My thoughts and hopes for The Rubbish Diet Challenge

Its the eve of the Rubbish Diet Challenge and I realise that part of me feels quite nervous but excited too. Who knows what will happen over the next few weeks as 8 households endeavour to slim their bins in public.

As four of these households are based in Suffolk, I will be officially launching the challenge live on BBC Radio Suffolk just after 10am, quite appropriately in an outside broadcast from our local Household Waste Recycling Centre in Bury St Edmunds. So if you get a chance, do listen into the Mark Murphy show, which is also launching its own Dont be a Tosser anti-litter campaign on the same day.

In the meantime, heres a video I made earlier today about my thoughts on The Rubbish Diet Challenge... warts and all.  See you again tomorrow for the first Monday Meeting, where I will send you away with your first set of mini-challenges.

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Week 15 down 46 lbs and counting

Finally, I found Betty Lite bread... it took 15 weeks, but I managed to find it.

The elusive 100% whole wheat bread that yields you 2 full slices per day (more tangible food than any other bread item) can be found in Ottawa at the Produce Depot on Carling Ave, or at the Independent Grocer on Bank Street by Hunt Club. Its not on the Gatineau side, thats for sure. What a nice change it is to finally have some toast for breakfast, or a cold cut sandwich for lunch. Mmmmmm

I was quite tired this week though. It may have been the combination of work burnout and just waiting for vacation to come, or the diet. I was being lazy and taking my K-Lite tablets twice daily. However, the nurse on Friday told me to break it up quarterly - the K-Lite is so fast acting that my body probably needs he more frequent intake throughout the day to help with the energy level. Im not so sure about that. Its Saturday today, and my first day of vacation. Im still feeling quite bagged. (Note to Reader: As luck would have it, after writing this, Aunt Flo paid a visit. I shouldve known, since that usually knocks out my energy...)

I learned a valuable lesson though that you just cant put anything past the ketosis-o-meter. I attended a gathering on Tuesday night with colleagues and nibbled on what looked to be an innocuous cracker. However, after one tiny nibble, the pumpernickle, sunflower seed and obviously sugar-encrusted morsel stopped my fat-burning cold. My punishment? Two days relegated to diet isolation for me from the nurses - no fruit for two whole days. My consolation? I could load up on three jello cups in lieu. Hmmmm....

Luckily after my two days fruit-penance I was back to a two (++) burn and didnt seem to lose and fat-burning momentum.

As a treat, I started my vacation last night with a jaunt to the National Arts Centre last night to see the touring Broadway production of Grease. A super show, with a special treat of meeting Taylor Hicks of American Idol fame. I like his music, so as I sent my son in line to get a CD signed, Taylor glanced up at me and gave me a nice warm smile and we locked eyes. Feeling like a million bucks in my skinny jeans and jacket, I felt like a million bucks. What a handsome guy...how attractive I felt!

Plus, when I came home, my mom had arrived for a visit for the period of our vacation. I hadnt seen her for four months - since before I started the diet. She was utterly dumbfounded when I walked into the house. She said "wow, what a difference - how beautiful I looked - that I looked fantastic." My mother-in-law was also visiting this week and whispered in my ear that she was so proud of me. It makes me feel good to know others see the difference.

Every weigh-in day I come home and proudly say to my husband, "Guess what I weigh now!?" On Friday he smiled lovingly at my exhortation of "161"as my new lowest weight, then tongue-in-cheek says" Not good enough!" We both know my goal is 140, so he eggs me on to keep going, all the while giving me a nice smack on the butt. Our little game.

However, Im proud most of myself - to give myself this gift of health and to let me return to my sense of self and image.

And so, with a final leg of 21 lbs to go - a little over 1 month left - I can honestly say that Im not in the homestretch, but in it for the longhaul.

Ill never be finished with the Bernstein program. Once I reach my goal weight I will be a lifer.

I never want to lose this again - my health or my shape or my happiness.

Only 21 more lbs to go (or a little more than one month left) to reach my goal of 140. Steady she goes....

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Its becoming crunch time and Im scared

Okay, so remember when I said I am part of my BFFs wedding in August.  Well, I ordered the dress with a size 30 waist...and Im currently at 36" in my waist.

The dress - but with a champagne sash - d-gorgeous!

$*%&!!

I have been so bad with my diet over the last month - just eating what I want and my weight be damned.

So, tomorrow Ill be hauling my butt to the clinic for a marathon 30 lb weight-loss challenge to ensure I fit into my bloody beautiful dress.  No more BBQ, wine (which given my Canada Day pre-festivities party yesterday, I dont need the hangover!) or eating with abandon.  Im back on strict and going to look hot for that wedding.

If anyone is joining a clinic, feel free to mention my name and clinic (Bank/LEsplanade in Ottawa) - Im happy to get a free week to help me through the financial hump and kick-start my motivation!

Cheers - and here comes the bride - smaid.

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The Rubbish Diet Challenge 2012 And youre invited!

Next Monday on 23rd Jan, I am launching the Rubbish Diet Challenge 2012.

And I am inviting you to take part, along with your friends and family and even colleagues at work.

Your mission will be to find ways of slimming your rubbish bin and you will have 8 weeks to do it.  In the final week, if you want to push the limits and create a name for yourself, theres even the chance to attempt a Zero Waste Week.

Rubbish and waste management is still a huge problem in the UK and even though recycling targets and are being increased and often met by local authorities, we still have a long way to go in tackling the wider issue of waste reduction.

I believe that people power is a key component to tackling the countrys waste problem.

The Rubbish Diet Challenge aims to empower average households everywhere to do something positive about waste reduction at home or at work, even if its just taking the opportunity to learn that little bit more about local recycling, tackling food waste or encouraging your council or community to introduce a new recycling bank.

During the next 8 weeks I want to take you on a journey of discovery, and I know Im going to learn a whole of host of new things myself.

And just with any other diet, there will be regular weigh-ins, starting on Monday, when I will be introducing some of the families, whom I will be personally mentoring over the course of the next couple of months.

But this will not be formulaic. I have no idea of the outcomes, which I confess makes me slightly nervous. At the moment I dont know much about their rubbish, or how low they will go, but I look forward to finding out more as we investigate different lifestyles and recycling issues from all around Suffolk, London, Lincolnshire, Buckinghamshire and even New York City.

So if you want to join in and be part of the conversation, come back on Monday and find out more. In the meantime, if you want to know more about the challenge itself and see whats going to be coming up week-by-week, take a look at the Rubbish Diet Challenge page on this blog, which features links to an online guide to the next eight weeks.

So are you up for it?

I hope so!

And if you want to join in the conversation on Twitter too, tweet @KarenCannard. sharing your results, questions and thoughts, using the hashtag #TheRubbishDiet

________________________________________________________

Background info: The Rubbish Diet Challenge is based on my own experience of taking my local councils Zero Waste Week challenge in 2008.  As a result, our familys household waste reduced from almost a full wheelie bins worth of rubbish per fortnight to what now is on average one carrier bags worth per month.  Since then, The Rubbish Diet has been featured in all sorts of places including BBC Radio 4s Womans Hour and C4 Dispatches  It also inspired a national Zero Waste Week, which is the creation of Mrs Green over at My Zero Waste.

Disclaimer: If youre looking for picture of a perfectly empty bin, or an all-singing-dancing industry expert, I am not that kind of girl.  Im simply an average woman, who still battles against her own familys rubbish habits, but who happens to know how to deal with it and has a passion for tickling people into wanting to find out more about theirs.  But I do confess to being a geeky waste groupie and poking my nose into the world of new technologies, meddling with my local council and talking rubbish at conferences.

For more info email: karen[at]therubbishdiet[dot]co.[dot]uk

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Climate Week 12 18 March and my Twitter interview CWCuisine

 Climate Week on Twitter

Next week is Climate Week, Britains biggest climate change campaign, which is raising awareness of the small changes we can make in working towards a more sustainable future.  Im proud that Week 8, the finale week of The Rubbish Diet challenge will be running alongside it.

Reducing waste is a key step to living more sustainably, bringing benefits from energy saved through recycling as well as preventing embedded resources being wasted across the whole of the production and supply chain.  That especially applies to food and this will be something close to the hearts of those who are attempting the Zero Waste challenge for next weeks Rubbish Diet finale.

Its great that one of the initiatives organised by this years Climate Week campaign is Eat Low Carbon, encouraging consumers to reduce food waste, by shopping more carefully and using up leftovers, as well as other more sustainable options such as eating less meat & dairy and choosing local and season food.

I was invited by Climate Week to participate in a Twitter interview, ahead of their campaign, about my thoughts on food waste.  Heres a copy of the interview from this morning.  #CWCuisine is the hashtag used to help track discussions about Climate Week Cuisine.

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard How did the Rubbish Diet project begin? #CWCuisine

In 2008 I took the @stedsbc Zero Waste challenge.I was shocked how much food waste & other resources I’d junked #CWCuisine

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard I see... So what made u get interested in campaigning abt #FoodWaste? Why is it important to reduce our food waste? #CWCuisine

Firstly, reducing food waste lowers the impact of methane, a GHG released from food left rotting in landfill. #CWCuisine

Reducing food waste also reduces the embedded water & energy from farming, production, packaging & transport. #CWCuisine

For example, according to @WRAP_UK, 2,400 litres of water are needed to produce just one burger. #CWCuisine

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard Wow "2400 ltrs of water for 1 burger!" Those are some powerful stats! What easy tips do u have for reducing waste? #CWCuisine

Keep a food waste diary.Don’t buy things that regularly get thrown away & freeze unused food before use-by date #CWCuisine

Avoid plate waste by reducing portions. Let ppl help themselves & follow @toogood_towaste’s doggy bag campaign #CWCuisine

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard Those are some powerful & EASY tips. What do u think the government can do to encourage ppl to cut back on waste? #CWCuisine

Local government is doing a great job with the #lovefoodhatewaste campaign but more could be done via schools. #CWCuisine  

The @schoolfoodtrust is leading a Food Waste Heroes campaign & this should be adopted by every UK school. #CWCuisine 

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard So motivate & mobilise the public much as possible then. Does reducing your food waste have any economic benefits? #CWCuisine

Absolutely, the story about my accidental ornamental melons shows how I saved £300 alone. http://bit.ly/wd3WGe #CWCuisine 

And on average, households could save around £50 a month by reducing food waste #CWCuisine 

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard So we can all save a pretty penny then! What’s ur favourite #CWCuisine recipe from the #ClimateWeek website & why? #CWCuisine

Oooh it has to be the Turkish Roasted Veg from @itvthismorning’s Phil Vickery. Great for spicing up British veg #CWCuisine 

Climate_Week: @KarenCannard @Foodcycle has given our EatLowCarbon action some great recipes for using up leftovers.Do u know of any other such rec sites?

My favourite sites are @turquoiselemons’s monthly #foodwaste challenge, @myzerowaste and http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com #CWCuisine

I hope you enjoyed the interview and the challenge of me trying to squeeze my usual verbosity into 140 character answers.  It was fun.

 

More information about Climate Week can be found at www.climateweek.com. There are some great recipes in the Eat Low Carbon section, including a competition to register your own.  Live updates about the week can also be found by following @Climate_Week.

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Farewell 2013 and hello 2014 Reflecting backwards and pondering forwards

I hope you had a great Christmas and are are looking forward to the new year.


If you havent done so yet, theres no better time to sign up for the Rubbish Diet Challenge and make it your new years resolution,  Youll be in great company, with 100s of people signing up by the day, thanks to The Rubbish Diet being the Campaign of the Week at Money Saving Expert.

Its been an amazing year and probably one of the most difficult from which to choose a particular highlight!

January kicked off with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust running the Rubbish Diet, which saw great results from their dieters and resulted in meeting the fabulous bloggers who took part, including Sarah (Everyday life on a shoestring) and Jen (Make and Mend Year).

Of course, running all through the year was the enormous team effort to implement the Rubbish Diet in Suffolk, Shropshire and Powys as part of the Nesta Waste Reduction Challenge.  Sadly, we didnt win the £50k but it was brilliant to be one of the finalists and come out of the process with an established team, a purpose built website and a radio production toolkit.  Congratulations to the Gleaning project which won - a worthy project that helps rescue surplus produce from our farmers fields for distribution to charities.

And dotted throughout the various campaigns were great opportunities to visit places such as San Francisco - as part of the Zero Waste International Alliance Dialog - to learn about how the city attains such a high recycling and composting rate at 80% and hear from practitioners from around the world about waste at different levels, not just recycling but from a humanitarian perspective too.

Whilst there, I also had time to finally catch up with Beth Terry, an old blogging friend and author of My Plastic Free Life.  Ive known Beth since 2008, so it was a wonderful chance to meet and hear her stories of how shes now influencing Richard Branson.  Back in the UK, I managed to meet our own plastic-free hero, ironically self-titled Polythene Pam, who has since created a new Plastic-free directory of tips and resources, which you can find at http://theplasticchallenge.com/

There was no rest for the wicked even during the summer.  A call from ITV brought an opportunity to trek to the North West to help the Heap family reduce their waste.   To see their negativity towards recycling turn towards enthusiasm and determination was utterly brilliant.  They soon reduced their landfill by 95%.  When you catch the waste reduction bug and see whats possible, its proof that slimming your bin can really be contagious.

Towards the end of the summer I had the chance to meet Jen and Grant, more blogging pals from the Clean Bin Project in Canada, and send them to several of my favourite zero-waste hotspots for their UK film tour.  They had a great tour and if you havent seen it yet, the Clean Bin movie is one upbeat documentary about reducing rubbish that you really shouldnt miss.

The second half of the year brought even more excitement with Rachelle Strauss 6th National Zero Waste Week building on the successes of last year.  If you took part and thought that was good, just wait until you see whats planned for next September.

The last few months also saw waste professionals taking the Rubbish Diet challenge, which brought an interesting focus on testing whether they could practise what they preach.  A highlight was Viridors Dan Cookes tale of working out what to do with an old wetsuit and CIWM Wales Rebecca Colley-Jones challenge of turning her unexpected offal leftovers into a haggis. I hope theyll blog about them soon, especially as an insiders view offers a fascinating perspective.

The BBC Radio Suffolk Rubbish didnt win the CIWM communications campaign award, but it was great to be in the finals.  Here in Suffolk, presenter Mark Murphys and I had loads of fun talking rubbish and listening to residents stories, united in a single mission to reduce the countys waste.

That was a real highlight, as was interviewing and recruiting our first Bin Doctor for a campaign further afield in Harrow, not to mention joining the Board of Trustees at ReusefulUK.

So whats for next year?

With fantastic partners and a great team in place managing The Rubbish Diet joint venture, I hope for the website and local engagement projects to go from strength-to-strength.  Im already looking forward to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust bringing the challenge to their local projects for the second year running as well as The Rubbish Diet taking to the streets of Harrow this January.   Our Harrow Bin Doctor, Debra, is already in place working closely with our community engagement manager, Ali, and has been talking rubbish with local community groups.  With most Rubbish Dieters having reduced their waste by 50% over the last 12 months, I hope for much more of this in 2014 and I am very excited about where The Rubbish Diet will travel this year, especially as more and more supporters sign up around the UK.

From a local perspective in my part of Suffolk, I want to continue to research and highlight the fantastic solutions that are being put in place by businesses and communities to reduce waste, to empower those who want to follow suit.  Theres lots of potential to connect interested individuals and organisations through a reuse culture alone.

My other focus is on the innovative, motivating and entertaining aspects of waste reduction in a mission to bring a renewed vigour of interest in the topic to our TV screens, showcasing the possibilities and realities of what can be achieved.  There is so much more that our media can do to empower the nation and highlight issues where its needed too.

And as for industry, I want retailers and brands to take an even closer look at the rubbish they sell us and in cases where hard-to-recycle plastic is used for cosmetic rather than protective reasons, redesign it for easier recycling.  Starting with something as simple as the ubiquitous plastic gift card would prove an instant hit.  If iTunes can switch to a card-based alternative, hopefully other gift cards will follow.  There is so much more to tackle than small cards but I also believe that what we might perceive as small things are also worthy of attention.  There is great value to be had in not forgetting that old saying Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.  Attending to the tiny details can often lead to huge change.

I hope that that 2014 will bring more exciting stories and innovations that will inspire more change. Against the tide of government cuts and news that recycling rates that are flat-lining, both individual action and community support is going to be more important than ever.

I know my ambitions for next year are high as is my level of confidence in peoples abilities to make a significant reduction in our countrys waste.

But I also know that by thinking big and with the right support in place, many things are possible.

So thank you to everyone who has made 2013 such a whirlwind of amazing waste-busting adventures.  Heres to whatever 2014 will bring.


Happy New Year!

 

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The E Factor Diet Facts and Myths of Weight Loss

On the subject of weight loss has been written many guides. It is about the same opinion as the people on a diet. Everyone has preconceived already their (not necessarily true) sentence.

The E-Factor Diet eBook is written by John Rowley. This book provides guidance on how to lose weight without starving yourself. The whole system explained by John Rowley is simple and easy to implement in easy steps. You can check the full review about the system here: https://www.rebelmouse.com/efactordiet_reviews/

Below are the more known facts and myths.

Resigning from breakfast, lose weight faster

It is most commonly committed error. E-Factor program recommends that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The myth probably arose from the fact that the breakfast give up. Because a lot of people, when you wake up not feeling hungry, because after a night of metabolism is slowed down yet.

But your body needs energy to function in the daytime, so absolutely not allowed to give up this meal. No breakfast will too, that will fry during the day. The fruit can be eaten without restriction Fruit can be eaten between meals, but in limited quantities and not every type. Since the very sweet fruits (e.g. Bananas or grapes) contain a large quantity of sugar causing an increase in blood insulin, which then rapidly descends, causing the sensation of hunger, and thats not much missing to tempt to some snacks.

You should eat fruits with low GI glycemic (e.g. apples, cherries). Products Light is not fattening, yes and no. Until now, the product Light meant 40% fewer calories than normal product. But not always normal product could be found, so really it was a pure marketing. For 2 years, it is governed by European Union rules that say that the product Light cannot have more than 40% fat per 100 grams. Be careful with the products, which the manufacturer describes as light, slim, fitness or diet, because it is a clever way to circumvent the rules.

You can eat chocolate I think everyone likes chocolate. The E factor diet program says that eating chocolate improves mood, improves memory, provides the body with an appropriate dose of energy, and releases antioxidants that block the formation of cancer. It seems that the same advantages. But it also contains sugar, which leads to the production of glucose in the blood. This takes approximately 1.5 minutes after eating.

E factor diet allows for eating chocolate, but only with a high cocoa content, about 90%. Coffee is prohibited Coffee is a beverage that allows you to put your body on your feet. Thanks to caffeine, the body gets a "kick". After drinking, we can focus more fighting drowsiness. In most different diets, coffee without sugar and milk are allowed, but discouraged drinking coffee, at least in the first phase. If someone has to drink, thats one cup a day without milk. If the milk (up 1.5%) is the best half an hour after a carbohydrate meal.

Drinking water, accelerates weight loss Drinking water does not accelerate weight loss, but assists diet. It helps in digestion at every stage, cleanses the body by flushing out toxins. You should choose water with a high content of iodine, because it stimulates the thyroid gland, which has a direct impact on metabolism and insulin secretion.

Dinner must eat before Yes. Dinner should eat at least two hours before going to a spa, because while you sleep your metabolism slows down. There is an opinion that you can eat as much as possible, if we go to bed at midnight or later. However, it should also take into account the bodys biorhythm, which shows that our body at certain times is the most active, while others preparing to sleep. These pores are dependent on our lifestyle, which is why regular sleep and meals are very important.

The E-Factor Diet program is highly recommended for people, who are willing to take action and want to transform their bodies into a fat burning machines. The E-Factor Diet Review at RebelMouse will help you get to know about Pros and Cons of the program in more detail.

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Pumpkins Paleo and a Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!!  (the best holiday ever!) Unfortunately, given that candy is public enemy no. 1 on Paleo, Im not going to be stuffing my face with Mars and Nestle products tonight; however, I think I can still manage to enjoy my favorite holiday.

Candy aside, there is another fall treat I am allowed to indulge in : pumpkin. Since day one on Paleo, I have been dying to make something fall-worthy, and I found a recipe for Paleo Pumpkin Bars which I modified to suit my own tastes. I have made three batches of the bars in the week and a half since I started Paleo. Im officially addicted.

For anyone who wants to join my in my epic quest for pumpkin, here is the recipe :

Paleo Pumpkin Spice Bars

1/2 c. Pumpkin Puree (or similar squash)

1 c. Almond Meal (flaxseed meal works as well, but makes the bars far more savory)

2 Large Eggs

2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (the real, grade A, dark amber kind)

1 Tbsp Raw Honey

1 tsp Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 tsp Ground Clove

1/4 tsp Allspice*

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly mix all ingredients in a large bowl, and pour into a greased 8 x 8 baking pan. Bake for 28-35 min, or until an inserted toothpick removes clean. Devour without shame.

*many people may want to include Cinnamon in this recipe, but Im not a fan, so its not included here

Now, as for the rest of Paleo, the non-pumpkin part, I will have to admit that, at the moment, I am underwhelmed. For my personal tastes, a Paleo diet leaves much to be desired. I am hungry all the time, I crave foods Im not allowed, and on top of that, I have actually gained weight since I started a week ago. (not that I really mind, but isnt the point of Paleo to lose weight?)

Now, I am willing to shoulder much of the blame for my issues with Paleo, as I do not eat ninety percent of the meats the diet advocates. However, even with the added variety of a full complement of proteins, it is very easy to get bored on Paleo. My mother, meat eater as she is, has found she is already tired of the restrictiveness of the Paleo diet.

On the other hand, I do find Paleo to be much more athlete friendly than Atkins; I have had the energy to get out and run, even if it just ends up making me more hungry. I enjoy the demand to eat lots of fresh foods, and Im happy with how many fruits and veggies I get to consume on a daily basis. My mom has said she has already lost weight on Paleo, and finds she has fewer hunger issues than I do. For her, Paleo allows her to eat enough to find satiety.

I think perhaps if I were to follow Paleo to the full extent of its theories, I might find I enjoy it more than I currently do, but its too late to go back now. Hopefully, Ill be able to resist the bowl of Halloween candy tonight, but my willpower has already waned considerably. Perhaps the magic of Pumpkin Bars can help me make it through.

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MOOYAH Vogel Alcove clothing drive and free burgers!

Someone forwarded this info to me this a.m. from the burger joint MOOYAH. I think well be eating burgers for dinner tonight :) See details below to contribute to their clothing drive and enjoy a free dinner for the kids....cant beat that!

We at MOOYAH are excited to announce that beginning this Wednesday, December 1^st, our DFW locations will host a 12-day clothing drive benefiting the Vogel Alcove Center for Homeless Children.

The mission of the Vogel Alcove is to provide the youngest children of homeless families with the foundation for success. It is our vision that every child in our community has a home, a self-sufficient family, and a pathway to success in school. Since 1987 the Vogel Alcove, a non-religious non-profit, has offered homeless parents a safe place to leave their children while they work to rebuild their lives. The Alcove remains the only early childhood program in Dallas whose primary focus is to serve very young homeless children residing with their families in local homeless and domestic violence shelters.

To kick off the event (on December 1^st, from 11am-7pm only), we are offering FREE Junior Burgers and $1 MOOYAH, Veggie, & Turkey Burgers* with your donation of new and gently used articles of clothing for children ages 6 weeks - 6 years old. (*cheese, bacon, & avocado are not included).

We are looking for donations of winter coats, shoes, pajamas, and other basic need items to donate to the families of this center.

MOOYAH has 11 Locations in DFW where the donations will be accepted: Addison, Allen, Colleyville, Coppell, Euless, Flower Mound, Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, Watauga & Wiley.

Attached you will find a poster (PDF format) regarding this event with more details.

If you would please assist us in forwarding this message across your networks, it could make a huge difference in the lives of these outstanding young children.

Thank you in advance for your help and generosity!

Best Wishes,

Bryan Mayberry

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Sending thanks and appreciation to soliders this Christmas

Merry Christmas to our troops and thanks for all that you do!!!!

This week...were sending thanks and appreciaton to wounded / recovering soliders and deployed soliders. We think of you and we pray for you. Thank you for your devotion to our country. We love you this Christmas and always!!

For packages, go to....

http://www.militarymissionsonline.com/operationsendchristmas.htm

or
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
NW Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

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Halitosis and other great side effects

Image by vasta via Flickr

I was most intrigued to learn that ketosis, or the fat burned, seems to actually cause bad breath.

Luckily Ive never had a problem previously, due to my thrice-daily brushing and flossing ritual. However, about 6 weeks into the diet I noticed my breath was no longer minty-fresh. What to do?

As I learned, the ketones/fat burned through are excreted through perspiration, urine, and exhaled breath. Apparently (and I can attest to my own personal experience) ketones are very unpleasant smelling.

I liken it to an elderly persons breath who wears their dentures for two weeks straight without cleaning or rinsing. Believe me - its a tear-jerker!

The build up of ketones in your blood is called Ketosis. If you have diabetes, are on a low calorie diet, or if you have inadequate carbohydrate intake, Ketones can build up in your blood to levels which result in Halitosis.

What can you do?

Well, keep up the regular oral hygiene (or step it up if youre a little lax in that department) and use a bit of Scope throughout the day, or before that important meeting with your boss about a raise...

While I first freaked out thinking that the alcohol (since its verboten on the diet) is a key ingredient, the nurses assured me that since its in the mouth for such a short period of time, it doesnt have enough time to absorb in the body to affect ketosis.

So, bad breath plaguing you? Add a swig of scope or two - thatll cure what ails ya.

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Im fat and want to lose weight does my provincial health care system or employer care that Im trying to get healthy

Image via Wikipedia

When I started Dr. Bernstein, I knew the cost of the program. If youve read my other posts, I have no problem rationalizing why I support paying the $150 per week for the program (since I was paying the same amount per week ingesting fatty foods and imbibing in sugar-laden booze and pop.)

When you register, the clinic tells you that your private employer health insurance, or your province, might cover your costs.

All excited, I checked with my plan. Unfortunately, in 2006, my health plan decided cancel covering supplementary injections, though it had provided for it previously.

Shoot - three years too late...

This poses a theoretical debate in my mind.

As we Canadians and Americans expand our girth exponentially every year, and head to our graves in highest numbers due to heart disease (caused in large part by our horrid diets) we are implored by health officials, government promotional campaigns, education systems and a multi-billion dollar consumer industry, to lead lives of good health and practice prevention.

Eat our balanced meals from the Canadian Food Guide they say - the good balance of foods. Just dont look too intently at the rest of the contents such as MSG, preservatives, sugar, sodium and fat levels...

Here I am, for the benefit of my health, investing a sizeable sum in active weight loss and future health prevention activities and education.

Doesnt my provincial government and employer care?

Will I be able to deduct my expenditures in my annual tax return as a medical expense? I dont know yet, but Ill certainly be including it for my accountant to scrutinize.

Can I be reimbursed from my employers health plan? No - not anymore. Not for a plan that over the course of my 12 years with the same employer, and all the premiums I have paid, would have easily paid for the total cost of the program a few times over.

And would I support our public health care plan to cover these costs? Youre darn right I would. To support mine, my neighbours, my familys and my colleagues efforts to get healthier and lead more productive lives.

You cant tell me that by investing in weight loss programs and medically supervised supplements, that the productivity of our provincial and Canadian workforce isnt a good investment!

I guess for employers they dont care that I may have missed work and taken sick leave or extended medical leave for, upon reflection, what were certainly weight-induced illnesses such as:

• back pain
• gastrointestinal flare-ups
• totally lethargic and lack of energy
• a leave of absence for 3 months due to depression

Dr. Bernstein, a Canadian physician, supports government monitoring of weight loss programs - even his own.

Like him, I agree that like provincial and territorial governments in Canada should focus less on the debate to scrutinize programs, but support the public who are taking an active step forward in reaching health targets that are advocated in public policy, espoused in public outreach campaigns, and envisioned in long-term strategic health objectives.

For those of us taking an active step to improve our current and future health, and paying the hefty provincial and private premiums for the health insurance and medical plans, I expect this to be covered!

I was incensed to learn that I could receive a variety of other medical services and prosthetics that, in all likelihood, I will never need to access. However, for a service that has obvious immediate and long-term benefits, I cannot get any relief.

Now heres an issue that Ill be taking up with my union.

Better yet - heres the basis for a good public policy and program. I could easily draft up a logic model, policy framework, grant and contribution program guideline and results-based accountability framework on this one....

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January 12th and counting

Well, the time has passed when were officially into the New Year and the resolution to modify our behaviour and habits has either taken root or been carted to the curb with the remnants of the holidays.

Im happy to report that Im still on track - though not without some challenges.

I agree with another Facebook Dr. Bernstein client "Chef Michelle" that Maintenance is not easy. Its a real challenge to face the portion control on your own - particularly after the holidays. I spent time on Sunday grocery shopping, cutting, measuring and packaging my veggies and breads and meats, but I find myself sneaking carbs left right and centre aisle....

What is wrong with me? I dont even feel hungry yet my hand reaches out for a cookie or a handful of nacho chips (multigrain mind you) like Im a frogs tongue instinctively snatching some fleeting prey before it escapes.

I didnt do that on the program! I knew better. I had the willpower. Why is it so hard to stay on strict?

I think like with the Maintenance program, doing it on your own has no consequences. On Strict, youre in the clinic Monday, Wednesday and Friday for weigh-in - scrutiny - monitoring. Youre accountable.

At home, Im only accountable to my scale and myself. But shouldnt I be more accountable and guilt-ridden if Im not meeting the mark than for some complete strangers?

Im doing okay - Im down 2 lbs on my own by just cutting back and eating sensibly, but I feel like I need to do the Tune-Up program just to get back down and feel in fighting form. I need to feel the hunger pangs again in the morning and see the steady progress.

I dont think Im ready to do this alone yet. Maintenance sets you off on your own devices - but its not easy. Even with the once-weekly weigh-in and injection, its not enough for me. I still need some hand-holding.

Strange isnt it. When you reach goal weight you think youre invincible - until you realize that its a slippery slope with one glass of wine here - then another...then a couple of chips to a handful...to a small portion of pasta to a half large plate...to a mini-muffin top creeping over your new skinny jeans to make your heart stop.

I didnt pay $3,500 for a program, and new clothes and reclaiming myself to fail and overindulge. I need to re-read my blog and remember the journey and the joy, and remember what got me here.

Is anyone feeling theyre going to slip down the slope and regress? I dont believe I would go far down the slope, but even a slight trip scares the crap out of me.

Whats my Apple for the day?

In our house, at supper time, we each share a good thing about our day (our Apple), and something crappy as well (our Onion.) So my Apple is that my hair loss has stopped. Ive been good for the last month. As a physician friend said, likely a stabilizing of the thyroid after the rapid weight loss. I didnt find the Nixoderm did much except dull my blonde highlights, so I stopped using that. (BTW for the comment in December that I didnt see - I bought it at my hair salon - I havent seen it in any stores.)

Another Apple is that for the winter skin moisturizing, I still use baby oil daily, and my skin has remained taut and healthy, so thats good!

For my Onion, for the past week Ive been sticking to strict plan and portions, but when I get home, I cant stop myself from eating bread...slices of 14 grain or flax seed cookies (at 140 calories each) just for the hell of it. Why?!

I think I need to recruit my husband to be the bread gestapo and halt my enemy incursions.

Geesh. The program was so much easier; real life is too tempting.

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The end of an era and the start of a new chapter

Well, there had to come a point when I pulled my finger out, pulled up my socks and opened my laptop to finally write a blogpost.

I know Ive been utter pants over the last few months.

Its not as though Ive had no news to share. Ive probably had too much and I never even blogged about the impromptu moment I asked the legendary Michael Parkinson about his rubbish.

But now that the school holidays are upon us, this is the first occasion Ive had to properly slow down since September last year and stay at home instead of gallivanting around the country.

And this holiday feels like a period of transition in more ways than one.

On a personal level, our youngest has just left primary school and is getting ready to start middle school in September.  Yes, that little man who was only 3 when I started this blog has just turned 9 and is growing up.  To watch him confidently leave one school and be ready to embark on the next stage of his life feels like a real milestone.

Elsewhere, Ive spent the last 8 months coming to terms with my mothers unexpected death in December.  Nothing can prepare you for losing a parent and Im very aware that the constant flow of activities and deadlines this year have kept me very distracted, so much so that when we completed the sale of her house last week, it kicked me so hard that it felt like shed died all over again.  My mother taught me lots about whats important in life and much of that teaching was in her death.  One day, I hope to share her wisdom - not yet but soon - the wisdom of an average woman who would never have expected to have been considered remarkable but in many ways truly was.  I really wish she was still here to see whats around the corner.  I know shed be one of the first to laugh at my misadventures and then, without me knowing, quietly share her pride.

For things are changing on The Rubbish Diet front and at a rate of knots too.  Remember that Nesta competition I entered last year in partnership with Cwm Harry and Rachelle Strauss from My Zero Waste?  Were still right in the middle of the challenge and following the success of running the Rubbish Diet in Suffolk and Shropshire (which even saw 22 households in one street taking part in Shrewsbury), the novel bin slimming action is spreading to Ludlow and very soon Powys, the latter of which will be launched during this years National Zero Waste Week, 2-8 September.   If you havent checked out Zero Waste Week yet, go and have a peek at its new website and do get involved, especially if you need to get tough with your food waste.

But theres lots happening between now and then.  Dont miss yours truly helping a family slim their bin as part of the Throwaway Britain Tonight documentary, which is being broadcast this Thursday 1st August (9pm, ITV1).  Without giving away the final reveal, I cant wait for you to see how Sandra and her family tackled their waste. 

And to give you even further inspiration to reduce waste, Ive been pulling together the first UK tour of the Clean Bin Project documentary, which will see my old Canadian blogging friend Jen and her partner Grant travelling around the UK, to attend screenings of their movie in Brighton, Suffolk, York, Shrewsbury (tbc) and Wiltshire.  The official dates and venues for late August will be published soon, but if youd like to know more please email me.

But coming back to the most major thing thats happening in my life right now, although Im taking time out to enjoy the events of the summer holidays and pause for reflection, its also a time for significant change, especially as the success of The Rubbish Diet trials featured in the Nesta competition has led to much interest from a range of local authorities.

The Rubbish Diet has already travelled a long way from being just a random housewife with a blog.  In the last year, it has developed into a website and a team to support the Nesta Waste Reduction competition.  And now, still in conjunction with the Do Think Tank Cwm Harry (the people who are also behind the Peoples Design Lab), we are preparing for the next stage, which will see The Rubbish Diet becoming a social enterprise, developed to help households and communities reduce their waste by 50% within as little time as eight weeks.  More info on the next stage will be available soon, as will the final results of the Nesta competition later in the year.  Meanwhile if The Rubbish Diet challenge launches in your neck of the woods, do join in and say hello.

With so much happening it really does feel like the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting and potentially nerve-wracking new chapter.

Thank you for sticking with the rubbish adventures of this Almost Mrs Average over the last five years.  I know there are lots more adventures to be had yet, but from now on it will be in a very different context.

I just hope I will still have time to blog about them.

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Tom Hunt and The Forgotten Feast

Tom Hunt, the creator of the Forgotten Feast.

Thankfully its not just householders standing by their rubbish bins at home who focus hard on food waste, there are plenty of unsung heroes in the catering sector who are tackling the issue head-on too, combatting much wider problems than we have on the home-front.  Given the challenges of Week 3 of The Rubbish Diet, I thought it quite timely to introduce a fabulous idea, known as the Forgotten Feast thats about to hit London by storm.

The Forgotten Feast is a new restaurant concept organised by Tom Hunt, (chef at waste awareness events Feeding5k and FOE), created specifically to highlight the 20 million tonnes of annual food wastage that exists within our society. Whether it’s fresh fish thrown back into the sea, vegetables ignored for being too ugly, or unusual cuts of meat simply discarded, the Forgotten Feast is making a clear and public declaration against waste

Having started in Autumn 2011, in partnership with food charity FareShare, the restaurant idea focuses on rescuing large quantities of unwanted food, that would otherwise go to waste, and turning it into luxurious feasts. Using wild and seasonal foods, wasted foods, and foods ignored by the modern world, Tom creates a stunning new menu for each occasion based on the ingredients he is provided with.

I like the fact that this is no greenwashed endeavour. The careful planning and underlying dedication and philosophies will ensure that everything from the location, to the furniture to the food, to the zero waste recycling policy will be sustainable, ultimately highlighting the waste and excess in our society and encouraging those in the food chain to do something about it.

The Forgotten Feast is officially launching this weekend, with a Valentines spectacular at FareShares depot in Bermondsey, providing a banquet of food for diners to enjoy.  FareShare rescues surplus food year round and delivers it to local charities all over the country and every ticket sold will enable the charity to provide an additional 80 meals for the hungry and vulnerable people they support, thanks to grant-giving charity StreetSmart who are generously matching the number of meals raised though ticket sales.


Tickets are currently available for dinner Friday 10th February, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th (late lunch) and include 3 courses, a drink and canapés.

More information can be found at the Toms Feast website or by contacting info@tomsfeast.com.  And if you happen to be unavailable for this weekend, but would like to attend others, follow @tomsfeast on Twitter for future updates.

My mission now is to entice Tom to Suffolk.  Were such a foodie county, and Id love to have a Forgotten Feast here for us rural folk to enjoy.

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Week 19 57 lbs down and only 10 more to go!!

Image by karen.tkr via Flickr

Im jumping for joy with a spring in my step. Im officially down to 150 today.

Do you know what that means?

10 more pounds until I reach my goal weight of 140! Holy S&%*!!

I was so good this weekend. We had a Friday lunchtime soccer match with some colleagues (in the 30+ 0C heat) and got in some good cardio for a half hour. Then for the weekend, I did some walking and stuck to the diet religiously (of course.) That yielded a good 3 lb drop for todays weigh-in.

Its interesting though. Ive cut back my liquids to 2 litres only - and really spaced it out throughout the day. I didnt have any pop (no Diet Coke or Coke Zero) and took 2 Senokot.S tablets with each meal, which really kept things moving. I have come to realize that the Aspartame holds is the water retainer and evil culprit to my weight loss success. Good riddance!

I checked my urine with the pee-sticks (my very technical term) a few times a day and I was a consistent 2 (++) burn. Not bad.

Anyway, I go for my Maintenance Consultation tomorrow to see what the revised diet holds that Ill be on and see what I can reintegrate. I reall yhope I see some popcorn and maybe a glass of wine in there somewhere...

140s - here I come!

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RECYCLE ON THE GO with Shedwyn and friends

WELL WELL WELL.  Im still getting over the shock of being outed recently by The Observers very lovely Lucy Siegle who just so happened to reveal to the nation, my peculiar habit of embarrassing the kids by taking photos of municipal trash cans.   Yes I know....!

But I admit it.  Indeed I really do have a sad collection of bin photos, recycling ones in particular, taken whilst out shopping and on holiday, both in the UK and overseas, Well it IS research you know!  In fact this is the blogpost that initially grabbed the attention, taken on a day-trip to Barry Island in South Wales, the spiritual home of sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

Now I dont think Im the only one to notice how these hight street recycling bins are starting to pop up in all manner of places in the UK.  And I bet Im not the only one to have taken photos of them either (although most people will only have included them unknowingly in the background). But if you start looking, youll find them in many high streets and tourist hotspots around the country, and theyre proving to be a very valuable tool in helping the UK reduce the amount of plastic, aluminium and paper thats sent to landfill or incineration.

They come in all shapes and sizes too.  Take the one above for instance, which was snapped at Brussels Eurostar terminal.  It even looks like a giant shape-sorter.   Of course there are plenty more inconspicuous ones that often get overlooked, which is why Rachelle Strauss at My Zero Waste and I are launching a challenge to promote these very useful facilities and find out exactly where they are.

So the challenge ladies and gentlemen, is TO COLLECT 1000 PHOTOS or VIDEOS by the end of this years National Zero Waste Week, which takes place on 5-11 September.

Yes 1000!  I know!!!

Thats more than this busy mother of two can manage, which is why weve employed the talents of our bespectacled pal SHEDWYN, whos as mad as brush and will be popping up in all sorts of places around the country taking photos.  Here she is....getting prepared for some hard and fast recycling action on the streets of London, either that or trying to flag down a taxi with an empty drinks bottle and a copy of The Metro.

But good grief, WHERE did she get those glasses!!!  Oh bless her.

Anyway, Shedwyns other mission is to make recycling bins as entertaining as possible and shell even be encouraging the odd comedian or busker to strut their stuff as they recycle on the go.

But even this Welsh Wonderwoman cant do this without any help either.  She needs YOUR help and WED LOVE YOU TO JOIN IN TOO.  Its really easy.  We simply need you to snap & post a few photos, thats all.

Whenever you spot a public high-street recycling bin, it would be great if you could take a quick photo and post it onto our NEW FACEBOOK PAGE!   The funnier or more unusual, the better.  You could put yourself in the frame too, or even send an entertaining video to show off your hidden (or not so hidden) talents. Theyll also be entered into our photo collection as well as any sketches or artwork submitted by artists.  To add them directly, you just need to like the new Facebook page and upload them straight to the pages wall, which you will find at: Standup for Recycling out on the street: The 1000 bin challenge.

Just remember to include the town and location of where you found the bin.  It would be brilliant to get submissions of overseas bins too, especially if they offer extra design features, such as voice-activation or play music.

Even if you dont have a Facebook account, you can still join in by sending your submissions to: standup@therubbishdiet.co.uk and we will post them online for you.

All submissions added will be automatically entered into the Zero Waste Week annual competition, details of which will be announced at www.myzerowaste.com at the end of July.  The final deadline for the challenge is 11 September and all winners will be revealed at the end of September.

Our 1000 bin challenge is an independent social-media campaign, coordinated by The Rubbish Diet blog and My Zero Waste.  It is officially being launched on Monday 20th June to show our support for WRAPs Recycle Week 2011 campaign, which itself runs until 26th June.

And this years Recycle Week looks like its going to be a real brilliant one.  The theme is Recycling - Home and Away and aims to demonstrate the positive effect of recycling a little bit more, whether at home, at work or out-and-about. Theres even a competition to guess the location of  some on-street recycling bins at the Recycle Now website.  I reckon old Shedwyn will be able to have a good crack at that, given the way she gets around!

The other big news this year is that anti-litter organisation Keep Britain Tidy is also partnering with WRAP and has been working with pilot authorities to launch this years Recycle Week, encouraging organisers of Big Tidy Up events to recycle litter.  More information about Recycle Week and how you can get involved is now available at www.recyclenow.com and www.thebigtidyup.org.

So what are you waiting for?  Theres lots going on and Im looking forward to seeing what youll get up to.  Whatever it is, just remember to keep it clean...AND remember to take your camera.

1000 photos eh.....whoa...this will definitely be a challenge and a half, especially as well only have just 12 weeks.   Its time for Shedwyn and her mates to get snapping.

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A great way for organisations to save waste and cash with WARPit

Below is a copy of my latest column for the Bury Free Press, which is published monthly.  If youve been pondering how your organisation could make better use of Reuse and push unwanted items further up the waste hierarchy, even helping your local community, then do read on.



Karen Cannard: Bury Free Press: 28 February 2014

A few weeks ago, I managed to catch up with Daniel O’Connor, the founder of WARPit, who was making a rare visit to Suffolk. I’ve been following the organisation for some time and was I curious to find out more about successful schemes that have been implemented around the UK.

In a nutshell, WARPit is an online resource redistribution system that helps organisations and departments to lend or give away surplus equipment to internal departments or external organisations that actually need it. And so far the company has helped divert over 132853kgs of waste and save its clients over £787,000 in the process.

Dan, whose background lies in waste management, created the first version of the sharing tool in 2006, using an email list like Freecycle. However, it did not offer enough control to satisfy waste and liability laws, which are a key part of an organisation’s Duty of Care. He also admits it was also ‘a bit of a scatter gun approach’. So, he started to develop bespoke software in Jan 2011, which hit the market three months later.

Now, with 70 customers around the UK, WARPit’s database & network is helping managers save procurement and disposal costs in all sorts of organisations that vary from SMEs to local authorities, schools, colleges, universities, NHS trusts, government departments and charities.

Resource distribution systems for organisations aren’t particularly new. There have been many implemented around the country using basic technology such as bulletin boards and email rings. East of England’s free Eastex network has also been in place since 2004, but has gone a little quiet in recent years.

So what’s so different about WARPit? From a user-perspective it looks very streamlined, with easy-to-use photo-loading and comprehensive listing facilities. However, it’s the links to facilities management and corporate procurement procedures that may provide a real key to its success.

In a case study of its implementation at Scotland’s University of St Andrews, it was described by the Estates Department as “a very effective stock control system, much like an asset register, so that the university is better able to manage its resource use and waste.”

And organisational savings aren’t to be sniffed at. During its three month trial of using WARPit, the university saved £4,129 in waste disposal and procurement costs. Elsewhere, WARPit’s partnership with Northumberland County Council has just won a Society of Procurement award for cutting the local authority’s purchasing costs by over £50K.

Also from a sustainability perspective, in addition to tracking the financial savings of redistributing surplus equipment, WARPit’s management reports allow organisations to analyse their carbon savings for CSR reporting too.

But what I really love about WARPit’s potential, is the opportunity to create reciprocal resource sharing networks between organisations in a town, across a whole county or indeed a whole region. And this raises the bar for developing strategic partnerships within local or regional economies.

For example, Sunderland City Council’s partnership with Voluntary Action Sunderland - which has recently been recognised with a Compact Voice award - passes on surplus resources within the council and to third sector organisations and schools in the city. The effectiveness of the system increases as more organisations join. With more resources circulating, the system serves its community better, making all partners more resilient.

Before leaving, I asked Dan about his most rewarding experience since starting WARPit.

Apparently, it was rehoming 30 pairs of unopened Ralph Lauren brogues, left by an Olympic basketball team who were staying at the University of East London.

Now that’s what I call a really huge challenge, especially as they were size 12-18s!

EXTRA UPDATE:  Please note that WARPit is free for charities.  Other subscriptions are dependent on organisation size.  

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Happy New Year to you and to me!

Okay, so the going on strict during the holidays was a courageous effort, but short lived.  Instead, the program went on hold as the realization that with family coming and hosting over 40 people (over the course of 4 evenings straight) was going to require a few glasses of wine...for my sanity alone.

So, I rejoined the clinic this Tuesday.

With a weigh-in of 180, Im happy to report that Im at 171.6 today.  Not bad!  Obviously there was lots of sodium and water weight, and Im burning a 2++ on the old pee-sticks.

I thought I would have more of a problem this week, but honestly, Im not craving anything.  Ive reverted back to my solid diet (see one of the many postings above which breaks down my daily intake and food combination) and Im cooking with gas now!

I must admit, a key motivation for me is that I am a bridesmaid in my BFFs wedding in August.  I just refuse to feel like a blob in chiffon next to her svelte body.  Plus, the groomsman that Im paired with is a manager at Moores Menswear, slim, tall and french (from Paris!!)  You kiddin me?  Im aiming to be a real arm charm for that Pierre Cardin!

Yeah...no.

Its funny.  The mother-of-the-bride is also an ex-Bernstein client (she lost 40 lbs and after a year, is also doing the 20lb yo-yo weight war) so weve both gone back to reclaim our bodies.  Shes in good shape to begin with.  Me on the other hand want to vanquish the backfat and thunder thighs forever.   We try on the potential dress next Saturday.  Ill put a deposit down on the dress, but Im not going to order the sze until Im down to my rose-petal strewn red-carpet weight!

So my strategy for this 40lb loss?

Its simply abundantly clear that carbs love me - too much.  The evening snacking, sugar and bread throws me into a lipogenesis faster than the big bang!

I cant eat it or I literally gain a pound overnight.

So apart from knowing (yes, I do know this intellectually, but have failed to action it effectively) this, Im going to make a concerted effort next week (while Im traveling) to pack what I need for food and stay away from the restaurant.  In addition, alongside my trusty Vanilla Proti shakes and homemade meals, will be my brand new Running Room runners, shorts and a shirt so I can exercise.

This has truly been the missing piece to the puzzle for a good decade for me.  Of course, the kids and career consume every waking moment (and volunteering and carving out some precious time for hubby claims the rest of my time) but I have to get active.  I cant keep blaming the food, when its the output that matters too.

You gotta burn what you eat.

But when youre on Bernstein - consuming only 700-800 calories per day, youre bodys taking what it needs from your fat stores.  Good riddance lipoluggage!

Im just going to help that along a little bit with some extra walking or treadmill jogging.

Heaven forbid I swim in public.

No - not yet.  Maybe on the next trip...

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Renewed Pith and Vinegar white only thanks

I did so well for a few weeks - honestly! I was down 12 pounds, then sabotaged it with a glorious party.  Why is it so hard to be strict now?

Well, rather than bemoan my lack of willpower lately, I had to go pay for the bridesmaid dress for my friends August wedding.  A $300 incentive (for a gorgeous gown) in size 12 (which in the bridal world means a size 8...have you seen those corsets?!)  has me staying strict to the letter.  I cant afford not to fit into the dress when there will be no way to get a new one before the wedding when it arrives.

So - Im down 15 lbs since the last week and half.  170 again - on my way to 140 by July 30th.  Totally doable!

Okay, so I have a plan.

I rejoined the clinic last week, but finally got in to see my family physician today.  Now, if its anything like the rest of Canada, it takes me 3 months to get an appointment here in Gatineau.  Craziness...!

She knew I was on the Dr. B program a few years ago and marveled at how I lost the weight.  I asked her if she would prescribe me the "solution" with injectibles.  Et voila - a 2-year renewable prescription!

Now, she had a patient a year ago that she did it for as well, and this was the mix that she and her pharmacist colleague recommended:


Thiamine (B1) 50 mg
Riboflavine (B2) 1.5 mg
Niacinamide (B3)  15 mg
Acide pantothenic (B5) 10 mg
Pyridoxine (B6) 2 mg
B12 - 500 mg

So, armed with syringes and doing my own intramuscular injections, I hope to continue my weight loss in a more self-directed fashion. 

Ive been directed to go to Nutrichem here in Ottawa (1-800-363-6321) where they can customize the brew into vials or single dose injectibles.  Ill let you know the cost...and how I fare doing the thigh-jab on my own. 

Now, wheres that salad....

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