With A Little Help From My Friends

 TOPS is a "weight loss" group.  It's big on recognition and support.  There's no diet because it's up to the individual to pick a method that works for them.  I count carbs.  Another is on a plant-based diet.  Another is on Keto.  Whatever works.

The support is the mentoring.  We've been texting each other.  I usually send cartoons about being fat.  I intersperse the jokes with helpful nutritional hints, i.e., "low cal and low carb" snacks.  High Protein breakfasts and/or other meals, to try.

We encourage one another when we haven't loss any weight and we celebrate when we do.  

The recognition is regional and state.  The region will have a workshop meeting.  The state recognition can be formal, really dress up.  There's usually a theme and people dress for the occasion.  Those that have reached their goal weight are honored, as well as those that have kept their weight off.  

Lastly, TOPS is one of the cheapest weight loss clubs.  Also, their magazine has invaluable information, as well as their website.  They're very well done.  I bet there's a club near you and if not, there're online TOPS clubs.  

Collarboration

The article my TOPS chapter is submitting to our magazine is finally complete.  The idea was Pat D'Amour and agreed to write by TOPS 9463 led by our president Val Tessicini.  Betty Cirotski's daughter, Jen Giannetti provided some dates and I did what I could with Jen's pictures and information.  That was the article on January 28, 2023.  Since then, I had input from the chapter, Jen, and finally Betty's granddaughter, who completed the article.  Voila! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J6c2coFz4UHpkZbMlsrZ8Ea3kqwyI_9hpH7Ix_XqIwU/edit?usp=sharing

Perseverance Personified

 

To everyone in TOPS 9463, Betty Cirotski was an inspiration.  We all recognized and understood the power her influence had. Everyone loved to hear her story.  This lady, Betty Cirotski, was the personification of perseverance and grace, who affected everyone in our chapter.  Throughout her life since joining TOPS, bearing children, fighting cancer, four hip replacements and other illness, she always came back to TOPS to began anew. Betty made trying and failing, not something to be ashamed of, but rather just a pot hole in the climb up the TOPS mountain.

Betty first joined TOPS in 1963, in Syracuse, NY.  She reached KOPS status.  When her family moved one of the first things she looked for was a TOPS chapter.  If she couldn’t find one, she started one.  So it was in Green River, Wyoming in 1967. 

Since moving again and again, Betty joined chapters in Rock Springs, Wyoming WY0039, Lake Hopatkong, New Jersey, and Hackettstown, NY, 0073.  She started a chapter in Ridgecrest, CA in 1980, (CA 1121). 

Upon coming to Massachusetts, Betty joined a chapter in Medfield, MA.  It was very small and eventually closed. That’s when Betty began a chapter in the town she lived in, Franklin, MA 9463.  She started meeting in Franklin’s Senior Center and stayed with the Senior Center even when a new one was built.  The Senior Center considers TOPS one of their health and wellness programs. Here Betty lost 100 pounds and didn’t tell anyone. Fortunately, her husband Leo snitched on her.  We had a surprise celebration for Betty’s “Century Pounder Loss,” where TOPS’ area coordinator, Gail Lewis, honored her with a trophy.

Once again, Betty achieved KOPS status. And she kept that status to the end in December 2022.

Everyone in Franklin 9463 chapter was so awed by her perseverance that we are planning to have an annual award to a member who exemplifies Betty’s will, loyalty, and perseverance. We celebrate her strong will to succeed to this day.  We owe it to her to succeed in becoming KOPS.

A Wellness Vacation

TOPS is offering a scholarship to attend their annual retreat.  All you have to do is write why you want to go.  Here's my contribution. 

Real People. Real Weight Loss.^®

Helping Millions to Take Off Pounds Sensibly Since 1948

TOPS RETREAT

On retreat, one’s health and wellbeing are constantly in front of you.  You are very aware, each day, that it is possible for you to achieve your goal. You are living your life with a purpose.

This is what I need.  I’m ashamed to say, that living healthy is not in the picture of my day to day activities.  Sometimes I feel like a hypocrite because I can “talk the talk,” of a healthy lifestyle, but I can’t “walk the walk”.

A retreat will help me take a step back and evaluate where I’m at, from a distance.  I need a shift in perception.  You never know what you can learn from others that can affect your future choices and/or evaluate your present lifestyle in a different light.

Wellness is all about health.  A TOPS retreat will give me a wellness vacation.  Hopefully, the retreat will be the incentive boost I need to create a permanent mindset I can take home with me.

Super Bowl Lessons for TOPS

As I posted on February 12th, Do Your Job, I'm presenting a program in TOPS on the subject of the lessons learned from Super Bowl LI

5   Lessons I want you to learn for the Super Bowl

First: Always be mindful.  Don’t relax and forget.

The Atlanta Falcons learned this one the hard way — but we can’t forget what we’re trying to do.

The Falcons  were ahead.  At no time did the Patriots lead.  I repeat. The Patriots never were in the lead; they were always losing.  Keep making the right choices.

Second: Never give up.

Everyone fails.  It’s part of being human.  Copy what Tom Brady did. 

First, he got a touchdown with no extra point.  That’s our equivalent of staying the same weight at “weigh in.”  So we didn’t lose.  We’re still OK.

Next the Patriots got a touchdown with a two-point conversion.  That our equivalent of losing a pound.

The following week we lose another pound like another touchdown with another two-pound conversion.

And finally, we’re excited.  We’re on a roll and continue with half a pound to a pound loss the next week.  We’re winning!

Third, don’t blame.

For the first 2 and a half quarters of the game, the Patriots were losing. People who were supposed to catch balls dropped them. People who were supposed to stop the offense let them by. And Tom Brady threw a couple of duds.  It would have been easy to start the blame game. But they didn’t. They patted each other on the back and said, “It’s all right. Move on.”

It shouldn’t matter that it was your birthday, you’re on vacation, etc., you know that.  You have the same birthday, every year!  Vacations are planned ahead.  Plan your days and meals to reflect eating healthy.  No excuses!

Fourth, do it for your mom.

Many thought Tom Brady wanted to win to show up Roger Goodell.  That was sweet.  But the real reason was that he wanted to win for his mother.  His mother is fighting cancer and hadn’t been to any of Tom’s games at all, this year.  This one was for his mother.

If we aren’t trying to lose weight and get healthy for ourselves, then we need to think of our loved ones.  We want to be around for them, so keep making good choices for them.

Fifth, keep your eye on the goal.

You have a weight goal.  Keep at it.  It’s not a race.  Speed doesn’t win.  Perseverance does.  Persevere.

Do Your Job!

Aleteia hits the nail on the head, again!  Today there's an article by Tom Hoopes on 5 Lessons he wants his sons to learn from the Patriots win in Super Bowl LI.

He's highlighting spiritual lessons:
Don't coast.
Never give up.
Never turn against your own.
When it's hard to do, do it for your Mom.
Do your job!

I think I'll use this in my next TOPS meeting.      

Don't slack.
Keep trying.
Don't get down on yourself.
Do it for your family.
Do it for your health!

Our Queen

So my TOPS chapter celebrated 2015 achievements, this afternoon.  When a person achieves their weight goal, we call them a KOPS (Keep off pounds sensibly).  It's not easy.  KOPS is what every member is striving to be.  It is the pride in personal accomplishment that becomes the motivating force to keep each person striving towards that goal--KOPS.

To achieve this sought after status a member must learn the discipline of the weekly weigh-ins, the counting of calories and carbohydrates, drinking a lot of water, undertake exercise, eat 3-4 servings of fruit and vegetables, and arguably most important--face their personal weaknesses.  This requires a lifestyle change.  It's not easy to change habits and attitudes.  But that's what they do.

During the year 2015, Lillian, achieved KOPS status.  She also constantly maintained her healthy weight goal, not going 3 pounds above, nor 7 pounds below.  She is very successful.  As such, she was named the Queen of our chapter.  Congratulations, Lillian!

Letter to TOPS People

Friday, T.O.P.S. is having its Spring Awards Luncheon.  This means we are going out to EAT.  For a nutrition conscience group, this necessitates preparation, of course.  Most of our members are in TOPS to lose weight.  The others have diabetes or irritable bowel issues.  The point is, going out to eat requires foresight.  Here's my letter to all the members of TOPS 463.

The first thing to do is eat before you go.  Too many people skip breakfast with the result being they're ravenous by the time its meal time.  But these breakfast skippers say that eating breakfast makes them sick, or they have to take medication on any empty stomach.  I hear them.  But my answer to that is to eat as soon as you can.  Don't eat a full meal the minute your eyes crack open.  Wait a couple of hours and have some toast.  

Since we are going out for lunch, I suggest eating an apple on the way.  I'm just concerned that you'll make the wrong choices on the menu because everything will look good.  And the menus will push diners to buy certain foods.  Be aware.  The upper right-hand corner is called the "sweet spot."  That's because people seem to gravitate towards looking there, first.  Or, menus might put all the expensive dishes together and one a little lower in price.  (Guess which one they want you to buy.)  People will choose the more reasonably priced.  Restaurants also know that people choose things that are listed first or last.  And of course, dishes that are highlighted, or in a box, or the speciality, get chosen more.  Beware of combo meals.  They look like a better value and money-wise it probably is but most people order it because it's a quicker decision.  (If you didn't get the combo, you'd have to make three or more decisions--potato, vegetable, meat.). If it weren't included in the combo, would you order the fries?

If you can, copy Lillian, our chapter Queen.  Watch the first thing she does when her meal arrives.  She will divide it in half--to bring home and eat later.  This is something we all need to strive to do.  Restaurants serve us too big a meal and  too many calories than we can burn.  And it's just automatic that we eat it all and clean our plates.  Also, because we're among friends we talk while we eat.  This is good, but also, we're not paying attention to our eating.  Since we are all in TOPS, encourage each other to slow down and enjoy the food and the companionship.  

The first thing to do when the waitress approaches is order water.  And drink as much of it as you are able.  Refuse the bread, IF you can.  Save your appetite for the main meal and eat your bread with it. Be alert to NOT mimic.  If your companion says the bread is her favorite part of the meal and dives into a couple of rolls, don't copy her (Even if she purrs with pleasure.)  People are generally not aware of their mimicking behavior, but we all do it.  It's part of being social and fitting in.  If your companion orders a drink, most people will also order one.  Or a desert.  Or a side order of onion rings (Of course you'll be offered to share in the order, they're so-o-o tasty.)

Think.  You do know you can ask for substitutes.  Instead of french fries, order another vegetable.  If you order dessert, share it with your companion, i.e., one dessert with two spoons, please.

Keep in mind the time of day.  You are going to have supper later.  No?  This is going to be your main meal?  Ha!  Who do you think you're kidding?

Christmas Skit on Nutrition

Surviving the Christmas Party with TOPS

Five Characters:   Narrator 1, Narrator 2, Trudy TOPS, Sally, Susie

Props:                   None really, just acted out.

Narrator 1:           Healthy lifestyles are what TOPS is all about.  If you have a

                           healthy lifestyle, you will be  what you are meant to be.

Narrator 2:          During the holidays, a TOPS knows that a cheerful, optimistic, 

                          caring demeanor is the best clothing anyone can put on. 

Trudy TOPS:       Well!  Now that I’m dressed in satin and velvet, and more importantly,                                 I’m in a good, healthy, frame of mind, I’ve got to plan. This Christmas                              party will have a buffet.

Narrator 1:          Trudy TOPS is wise.  She knows what she’s up against.  She's using mental imagery                         to practice overcoming tough situations.  She is imagining herself moving down the
                                buffet table taking reasonable servings of tasty, healthful food.

Trudy TOPS:   Before I leave, I’ll have a glass of water and an apple.  What other fruit is in the refrigerator?

Narrator 1:          Never go to a party hungry.  Hunger leads to overeating.  Trudy finishes her snacks and is off to the fun.

Trudy TOPS:       Before I open the door, I’m going to reaffirm in my mind, my behavior.  I won’t make a fool of myself.  I won’t overeat.  I won’t gossip.  I won’t choose foods laden with calories.  I’ll say something positive to everyone.  I won’t drink to much.  I will have fun.

Narrator 2:          Trudy TOPS arrives cheerfully greeting everyone.

Narrator 1:       Parties are about friends—visiting, and making new friends.  Trudy Tops spends the time chatting with everyone.

Narrator 2:      Notice that Trudy TOPS circulates among friends, as far away from the food as possible.

Trudy TOPS:       Hello Ladies.  May I join your group?

Sally & Susie:      Sure.

Sally:                      I’m going to get something to drink.  What do you ladies want?

Susie:                    I’ll have the egg nog with rum.

Trudy TOPS:       I’ll have a water, thank you.

Sally & Susie:      Oh com’on.  It’s Christmas.  It’s a party.  Don’t be a wet blanket.

Narrator 2:        Uh-Oh.  Social pressure.  Trudy Tops doesn’t like to be called a wet blanket.  She doesn’t want to be a wet blanket.  She doesn’t want to spoil Sally & Susie’s fun by making them feel guilty by drinking in front of her.  So…she says,

Trudy TOPS:       I’ll have white wine.  Pinot Noir if they have it.

Narrator 1:          Good choice.  Next to water, Pinot Noir is best.  It has 121 calories per serving.  Trudy TOPS will probably be nursing this one glass all night.

Sally:                      Time to eat.  Let’s go to the buffet table.

Narrator 2:          Trudy TOPS doesn’t go in line, immediately.  She surveys the table, as she imagined at home.   She looks the table over and skips the beginning where the bread is.  She chooses more vegetables and skips the potatoes with gravy.  Trudy choses the white turkey meat, in place of the dark.  Then she walks by the desserts, and picks up fruit instead.  Lastly, she walks away from the table and sits down to eat with Sally & Susie to enjoy her meal.

Narrator 1:       (Looking at Narrator 2)  Will you look at what Trudy TOPS chose?  There was no salad.

Narrator 2:          There was no salad on the table.  Trudy TOPS chose what she could.  Cherry tomatoes, pickles, carrot sticks.

Narrator 1:          Those broiled brussel sprouts look delicious.

Narrator 2:          The corn with red peppers looked pretty.  I bet they’re good too.

Narrator 1:          Broccoli and cauliflower heads top the plate.

Narrator 1:          Trudy Tops chose the lean white meat.

Narrator 2:          And only a little bit because her plate was so full.

Susie:                    I’m ready for dessert.

Sally:                      Trudy Tops, you’re such a slow eater!  Look you aren’t even half done!

Trudy TOPS:       I know.  I’m just enjoying the moment.  You girls are such fun.  The food is so good.  Go on and get your dessert.  I’m going to get myself a glass of water and finish eating at my own pace. 

Narrator 1 & 2:  YAY!!!  Trudy Tops is great!  Trudy Tops is the best!  Yay for Trudy!

Narrator 1:          Parties are about having fun.  That doesn’t include stuffing yourself with food until you feel bloated or drinking until you’re drunk.  Parties are enjoying the good will, the festivities, and sharing the time with old and new friends.

Narrator 2:          Talking helps you digest your food and paces your rate of eating.  Trudy TOPS spent the rest of the evening circulating among friends, making positive and happy comments to make everyone feel good, and taking sips of her Pinot Noir.

Trudy TOPS:       Good bye everyone.   Thank you.   I had a wonderful time.  I’m full.  I’m happy,  And I’m tired.  Merry Christmas to all.

Narrator 1:          And to all a good night!

Narrator 2:          Good bye.  Good night.  God bless.

Everyone:           Merry Christmas!

Enjoying Christmas

I'm getting ready for two Christmas parties, this week.  Trying to stay healthy, only eat nutritious food--not junk, and also enjoy the Advent season, can be a challenge.  So I was looking at my club's suggestions, on its web site.  There was one video there that I took notes from.  I'd put it on this blog, but I don't have the expertise to do that.  It's the one in the middle, entitled, "Creating Your Holiday Experience."

While there were many good tips, the one I want to highlight is focusing on "what's important for you in this particular season."  Even if you say THE FOOD, you can still enjoy and not feel guilty.

Now make a list of what you love most about Christmas:
presents, decorations, atmosphere, people, religious ceremonies, parties, music, parties, food, etc.

Next, think what it is that you love about the items in your list.

I, personally, picked atmosphere.  Included in that are the affect that atmosphere has on people.  Some of that atmosphere is religious, and most of the "people" are my direct family members.  So I'm going to concentrate on the exterior decorations, music, and not too much food.  I'm plan to make my home a welcoming, Christmas event.

Even if I had picked FOOD, I would stress portion control.  Abstinence makes one feel deprived.  So unless you're fasting for religious reasons, don't.  You'll end up bingeing. Eat a LITTLE of everything.

One good piece of advice I picked up from the video was when you're visiting another's party (you're not in control of the menu).  Sometimes you can't be polite and refuse the food the host is pushing on you.  In that case, you say you're full and ask to take it home.  Take a bite, and say, "mmmm...delicious, may I have the recipe?"

You definitely don't want to hurt anybody during the Christmas season; or any season!

Enjoy what's important: how you decorate your home, the church's decorations, the Town Common's decorations, neighbors' homes.  Wish everyone well.  Pray for everyone you meet.  Sing carols.  Bless everyone with your love, not necessarily food.  Have a blessed Advent.