6 GONE…34 TO GO!! HAPPY 144 CANADA ;o))

6 GONE…34 TO GO!!

The weight as of today is down to 214.2 lbs ;o)))

Hopefully I can get through this Holiday Weekend unscathed!!

HAPPY 144TH

CANADA!!!

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Vitamins for Weight Loss and Energy

Vitamins for Weight Loss and Energy

Vitamins play an important role in metabolism of fats and sugars in the body. Secondly, certain vitamins are also essential for burning calories and suppress hunger or appetite. At the same times, vitamins help in energy production or carry out functions which consequently help in weight loss. So if you are looking for vitamins for energy and weight loss, then vitamins B complex and C are the best ones. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Vitamin B
Vitamin B complex is a complex vitamins comprising of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and chorine. Every single B vitamin carries out certain functions that help in gaining energy and weight loss. Vitamin B1 is essential to converting carbohydrates into glucose and hence, helps in gaining energy. Therefore, vitamin B1 or thiamine is one of the best vitamins for energy boost. Secondly, vitamins B2 and B3 are necessary for normal functioning of the thyroid gland and normal production of the thyroid hormone and hence, helps maintain a proper weight.

Vitamins B5 promotes adrenal function and is also required for energy production. It is also believed to aid in weight loss. A lot has been said about vitamin B12 and weight loss. It should be noted that having vitamin B12 does not directly help in weight loss. It merely speeds up metabolism which consequently leads to weight loss. Lastly, chorine, one of the B complex vitamins, helps in fat metabolism and hence, is one of the effective vitamins for energy and weight loss. We can conclude that all B complex vitamins are best vitamins for energy for men and women.

Vitamin C
At the same times, vitamin C or ascorbic acid is also one of the useful vitamins for weight loss. The basic function of vitamin C is to enhance the immune system and keep infections at bay. However, one of the other benefits of this vitamin is conversion of glucose into energy.

Vitamin C is considered as one of the efficient vitamins for weight loss in women. Most of the foods containing vitamin C do not contain any excess calories or fats and hence, can be safely consumed. On the other hand, vitamin C also helps in detoxification which promotes weight loss. Therefore, along with vitamin B complex; vitamin C is also one of the effective vitamins for energy and weight loss.

Vitamins...The Big “B”

Vitamins...The Big “B”

B1 (thiamine): Supports energy metabolism & nerve function

Low Carb Food Source: Spinach, Tomato Juice, Sunflower Seeds, Lean Pork

B2 (riboflavin): Also supports energy metabolism, PLUS skin & vision health

Low Carb Food Source: Spinach, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Eggs, Liver, Oysters, Clams

B3 (niacin): Supports energy metabolism, plus skin health, nervous system, & digestive system

Low Carb Food Source: Spinach, Lean Grnd Beef, Tomato Juice, Chicken Breast, Canned Tuna in Water, Liver, Shrimp

B6 (pyridoxine): Amino acid, & fatty acid metabolism, plus red blood cell production

Low Carb Food Source: Bananas, Tomato Juice, Broccoli, Spinach, Chicken Breast, Acorn Squash

B12: Used in new cell synthesis, helps break down fatty, & amino acids, as well as supports nerve cell maintenance

Low Carb Food Source:  Lean Meats, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish, Eggs

Biotin: Energy metabolism, fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism, glycogen synthesis

Low Carb Food Source: Broccoli, Spinach, Tomato Juice, Chicken Breast, Lean Pork, Lean Beef, Fish, & Shellfish

4 lbs Gone...36 TO GO!!

4 lbs Gone...36 TO GO!!

Just a special note, I’ve “re-jigged” my beverage. After a couple of trials I felt that if I took the 2 cup into 1.5 litre mix, & poured a cup of this into a 1.5 litre jug of water. This was way more pleasant & refreshing!!

The last time I Blogged was on Friday, stating I was down to 217.9 lbs...This morning I’m at 216.2 lbs down exactly 4 lbs from when I first started June 22^nd. So thus far my average weight loss p/day is .66 lbs.

Every morning thus far I’ve had an open faced “Naanwich” consisting of lettuce, diced cheese and some sort of protein, with a sprinkling of hot sauce. Micro waved for 75 seconds on high. I`ll have 2 – 3 mugs of black coffee in the morning, them that`s it. From there I’ll go with my beverage. During the day since I still crave smokes, I`ll have sugarless, (Splenda), butterscotch candies. I have to be vigilante with these, because they can induce a lot of gas, and could act as a laxative...lol! At night I’ll have 1 or 2 mugs of my white wine blend, & a salad.

On, Saturday, I had pasta, but I think it was a little too late into the evening for me to have. I found the sugars/ carbs left a little agitated, & I had a tough time sleeping. So I think going forward if I have pasta, I’ll have to have earlier in the day. Sunday I had a BBQ`d Strip loin steak, (just used salt & pepper. & I BBQ’d them indirectly with charcoal on my Propane BBQ), & Backed potato with salt, pepper, and some Becel olive oil margarine.

Today I’m Slo smoking a HUGE Pork Loin. I used my special rub to season it. This will Slo cook for about 8 hours. The balance of my day will be consumed with...

·        My Laundry

·        Gardening

·        Cutting & Trimming my Lawn

·        Doing the Family Budget

·        & if I can, squeeze in some Drum practice...

Later today, I may do a re-Blog from my previous sight with regards to Vitamins & Minerals...Stay Tuned ;o)))

& Thanks for taking the time to follow Me, it`s no doubt greatly appreciated; o))

THE QUEST TO LOOSE 40 LBS

This morning`s weigh - in was 217.9 lbs ;o))
STEP BY STEP !!

THE QUEST TO LOOSE 40 LBS!!

THE QUEST TO LOOSE 40 LBS!!

The starting point of ALL achievement is DESIRE!!!!

I`m so looking forward to getting our Work Out room completed! Today I finished painting the Trim, Doors, & Closet. On my next day off I`ll hit the walls.

I also created a thirst quenching beverage. The concentrate that I brewed contains...

·        Green Tea

·        Ginseng Tea

·        Gingko Tea

·        Apple Cider Vinegar

·        Honey

·        Lemon Juice

·        Ginger

From this concentrate I put 2 cups into a 1.5 litre bottle, then filled the balance with water, & refrigerated...It`s very REFRESHING !!

THE QUEST TO LOOSE 40 LBS!!

THE QUEST TO LOOSE 40 LBS!!

The starting point of ALL achievement is DESIRE !!!!

As you`ve read thus far, I`ve been asking for assistance in helping me loose the pounds I put on since I quit smoking. I rec`vd one suggestion, which was ".. Cut down on the carbs...” Amazing advice, sorry for the sarcasm; o).

I`ve been “yakking” away at this to Nancy for some time now, but it`s been all talk & no action. Well maybe a little action, I`ve started painting the room that is going to be our Work Out area. But the main motivation came from 2 things. First, Nancy`s Dad`s Day gift of a pair of shorts that I could not fit into!! Second, the pics taken with Toby & myself. MAN after looking at those, I called myself a “PORKO MIO”!!!

So, I resolved that I was going to get this FAT off of me. BUT, I was going to do it without altering our Food budget I have in place for the family.

Any way yesterday morning I weighed in at 220.2 lbs., my goal is 180 lbs.!! My occupation is a mix of cerebral & physical, Plus I`m quite active as it is. My metabolism however has slowed to a crawl. I take Medication for my Blood Pressure, 3 Anxiety Disorders, Chronic Depression, & for my 2 deteriorating lower back discs.

When I`m busy, I normally only eat twice a day, (no doubt everyone is saying this is stupid, however, if I’m not hungry why force it, the energy is there to complete all my tasks at hand). When it comes to alcohol, I`ll have Dry White wine, (sugar level 0) that I`ll water down 1/3rd wine - 1/3rd ice - 1/3rd water. At times I`d have 50% wine with 25% ice & 25% water.

My work is in Retail so the work week days are erratic, however , the work days run to 9 pm, so I get home by about 9:30 pm, At that time I`m hungry.

Of special note, during work I`ll consume a couple litres of lemon water, & sugarless butterscotch candies, (the candies are helping me with the smokes). I had smoked for about 41 years.

Now I like certain Carb foods, I guess my Achilles heel is bread. Lately, Whole Wheat Naan has been a favourite.

To shorten this story I`m going "POST" my Weight Loss Progress. What I`m doing, what I`m doing correctly, & or incorrectly. & we`ll see what happens. Again, any constructive input, that does not involve "Buying into a Program", you know what I mean.

Yesterday:

Morning I weighed in at 220.2 lbs!!!

Breakfast: Naan, with a bed of Greens, Sliced Chicken Breast, (I BBQ`d on Father`s Day), and some Marble Cheese chunks. I nuked it for 80 seconds, & it was done.

Dinner: took a bowl & put a hand full of Greens, sliced up a Tomato, used some more Chicken Breasts, & threw a hand full of mixed nuts.

This morning I weighed in at 218.2 lbs.

( 2 DOWN 38 TO GO !! )

Breakfast: was the same as yesterday

I`m off today, so I have a number of chores to do. So I’ve already have dinner going. Since it`s a bleak rainy day, I created a Soup.

·        Shredded Broccoli, Cabbage, & Carrot

·        Diced Spinach

·        Sliced Mushrooms & Onions

·        Diced Zucchini

·        Diced Chicken

·        Diced Shrimp

·        Chicken Broth

·        My seasonings

I`m also later today going to prepare some Tea concoctions for my work beverage....

I`ll let you know how it goes. But as you can see by now, this is my Quest, & this vehicle will be my diary to track my success`s and potential pit falls, (although I can only hope & pray they will be few & far between).

MONEYBALL & "OPS"

I`ve had a number of questions as to what is "OPS".
"OPS" means On Base Percent plus Slugging Percent

This is a great stat because it combines the two most important aspects of hitting- OBP/SLG. Those two things together can really show how a player contributes to his lineup .

Going forward, another statistic will be also added, which is Runs Created...

The Bear`s CHILI BURGERS

The Bear`s CHILI BURGERS


This is something I have not made in years, & for no apparent reason I was just thinking about them. So on my next day off guess what we`re having for dinner ;o))

3 pounds ground beef

1 1/2 cups chopped onions

1 1/2 cups canned tomato purée

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Shredded mild Cheddar Cheese

10 hamburger buns, split and toasted

 Mustard

Relish

1. Combine beef and onions in a large skillet; cook, stirring to break up the meat, until beef is no longer pink. Drain and discard fat.

2. Stir in tomato purée, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat until liquid has evaporated and mixture is of desired consistency, about 1 hour.

3. Serve over freshly toasted buns, add the cheese & pass mustard and relish at the table.



"MONEYBALL"

MONEYBALL

A major motion picture will be released shortly, that`ll will be entitled “MONEYBALL”. Brad Pitt is in the title roll of a character named Billy Beane. So since I love the game, I thought i`d summarize for you what exactly Moneyball means.

The central premise of Moneyball is that the collected wisdom of baseball insiders (including players, managers, coaches, scouts, and the front office) over the past century is subjective and often flawed. Statistics such as stolen bases, runs batted in, and batting average, typically used to gauge players, are relics of a 19th century view of the game and the statistics that were available at the time. The book argues that the Oakland A's' front office took advantage of more empirical gauges of player performance to field a team that could compete successfully against richer competitors in Major League Baseball.

Rigorous statistical analysis had demonstrated that on-base percentage and slugging percentage are better indicators of offensive success, and the A's became convinced that these qualities were cheaper to obtain on the open market than more historically valued qualities such as speed and contact. These observations often flew in the face of conventional baseball wisdom and the beliefs of many baseball scouts and executives.

By re-evaluating the strategies that produce wins on the field, the 2002 Athletics, with approximately $41 million in salary, were competitive with larger market teams such as the
New York Yankees, who spent over $125 million in payroll that same season. Because of the team's smaller revenues, Oakland is forced to find players undervalued by the market, and their system for finding value in undervalued players has proven itself thus far.

Several themes Lewis explored in the book include: insiders vs. outsiders (established traditionalists vs. upstart proponents of Sabermetrics), the democratization of information causing a flattening of hierarchies, and the ruthless drive for efficiency that capitalism demands. The book also touches on Oakland's underlying economic need to stay ahead of the curve; as other teams begin mirroring Beane's strategies to evaluate offensive talent, diminishing the Athletics' advantage, Oakland begins looking for other undervalued baseball skills such as defensive capabilities.

Moneyball also touches onto the A's methods of prospect selection. Sabermetricians argue that a college baseball player's chance of MLB success is far and away higher than a traditional high school draft pick. Beane maintains that high draft picks spent on high school prospects, regardless of talent or physical potential as evaluated by traditional scouting, are riskier than if they were spent on more polished college players. Lewis cites A's minor leaguerJeremy Bonderman, drafted out of high school in 2001 over Beane's objections, as but one example of precisely the type of draft pick Beane would avoid. Bonderman had all of the traditional "tools" that scouts look for, but thousands of such players have been signed by MLB organizations out of high school over the years and failed to develop. Lewis explores the A's approach to the 2002 MLB Draft, when the team had a nearly unprecedented run of early picks. The book documents Beane's often-tense discussions with his scouting staff (who favored traditional subjective evaluation of potential rather than objective sabermetrics) in preparation for the draft to the actual draft, which defied all expectations and was considered at the time a wildly successful (if unorthodox) effort by Beane.

In addition, Moneyball traces the history of the sabermetric movement back to such people as
 Bill James (now a member of the Boston Red Sox front office) and Craig R. Wright. Lewis explores how James' seminal Baseball Abstract, an annual publication that was published from the late-1970s through the late-1980s, influenced many of the young, up-and-coming baseball minds that are now joining the ranks of baseball management.

IMPACT

Moneyball has made such an impact in professional baseball that the term itself has entered the lexicon of baseball. Teams which appear to value the concepts of sabermetrics are often said to be playing "Moneyball". Baseball traditionalists, in particular some scouts and media members decry the sabermetric revolution and have disparaged Moneyball for emphasizing concepts of sabermetrics over more traditional methods of player evaluation. Nevertheless, the impact of Moneyball upon major league front offices is undeniable. In its wake, teams such as the New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Blue Jays have hired full-time Sabermetric analysts. Since the book's publication (and success), Lewis has discussed plans for a sequel to Moneyballcalled Underdogs, revisiting the players and their relative success several years into their careers. When the New York Mets hired Sandy Alderson (Beane's predecessor and mentor with the A's) as their their general manager after the 2010 season and hired Beane's former associates Paul DePodesta and J.P. Ricciardi to the front office, the team became known as the "Moneyball Mets".

"SMALL BALL"

SMALL BALL

When I was a kid, I lived, breathed, and ate, slept baseball. Yup I loved the Game, and the Game within the Game. I was fortunate enough to have the talent to be scouted for the Phillies, and was invited to a try out. Unfortunately, my Dad felt my path should lead another direction, thus the try out never happened. However, my passion for the sport never waned.

Therefore, I felt that since, I’m starting up a new Blog site, I thought for my inaugural offering I’d write about Base Ball ;o))

In the sport of baseball, small-ball is an informal and colloquial term for an offensive strategy in which the batting team emphasizes placing runners on base and then advancing them into position to score a run in a deliberate, methodical way. This strategy places a high value on individual runs and attempts to score them without requiring extra base hits, or sometimes without base hits at all, instead using bases on balls, stolen bases, sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly balls, the hit-and-run play, and aggressive base running with such plays as the contact play. A commonly used term for a run produced playing small-ball is a "manufactured run". This style of play is more often found in National League game situations than in the American League due in large part to the absence of the designated hitter in the National League.

Teams may incorporate a small-ball strategy for a variety of reasons, including:

1.     They are confident that their pitching staff will allow very few runs, thus one or two runs may win the game.

2.     The opposing pitching staff allows few hits, especially extra-base hits, and small-ball may be the best way to score runs at all.

3.     The team lacks consistent hitters and must find a way to score runs with few base hits.

4.     The team has several members who are very quick and are likely to steal bases, or go from first base to third base on a single.

5.     The team is in the late innings of a close game and a single run will tie the game, break a tie, or extend a narrow lead.

Most commonly, a small-ball strategy will be employed during the course of a game, such as in case #4, above. A team could also start the game with the intention of playing small-ball, but then change from this strategy at some point during a game, depending on circumstances, such as when the opposing pitcher is struggling or has left the game, or if the team is ahead or behind by several runs.