June 15th
down 8 Lbs. and counting! Very happy with all the changes I have made especially love the added energy! Working out four times a week with my trainer Michelle at Malibu Fitness and having Carrie Taylor to check over my food journal has made all the difference in the world. So I thought.... not everyone gets to have a Michelle and Carrie so let me give you all the info I have garnered and hopefully it will help!
Each day as far as food goes I try to work in all of the food groups. Carrie doesn't believe in leaving out food groups. First off I have learned that each group is giving you something you cannot possible get from another. Vitamins only go so far....and then there is the sheer boredom if one keeps eating only certain foods over and over. I really used to be hard on myself for giving in and eating certain foods. Carrie says it is better to have that food and hit the craving instead of not having it and eating everything else in the fridge ‘cuz you have a craving! I am truly looking at long term here.... what is the sense of thinking I AM NEVR going to have pizza again? It's just not a reality. Here is something I am kind of wondering about though. I want something frosty and or sweet at night. Is there a reason that each night I have a sweet craving? And what are some great low cal choices that will hit the spot but not the thighs?
Let's see what Carrie says.
Joan
Hi Joan,
Here's my reply to your questions/posting. Please let me know if you have any further questions!
I want something frosty and or sweet at night. Is there a reason that each night I have a sweet craving? And what are some great low cal choices that will hit the spot but not the thighs?
If you find yourself having cravings for sugary treats like something frosty and/or sweet each night, this is a red flag you may not be eating enough earlier in the day. Specifically from food groups that provide carbohydrates (ie: Milk & Milk Products, Fruit, Vegetables and Grains). This is when a food journal serves as your unsung hero. You can take a look and see "Ah ha, I only had half my grain servings today" or "I'm short on both my dairy and fruit goals so far today." The best way to prevent this from happening is to not only keep a food journal, but plan/pack your meals and snacks ahead of time for when you're out-and-about from home. This way, "life" won't keep you from grabbing a bite to eat leading to overeating later in the day.
So, my recommendation for when your craving bug kicks in is to first, figure out which food groups you're still lacking for the day and eat from those. For example, you may find you're lacking in grains, veggies and dairy. Eating crackers and veggies with a slice of cheddar cheese would be a great snack. Once you've eaten this snack, wait and see if you're still craving your frosty, sweet treat. If so, then enjoy a small, reduced calorie or sugar-free ice cream novelty like Klondike Slim-A-Bear or Skinny Cow. Nine times out of ten, eating a snack from the food groups you're lacking will fill the craving you're having. This is because the craving is being sparked by low blood sugar from not eating enough from your food groups earlier in the day. Once you eat a carbohydrate-containing food like crackers, the low blood sugar will subside and your craving will more than likely dissipate.
There is one thing you should do at this point in your progress- recalculate your MyPyramid goals. Since you've increased your activity level AND lost weight, it's time to see if your food group goals need to be adjusted to meet your new daily energy needs. Right now, you're following an 1,800 calorie meal plan. Visit MyPyramid.gov and see what they have to say your goals are now with your weight loss and your activity level. I know this may sound a little different from what you're used to, but if you begin undershooting your daily calorie needs, you're going to end up sabotaging your ability to maintain weight loss in the long term. Once you visit MyPyramid, let me know what you find out. Good luck!
Healthy Wishes,
Carrie
Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN
Big Y Corporate Dietitian
Living Well Eating Smart Program
2145 Roosevelt Ave
PO Box 7840
Springfield, MA 01102
Okay!!! I am down five pounds, have way more energy....and sleeping better. Wow eating right and exercise has done this for me. I spoke to Carrie at Big Y about nutrition. I went over to the Big Y in Plainville which is sparkling and filled with awesome choices. Let me tell you I have been on a no Carb kick for a long time and it's no way to live life. I still don't have white bread, pasta or white potatoes but there really are some very good whole grain choices for every meal and snacks. I think I feel allot better knowing I don't have to count calories but just knowing how many servings from each food group, is recommended for me is a helpful guideline. The working out with Michelle at Malibu is the best thing I have done for myself in years. Some days I don't want to go (okay most days)
but when you have made an appointment with one of the trainers you feel obligated to show up. Once I am there....It feels great. They also have the best protein shakes I have ever had.
Let me know if I can ask Carrie any nutrition/ diet questions for you by emailing me at jdylan@cbs.com
Joan
May 11th, 2009
Well, this week I am working on small goals and they will collectively pay off
1. The pedometer. I am trying to get up to 10,000 steps a day! Keep getting around 9,000
2. working out with my awesome amazing trainer Michelle at Malibu Fitness in Farmington. She is the Jillian of CT.!!!
3. making sure I make a big salad at the beginning of the week and cook extra lean meat and chicken when I am making dinner then I always have something to bring to work.
4. trying to get on board with the fact that not being prepared at meal and snack time will only lead to a bad choice.
My Question for Carrie Taylor Registered Dietician at Big Y is this: when a dessert says NO SUGAR ADDED that doesn't mean sugar free right?
What is a good calorie/fat/ sugar count for desserts.? I love fudgesicles, popsicles, pudding, cool whip and Edy's all fruit bars.
If any of you have questions for Carrie let me know and we can ask her together. Simply email me at jdylan@cbs.com and find the link below for lots of great tips on the art of living well and eating smart !
MAY 13'th 2009
Hello Joan!
To answer your question regarding "No Sugar Added," the term is exactly what it says- no sugar is added to the food directly (ie: cane sugar) or by indirectly through ingredients (ie: jelly). This does not necessarily mean the food is sugar free. For example, strawberries do not contain added sugars. But one wouldn't say they're not sweet, correct? That's because Mother Nature makes strawberries sweet with the presence of fructose, a sugar naturally found in fruits. Now, if you were to dip the strawberry into table sugar, then the strawberry would be considered to have added sugar. Sweetening any food with sugar, regardless of its source (ie: table sugar, honey, cane sugar, agave nectar, high fructose syrup, etc.), means it has added sugars. But simply not choosing to add sugar to something (ie- a fresh strawberry) does not mean it’s free of sugar. Fruit, 100% fruit juice, milk, certain grain foods and vegetables are all examples of foods that can contain sugars naturally.
When choosing a dessert, snack or treat to enjoy while staying within your daily meal plan goals, it comes down to knowledge and practice- knowledge of what your daily food group goals and "extra" discretionary calories are and practice on meeting them on a regular basis.
Regarding the treats you listed as your favorites- fudgesicles, popsicles, pudding, cool whip- if you're concerned about the amount of added sugars you consume on a regular basis, go sugar free when it's an option. If you're concerned with the amount of saturated fats you typically consume, then opt for fat free options. If neither is a concern, look at how much you're actually eating when you are enjoy these foods- Enough to truly negatively effect your nutrition goals toward weight loss? Probably not, if you're enjoying just one a day within the recommended serving size.
Healthy Wishes,
Carrie
Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN
Big Y Corporate Dietitian
Living Well Eating Smart Program
I have been trying to get healthier but we all know as we get older..... It is harder. So I saw this magazine article with Valerie Bertinelli and she is 48 and in this bikini looking gorgeous. She worked hard and had allot of weight to lose. I am younger and have less to lose. I really had a moment where I said to myself, I don't want to wear a bikini I just want to be the absolute most fit and healthy I can be. I have enlisted our good friend to the station, Carrie Taylor. She is Big Y's Registered Dietician and while she helps me to eat really well and coaches me.... I am going to give you all the information FOR FREE! Yeah. I always wanted to see if I was eating as well as I thought. First things first. I was told to go to myfoodpyramid.gov and enter my info. I wasn't crazy about it at first as I do not like being obsessive about food. Well I was wrong. It's so easy. I entered my weight and height and then for the first few days what I ate. It calculates everything and lets you know what foods and around how much you should be eating for a person your size,age, and gender. Really smart and Carrie says I don't have to freak out on portions it will get me used to amounts. I also start today with a personal trainer!! that's something I have always wanted to do. I will keep you posted on that and talk it up on-air! Let me know if there are any questions you want me to ask Carrie. Email me at jdylan@cbs.com.
I am getting excited about this! Move over Valerie whatever!
Joan Dylan
Last summer I blogged about the new member of the family.....THE BOAT! Well, it has long been known to sailors that a boat without a name is bad luck. They say a man's name on a boat is also bad luck. It shouldn't be named after a boat that went down in a tragedy or a person that had the same misfortune. Geesh! there are so many rules.
So we came up with about five and kept going over them with a family vote. I won't pleasure you with the names.......... they are truly cheezy! But we finally came up with one that works for all of us. OOH-RAH!!
It is a long standing Marine Corps. shout. I'll never forget the whole place screaming that out all at once as the Marines graduated from Marine Corps boot camp at Paris Island. They passed all tests with blood sweat and tears and commitment. OHH-RAH INDEED! So our clan was [pretty happy with this and decided to tell our next door neighbor who is a former Marine. He said well, that's great but just promise me you won't stall out and have to call the Coast Guard. You will never live it down. Here is a picture for you. smooth sailin'!
Joan
It may just be Spring is here! I am so happy! I tend to get a little squirelly after a long indoor Winter and plan a bit too much. So I will try to take it slow. I am already getting my walking gal pal ready for our morning walks and just became friends with another woman who is a biker. She keeps telling me "Hills are your friend" I dunno bout that! So outdoor excercise is what I am focusing on. They say if you do your routine in the morning it's more likely you will stick to it. I find if I have made a plan with someone.... I will show up. So I'm doing the buddy system.
Wish me luck
Joan
We had word today that England Dan Seals passed away at 61 from cancer. I did a tribute to Dan's music from the 70's when he worked with John Ford Coley. He went on to record solo material and did some shows with his brother Jim Seals from Seals & Crofts. Listen to the interview by clicking the Arrow next to the speaker below.
Here is the video to one song I didn't get to play for you during the tribute. It was a fun song he did after his England Dan and John Ford Coley days. The song was called "Bop" and here is the video
Just had a weekend with the gal pals and it was everything I thought it would be and more! I was so close to not going as I always have too much going on. I am sooooo glad I did this. Women this is the best thing you can do for yourself. About 12 of us got together decided on all the food and fun and driving ahead of time so there was no stressful planning and headed out to Newport for the weekend. Wouldn't you know it was the weekend that happened to be 60 degress. We ate, drank, laughed, walked, went to the Breakers mansion...and a hotub by the beach to RELAXXXXX oh yeah and did I mention we ate??? oh, I did? I think just being allowed to not think and stress all weekend, added with laughter equals bliss. Now it's back to work. Talk to ya on the radio.
Joan Dylan
This just in. The latest pictures of my Daughter Sadie, serving with the Marines in Iraq. Yes, that is a "Sharp Shooter" ribbon! I went to get my haircut yesterday and when I sat in the chair I announced to my long time stylist, that I was ready to make a huge change. ready to cut it off. I want it as short as possible and a bright color I said. She smiled and took my hand and said, "it'll be alright sweetie...your the third one I've had to talk out of a crazy decision today" It's February, she said, and shrugged.
It has been a long dark winter at the end here and I just want everything to change, like, NOW! I have decided no matter what I am going to somehow make sure next February my family and I go somewhere sunny if only for a long weekend. Today I recieved an amazing surprise. One of our Loyal Listeners, and a Proud Millitary Mom, Susan, sent pictures of my daughter to me. I am not sure how she does it but my daughter has been serving as a Marine in Iraq since September and I miss her so. Susan sent a couple of pictures and I am so happy. Opening up those pictures let in a bright light during a long winter. Thought I would share them with all of you. This is my girl Sadie Rose. She is a Lance Corporal in The Marine Corps. Let's do whatever we can to let them know they are not forgotten.
Joan
On to the Menu
4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 to 6 green onions (scallions)
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup chopped dried apple
1 clove garlic very thinly sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons butter
Place chicken breasts in a 2-quart (or larger) slow cooker/Crock Pot. Add remaining ingredients in the order given, dotting evenly with the butter last. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
Serve over rice.
Serves 4 to 6.
Lentil Soup – very hearty.
1 bag of lentils, rinsed
About 1 quart of water (more or less to suit your taste)
1 can diced carrots (or fresh if you prefer)
1 can diced potatoes (or fresh if you prefer)
1 medium onion chopped (I use frozen chopped onions)
1 package Hot Turkey Sausage – cooked, and cut into small pieces – ¼ inch half-moons
1 package frozen chopped spinach
Put all in crock pot – cook on low. That’s it – yummy!
Chicken Cacciatore
Boneless chicken breasts
1 large (32 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
1 large pepper, cut into chunks (more or less to suit your taste)
1 large onion, cut into chunks (more or less to suit your taste)
Garlic powder, or chopped garlic
Italian Seasoning
Put all in crock pot (chicken on bottom), cook on low.
Serve over healthy spaghetti!
Mediterranean Roast Turkey
Yield
8 servings (serving size: about 4 ounces turkey and about 1/3 cup onion mixture)
Ingredients
2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large)
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/2 cup julienne-cut drained oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning mix (such as McCormick's)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (4-pound) boneless turkey breast, trimmed
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Preparation
Combine first 9 ingredients in an electric slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
Combine remaining 1/4 cup broth and flour in a small bowl; stir with a whisk until smooth. Add broth mixture to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes. Cut turkey into slices.
Hi Joan,
I heard your request for crockpot recipes this morning so here's a favorite of mine that's wicked easy.
Chicken Salsa - Spray crockpot with cooking spray (PAM), place chicken breasts ( I cut mine in half)
into crockpot. Pour one large jar of your favorite salsa over the chicken. Cook on low 8 hours.
A side dish of mine to go with this is:
Cilantro Rice with Lime: 3 cups hot cooked rice, the juice and zest of 1 large lime, 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix all ingredients together. Yummy!
I hope you enjoy.
Susan
New Britain
Lisa was fabulous! she put on a great show at The Warner Theatre and did readings for the people in the audience. Seems Lisa has got a gift for picking out the real skeptics and surprising them with readings! The interview was fun and so was the show. In other news... my Bday is coming and it is a big one. I have decided to embrace 45 and have a girl party with a bunch of women I adore and kareoke! nuthin like makin a fool of yourself to lighten things up. Checking out now, Talk with you on the radio.
Joan
Archive
Women, listen up... you know marriage is an up and down wild rollercoaster ride, but you know what??? All those people that said it just keeps getting better are right! Marriage is not for the weak at heart... but if you have the heart and the guts to stick through whatever... it is awesome. After 15 years of marriage, several job changes, two kids, a couple of different mortgages, all the family vacations, school plays and sporting events, three cats and a dog and oh, what the heck ...a partridge and a pear tree, Jeff and I are celebrating. My husband is the best. I cannot tell you all the details cuz he would be totally embarrassed but he threw a huge surprise party with the family and it was so awesome he created a movie with a montage of all our pictures and our songs and just thinking of it makes me cry. In case you were wondering... yes, it is worth the work. And speaking of work that always brings me back to our daughter Sadie. She is in Iraq right now and I have not spoken with her in about a month. It is hard. I found a Marine Corps guide of hers from boot camp and sat down and read the first Core Value... It was hard to swallow. I cannot remember verbatim but I do remember the meaning. United States Marines will always remember whom they are serving and why they are serving. They will give their life in order to protect America and our way of life. Our freedom. I had to keep reading this. I know I am a strong woman, but not that strong I don't even know how these men and women do it.
Well got to go, we are giving away BIG $$$$$ here at the station and I have got to get on it!
Talk to ya on the radio,
xoxoxox Joan Dylan
Well, I am very happy to report that October has been a great month. Huge thanks to every one of you that help us to make a difference each year in the fight against breast cancer! The Nite Of Lite Laughter was a great success and we owe it to you. You by the tickets to the show, shop in our on-line auction site, bought tickets for the VW Pink Beetle, and all of that money goes right over to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center.
Howie Mandel was even better than I expected and I got to talk to him backstage and think he is a nice guy.
PS. it's not so bad getting to put a nice dress on and go out for a night of entertainment either! Shout out to Mariella Creations on the Silas Dean Highway in Rocky Hill for picking my dress each year!!! My Marine is in Iraq and we have spoken a couple of times only on email but it is good to know she is okay. I am putting together a care pack for her and I am including a blanket because even thought it is 117 degrees during the day, it is bitter cold at night. I will also put in some soap and other toiletries. Anyhow, I am keeping very busy and that seems to make things really allot better. I am wondering if you would take a poll this month as we all tighten our belts in this economy?
I am looking for your feedback on the very best price on oil?? Let me know at jdylan@cbs.com and I will get the info back out on the air to help everyone out.
XOXOXO Joan Dylan
Joan Interviews the Inspiring Keith Knowles.
Click Below:
This one is very good and it only has 2 teaspoons of butter. I have used fresh apples instead of dried apples.
Vickie
Well,
today is the day I will always remember as my D DAY. D, for deployment. My daughter has been deployed to Iraq. I cannot imagine where she will be sleeping, eating, patrolling. I trust the Marine Corps. to stand with her the whole time. I will pray harder now than I ever have... and I have prayed hard before. She will be gone for at least 10 months possibly a year. I really want all this to end, as does every one I know. In other news... my doggy is keeping me company and lets me cry on her as much as I want! It's funny because I DID NOT want a dog.
My family went out and got this naughty little beagle girl and now I have gone through training, electric fence, special vet appointments for her allergies and I feed and walk her.!! Helllllooooooo who brought this doggie in here? But you know what? I love her so much and she really is a comfort to me. I got serious and hired an excellent trainer with a special system called the E -Collar Recovery System. It has to be used with a special trainer and after two lessons It worked so well. This dog does everything we want on command and she is a joy most of the time. My son (12) is playing hockey and football and a bunch of other activities so I will see you out on the carpool trail.
Peace, Joan Dylan
Vacation was amazing. I went to a place we have gone to for a few years off the coast of N.C. and the family all got together and split a house. Part of the day was spent in the pool the other half in the ocean.
I am sure at some point in my life I will live on the beach. I love it so much. I got to see my daughter who is stationed at The Marine Corps. base in Beaufort S.C. She is to be deployed in just two short weeks. I am not doing as well with this as I had hoped. The only thing now is to rely heavily on my faith. Now I head into territory that has been unknown to me....but too familiar to too many families. Families that have had to go through two and three deployments. I am certain The Marine Corps. has been the best thing for our daughter but I never in a million years thought I would be sending my daughter off to war. I believe that no matter what political party one belongs to, we all love this country and want our men and women home. Let me know if you have any words of wisdom. Let me know about your experiences.
Joan.
WOW....... this summer is flying. I cannot believe there is only about a month left. I haven't gone on vacation yet so once I do... maybe I will get that real "summertime" feeling. I am daydreaming about lying on the beach. My son has just turned twelve and I am feeling a little blue that he is away at camp. He goes to the best camp and I know they do a big celebration for him, we brought a cake up and presents....but ...... I just want to be with him on his BDAY. Anyhow, we had his Ice cream cake made by J.Fosters Ice Cream and you could not believe it...first Coconut mounds Ice Cream, then a layer of fudge then cookie crunchies..then a layer of Peanut Butter cup Ice Cream!!!
It was the most amazing homemade Ice Cream cake I have ever seen. While we were there I got a scoop of Toasted Coconut Ice Cream...they make all their Ice cream right there in Avon and IT IS SO FRESH! The Toasted Coconut is my pick for this summer. Well, back to work dreaming of the beach and ice cream...focus Joan.....focus!
Well we are making each weekend feel like a week. We went boating this weekend and took the kids tubing it is allot of fun. Also went to the Portland Quarries. We used to go there as kids but now it is actually open to the public and for a fee you can do all kinds of water sports and swimming, diving, zip lines, it was a blast. Our sons baseball team won the West Hartford Little League Championship. It was SO exciting. Of course my son did get hit by a flying baseball bat so we spent a good part of the rest of the night in the E.R. ....all is well. I keep wondering when I will get a chance to stop worrying about my children....yeah, I know........ it never really ends its just that there are good times and not so good times. As I make my way around our state of CT. I will report in to let you know about different great things to do and see.
Cheers, Joan Dylan.
Really thinking about getting an above ground pool. When my kids were little I wouldn't do it, I was too afraid. Now, our daughter is in the Marine Corps. and our son is going to be twelve. it's probably the perfect time. The in ground pools are beautiful but expensive and for resale I don't know if it is great. Lets face it, we only have about three months of swimming time in Ct. but I guess with gas and everything else being crazy, it makes sense. Let me know what your thoughts or experiences are with this. I am really on the fence here. Joan
I feel like I am really making the most out of this great weather. I have been boating with the family, walking most weekday mornings before work with a girlfriend.....going to parties, baseball games...wow! It was a long winter and now I am making up for lost sunshine time. I cannot believe school will be coming to an end. This summer my son will go away to the same camp he has been going to for the last 4 summers. He wants to go for a month. We're all excited about it, but after the first week or so I start feeling like I am really missing him. I am trying to think of something really great to do for our 15th wedding anniversary. If you have any ideas email me at jdylan@cbs.com well, gotta run and do this radio show thing I got goin' on!
joan Dylan
Our lives pretty much center around baseball this time of year. We love it. Our 11 year old Tim is quite a pitcher and hitter. Is there anything like watching your child succeed? it sure beats when you have to watch them fail. I never knew that was the hardest part of being a parent....standing back and letting go. This last year with our girl Sadie going into the Marine Corps. has been a huge lesson in what it means to truly let go and trust in a power much greater then myself! I have tried to pretend that since I am the mom, I know better and can make better decisions. But suddenly, there they are...your heart has been taken out of your chest and now it has legs and is walking away and making decisions with out you! YIKES! (breathe deep) I want to thank so many of you for reaching out within this last year to comfort and share your stories of not just being a military parent, but just a mom or dad with the same thoughts and struggles. On a completely different note... I have decided to pare down the cable package that I have for this summer. I saw previews for this summers TV and I thought they were kidding. I cannot do the reality TV. I mean, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars…. that stuff is great but the Bachelor??? I cannot imagine myself being with 20 other women trying to get one man to "pick me"!! Are you kidding? women have to know their worth, live it...feel it..... and then no man would ever put them in a group of others. Anyhooooo, I am going to cut all the movie channels and allot of the other stuff and get some books and take more walks, and be outside. email me and let me know if this is part of your summer routine. jdylan@cbs.com Talk to you on the radio, Joan Dylan.
Spring is here and It came right on time. I put all the sweaters away, took out the spring clothes and I am out walking with the dog and a girlfriend who lives down the street most days. Sitting out on the porch listening to my favorite music, reading a book and yes........ I tried gardening again. So far I haven't killed anything, we will see how long that lasts. So this month we celebrate Earthday and while I have known forever how important this is to our future.... I have sometimes felt like it was a daunting task. I was looking at all of this the wrong way! I felt as if I had to do all or nothing. I found out through your sharing on our website, little things add up. Buying the Eco -friendly light bulbs, unplugging appliances that are not in use, and reusing anything I can. I feel good even doing small things. Let me know your Ideas by emailing me at jdylan@cbs.com
In may I was the keynote speaker for the Multi-Generational Celebration of Motherhood at Our Lady Of Calvary Retreat in Farmington. I am so excited about this. I don't care if it sounds cheesy I have always wanted God to use me where he wants to....and I am more than happy to help great organizations that help others. I have just finished one of the best books I have ever read. It is a memoir by Jeannette Walles and it is called The Glass Castle. It is a truly American underdog story, a struggle for the most basic needs to survive. She takes you through some really dark times in her life...but I promise you will feel lifted in the end.
