I swam again this morning and while I sputtered and swallowed a little water, it was a vast improvement over Saturday's lackluster start.

After a couple of laps, I was gliding along with ease. I thought I was doing pretty well until a lithe woman in the next lane blasted past me as if I was standing still.

Only then did it dawn on me exactly how slow I am. And how much effort I seem to expend. And how I don't know how to do a turn as I close in on the wall. And how my kick needs work.

I've had these thoughts before. After my co-worker Calvin taught me a few years ago, I stepped away from the classes, always saying I would come back. But the description in this year's Cross Island Y's membership book stops me cold.

"Perfect your front crawl and back crawl. Learn to do a front dive and tread water. Introduction to some personal water safety skills, breaststroke kick and elementary back stroke."

The diving thing is out, no way, no how. Shoot, Calvin had to beg, borrow and plead just to get me to jump in from the side. And I only did that twice.

I don't care that I can swim, all I can see is that I am jumping off into nothingness.

So today, I asked Dennis, the friendly lifeguard, about the diving requirement. He said the instructor would be understanding, but I'm not so sure.

And until I find out, I will keep plodding along, one slightly crooked stroke after another.

-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows that cutting calories is just the beginning of the sacrifices. When we commit ourselves to a diet, we also commit our bank accounts. Diets are just plain expensive!

At Weight Watchers, a weekly meeting/weigh-in costs $12, plus point-value books, cookbooks, a food scale, measuring cups, and a variety of special Weight Watchers-sanctioned snacks. This doesn't even include the inevitable increase in the weekly grocery bill!

Sure, you're worth the investment. But for my pointing-counting compatriots on a budget, there's a great website that has recipes, point values and restaurant menus... for free (although they accept donations)!

Dotti's Weight Loss Zone was launched in 1998 by Dotti Coon, a sister in the struggle, and has been passed along the grapevine by WW-loyalists (I heard about it from my mom; she heard about it from a woman in one of her meetings).

By far, the site's best feature is its constantly updated food lists (Weight Watchers' restaurant guide is out-of-date as soon as it's published). Dotti's personal journey is also very motivating -- she's brave enough to track her own weight loss on the site, and her experiences are very relatable.

P.S. The site is not affiliated or sanctioned by Weight Watchers.

-- Lauren McCullough

Posted by Admin at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Being overweight forces me to live within two worlds. My world, the one where I am perfect and happy with myself and the outside world, where people see me as a fat person. I'm not sure if this is some defect in myself and welcome comments if it is, but I always have the feeling like I'm being judged or criticized for being overweight.

On fridays, when we get free bagels in the newsroom, I feel guilty as I take one, like somehow my colleagues are saying, "Oh, she needs all those carbs." No one actually says that to me, but I hear them think it. Does a thin person, choosing to eat a bagel hear her colleague's voice say "eat two, you're so skinny, you need to bulk up"?

What about my own voice? My BMI is over 40 and I know all the facts about obesity and health. I suffer from arthritis in my knees and have been told I'm borderline diabetic. I've read all the latest articles on diet and exercise.
So why not join the millions of warriors fighting the battle of the bulge. After all, I've fought the good fight. And won. Many times. That's what my voice tells me. How many times do I have to fight to lose the same 100 pounds, only to gain it all back again? What's better? To be thin once every 4 years or permanently fat. And why can't I eat that bagel? Plenty of my thinner colleagues eat them. What makes me different?

Does that mean my two worlds are guilt and defiance? Neither one has anything to do with being pefect or happy. In fact, they are the opposite. They keep me unhappy or from acheiving my goals. I would guess my next step is to decide what my goals are and map out a plan of action. Living that action is what would give me a free pass to live in one world instead of two. But then, it's been so long since I've reasoned this step I'm not sure. Suggestions are welcomed.

--Connie Mango

Posted by Connie Mango at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Everyone knows the food hospitals serve patients isn't the greatest. But what they feed employees and guests isn't much better.

I've recently been visiting a sick loved one at a local hospital reknowned for its top-notch care. Unfortunately, the care seems to stop at the cafeteria door.

My first night there, I went in search of a salad. Surely, I thought, a hospital would have a well-stocked salad bar or at least some nice pre-packaged options. Alas, that was not the case. The greens were nearly white, the cherry tomatoes sported black bruises and the carrots had long since lost their luster.

I moved on to the entrees dished out by the friendly staff. I could choose between the pasty-looking pizza breadsticks and the deep-fried codfish nuggets. The lone healthy option, baked chicken, looked as if it gave new meaning to the word dry.

After nixing a burger and the readilly accessible donuts and ice cream, I retreated to the deli for a turkey sandwich. I know, I know, too many carbs. But what's a hungry girl to do?

Today, I solved the problem by taking my own salad. But most folks won't go that far. And it seems to me to they shouldn't have to in a hospital.

If the mission is to promote good health and eating habits, let's start at the cafeteria floor and build from the ground up.


--Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I got a painful lesson in the importance of cross-training when I went to the gym today.

For the past few weeks, I have been skipping swimming in favor of walking on the treadmill for my workouts. The arrangment suited me for several reasons. First, my allergies have been really bad this spring, so I didn't want to get my head wet. Second, swimming means I always have deal with my hair afterward, which can be a real pain. If I swim, I have to get up at 5:30 in the morning versus 6 for the treadmill.

So I had been content to get some extra sleep, that is until today. I decided that I really needed to get back into the water, especially since summer is here.

So off I go to the Y, all pumped and ready to swim. Until I actually got in, that is. I was totally out of practice, and boy, did it show. My stroke was out of sync and I couldn't remember the proper breathing method. It took me four sputtering, coughing laps to get it right.

After that, I was fine. But I have promised myself I won't do that again. Hair or no hair, it's back to the pool for me.

-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've been giving a lot of thought to the role that genetics play in how we look. It's a holiday weekend and no doubt I'll be getting together with my extended family, sister, brother, nieces and nephews, for an annual barbeque. I look foward to the food, after all I am writing on the "Skinny on Fat Blog", but I can't help but reflect on how my family members all have inherited the same thing from my dad. We lovingly refer to it as the "Baldassano Butt".

My Dad has been gone for twenty one years, but every day when I look in the mirror it is Memorial day and I remember that I look just like him, right down to his pear-shaped bottom. So just how much of our weight is inherited, and does it really make a difference if I pass on the london broil, homemade pasta salad, chicken and homemade cookies by Kellie?

I did tell you I was Italian decent. Hot dogs and hamburgers are appetizers at our cookouts. And pears, or pear-shapes, are remembering our Dad that day.

--Connie Mango

Posted by Connie Mango at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Now that's we've been together for a little while, I think it's time you know more about me. No, I'm not asking for a commitment, I just want you to get to know me better.

As you know, my name is Amanda and I am the editor for amNY.com. But more importantly in this arena, I am a Fat Fighter from waaaaaaayyyyy back.

I have struggled with weight issues pretty much since birth. My father has a photo of me at 9 months perched atop the family's Chevrolet Nova. I'm wearing just a diaper and boy, it's all hanging out. I look like a little Hershey's Kiss.

Things got a bit better until I turned five. After that, it seemed everything I ate went to my hips (and thighs, and butt). I fought the battle of the bulge all through high school, college and into my work life. Through times of heavy exercise, light exercise and no exercise.

I've tried Slim Fast, diet pills, Weight Watchers, South Beach and skipping meals. I've tried 1,000 calories a day, 1,200 and 1,800. I've given up bread, fried foods, white foods, starches and fruit.

I've had two significant weight losses. From late 1990 to mid-1991, I lost 65 pounds on Weight Watchers. But after my mother became seriously ill and then disabled, I put it all back on.

After my mother passed away in 2001 from a massive heart attack, I got serious about losing weight. I learned to swim and lost 80 pounds through Drs. Richard and Rachel Heller's Carbohydrate Addict's diet.

I have managed to keep most of it off, but have had some setbacks after illnesses and injuries halted my exercise routine. I still exercise, usually walking on the treadmill or swimming, four to five times a week.

Eating wise, I still do the low-carb thing, but I struggle with it (as you can see with my references to popcorn). I also worry about health risks that have been associated with low-carb eating including increased cholesterol, the lack of fruit and kidney woes from the extra protein.

But the fact remains that for me, nothing seems to work better. I am not as monstrously hungry all the time, I don't get sleepy after meals and I am better able to control myself if certain foods just aren't an option.

My greatest downfall is emotional eating. When I'm happy, I eat. When I'm sad, I eat. If I'm bored, I eat. My boyfriend calls me a see-food eater. Pretty much, if I'm awake, I could eat. Too bad I don't get paid to eat. I would be rich.

So that's my deal. What's up with you?

In this blog, I hope to have a conversation with you about diet, health and fitness issues. I would like to hear your ideas and thoughts on the topic. God knows, I need all the help I can get!


-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 08:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I went to see my beloved Phillies take on the Mets this afternoon, and while my boys got a 5-3 win on the field I had my own little victory in the seats.

Eating healthy at the ballpark is a challenge for me with all the hotdogs, Cracker Jacks and ice cream floating around. So I took some advice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration on holiday eating to help me through the day.

The list advises eating before heading to a special event, which I did. I had my sandwich and some lite popcorn at home. In the fifth inning, after Brett Myers' pitching had stressed me a bit, I had a diet soda and some peanuts.

Eating at home not only saved me calories, it also saved me money. Hot dogs are $3.50 at the park. That's highway robbery, as far as I am concerned. You can get a whole pack of Nathan's franks from $3.99 at the grocery store.

I admit, I probably should have refrained from eating altogether, but it is soooo hard in that atmosphere. I'm just glad I didn't lose my mind and have a hot dog after Jose Reyes' 3-run homer tied the score.

Like my Phillies, I gotta take my victories where I can get 'em.


-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the Memorial Day holiday fast approaching, I got to thinking about how to contain the hungry monster inside me as family and friends gather together.

Usually, I try to starve myself beforehand so I can let go a little at events. Unfortunately, letting go sometimes means eating too much potato salad, way too many chips and a nice slice of cake to boot.

So this year, I decided to be a little more proactive to prevent an eating explosion. I found some really good tips on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' site for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The placement makes sense because overeating can definitely be an emotional issue.

The Healthy Holiday Eating guide advises eating a snack or small meal before heading to an event. It also advises eating slowly and staying away from the buffet table. Check out the complete list .

Happy Memorial Day!

-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As I trolled through the health news this morning, I spotted this headline -- " 'Healthy' Foods a Pitfall for Dieters." http://www.amny.com/news/health/wire/sns-ap-diet-health-foods,0,5600933.story

And of course, with beach body season uncomfortably near -- I zeroed in expecting some great advice on so-called "healthy" foods with deep dark secrets -- like how carrot sticks have fooled us all and they're actually lipid-packed posers -- or that the whole soy thing is a total sham.

Instead I learned that if you drop potato chips for yogurt -- you might still put on the pounds -- that is if you're buying Reeses Pieces yogurt -- like one woman interviewed. I also learned that just because blueberry pie contains a fresh fruit derivative doesn't really mean it's good for you -- which one dietician called a common mistake.

If you're a person tuned into nutrition even minimally -- isn't it just too obvious? Like the continual studies that prove walking can help you lose weight and improve heart health.

The one item of nutritional value: Granola can be super high-cal -- as high as 600 calories per cup, and a lot of those "natural" foods often aren't any better for you than Cheetos.

But anyway, if you come across this headline -- feel free to avoid. I offer this summary: Read a nutrition label, and here's hoping for heartier health news.

- Lauren Johnston

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For many Weight Watchers participants in Manhattan, one leader stands alone - Ricardo Correira.

Correira, who is featured in Patricia Kitchen's story today on former actors finding new careers, uses props, one-liners and his own poignant experiences to help meeting goers reach their weight loss goals.

And the former stage actor's approach seems to work. One male attendee on a recent Saturday in Chelsea said he's lost several pounds, due in large part to Correia and his outgoing personality.

See Correia in action in my video. And check this space for weight loss tips from him each week.


-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 06:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So have you heard about Wishbone's new Salad Spritzers dressing? I got pretty enthused when I saw the commercials of folks dancing all around with spritzers in their hands. Although no salad dressing could make anyone that happy.

The spritzers are supposed to be just one calorie per spray and they come in three flavors: Balsamic Breeze Vinaigrette, Italian Vinaigrette and Red Wine Mist Vinagrette.

Jane, a weight loss champion who writes The Skinny Daily Post Blog came up with her own ideas for the dressing. Check out her thoughts.

Like Jane, I'm not so enthused about high fructose corn syrup being a main ingredient, but who knows, I may try it anyway. I'll just reserve my dancing feet for the day someone invest a chocolate cheesecake with all of the taste and none of the carbs or calories.


-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A study released by the Journal of Neuroscience says that certain people are more sensitive to the need for reward and this trait can trigger food issues.

"Individuals high in this trait experience more frequent and intense food cravings and are more likely to be overweight or develop eating disorders associated with excessive food intake," said the authors of the study conducted in Britain.

Apparently, this sensitivity is triggered by images of appetizing foods. Hmmm, so that explains why I couldn't resist those delicious-looking chocolate chip cookies my co-workers brought in on Friday. Perhaps I need to invest in some blindfolds.


-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you count carbs obsessively? Weigh every morsel you eat? Guiltily confess your eating sins to your co-workers? Then the Skinny on Fat blog is meant for you. amNY.com's staff realized that we do all these things and more - at least once a day. So we decided to explore food and fitness issues. Come along with us as we sift through confusing health news, find the best exercise tips and explore how to cut the calories and increase our metabolisms. Don't forget your carrot sticks!


-- Amanda Barrett

Posted by The Skinny on Fat at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)