The Cohen report- 3 months and counting

It has been awhile since my last post (as usual, busy with everything!!! )

Here's a 3rd month update on my Cohen program...! see other posts HERE and HERE

Doing Cohen has been life changing to say the least. Just analyzing what has occurred over the past three months has left me in awe and had opened my eyes to a lot of things I have been doing wrong for the past few years. Here are some of them

1. eating when  I am - sad,--- happy-- or tired
2. eating anything without regard with what is in it (chips, buttery everything)
3. not drinking enough water
4. not reading labels


To some people who I haven't seen for a few months, seeing me lose weight was a real shock. But honestly, it wasn't easy.

As of this writing, I have lost 25 lbs. with another 13lbs or so to lose before I am finished with the program. (first month- 11lbs, 2nd month- 6 lbs, 3rd month 5 lbs.. so guys, this is not "instant" weight loss)

One of the thing that is different with this program is that you have the support of other people going throughout the same experience as you. Through the Facebook group, we can share our triumphs (weight loss) or disappointments (deviations) and generally get moral support for the eating struggles we face everyday. I can say, the group itself kept me from quitting at one time or another.

One of the things about Cohen, as I have observed in myself, is that it give you guts to speak up. the first things that went through my mind when they explained the program (you have to indicate and assert you meal requirements at places you eat at) is that "I am not the KIND of person"

KIND - meaning, the bossy type who asserts herself: example...

waiter: what is your order mam?
me: how many grams is your steak?
waiter: 200 grams (I split this with my daughter because I can only eat 100 grams)
me: can you cook that with no oil or butter, pepper and salt only with the sauce on the side?
waiter -- jotting down
me: also, can you change the mash potato to some vegetables like asparagus, grilled also with no oil or butter and just pepper and salt?

This is just one example of the meal requirements I have to do when we order out. I sometimes have meals packed in sealed plastic containers with me and whip it out in the restaurants to eat my lunch or dinner. In other words, you have to just DO IT and not be shy about anything you have to do to stick to the program. You might be labelled as difficult or bossy but you'll be a THIN and FABULOUS bossy woman.!!!

It is kind of awkward to try to explain to Chinese suppliers why you can't eat this and that. So sometimes, I just feign eating or try my best to approximate what I need and eat that (can't have them lose face if I don't eat what they give me... I just tell them to treat me to a steak house and not a soy sauce laden chinese restaurant)

There are times when you just REALLY crave. (especially when hormones kick in when "its that time of the month") but I try to drown myself in Coke zero and tea.

Also, socializing with friends of family ALWAYS entails eating. Just finding the courage to tell them you are full and can't eat is a struggle. You just have to get blinders on and not mind anything they say to try to get you to eat (the calorie laden) food. People WILL TRY to make you quit.

It is not unusual to find myself late at night in front of my closet, trying out various clothes that did not fit me before and finding that they are loose. I get a kick out of trying everything. I even go out and shop (without buying) just to see what size I can fit into (currently size US 8, banana republic size 6, club monaco size 4 and a micheal kors swimsuit in size 4!)
I find myself doing a fashion show weekly in my closet. I couldn't help buying some stuff at the outlet mall when we went to the US too since it was soooo nice and it WAS discounted after all.!! They all look so great on me that I am so giddy with joy!

Cohen is actually a battle of the wills. LIKE, I WILL not succumb to the cake and ice-cream ... I WILL stick with my allotted meal plan.--

I still have (from my calculations), 2 months to go to reach my goal weight but I this is the thinnest I have been since high school. I have fitted into my wedding dress too and my husband has challenged me to pose in it and have pictures taken. (wahahahaha)

Aside from this, Cohen recommends NO EXERCISE... so... I quit running. I was getting fat from running anyway (getting hungry after every run)  and in retrospect, I did not really enjoy it as much as badminton or my other sports.

Another story is that I went to a slimming salon I went to for several years to try to use up all the treatments I have left (after all, its paid for) and they were really surprised at the amount of weight I lost. I used to hate having my weight measured (a requirement before you have the treatment) but at that moment, I was EXCITED to see what weight they would measure. VOILA-- it was the lowest weight they measured for me in the 10+years I have been going there. They were so amazed that they even ASKED me to ENDORSE the center... like having my picture taken and saying I lost the weight there (the GALL!!) and isn't that FALSE advertising??? Anyway, 3 months of cohen did what 10+ years and uncountable hours and time spent in their slimming center could not. HA!

For all those who need the motivation... Do COHEN and stick with it... you won't regret all the time you decided not to eat that cupcake.

Priceless comment from my husband --- He said he can't find me in a crowd anymore because my BIG bum is gone!!! hahaha

So, here is my fab dress from BCBG .. (taken at the hotel restroom during a wedding I went to)
size 8 and still loose!

Some of the Cohen group have more will power and honestly, I am really in awe at what people are capable of once they set their minds to it. (100lbs lost!! imagine!)

kiss kiss and hope I can finally get myself into a 2 pc swimsuit!!! till the next update!

The land of Lost (part 2)

After lunch at the hotel, we proceeded to the Basco Basilica. the only problem was, it was undergoing renovation so we did not have any great opportunity to take photos of the inside of the church since it was full of scaffoldings and the altar was covered. Mandy took this opportunity to teach us about portrait taking using light coming from a window. (of course having one of us as the "model")

The white and blue theme of the church reminded me of Greece. In the following days, I would see this color in most of the doors, churches and houses. (blue is a favorite door color in Batanes)

After, we proceeded to  house of artist Pacita Abad called Fundacion Pacita. (which has now been converted to a pricey hotel) I really wished we could have had the opportunity to enter the house, but at the time we went, it was fully booked and we were not allowed in. So I had to content myself to a wide shot of the house. I could really imagine the views... since it was situated on top of a cliff with views of the sea and hills on the back.

The house was made of stones and the surrounding landscaping was what I would really like what my garden would look like.

It had an "office" on the side of the road with a quaint blue swing bench. (love it!)... notice the color BLUE again

Kuya Roger, our guide, hurriedly gestured that we needed to go and I hurriedly rode the jeep to the lighthouse.. trying to catch the last rays of the sun (sunset shot hopefully)

ALAS... as with everything that day.. the sky was overcast so much there was no chance of a blazing glory of a sunset. However, the light house itself was fantastic.  We had to leave our ride at the bottom of the hill and hike up to the top where the light house was.

By the time we reaches the top, most of the light was fading and we had to scramble to get some shots of the light house ( was really really wanting a lighthouse shot with a bit of sun on the side.. *disappointment)

I like that the front of it was covered with ivy.


I decided to go on a bike ride the next day in the hope of getting a sunrise shot (bec I missed the sunset). I inquired at the hotel for bike rentals and was informed it was available at a rock bottom rate of 50 pesos ($1.5). WOW. since our schedule for the next day was not really very early, Me and my husband (me on a bike.. him, doing his training run) decided to go out early the next day at 6am (after being informed that sunrise would be 6:30am)

The weather the next day had not improved. The clothes I brought with me was for sunny weather and was greeted with cold and wet conditions. I bought a souvenier sweater at the hotel a size too big (limited choices....)

colorful boat at the dock

one of my favorite shots of the boats

little red rickety bike

the hotel itself was near a wharf where fishermen moor their boats. The ride down was scary since my bike was old and the brakes were not very good. I had to put my feet out in case I couldn't stop my momentum down the hill (whoooo.............)

I had some nice shots of the boats-- which were very interesting and colorful.

We went to the middle of the town some more, noticing the quaint houses and colorful daycare centers. Before we got very far, it started drizzling hard.I was concerned for my health, husband and camera... This is no place to get it wet nor catch a cold. I pedalled hard to get back to the hotel. My husband , the runner, was even running faster than I was peddaling (the bike was really old!)

 huff huff puff puff pedal pedal........WHEW!

Our Day 2 would take us to the island of Sabtang. a 45 min boat ride. I was told the island had a lot of interesting architecture and villages good for picture taking. The sun shone a bit when we boarded the boat and I opted to sit in front (I really like sitting in front of boats... as in my other boating adventures (see HERE). The waters were quite choppy. (which we were told was NORMAL).. some of group got really seasick and dizzy.

Coming into the view of the island, I could see the lighthouse on the top of the cliff. I whipped out my camera and started clicking like crazy while at the same time trying to keep myself INSIDE the boat (choppy choppy choppy!!!)

This is what I got....

love this shot!!!

Sabtang Island was one of the best scenic spots we went to. We went to an IVATAN village where the houses reminded me of the COTSWOLD'S in England. They were made of stone and had thatched roofs. One of the houses we visited was the oldest house in Batanes. I got to ride on top of a jeepney-- the unique filipino vehicle... (which was kinda scary since there was a chance of you falling off)

 I also need to mention that the food was great. They had specialties that even I hadn't tried before. I am sorry to say that I did not get any pictures of the food since I was too dang tired by the end of the day.

oldest house in Batanes

We had the local escargot (snails) and some Pako salad ( which was a local fern salad)-- they even served fried flying fish, which they said was a local delicacy. Believe me, the food was GREAT.

The next few days found us hiking up 45 degree hills to get to another lighthouse, the"Marlboro" country-- as they call it since it was a lot of rolling hills where you get fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and a sputtering of cows-- (I tell you, going up that hill was killer... since we were battling really strong winds-- this time, it reminded me of Scotland... with gloomy , windy, hilly conditions... but never the less, beautiful...!!!

the long - windy walk.. a bit scary really when you factor the wind

the third day, we went to a spelunking (thats rock climbing to you) adventure on the beach... going through rocks and having a time walking through low tide with waves crashing into the surf...

surf's up!!!

I loved the trip and I would really want to go back, but it would be awhile since I still have other trips planned. If you plan to go, it's really worth the trip. You won't go home disappointed.

Oh, if you want another version of this trip, click at my friend's blog HERE... I am still jetlagged from my trip to the US but I will try to find the contact numbers of Roger (the tour guide)- He was quite helpful in airline and tour rates

The land of LOST

I have been on a mission lately. If you have been reading this blog, I have mentioned earlier about having a BUCKET LIST. Maybe since I was turning a year older this month, (and that # is quite big.... a turning point in one's life..) that I have resolved to make most of my time... yehah! no more dilly dallying.

Learn. Explore. Live.

One of the things we have eyeing to do is the MANDY NAVASARO PHOTO SAFARI in Batanes Island. It teaches photography while letting you explore the unexplored part of the Philippines.


Batanes is the northern most part of the country. Its farthest island is Itbayat, which is actually nearer to Taiwan than the Philippines (190 kms to Taiwan, while it's 290km to the nearest Luzon island).. they can actually see the lights and cars of Taiwan.

Anyhoo....

We were scheduled to fly at 6am using a small (32 seater, propeller) airplane. Honestly, I haven't tried flying on a small plane for... 25 years??? and haven't been to the domestic airport since,..... I can't remember. So, I was very nervous at the state of our domestic flight


Guess what. The domestic airport was better than expected. It was refurbished and spiffed up quite well. It even had a french style coffee corner ...(fresh espresso and cappuccino at 5am!!!)

starting sunrise over the clouds

I had a nice seat at the back near the propellers and even got a chance to take some sunrise pics... (didn't get any sleep.. too excited to see the islands).

the view was amazing.

I was thinking it was  a preview of what we had in store for us in the 4 day trip...

actually had a sense of how amazing God's creation was. It is rare that we see this view in the city. (well, maybe in postcards)...LOL


finally, after an hour or so... we were greeted with  something out of Fantasy Island....

can i say??? WATTA VIEW!!!

I was imagining Tatoo ( the sidekick in Fantasy Island) shouting below... "zeee plane. zee plane!!!".. which was plausible since there was only ONE flight coming in everyday to the island ( with only 32 passengers max). There were no clusters of house, nor sighting of tall buildings... only green everywhere with spattering of small houses and boats. Coming in, you might catch a glimpse of cows grazing on some of the hills or some huge wave crashing into a cliff.....

Mandy, our host, was a mature woman who had been (once in her life) -- a stewardess, a PR exec, and banking executive. She has since graduated to teaching photography, PR work and writing for a local newspaper. One of her quotable quotes are:

"Photography has no retirement...that's why I am still around".... which is quite true when you see her. She is like a quirky aunt you have and just happen to visit one weekend. Never a dull moment.

She even had to try to make a pass at one of the doctors we had in the group ( a young, slim and cute one). In explaining the course during breakfast, she indicated that we had to pose as "models" for our photography lessons. Turning to the doctor, she said nonchantly... "Doc, you have to pose with your shirt off..." THAT just made me chuckle.

Arriving at my usual wake up hour of 7:30am, we proceeded to the hotel to freshen up and get some breakfast. (consisting of native flying fish, tomato salsa, rice and egg.. yumm).

We had the briefing and then proceeded to our stop at the japanese tunnel. On the way, we had a photo shoot at one bent of the road, teaching us angles

We then were led to the entrance of an old japanese tunnel. where we traversed darkness (If they told me, I could have brought a flashlight).. the walls were damp and it was hard going in the dark especailly when we reached a 90 degree drop.


and eventually exited through a clearing.

the exit of the japanese tunnel

One thing about Batanes is, there a lots of cows and carabaos (water buffalo) and as expected, you get your hefty share of humongous POOP.

We hiked up a hill to reach the top to get our lesson in posing and I think, how to position your subject, which in this case is, most of the participants in the photo safari.

posing. posing. shoot.


This was our first taste of the views ( which in the next few days will get better and better)

the view from the hill....

the walk to the top of the hill

cows gone to pasture

The few days we were there, it was balmy, drizzling and cold. I could have wished we had better weather. It kind of reminded me of London, or the rolling hills of Scotland. At least I got some nice shots (however overcast it was)

coconut, sweet potato, tomatoes, fried fish

It was already noon and we were just getting started. After posing and taking pictures of the surrounding landscape, we proceeded to boulder beach where we would get our snack (fish, sweet potato and coconut) One of the things you realize, taking picture is time consuming and you wont eat on time... most of the time! The sweet potato WILL tide you over.

 I loved boulder beach. And when you see the picture, you'll understand why its called boulder beach.....

saw this guy gathering something.. maybe shells?

It was amazing to see all these huge boulders. The native IVATANS (those living in Batanes) use them to build their houses. These are necessary because of all the typhoons that come our way every year and they usually enter the Philippines  through Batanes.

I think I'll reserve the second half of the post for the next time... If you want more information on Batanes, one of our group (Ferdie Bondoy) is a regular blogger. He wrote a post too.. see HERE. I think he has better work ethic than me because he regularly blogs (everyday and sometimes 2 posts a day) WOW. check out his site.

So, I still have more stories to share.. just bear with me. I still have a day job you know....

LOL.

Pinatubo 2012

climb everyyyyy mountaiiinnnnnnn....... (oh, sorry for singing.... hahahaha)

Having climbed Mt pinatubo 2 years ago, it was interesting to see what has changed this time around. We decided o bring along some friends and some of our kids. (youngest is 8 yrs old)

I had called the 4x4 association who handles the bookings in Capas, tarlac and asked him regarding the itenerary. One thing he told me was that the trek would be about 2.5 hours.

HUUUWHAAAT?

We (me and my husband) had a pretty long discussion on whether to go with the kids or not. First of all, the first time we went, It was easier since there was a "shortcut" that that leads the jeeps up the mountian to the mouth of the entrance to the pathway to the crater.

After much discussion, we finally agreed on going. Pinatubo trekking is something you need to experience even once in a lifetime.

A few days before the trek, the skies were not cooperating. It was raining cats and dogs.

I was worried.

It was one thing to trek. It was another to trek in the rain WITH kids AND the thought of (possible) landslides or worse flash floods. (eeek)... I was so concerned, I was calling my husband at work to ask if we should go through with it or not.

I finally convinced myself (after checking weather forecasts, calling the 4x4 people) that the weather would clear up.

So early saturday morning, we woke up 3am for our 4am departure. YEP. you heard it. 4AM folks.
The drive to tarlac was about 2 hours from Manila and we needed to depart base camp by 7am (their cutoff time)

We had a Mcdonalds breakfast break when we nearly reached Capas and it afforded all a nice rest and maybe a bathroom/coffee break too.

So finally, 6:30 am- we are at Capas, tarlac. We arranged for two 4x4 jeeps. (we were with another family friend)

The road was still barren and bumpy.  the one thing about Pinatubo is that the scenery changes every year because of the rain. When the monsoon season arrives and it rains for about 3 months, torrents of water cascade down the mountain and changes the landscape. (FYI, they don't allow trekkers during rainy season-- too dangerous)

So, bumpity bump we went. I was trying my hardest to take a few nice picture while we were travering the lahar filled 20 km ride. Half afraid I might drop the camera out the window... hahaha

As you can see, we were crossing sand dunes, small and sometimes,  deeper rivers...

We finally reached the starting point of our 9km (one way..so 18km both ways...) trek and started walking with the other groups of people already there. The first time I was here, I didn't go by this route and so, I was unfamiliar with the landscape. In hindsight, looking at pictures, it looks like we were doing an EXODUS.. (like Moses)

Can you see the people walking near the edge of the hill?-- they look like ants.

My daughter actually was leading the pack and was quite irritated at US (old people) who were very slow in walking. She huffed her way to the front and I had to scramble to catch up...

puff puff.. 7 years olds have boundless energy!!!

after about 1.5 hours, we reached the opening of the trail leading to the crater. From here, it took us about 30 minutes more of hiking.

The trail went from barren to jungle country.
The kids had a lot of fun looking at streams and collecting tadpoles. (they were so urbanized that tadpole hunting is such a treat. LOL)

The trek was taking so long, a lot of the travellers were actually asking...

ARE WE THERE YET???

I had to chuckle. You can finally see end of the trail when you see very long steps going up.


upon reaching the crater, you'll get rewarded with a view. --- Although at the time we were there, the skies were a bit overcast.

We climbed down the step to reach the base of the crater... stopping to take some pictures of course..

Then we get to see the cyan colored crater lake... with some edges colored yellow from the sulphur.

There were a lot of tourists there too.. so much so that we didn't get the chance to hire the boat to cross to the other side like the last time. (we had some eggs with us too.. ready to boil in one of the pits we saw before where the water was bubbling.. see my earlier trip HERE).. there were only 3 boats... (advise: you better bet a "boat tag" before you leave capas.. they give priority to you if you have one... and it's a loooong ways back if you don't have one)

After the kids has a brief swim and we ate our packed lunch, we decided to head back. (it was another 2 hour hike after all)

On the way, we saw some AETA children. One of the kids was not in the mood to get his picture taken.

Did I tell you that another one of my sunglasses got massacred this trip? YEP. another one bites the dust. The last time, my raybans dived into a river. This time, I SAT on it. --- while I was busy trying to take pictures, I moved to another position. As I sat down again, I felt a CRUUNCH... I looked down and there were my Raybans.. all twisted.  (oh well.....)

Everyone had a nice time though. I even saw some unique looking stone. LOVE is everywhere. !!

Nice weekend everyone! Pinatubo 4x4 assn - cel # 09196084313 (for inquiries regarding this).. we went by ourselves but there are other tour operators who do a Pinatubo day tour. They provide complete services like transfers from Manila. (we drove ourselves this time) I tried PINATUBO TREKKING the first time we went and they are very good.. . Contact them HERE.

After Two weeks

Well guys, here is the report. It has been two weeks since doing the Cohen Program. (although I had my fears before starting.) One of the things I have to say it that it IS really challenging to find ways to make your food appetizing AND following the guidelines set by the center.

Having a food blog and loving food, I was really so scared of cutting a lot of the "yummy" ingredients out. But I have to work on improving my health after all.

My meals cut out soy sauce, ketchup, all sauces. Everything is out except for vinegar and spices.

I have also limited choices in vegetables, most leafy green ones are ok, potatoes, beans are not allowed.

The first two days I really had to adjust to the "rules" of the program because it had a strict rule that you can't eat different proteins together and you have to wait 5 hours between each protein meal. In between these, you are allowed fruit and a cracker allowance. However, you are only allowed to eat 1 cracker per time and you have to wait 2.5 hours after eating to eat another cracker.

WHEW!

Sometimes I think I am in masterchef.  I have these BOX of ingredients and I have to make a (delicious) meal out of it.

Everyday, I have to plan my meals accordingly. I find that as a result, I scrutinize all the ingredients that go into my food and not munch on anything mindlessly. Which in turn made me realize how unhealthy I used to eat.

I use more of the spices I have in my cupboard now. (some of them are kindda old and I had to buy new ones) and discovered a whole new world of flavor aside from soy sauce and oyster sauce.

I become more innovative in the kitchen. (although I admit I miss pizza) Here is a sample meal.. chicken with cauliflower and celery

The one thing that sets this apart from others is the support I get from other people who are doing it too. From tips, to recipes to products that would help me stick to the program easier.
They are Cohenites.. and they are very inspiring people!

So far, I am enjoying cooking. some of the things I learned:

1. spinach tastes awful without oyster sauce
2. cauliflower (w/c I didn't used to eat) tastes fantastic with curry
3. soup gets you far
4. melons don't make you as hungry as eating an apple
5. when in dire (hungry) state, drink diet cola --(I don't usually drink colas but since it is allowed, I opted to drink one when I was so hungry and did not have my snack with me.)

I have adjusted well so much that I have returned to baking and cooking "regular" foods. Which is really making me sooo happy. I have baked cheesecake, brownies, buns and oatmeal cookies without once cheating! ( a month before I was in a baking depression and stopped cooking --- and cooking for me is soo relaxing like therapy)

AND I have lost (thus far) 7lbs. YEY!!!!!

Boracay Rental update

You may be wondering what happened to the boracay rental I was ranting about 2 posts back.

Well, after 1 week of no reply, Belinda finally sent me an email. And Boy! was it a whole new different email from the last one she sent.

Basically, she said that she was busy because the owner of the house arrived (roll eyes) and  then she offered to help me look for accomodations for us in another hotel for the 1 day and then we can move to the house on the succeding days.

I looked at the email and pondered. I haven't actually replied to it. Do you think I need to reply? After giving me grief over the booking (and replying me a week later).. SHOULD I reply at all?

I pondered for awhile.

I felt like someone who got dumped by her boyfriend and then having the same boyfriend come back a few weeks later and ask you for a second chance (to get back together). I have been hurt and scarred. You know the feeling?

I keep reviewing the events. If she had proposed this in the frist place, (booking us elsewhere for the 1 night) rather than sending me an ULTIMATUM, then I would have gladly taken her on the offer. I was wondering if the news got to her that I wrote a blog post about it. In fact, my cousin commented the same scenario on that post. (hmmm......) I was thinking MAYBE the owner got a wind of it and reprimanded her.

In any case....

I have already  booked myself into Discovery Shores (w/c my friend told me was fantastic)... see pics below...( photos from discovery shores website)

damage has been done and I would not feel relaxed if I stayed in that house.  I would rather enjoy spending it in a more professional hotel....

I hope nobody experiences the same in the future. Lesson learned.

Sidewalk quirks Bangkok

After my ranting post on the vacation rental, I think it would be relaxing to post a "feel good" one.

Was walking in Bangkok last week and saw this shop by the side of the road selling assorted novelty items

It was really cute - they had robot toys, come handmade replica vintage cars and some bicycle carts

I also saw a jar (the one used for plants which had water lilies... when I looked down, I saw some fish.

I love the vintage cars... I bought some for the house. ( as decor) Maybe when I go back... I'll buy the other models

very 60s... like scooby doo.

this one is like the robot from LOST IN SPACE

Hope everyone had a nice Valentines! Enjoy the pictures!