Voices from my Bunker 2020

"This is life. Things get taken away. You will learn to start over many times–or you will be useless." Mitch Albom How do you know it's time to reboot your diet plan? In my case, when I declare at [1:50] PM that I am not going to eat anymore popcorn for a week and at […] The post The Diet Reboot Part One-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 064 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Booze takes a lot of time and effort if you're going to do a good job with it.–Raymond Carver What? A quote about booze in a blog about weight maintenance? Yep. Hear me out. The great short story writer has a famous story, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" and it considers love […] The post What We Talk About When We Talk About Weight Loss-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 063 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"The Road to Hell and your BMI is paved with good intentions."-Pat Coakley How to help children with a weight issue turns out to be easier done than said. Translation: Words don't help, even well meaning words and, in fact, may make it worse- but there's hope: actions do. This week research is discussed about […] The post Road to Hell and Your BMI Paved With Good Intentions. PODSNACKS062 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Shame is a soul eating emotion". C. G. Jung "As my mother once said: the boys throw stones at the frogs in jest. But the frogs die in earnest." ― Joanna Russ, The Female Man Ok. Welcome to episode 61 of Podsnacks the weekly podcast of my blog www.artofthediet.com. I'm Pat Coakley and I think most […] The post The Politics of Fat Shaming-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 061 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Do you have an appetite for self-respect?" This is my version of a quote from the great Leonard Cohen, the songwriter of "Hallelujah". He said, his "writing begins with an appetite to discover my self-respect. To redeem the day. So the day does not go down in debt. It begins with that kind of appetite." […] The post Appetite for Self-Respect-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 059 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

We only get one life. Wasting someone's time is the subtlest form of murder." Lindy West I may murder someone at a WeightWatcher meeting so I am taking a break from them for the foreseeable future. This is Part II to last week's podcast. "To Leave or Not Leave Weight Watchers". To Leave or Not to Leave […] The post Murder at a Weight Watcher Meeting. PODSNACKS 058 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Talent is extremely rare. What is rare is the willingness to endure the life of a writer."-Kurt Vonnegut Now, why I am using a quote from author Kurt Vonnegut in a weight maintenance blog? Listen in to find out. In essence, losing weight is extremely common but what is rare is the willingness to endure […] The post To Leave or Not to Leave WeightWatchers? PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 057 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"You need a good bedside manner with doctors or you will get nowhere."-William S. Burroughs This week's podcast takes a look at our doctors and if they talk about weight issues with their patients and how do they approach this sensitive topic. I read an article in the NYTimes recently that made me think that […] The post Doctor: Can we talk about your weight? PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 056 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Every one of our 10,000 taste buds is wired for sugar. -Michael Moss, "Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hook Us". To which I say, "How can 10,000 taste buds wired for sugar ALL be wrong? There must be a good reason Mother Nature did that, don't you think? It can't just be a […] The post Re-Wilding Your Motivation. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 055 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Why, sometimes, I eat six impossible things before breakfast." Alice in Wonderland. (Well, not really, it was the Queen in Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, talking to Alice, and she actually said, "Why, sometimes, I think as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Sometimes, I say to myself, we just have to adapt […] The post Impossible Becomes Possible. Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 054 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Isn't it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?" -Zig Ziglar It's vacation and hurricane season all in one. At least in the northern hemisphere. Last year, I read an article by Walter Isaacson about Walker Percy, author of "The Moviegoer" which I read and loved years and years […] The post Hurricane Motivation for The Vacation Diet: Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 053 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

There's nothing more miserable in the world than to arrive in paradise and look like your passport picture." Erma Bombeck Hello, this is Pat Coakley and episode 52 of Podsnacks, the weekly edition of my almost daily blog, www.artofthediet.com. And, today's episode was triggered by my new passport arriving in the mail this week, the K-POP, […] The post How to Become Pretty. The K-POP way. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 052 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Today's Podsnacks episode is about all the stupid diet tricks we consider and some so called "experts" are suggesting we try. www.artofthediet.com/51 I researched in Google, "Stupid diets" and believe you me, I discovered some new ones, all attached to someone who thinks they are an "expert". How did I miss "the cotton ball" diet? […] The post Stupid Diet Tricks. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 051 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Weight Loss hasn't solved all my problems or made me a better person, just a littler one."-Jen Larsen "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."-Zig Ziglar "Success didn't spoil me. I've always been insufferable." -Fran Leibovitz Hello this is Pat Coakley and […] The post The Disappointments Lurking in Achieving a Weight Loss: PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 050 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Love is where you find it. I think it is foolish to go around looking for it. And, I think it can be poisonous. I wish that people conventionally supposed to love each other would say to each other, when they fight, "Please–a little less love and a little more common decency." Kurt Vonnegut, "Slapstick, […] The post Respect vs Love? Respect in a Knockout. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 049 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"I'm not funny. What I am is brave." Lucille Ball Welcome to episode 48 of Podsnacks, the weekly edition of my daily blog www.artofthediet.com. Today's edition is the very first "Humor Collection" episode. As you know each week of the podcast (this is my 48th) I try to begin each episode with a humorous quote that seems […] The post I'm not funny. I'm brave.-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 048 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"As my artist's statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore full of deep significance."-Calvin. "Creativity is contagious, pass it on." –Albert Einstein. Welcome to Podsnacks, the weekly edition of my daily blog, www.artofthediet.com and this week I'm asking you to consider the single most valuable tool you have in you Life Skills Toolbox: […] The post Creativity is Contagious. Pass it On. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 047 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous – everyone hasn't met me yet." ― Rodney Dangerfield Comedian Roger Dangerfield, and I am dating myself here, but he made a living on riffs on how, "I can't get no respect". O, Lordie. His path was rose-strewn compared to […] The post Before and After Photo Art Project:PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 045 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Right now there are thirty-one satellites zipping around he world with nothing better to do than help you find your way to the grocery store. •Ed Burnette Welcome to episode 44 of Podsnacks the weekly edition of my daily blog, www.artofthediet.com. Today, I'm going to talk about technology and what part it has played […] The post Tech Toys & Weight Management: Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 044 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Ever trusted someone who lied, who though charming, was a master manipulator and a bit of cheat for inexplicable reasons? Ok, maybe even a sociopath? Welcome to my world of weight maintenance. -Pat Coakley I am reposting this podcast of May 5 2016 on Sunday, May 29th, and the blog post because it has links to […] The post The Biggest Loser. Winners, all. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 040 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Got up this morning and could not find my glasses. Finally had to seek assistance. Kate [Winslet] found them inside a flower arrangement." ― Emma Thompson Today's podcast is an interview with Drew, a 39 year old father of two small boys, a Connect member, who has just reached his goal weight with WeightWatchers and […] The post Organization is Key to Weight Loss Success. PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 042 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

When you are underfed, harassed, bored, and miserable, you don't want to eat dull wholesome food. You want something a little bit "tasty". There is always some cheaply pleasant thing to tempt you.-Goerge Orwell Good habits are worth being fanatical about. -John Irving Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.-Mark Twain The Art of […] The post Art of War & Diet-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 041 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Movie acting suits me because I only need to be good for ninety seconds at a time." Bill Murray "One of the things I like about acting is that, in a funny way, I come back to myself."- Bill Murray Welcome to Episode 38 of Podsnacks, "Weight Maintenance for me is Groundhog Day without […] The post Weight Maintenance? Groundhog Day without Bill Murray-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 038 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Though designed as a mere convenience, clothing sizes establish an unintended norm, an ideal from which deviations seem like flaws. There's nothing like a trip to the dressing room to convince a woman-fat, thin, or in-between-that's she's a freak.- Virginia Postrel Hello and this is Pat Coakley! Welcome to PODSNACKS the weekly edition of my […] The post Tales From A Ladies Dressing Room-PODSNACKS/ArtoftheDiet 037 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Cue the Billy Holiday song lyric, her plaintive sound, "Why not take all of me?" Can you hear it? Too young to know Billie Holiday? Ok, then. What about Coldplay's "Fix You"?That's the tone and the lyric "I'll try to fix you" ain't bad either. Today's podcast is titled, "Why not take less of me" or […] The post Why Not Take Less of Me? Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 036 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"In two decades I've lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet." ― Erma Bombeck Hello, I'm Pat Coakley and this is episode 35 of Podsnacks the weekly edition of my daily blog, www.artofthediet.com and this week Erma's quote fits the topic perfectly, Procrastination Part II as well as […] The post Procrastination Part II: My Evil Twin is Real:PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 035 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Procrastinate now, don't put it off. •Ellen Degeneres Hello and welcome to episode 34 of Podsnacks, the weekly podcast of my daily blog, www.artofthediet.com It's tax season in the US. Nothing is put off more, with the exception of starting a diet, than doing one's taxes. Since I recently had an epic bout of procrastination […] The post Procrastinate now. Don't Wait. Part 1-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 034 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you and be silent. " ― Epictetus Well, so much for the "silent" part but I am not preaching what others should eat, just the effects of what I am currently eating and why. I do not recommend it to anyone because honestly, […] The post Change is Good. You go first. Part II-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 033 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

There are basically two kinds of people. People who accomplish things, and those who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded. • Mark Twain I decided to turn my Part 1 and Part II blog posts about "Change is Good. You Go First " into two podcasts. Today, is Part 1. […] The post Change is Good. You go first. Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 032 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

I haven't trusted polls since I read that 62% of women had affairs during their lunch hour. I've never met a woman in my life who would give up lunch for sex.-Erma Bombeck This is episode # 31 of Podsnacks the weekly edition of my daily blog, www.artofthediet.com. All editions are focused on one question: […] The post Quit Quit Quit Then Succeed. Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 031 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"I prepare for my new life as an adult like some people prepare for the apocalypse. The first day or two of my plans usually goes okay." ― Allie Brosh, Hyperbole and a Half This sentiment by the wonderful Allie Brosh is exactly where I'm at with this new food plan and trying to maintain […] The post The Apocalypse Now Diet:Podsnacks 029 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. •Mark Twain And, then, after you get your facts straight, remember that: Five out of four people have trouble with fractions. – Unknown Happy One Year Anniversary of Writing a Daily Blog about maintaining a sixty pound weight loss. How Often did […] The post ChickPea High: PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 028 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Reality is just a crutch for those people who can't handle drugs". • Robin Williams I'm thinking B. B. King's "The Thrill is Gone." in episode 27 of Podsnacks/Art of the Diet. ) All the references can be viewed on the show notes page at www.artofthediet.com/27) Leave it to Robin Williams (God Luv Him!) to […] The post The Thrill is Gone. Good Riddance?-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 027 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do. Isaac Asimov It's episode 26 of Podsnacks/Art of the Diet and I'm laughing at the truth of Isaac Asimov. Look around at the world, for a moment, there are alot of folks who think they know everything and […] The post Creativity is the Secret Sauce-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 026 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"I do not own any camping gear, but this is not a problem, as I have watched every season of Survivor." ― David Thorne, The Internet is a Playground: Irreverent Correspondences of an Evil Online Genius This is episode 25 of PODSNACKS, the weekly podcast of my daily blog, www.artofthediet.com. And, it's week #Two of […] The post No Sugar No Grain. Sounds like a Reggae Song-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 025 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

I went to the bank and asked to borrow a cup of money. They said, 'What for?' I said, 'I'm going to buy some sugar.' Steven Wright Welcome to episode 024 of Podsnacks. A week without sugar is my theme and I've experienced two new things so far, three if you want to count wanting […] The post A Week Without Sugar-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 024 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to e-mail you the remaining eighty-six photos of my dog dressed as a bear?" ― David Thorne, The Internet is a Playground: Irreverent Correspondences of an Evil Online Genius It's January 13th, early enough for the bargaining with our new year health goals […] The post Listen to My Self-Resolving Resolutions-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet # 023 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Bill Gates is a very rich man today… and do you want to know why? The answer is one word: versions." […] The post 2016 Beta Version of Ourselves: PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet-022 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Moi does not recommend dieting. The only way you can lose weight is the same way you lose anything-by forgetting where you put it." •Miss Piggy This week is short. Five minutes. My sugar high produces zero attention span. Here are the last week's posts linked below. I'm sure there's something of value in […] The post Exercise without Perspiration-Podsnacks/Art of the Diet 020 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"I tried every diet in the book. I tried some that weren't in the book. I tried eating the book. It tasted better than most of the diets." Dolly Parton Dolly's attitude toward diets is good to keep in mind this week as week two of WeightWatchers® new diet plan is revealed. Of course, they […] The post Any Diet is Better Than No Diet-PODSNACKS 019 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Wednesday Podcast Post The post Excuses Edwina My Evil Twin. PODSNACKS 017 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

Wednesday Podcast Post The post Love at First Bite-PODSNACKS/Art of the Diet 016 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Never eat more than you can lift." • Miss Piggy The Superbowl for weight watchers all over the US is tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day. Whether you are a member of a national program or just doing it on your own and trying to manage your weight, tomorrow looms large, equal parts terror and delight. As a […] The post Superbowl of Eating is Thanksgiving. Podsnacks-015 appeared first on Art of the Diet.

# 1 Fitness Rule: Keep your fitness workout to yourself. "Unless you fell off the treadmill and smacked your face. No one wants to hear about your workout." Anonymous If you want to induce the glazed eye response at a party, just begin, "I walk every day for an hour." Have you ever endured the […] The post PODSNACKS 014-Fitness Silence is the Golden Rule appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Diet Ideas: Eat whatever you want, and if anyone tries to lecture you, eat them, too." Anonymous Yep, that about sums up the week. Take no prisoners. I don't know about you but I'm blaming Daylight Savings Time. This week in Art of the Diet world I've been brought back to my senses, literally and […] The post PODSNACKS 013: Go Ahead Lecture Me about Eating Habits & I'll Eat You, Too. appeared first on Art of the Diet.

[pullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]"I have never run with scissors. Those last two words were unnecessary."[/pullquote] The week's results of my 5 steps to lose 2 lbs Week are in. Overall, I succeeded but did fail in a spectacular fashion with one measure. Here are the links to each daily blog post of the […] The post PODSNACKS 012: #1 Tip to Lose & Maintain a Weight Loss appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"People say that losing weight is no walk in the park. When I hear that I think, yeah, that's the problem." Chris Adams What do you do when you want to regain weight you've lost through hard work and commitment and keep it on? I suspect that may be the only question Google search has […] The post PODSNACKS 011-5 Steps to Lose 2 lbs. appeared first on Art of the Diet.

"Wow! that Lean Cuisine really filled me up." Said by no one. Ever"-Anonymous A comment left on an online article about Oprah's purchase of 10% of WeightWatchers® stock said the real question is, "Can WeightWatchers® save Oprah?" The backdrop of this comment is, of course, that every article has the subject and object of […] The post Podsnacks 010-Can Oprah & WeightWatchers Save Each Other? appeared first on Art of the Diet.

[pullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]It's called DIET because all the other four letter words were taken. -Anonymous [/pullquote] As of today, October 14, I've published 238 posts since February. 88 of them fall under the category of "Habits". As I focus on why we have been successful maintaining a significant weight loss it's becoming clear […] The post PODSNACKS 009: The Reality Ballpark appeared first on Art of the Diet.

[pullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]"Eating rice cakes is like chewing on a foam coffee cup, except less filling." -Dave Barry[/pullquote] This week's episode of PODSNACKS the weekly podcast of my daily blog art of the diet.com is not as funny as Dave Barry but hopefully it's as truthful. Rice cakes, let's face it, […] The post PODSNACKS 008: Grazing Not 4 Me appeared first on Art of the Diet.