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Tuesday, May 29th 2007

3:54 AM

Second thoughts about Atkins

While reading other blogs regarding the Atkins Diet, I came across a posting that has given me some second thoughts about going back on the diet.  The diet works, and regardless of whether or not I choose to go back on it, I know from experience that it is a good way to effectively lose weight and regain energy, that we often rob ourselves of if we consume high levels of carbohydrates - especially "bad carbs" derived from processed foods.  The following footage contains some disturbing facts that us meat-lovers should take into account when we choose to consume products derived from farmed animals.

 
As a former knifehand at a New Zealand meat factory, I was appalled to learn these practices were commonplace in some meat factories in our world.  Under NZ standards, workers exhibiting such inhumane behaviour would be sacked, and companies allowing these practises would lose their license to operate.  Fortunately, I wouldn't buy meat or dairy products from any other country as we already have some exceptional products here.  But, if I did, I would be very wary of what I was putting in my mouth.
 
 
For the hardcore PETA worker or vegetarian, understandably all meat factories would be considered unadvisable, but for all us meat-lovers out there, if you want quality meats, New Zealand meats are a good choice.  PPCS Ltd is the company I used to work for, having amalgamated with Richmond (our company's former name), PPCS specialises in producing quality products.  All livestock are raised on country, open-aired farms, and to my knowledge, any lame or diseased stock are not processed for human consumption.  We are not allowed to physically or verbally harm any livestock found in our company yards and all stock is slaughtered in compliance with Halal standards and practices.  To ensure high standards regarding hygiene, health and safety are practised to the "T" throughout the company, we have regular audits from PPCS and companies whom we supply to, and we provide a made-to-specifications service ie if our MacDonald's auditors request that workers must not yell or verbally abuse stock to make them co-operate, the workers are forbidden to do so, if they want products handled and packed a specific way - that is exactly how their orders are handled and packed.  As it is commonplace in New Zealand to meet high standards, you can count on most of our country's products to be exceptional in quality, whether they are from PPCS, Richmond Ltd, Riverland's, Affco, Turners etc.
 
This directory lists some of our NZ meat companies here
 
Truth is I never ate a lot of meat before I started the Atkins diet, so becoming vegetarian wouldn't be a huge hurdle for me, but the diet addressed my need to limit my excessive carborhydrate consumption.  I think if anything, my diet was lacking in protein.   Every meal I used to have would include bread.  I'd make sandwiches out of most of my meals without thinking anything of it, virtually killing the benefits of eating healthily ie fresh lettuce salad with a thin slice of ham would automatically be sandwiched between bread, stew - sandwiched between bread, healthy hearty soup - with bread lol.  So now, I think I'll aim at a better balanced diet with a healthy range of foods, the least processed the better.  I don't know, I'll add that decision to my 101 things to do tommorrow.  Oh dear, times ticking again - I better catch some zzz's...
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Monday, May 28th 2007

7:08 AM

Back to Atkins

I've been off work now for 2-3 weeks and it's seriously starting to show on my hips, buttocks and thighs!  Been planning to get back on the Atkins since Easter (you think that's bad), before that I was on and off the diet since Christmas...Argh...disgraceful...BAD, BAD GIRL!!  So that's me - NO MORE EXCUSES...I'm gonna start back tommorrow, (there goes that word again).  Bye bye bread, bickies, pies, potatoes, spaghetti...HELLO meat, eggs, cheese, more eggs, salad greens, fish, chicken, and more eggs, Splenda, Zilch icecream and COKE ZERO  On or off the diet...me and ZERO got a good thing going

Da pooch could use a walk, so yep, that's us...huffing and puffing round the outskirts of our little town...I love walking, but I seriously gotta be in the mood, as for running  I leave that for my kids.  There really isn't anything about the bouncing titty thing, that appeals to me at all!  Even with a good support bra...nah...not doing it! 

Mentally, my mind is brimming with excitement  I just can't wait to see the pounds drop off!  And I'm pretty sure as I watch my children munching on all those forbidden foods, I'm really gonna feel like the luckiest person in the world   Realitically it's hard the first 3 days, but after that, it's plain sailing.  You just gotta GET STARTED

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Sunday, May 27th 2007

2:13 AM

Avatar Bye Bye

BUMMER!  Looks like I gotta deleto the avatar...scored it from a free avatar site, but the creator has just gone commercial with her stuff......but I have to say, she has some coool stuff, and rightfully so, she should get paid for her work.  So looks like I'm on the avatar hunt again......or I could try making my own......

On the homefront, I'm tryna score a video camera for my son's 12th birthday off TRADEME.  It's not the mickiest, but okay for a starter.  He wants to work for National Geographic or similar, taking photo's or vids of animals, especially wildlife.

 

Recognise the Pic of George the Jack Russell Terrier?  Well guess who took that picture......my baby who's turning 12 soon.  He took this shot 2-3 years ago, and today it's been all around the world!  The full story of George our hero dog, can be found on my website.

Better go hunting avatars...TATA for now...

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Saturday, May 26th 2007

8:45 AM

Late Nights again

I decided to give my blog a face-lift that took me ages trying to edit the top picture lol.  Then it was a case of searching for an avatar, filling out my profile and trying to not get distracted on other websites while finding my avatar.  I think she's adorable and her creator can be found here :

I am totally jealous, I want to draw pictures like this.  One day I will be able to...meanwhile, I guess I'm just gonna have to add that goal to my 101 things to do tommorrow!  I love searching the web for little gems like this.  But I'm tired right now and better get some shut-eye before my household all start opening their eyes.  Night, night for now, but not forever...

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Wednesday, May 23rd 2007

8:00 PM

Day 1 - What exactly is a Blog?

  • Music:

Okay - It just took me about an hour to get this far.  Yip, I know...I'm a total beginner.  It looks nothing like I wanted it to look, but I'm tired of editted the page.  I would love to trash the picture up the top (no offense to the genius who put it there), but I would prefer something more - ME.

Which brings me to my question - What is a Blog?  It's a Web Log without the "We!"  I'm elated, I can talk about anything at all.  How my day's been, what I think about Capital Punishment, what I ate today, who I think should be Prime Minister of my country - ANYTHING!  But as it has already taken me too long to think of anything to write about, and the kids want the PC, I guess I'm gonna have to leave this post and add it to the One Hundred and One things I need to do tommorrow.  By then my brain should have thawed out, and I might actually know what I'm doing.  BYE BYE 4 NOW...

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