breasts, and neck muscle tension headaches.

Photos before and three months after Breast Reduction Her symptoms were promptly relieved by this outpatient surgery.

Side views before and after surgery. She returned to work at 10 days post-op.

Source : advanced-art.com

Related Posts :

Breast Implants and Augmentation

Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation

Different Cases of Breast Augmentation with photos

Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Breast Lift | Mastopexy

Breast Lift, or Mastopexy, is similar to Breast Reduction, except only the excess skin is removed, saving breast tissue volume and compacting it to restore breast shape and feel. Scars result, but are positioned to minimize visibility. With time the scars will fade, and flatten, usually producing a pleasing youthful result. Examples of mastopexy are presented below with post-op photos at about 3 months. Breast Lift or Mastopexy is usually performed in my Office Surgical Suite under Local Anesthesia with Sedation, minimizing cost .

Case 1 : A 26 year old with a history of one pregnancy underwent a Mastopexy or Breast Lift in the Office Operating Suite.

Before and after photos 3 months after a Breast Lift. Scars are placed around the areola, down the front of the breast, and in the fold beneath. Other techniques require only a scar around the areola, but necessitate a longer adjustment period until the skin relaxes to achieve the more youthful shape.

Lateral before and after views of result of Breast Lift or Mastopexy. Note that the scars are not at all visible from this viewpoint, and the nipples now project in the correct direction. A mid "C" cup size was restored.

Source: advanced-art.com

Related Posts :
Breast Implants and Augmentation
Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation
Different Cases of Breast Augmentation with photos
Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Breast Implants | Reduction Gone Wrong

Case1: I just had breast reduction surgery done. My doctor failed to tell me that he removed my nipples during surgery. So here it was 4 weeks later, after seeing him 2 times a week, a scab came off one of my nipples after taking a bath and there was no nipple. I screamed! Where is it? Where is it? Oh my god, my worst nightmare! He didn't even tell me that he removed them. I am so angry at my doctor. I have lost a big part of what makes me feel like a woman. Its only been a few days since I found out that they are gone and while searching the internet, I can't find anyone else this has happend too. I asked him why he took them off and he said he thought it was the best thing to do at the time. I am so confused and sad over this. Does anyone know why a Dr. Would remove your nipples and keep the areole?

Reply: I'm sorry to say but this is really stupid. The fact that he removed you nipples I mean. It is true that the nipple and areola are removed from the skin during such surgery but they are placed afterwards. Your doctor not placing your nipple back is definetly wrong...I believe you can sue him for that. It is not professional. Furthermore he is not allowed to do anything without your approval unless it is a life threatening situation. And it wasn't in your case. What? What if he had done a mastectomy? Would he have motivated that he felt like doing that? Maybe he was tired and wanted to go home early? This can't be. You can't allow that. Talk to him and ask for reasons to why he has done this. Sue him if not and with the money go to a real doctor and try to have your nipples made. I believe it can be done. I just don't know how much you will feel afterwards. Good luck!

Case2: My name is kristina and I am 28 from california. I had a breast reduction 3yrs. Ago and suffered many complications. My surgeon was supposed to remove the nipples during the surgery and re-apply them st the end of the procedure. He claims that 15min. Before surgery I told him to do it keeping the blood flow attached during surgery (which I didn't). I chose the first method sice it had the greatest chance of survival for me. To make a rather long story short. Within the first two weeks I had lost both nipples and my insisian was seperating (about 8in. On one side and 6in. On the other)and much of my remaining tissue was falling out and dying off.
I now have no nipples, no remaining breast tissue, severe pain from the nerve damage, depression and lots of mental issues surounding all of it. I am currently in the middle of a case against the doctor who denies any responsibility, and claims it is because I did not take extra viamin c for the first two weeks after surgery. We are heading to trial this month and although having a financial win would be nice, I just want to make him suffer a little and make him understant and feel helpless like me for just a moment.

Case3: About 4 hours after the surgery, my right breast began blowing up like a balloon. After calling the doctor's office 3 times, they finally agreed I should come back in.
The doctor said he couldn't wait for his anesthesiologist to get back to the office. He needed to open my breast back up asap to relieve the pressure. I can't tell you how horrifying it was. I gushed about a pint of blood when he pulled out the stitches. He said several large blood clots had formed and he needed to redo the surgery.
After about 1 hour of paging his anesthesiologist (who never returned), he called the hospital and told them send one over. (just across the street) the anesthesiologist did not want to put me back to sleep unless I was in the hospital. The plastic surgeon finally talked him into it. I was scared stiff....But way too out of it already to object.
A couple days after he said the blood flow was not good to my nipple and I almost lost it. He wanted to do another surgery immediately to remove it. I said no. I told him that I wanted to wait and that if any more surgery was to be done that I wanted it done in the hospital. The extra day saved my nipple from being removed permanently.
My breasts are still extremely sensitive a year & a half after surgery. The scaring isn't too bad, but when I lift my arm, there is a noticable dent under my breast. They are also mostly numb....Even tho I get terrible itching from nerve damage.
I've contemplated a law suit......Mainly due to the trauma of removing the stitches without anesthesia. And i'm also a cup size smaller than what I asked for. I have also suffered from some depression since.

Case4 : I had a breast reduction. A year and a half ago. They didnt really warn me about the whole nipple process...Well they cut them down, and they completely screwed up my nipples also. One is bigger than the other, the shape is out uneven, and they just look horrible. Im looking ot get mine fixed soon, its just been hard for me to want to undergo another plastic surgery when everythin with my breast reduction went wrong.

Case5 : I had a reduction done due to health reasons and it turned out to be awful. I to want to get the problem fixed but am scared now! I have two different size breast now and the nipple thing well I have lost part of one of mine do to an infection I recv. It took me on the third call to get them to see me back at the doctors office telling them that I didnt like I was seeing. I have nipples that point in different directions and I am a hell of alot smaller then what I had asked for. I went from a "ddd" to a "a" on one side and a "b" on the other side.....Talk about depression well that has happened to me ...Someone needs to get these doctors!!!

Case6 : I had a breast reduction done may 2006. I thought it was going to be the most wonderful thing I had ever done for myself. Boy was I wrong !!!! The surgery it self was bad enough, then to have bad results? My nipples ( though I still have sensation in then) sit extremely high. I ask my Dr. About my nipple placement, and his answer was that I had "bottomed out". I don't know exactly what that means, but a week later he performed additional surgery in his office under local anesthetic and removed a strip of skin( no tissue) to pull the nipples down. Not only would I not get completely numb, but I left his office with almost 90 stitches. The nipples are still all screwed up, and I am very flat. I wanted to be pain free and I am, now it is a mental pain. I look like a freak !!! I am looking into having more surgery (by a different Dr.) to correct this. I hope all goes better this time.

Case7 : I recently had a breast reduction and I have the same things going on. I was not aware at all that my nipples would be removed. When the procedure was done, the doctor told me that the blood flow was not good to my right nipple. He told me that he was unable to reattach the nipple, and that I only had the one on my left still on! I was furious, and the only thing he said was that he could take it off or leave it there. There was no way to reattach it. He also told me that there's around a 75% failure rate of these procedures. It's not very safe at all and usually women are not only dissatisfied with the results, they usually bear a large amount of pain afterwards. I am not happy and I'm currently trying to bring this to court. There is no reason for this. If only they would have told me this stuff beforehand, I would never have had it in the first place. None of this was worth getting my breasts smaller.

Ladies!! Collect as much information as you can, study the different cases where this procedure has changed the lives of women in negative way, don't mess up your breast, I guess you know how precious they are else you wouldn't be doing a surgery on them. May God bless all who Implant or Reduce their breast.
Source: plasticsurgeryphotos.blogspot.com

Wanna know more about Breast Augmentation? See these posts :
Breast Implants and Augmentation
Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation
Different Cases of Breast Augmentation with photos
Other Related Posts :
Breast Lift or Mastopexy
Breast Reduction

Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation

Related posts :

Breast Implants and Augmentation

Risks of Breast Augmentation

More Images : Before After Cases of Breast Augmentation with Pictures

Other Related Posts :
Breast Lift or Mastopexy
Breast Reduction

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

Breast Augmentation involves surgical placement of Saline Implants in a submuscular space to enhance breast size and shape. I prefer to place saline breast implants beneath the pectoralis muscles in most cases to limit implant edge visibility, and the tendency to show visible wrinkling of the breast implant if it is closer to the skin surface. Further, placement beneath the muscle moves the implants to a position where there is minimal interference with future mammography and breast diagnostics. I usually accomplish sub-muscular placement of breast implants via the axillary (arm-pit) approach, thus avoiding the potential for heavy scarring on the breasts, and further, limiting the potential for injury to nerves to the skin and nipples. This approach provides a very natural contour, while allowing a substantial breast size increase and an earlier return to activity with no breast incision to protect. Apart from just achieving enlargement of the breasts, Breast Augmentation Mammaplasty can also be used to adjust the shape, size and volume of uneven sized breasts (asymmetry), and as an adjunct to correct certain breast deformity or deformities, as well as to facilitate reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy.

Case 1 : Six month result Transaxillary Sub - pectoral Augmentation Mammaplasty with 375cc smooth saline implants in a 33 year old woman with chest wall and breast size asymmetry. This achieved large "C" to "D" cup size with no visible scars.

Age: 33 Ht: 5'7" Wt: 130 lbs. Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 375cc Size: 36C/D

Case 2 : At right are pre-op and 6 week post-op photos of a 24 year old woman with slight asymmetry. At six weeks, there is still some early fullness of the upper breast which will fade with time, as the skin and muscle stretches, and the implants settle into position. Implant volumes of 350cc right, and 325cc left were used to improve volume symmetry. The next photos below show this patient's axillary scars.

Age: 24 Ht: 5'5" Wt: 125 lbs. Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 325/350cc Size: 34D

Trans - Axillary Breast Augmentation. Right and left axillary views at 6wks show almost complete disappearance of the scars in the natural folds beneath the arms.

Case 3 : 31-year old woman 3 months after Trans-axillary Breast Augmentation. A "D" cup size was achieved with 425 cc saline breast implants. This patient's axillary incision scars are shown at the top of the next page.

Age: 31 Ht: 5'4" Wt: 120 lbs Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 425cc Size: 34D

Case 4 : Results at 7 years after Trans-axillary breast augmentation in a 19 year old woman shows stability of the sub-muscular result with none of the long-term sag which tends to occur with implants above the muscle.

Age : 19 (at surgery) Ht : 5'6" Wt : 125 lbs Implants : Mentor Type : Textured Silicone Volume : 350cc Size : 34C

Before and after (7 yr) views of the same patient as well as a view of the axillary scar at 7 years (hidden in a fold)

The same patient seen at 12.5 years after trans-ax augmentation, at age 31 and after a recent pregnancy, shows the stability of the augmentation result using the trans-axillary technique.

Case 5 : Six week post-op Augmentation result in a 43 year old woman with loss of volume after 2 pregnancies. Implants are 375cc smooth saline -filled placed via the Trans-axillary sub-muscular mammaplasty technique.

Age: 43 Ht: 5'3 Wt: 123 lbs Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 375cc Size: 34D

Source: plasticsurgeryphotos.blogspot.com

For more information on Breast Augmentation and related images see these posts on Breast Implants and Augmentation and Before-After Pictures of Breast Implants

There are cases where the surgery have gone wrong too. See this post on Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Other Related Posts :
Breast Lift or Mastopexy
Breast Reduction

It's not the collapse that defines you...it's how you handle it

Post binge
After writing about my major binge on Thursday, I was astoundingly not hungry on Friday. This surprised me because usually after a binge, I'm hungrier and find it just about impossible to get back on track.

Yesterday I didn't even think about eating until about 3pm. I only ate then because I knew I really shouldn't go all day without eating. I ate lightly and slept well last night. Very unusual.

The urge, the lapse and the collapse

Today's Weight Watcher meeting seemed to be tailor made for me. The topic was how to handle a collapse, and that our secret weapon is POSITIVE SELF TALK. It's all about giving ourselves the freedom to fail. Forgiving ourselves when we do and then moving on.

Our leader, Janis (Federal Way, WA and I love her!) gave an example of how it starts. Let's say you have a bag of Halloween candy bars to hand out to the trick or treaters...

1. You have an urge to eat the candy. What do you do? You can ignore it, or do something else and fight the urge or eat something healthy or you can give into it which leads to...

2. A lapse. A lapse is you have one candy bar. Okay, now that alone isn't so bad. Not perfect, but it's okay. It's just a little lapse.  But what if you eat the entire bag of candy bars, that is...

3. A Collapse. Now you've collapsed. Totally fallen off track. You feel horrible. Guilt. Shame. You hate yourself. You call yourself names. You think you're a bad, bad person. No willpower. Lazy. And if you're me, stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid!  That's always my ultimate insult to myself, that I'm stupid.

Now this is the interesting part. How do you handle that collapse? Does it throw you into a tizzy, a week or a month long binge, or even longer? Or do you just tell yourself, okay, I collapsed. Screwed up. It's okay. I'm a human being capable of making mistakes. Where do you go from here? You get back on track. Immediately. Right now, this very minute.

I feel like this is exactly what I did. I've heard this and read this before. It's not exactly new information, but for some reason it worked this time. I immediately got back on track.

The toilet water trick

This is kind of gross, but I think this could work. Janis said if she's at someones house and they have junk to eat, such as fried chicken or fudge, she considers it the same as drinking toilet water. She said at home she wouldn't drink out of the toilet, why would she eat crap when she's at someones house. You've got to love Janis.

Now for the kind of bad news, the weigh-in

I'm not beating myself up about my weighin today. It's not great, but it could have been a lot worse.

My weight at my last meeting (7 weeks ago):

9/11/10  --  174.8

My weight today:

10/30/10 -- 178.2

Gained: +3.4 (in 7 weeks)

Total Loss since 2/12/2008:

61.0 Pounds

I'm not thrilled about this gain, but I'm also not bitterly disappointed in myself. Considering I haven't been tracking my food, and I tried the Geneen Roth plan of eat what I think my body wants and when I'm hungry, it's sort of a miracle I didn't gain a lot more weight.

I do have a new idea. It's called following the Weight Watcher plan. I've been off of it for so long that it almost feels like something new.

I have exactly 15 weeks until my three-year Weight Watcher anniversary on February 12, 2011. If you had told me three years ago that I still wouldn't be at goal by now, I would have laughed at you. I was so very determined back then. Somehow, I fell off track, lost sight of the prize, and have been playing around for far too long.

There's nothing like a good Weight Watcher meeting to set me on fire again...and I'm on fire!

Breast Implants and Augmentation

From a very early age, women are subjected to ideals regarding the size and shape of their breasts. Modern media – glossy magazines and movies - tell us how big and what shape they should be. Many women consider and eventually have breast implants in order to conform to these opinions but while there are advantages to having this done there are still some concerns and many questions that need answering.

Not all cosmetic surgery is carried out on women who simply want bigger breasts. Many face psychological problems because the size or shape of each breast is different. Breast cancer sufferers consider breast-rebuilding treatment to try and get their lives back on track.

Gone are the days where the only surgical procedure available for women was breast enlargements. There are numerous surgical procedures for various areas of the body although the breasts remain a firm favourite for women. You can now have breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, breast implants, a breast lift and a breast reduction.

You should always consider every view and get the full facts before you consider any surgery, least of all cosmetic surgery.

For most forms of breast implants a small incision of approximately 1.5 inches is made in the fold under the breast, around the areola or in the underarm. For saline implants, a pocket is then created and the implant inserted. Once inserted the implant is then inflated with the saline solution.

More information about the surgery.
The procedure itself usually takes between an hour and two hours and dressing and bandaging is worn for the proceeding 24 to 48 hours. After this a support bra is worn for around 3 weeks although patients can normally be up and moving within 24 hours of the operation. It is advised that strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about a month after surgery.

You will suffer bruising and swelling around the breasts that should disappear with time, and also a firmness in the breasts that will disappear with time. You will more than likely feel a little discomfort for several days following the procedure; if this discomfort continues you should consult the clinic where you underwent the operation.

What are the possible side effects of breast implant surgery? Current research shows no heightened risk of systemic disease or breast cancer in patients, however, as with all surgery there are risks attached. Unfavourable scarring may occur leaving nasty marks around the incision area or around the implant. Infection may occur as with any surgery. Bleeding, excessive firmness, rippling, deflation, asymmetry and a change in nipple sensation may also be encountered but breast augmentation has the highest satisfaction rate of any cosmetic surgery.


What implants are used?
Currently, in the United States, saline implants are used for breast augmentation; these are a silicone rubber shell filled with saline (salt water) during surgery. They are available in a wide choice of shapes and sizes. If a patient has significant problems and saline implants would not be the best solution then gel implants may also be used. The advantage of saline implants that if you are one of the unlucky 1% of people who’s implants deflate, the body absorbs the salt-water solution and the implant deflates at a rate that means the body can cope with the amount of salt water being absorbed.


How much will breast augmentation cost?
Obviously this will differ dependant on exactly what procedure you want, the incision type your require and where you have the procedure done. It is obviously not advised to plump for the cheapest option as this may lead to using an inefficient surgeon and complications with the procedure. As a very rough guide you can expect to pay between $4000 and $10000 for breast augmentation. There are probably cheaper and more expensive options available, but I wouldn’t advise either. The price you pay also takes into account the availability of plastic surgeons in that area and the qualifications and expertise of the potential surgeon. If you are certain you want breast implants but feel that the price is a little too high for your budget, you will be pleased to hear that many surgeons will offer credit agreements to spread the cost over time. You should always be very careful when picking a clinic or surgeon. Make sure they are professionally certified and be aware that this is a prime example of you get what you pay for; the price you pay is usually indicative of the qualifications, experience and expertise of your surgeon. Do not be afraid to ask your surgeon for testimonials from satisfied clients; any professional worth his salt will be able to supply them and will be only to pleased to do so. At the end of the day, you must have confidence in your surgeon. And the only way to achieve that, is to do your research.
©2005 Jenna Keys About The Author: Jenna Keys

See before after pictures of Breast Implant and Augmentation and several cases with pictures

Wanna know Risks on Breast Augmentation? See this post on Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Other Related Posts :

Breast Lift or Mastopexy

Breast Reduction

Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Pictures

Wanna know more on this?
Go to Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty. There are plenty of risks involved in a Tummy Tuck surgery, (read this post on Tummy Tuck Gone wrong).
More on before after pictures of tummy tuck

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Gone Wrong

Despite its immense popularity, there are many cases where tummy tuck has gone wrong. Here are some cases that I've found on the internet.

Case 1.
It's almost three weeks since I have my tummy tuck and liposuction along with a breast augmentation the recovery for the bust augmentation It was okay, but, the recovery for the tummy tuck it was a different story, the first two weeks it was so painful, that my husband had to take care of me the whole first week day and night, "thanks god" that he is retired from his job, other way he can be kind of sleepy on his job. the second week I have to managed to take care of myself, because he was tired of me, ringing the bell every time I have to go to the bathroom and not to be able to move my body... you see every single movement It was a pain even do I was taking the medications. to me It was something that has to be done, with my body, and for almost two years I was saving money for the tummy tuck operation. I was so disgusted every time I see myself in the mirror with the tummy. that I decided to go ahead with the surgery and I think the it was worthy all the pain, and money I spend. I did that, after finding the right pl, with his credentials, because after all is your life and health you putting in risk, after several consultations with some others doctors finally I found my Dr. thank-you Dr.Efrain Gonzalez for been so patient with me "you are the best surgeon".

Case 2.
I paid for a tummy tuck and it went terribly wrong.I was left with a 6 by 7 and a half inch hole in my stonache.The doctor that preformed the surgery then passed me off to another doctor without explanation.This has been going on for over 4 months and i'm still not closed up yet.I'd like to sue or at least get my money back.

Case 3.
I had a tummy tuck close to seven months ago. As soon as I had the surgery it did not result in what the doctor had said it should be. He has caused my stomach to look abnormal and disfigured. I have keloid scars and the incision is very high. I know that this forum is for people who have been injured through negligence by their physicians, and I have not been injured, but I have been disfigured. I have consulted with other physicians who said I need to have a new tummy tuck surgery. This is so unfair, I spent thousands of dollars on this, went down for recovery time which was extremely painful, and now I need to pay more money to get this fixed. I do not trust the physician who by the way is a board certified plastic surgeon, to do a revision on me since he keeps on contradicting himself whenever I ask him about this problem he caused. He will not compensate me for my loss, and wants to perform the surgery again, but I refused.Do I have a legal case? I live in Illinois, but had the surgery done in Munster, Indiana because it costs less. Does anyone out there know if I am able to receive compensation for this major problem I'm going through?I have asked three law firms so far, and noone will take on this type of case since I am not injured. Please give me some advice if you know of any.

One of the Certified Surgeons explains the risks of having a Tummy Tuck like this :

All surgery has some potential risks, including the risks of bleeding, reaction to the anesthetic, and infection. Scars are to be expected, but they will become lighter and flatter with time. Smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. This could result in larger scars, and a second surgery. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how to resume physical activity.

So, folks do a research about it or you may want to consult with your doctor before you do the abdominoplasty. (PS : any comments on this post will be highly appreciated)

Related Posts :
Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty
More Images: Tummy Tuck Pictures
Tummy Tuck Pictures II

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pictures - Before and After

Tummy Tucks and Liposuction

You want to banish those love handles, or eliminate stretch marks, remove the fats on the neck. Liposuction will do it, you think. Before you add liposuction cost to that annual gym membership and killer bathing suit, tack on a tummy tuck. Liposuction can't tighten loose love handles or post-pregnancy stretch marks or loose skin due to rapid weight loss, for example also post-pregnancy or pre-high school reunion.

Many plastic surgeons recommend getting a tummy tuck rather than (neck) liposuction body sculpting, since liposuction reduces abdominal fat and not the inner girdle that expands with pregnancy. However, opinion is divided: Some surgeons do a mini tummy tuck and tumescent liposuction, while others favor liposuction over surgical abdominoplasty to restore youthful appearance. Often, tummy tucks are done to tighten lax skin after liposuction. Frequently, surgeons combine the two with liposuction abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck on the lower abs that involves liposuction to remove excess fat. Ask your plastic surgeon for her recommendations. Remember that liposuction makes you feel as though you've hit the gym two times over. If you have separate procedures, schedule some recovery time in-between the liposuction and tummy tuck. However you think you look, your physical health is more important than getting rid of love handles and stretch marks.
Related Posts :

Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty
Risks of Tummy Tuck
For more pictures: Go to Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pictures

Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty | Stomach Lift

Are sit-ups just not giving you the taut tummy you desire? If you've got a little too much flab or excess skin in your abdomen that won't diminish with diet or exercise, you may want to consider an abdominoplasty, popularly referred to as a "tummy tuck".

This procedure flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.

But be cautioned: This is a major surgery, so if you're considering it, take the time to educate yourself, thoroughly analyze your own situation and do not rush to make the final decision.

A tummy tuck should be the last resort for people who have exhausted all other measures, and the procedure should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who are in good general health overall.
It should not be confused with a liposuction (the cosmetic surgery used to remove fat deposits), although your surgeon may elect to perform liposuction as part of a tummy tuck.

Women who have muscles and skin stretched by multiple pregnancies may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce that skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives and still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area (see more on Body contouring after major weight loss).

Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

If you're a woman who is still planning to have children, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you're through bearing children. Here's why: During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. Future pregnancies can separate these muscles.

Are you still planning to lose a lot of weight? Then you do not want to consider a tummy tuck.
It's important to note that a tummy tuck can cause prominent, permanent scarring. If this is something you don't want, you may want to reconsider. Your doctor will discuss all these options with you when you go for the consultation.

How a Tummy Tuck is Done ?

Depending on your desired results, this surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. The complexity of your particular situation also will determine whether you have it completed as an in-patient or outpatient procedure.

You will receive general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the operation. It's important to have someone with you who can drive you home. If you live alone, you also will need someone to stay with you at least the first night after the surgery.

There are two options for a tummy tuck. You and your surgeon will discuss your desired results, and he or she will determine the appropriate procedure during your consultation.

I. Complete abdominoplasty
Your abdomen will be cut from hipbone to hipbone in this procedure, the option for those patients who require the most correction. The incision will be made low, at about the same level as your pubic hair.

Your surgeon will then manipulate and contour the skin, tissue and muscle as needed. Your belly button will have a new opening if you undergo this procedure, because it's necessary to free your navel from surrounding tissue. Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin and these will be removed in a few days as your surgeon sees fit.

II. Partial or mini abdominoplasty
Mini-abdominoplasties are often performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below the navel and require shorter incisions.

During this procedure, your belly button most likely will not be moved. Your skin will be separated between the line of incision and your belly button. This type of surgery may also be performed with an endoscope (small camera on the end of a tube). The procedure may only take up to two hours, again, depending on your own personal situation and the complexity of your needs.

How to Prepare For Tummy Tuck Surgery?

If you smoke, you will have to stop for a certain period as determined by your doctor. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely for at least two weeks prior to surgery and for two weeks after. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

Make sure you eat well-balanced, complete meals and do not try to diet excessively before the surgery. Proper nutrition plays a key role in healing properly.

If you take certain medications, your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking these for a certain period before and after the surgery. Your surgeon will determine this as part of your pre-operative consultation.

Before undergoing the surgery, you'll need to get your home ready for your post-operative care. Your home recovery area should include:

Plenty of ice packs
Supply of loose, comfortable clothing that can be taken on and off very easily
Petroleum jelly for incision sites
Telephone within reaching distance
Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair

You know yourself best, so make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area before you undergo the surgery to meet your personal needs.

What Are the Complications and Side Effects of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor can prescribe a painkiller if needed and will instruct you on how to best handle the pain. Soreness may last for several weeks or months.

You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Remember, this surgery affects a very crucial part of your body. Though they're rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap or blood clots. You may carry an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes or heart, lung or liver disease.

You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery.

As we mentioned before, the scars from a tummy tuck are fairly prominent and though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you've completely healed to help with the scars.

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery
Whether you're having a partial or complete tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged. It's very important that you follow all your surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.

If you are an exceptionally physically active person, beware: You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. Your doctor will advise you on this as you go through the process. You may need to take up to one month off of work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Again, your doctor will help you determine this based on your personal situation.
Return to Living
Generally, most people love the new look after they've undergone this procedure. However, you may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You've gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and physically, and it's very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.

Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?

Be warned: Insurance carriers generally do not cover elective, cosmetic surgery. But, your carrier may cover a certain percentage if you have a hernia that will be corrected through the procedure, or your anterior muscles are abnormally spread.

It's extremely important that you begin communicating with your insurance company early on, and that you discuss your insurance concerns with your surgeon. In most cases, your surgeon will write a letter to your insurance carrier, making the case for medical necessity, if it applies to you.

It's also very important to realize that insurance may only cover certain portions of the surgery, so make sure you get details. With any cosmetic surgery, this may affect future insurance coverage for you and your premiums may increase.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.

See related before after images on Tummy Tuck Photos and Abdominoplasty Before and After. See this post on Tummy Tuck Gone Wrong

Utah Vacation - Spending Time with Family & Friends - Meeting my Favorite Author

Hello! Remember me? Yeah, I haven't been here for awhile. But I have a super good excuse, I've been on vacation!  My family and I just returned home from our week stay in Utah visiting family and a dear friend in Las Vegas.  My husband and I agree, this was probably one of the most fun vacations we have ever taken.

We stayed a week with family in Springville, Utah.  The kids played and caught up, as did the adults.  We also were able to watch the season change before our very eyes.  We left California after a day where the AC was needed, and we arrived in Utah on a typical autumn evening.  By mid-week, it was snowing throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

It was such an exciting week for me that I found myself without an appetite.  Yes, you heard correctly, WITHOUT an appetite.  I know, usually while on vacation, it's so easy to gorge on good food.  We had good food, I just didn't feeling like eating it.  I even had some dark chocolate stashed away, just in case.  I had one piece the day I bought it and I didn't touch it the remainder of the trip. I know, I am shocked too.

The only thing I can think of is that I was truly in a relaxed mode. When I am relaxed, food takes on a whole new meaning for me and I have better control over it, actually, it would seem, that I have complete control over it.  When I am stressed, tired and can't think straight, it's easy to snack and gorge and loose all control.  It felt great being in control this week and I feel a new resolve to get into a better routine to keep it permanent.

An exciting event that happened while in Utah was an opportunity to catch up with our favorite author, Kaleb Nation, at his book signing.  You have seen me talk about his books before.  (If not, scroll down)  Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse was published last year.  This year, Bran Hambric: The Specter Key, was released.  He's as sweet in person as he is online.  It was truly a pleasure to meet him.  We wish him the very best.

Kaleb and me.

It happened one night...a full-blown binge

It's strange how the harder I try to be "good", and the more I focus on thinking about always doing the right thing with food and exercise, the more obsessed I become with the idea of binging.

Yesterday was the culmination of weeks of work stress. There was some marriage stress mixed in there too but I think we've worked through that and are back on pretty solid ground. Things are winding down at work too, finally there's a feeling of calm after weeks and weeks of intense pressure to work faster and harder, along with major stress.

So what the hell happened? I don't really know how to explain it other than something just came over me. I've been feeling really hungry lately, but eating very clean, very healthy. Maybe my portions have sometimes been a little on the large side, but I haven't been gaining weight, just holding steady in the the 174-175 range. Not at all where I want to be (135).

I shop at a Northwest grocery store, Fred Meyers. It's a large grocery store, sort of a one-stop shopping kind of place. For the last couple of months they've had a big display of caramel frosted yellow cake sitting right by the check-out area. You have to pass it to get in line to check out your groceries. You can't miss this huge display of cake.

I have a thing for caramel. I love it. Anything caramel, it's my favorite. I don't really care for chocolate, but I'm in heaven with caramel. I also love yellow cake, hate chocolate cake. So this was a dangerous combination for me. Thick caramel frosting covering a tall two-layer yellow cake.

You can buy the cake in a package of two big slices, or 1/2 of the cake, or the entire cake. Every week I would look at this cake and think, no way! Poison for sure. I pass by it and head down the ice cream aisle to buy my sugar-free Skinny Cow sandwiches or the Weight Watcher fudge bars or the Dryers fruit bars (Pomegranate - 70 calories each). Week after week for at least two months.

Then yesterday happened. It was Halloween at work since most people work from home on Friday. I dressed up as a vampire in a very uncomfortable wig and lots of makeup (I'm doing it again this weekend so I'll post pictures). By mid-afternoon I felt kind of sick. The giant wig was hot, the hair from the wig was in my face all day and the makeup was itchy. I had only eaten my healthy lunch. I didn't touch the Halloween desserts or candy. I finally called it quits at 3pm and headed home.

On my way home I thought about that caramel cake. I thought about going home, ripping off the costume and washing my face and heading back to the store. I also thought about listening to Geneen Roth's "What to do in the middle of binge" CD that was sitting right there in the seat next to me in my car. I made the conscious decision that I just flat out didn't care. To hell with the diet and Geneen Roth (sorry Geneen...it's nothing personal).

I did exactly what I had planned. When I got home I changed clothes, washed off all the makeup and headed to Fred Meyers. I bought an entire caramel cake, three pints of Häagen-Dazs, a dozen bakery sugar cookies with pink frosting and a package of vanilla doublestuff Oreos, along with a gallon of 1% milk.

I ate 1/3 of the cake. The frosting was so sweet it literally hurt my teeth and it made my stomach hurt. I also ate one pint of the Häagen-Dazs. I had a miserable night. Of course, I ate all of this before my husband got home and I hid the remains. I tossed and turned all night. I had horrible night sweats, something I haven't had in weeks.

I broke every one of Geneen Roth's eating guidelines. Again, I just didn't care.

This morning was filled with regrets, but I got up and got myself to the gym for forty minutes of cardio. I'm heading back at noon for 40 minutes of strength.

When I came home from the gym I took the remaining caramel cake, the unopened Oreos and pink-iced sugar cookies, tore open the packages and dumped everything into a garbage bag. Then I cleaned the cat's litter box dumping the dirty litter on top of the food. I know that's really disgusting, but I've been known to pull things out of the garbage. The contents of the two remaining unopened Häagen-Dazs containers are now down the garbage disposal.

I just don't know how I feel about this whole thing. Why did I do that? It made me feel awful. Guilty. Sad. It didn't make anything in my life better. The entire time I was doing it I knew exactly what I was doing.

I haven't done anything that extreme for a very long time. Maybe even over a year or more. I've had a pint of ice cream a few times, but I haven't purchased a cake with the intention of eating the entire thing, along with two packages of cookies and three pints of ice cream. What the hell was I thinking? Was I even thinking anything?

I guess the difference between yesterday and my past full-blown binges is that I didn't actually eat the entire cake or the any of the cookies or all of the ice cream. In my past I would have continued the binge into today until every morsel was gone. I also would NOT have gone to the gym after a night of binging.

Maybe I have changed. Maybe I will be okay. It's just surprising to me how easily I can fall back into old, bad habits. It's disturbing that I seemed to be completely out of control yesterday.

Even though I've come a long way, I still have a long way to go...

Fill Up to Slim Down: Feel-Full Eating Plan

Try this feel-full eating plan

Created by Katherine Brooking, R.D. This Feel Full Eating Plan delivers about 1,600 calories each day, plus all the nutrients you need.

Day 1 Breakfast. Veggie Scramble with Toast
Whisk 1 extra-large egg and 1 tbsp water in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 tsp canola oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook 1 cup chopped tomato, 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 2/3 cup diced green bell pepper until vegetables are tender, 3 minutes. Add egg and 6 tbsp shredded low fat cheddar; cook, stirring, until set, 2 minutes. Serve with 2 slices whole-grain toast, topped with 2 tsp fruit spread.

Lunch: Sushi Takeout
1 six-piece vegetable-and-fish sushi roll (such as a California roll), 1 cup broccoli florets sautéed in 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil with garlic, 1/2 cup salted edamame and 2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce.

Snack. 12-oz skim milk latte

Dinner. Spinach Salad
Toss 4 cups fresh spinach with 1/2 cup sliced apple, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 1 1/2 oz lean ham and 1 oz feta. Top with 4 crushed walnut halves, 1/4 cup whole-wheat croutons and 2 tbsp reduced-fat salad dressing. Serve with 1 small whole-wheat pita. Treat. 3 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures.

Day 2 Breakfast. Almond Butter-Banana Toast
Toast 1 slice whole-wheat bread. Top with 1 tbsp almond butter and 1 sliced medium banana. Enjoy with 1 cup skim milk.

Lunch. The BVT (Bacon, Veggie and Tomato)
Heat grill to high. Brush 2 slices eggplant, 1 Portobello mushroom cap, 1 sliced zucchini and 1 sliced red bell pepper with 1 1/2 tsp olive oil. Grill 4 to 5 minutes. Stack veggies, 1 oz part-skim mozzarella, 2 tomato slices and 4 cooked turkey bacon slices between 2 slices multigrain bread.

Snack. 1 part-skim mozzarella stick

Dinner. Beef with Asparagus
Prepare 1 cup cooked brown rice as directed on package; place 2/3 cup in a container and set aside for another day. Heat grill or grill pan to high. Coat 12 medium asparagus spears with 1 1/2 tsp olive oil and grill until tender-crisp, 5 minutes. Serve with remaining rice, 3 oz precooked lean beef brisket and 1 small multigrain roll. Treat. 6 oz red wine.

Day 3 Breakfast. Cereal and Fruity Cottage Cheese
Top 1 cup high-fiber cereal, such as Barbara's Shredded Spoonfuls, with 1/2 cup skim milk and 3 tbsp ground flaxseed (a healthy fat). Serve with 1/2 cup balled watermelon, 1/3 cup cubed honeydew, 1/3 cup cubed cantaloupe and 1/4 cup 1 percent cottage cheese.

Lunch. Hearty Tomato Vegetable Soup
Heat reduced-sodium canned tomato soup (such as Campbell's Healthy Request) using skim milk instead of water. Place 1 1/2 cups soup in a bowl, add 2 cups spinach, 3/4 cup chopped tomato, 1/3 cup chickpeas and 1/4 cup cooked corn kernels. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Serve with 1 small multigrain roll.

Snack. 1 small whole-wheat pita and 1 cup carrot sticks dipped in 3 tbsp plain hummus

Dinner. Lemon Chicken with Black Beans
Steam 1/2 cup diced bell pepper and 1 cup sliced mushrooms for 4 minutes. Mix with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 cup chopped tomato and 1/2 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans. Serve with 1 Kashi Lemon Rosemary Chicken frozen entree, prepared as directed on package.

Treat. One 16 oz (Grande) Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino Light

Day 4 Breakfast. Berry Smoothie
Combine 1/3 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries and 1/3 cup raspberries with 4 oz lowfat plain yogurt, 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup ice in a blender. Mix until smooth. Serve with 3 whole-wheat crackers, each topped with 1 tsp regular peanut butter.

Lunch. Tuna Melt
Mix 5 oz water-packed chunk light tuna, 1 cup diced celery, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup grated carrots and 1 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise in a bowl. Toast 2 slices whole-wheat bread.

Top each piece of toast with 1 medium tomato slice, 1/2 of tuna mixture and 1/2 slice reduced-fat Swiss cheese; heat in toaster oven until cheese melts, about 2 1/2 minutes.

Snack. Chocolate Banana. Slice 1/2 banana and top with 1 tbsp chocolate syrup

Dinner. Turkey Pita with Fries
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Peel 1/2 medium sweet potato and slice into 1/4-inch strips. Place strips on baking sheet and coat with vegetable oil cooking spray. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Coat with cooking spray.

Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook a prepared turkey patty until cooked through, 4 minutes on each side. Stuff a 6-inch whole-wheat pita with patty, 2 tbsp hummus, 1/6 of an avocado, sliced, and 4 tbsp shredded part-skim mozzarella. Serve with fries. Treat. 24 Snyder's Snaps Pretzels.

Day 5 Breakfast. Egg Sandwich and Fruit
Whisk 1 medium egg with 6 tbsp shredded low fat cheddar. Lightly coat frying pan with vegetable oil cooking spray. Heat on low. Add egg and cook until firm, about 2 minutes. Toast a whole-wheat English muffin; spread with 1 tbsp trans-fat-free margarine spread; fill with egg-cheese mixture. Serve with 1 medium orange.

Lunch. Veggie Enchiladas with Broccoli Salad
Heat 2 Amy's Black Bean Vegetable Enchiladas according to package instructions. Mix 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, 3/4 cup chopped tomato, 3 cups mixed greens and 1/4 cup chopped onion. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and 2 tsp balsamic vinegar. Serve warm enchiladas with salad.

Snack. 2 1/2 Mini Babybel Light cheese rounds and 1 cup fresh sliced strawberries

Dinner. Penne with Shrimp and Peas
Prepare 1 cup cooked whole-wheat penne. At the same time, heat a medium saute pan over high heat. Add 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes and 1/4 cup cooked fresh or frozen peas. Place 7 large cooked shrimp in pan with vegetables and toss mixture with drained pasta. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan. Treat. 1 Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Sandwich.