It's a rainy, windy Friday, November 20, 2009 in Bellingham, WA with more of the same predicted for this weekend. Better plan indoor activities...keep warm and cozy with your fireplace lit; eat a leisurely lunch at one of our bayside restaurants and enjoy the view from indoors; or take the kids to the ice skating rink at the Sportsplex or swimming at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. Any other ideas?  

Interesting activity on the bay today! There is a floating dry dock in the bay (a semi-submersible barge) that has lowered their dock and will be loading the Alaska ferry, the Kennicott, on it. It may be transported to the Port of Bellingham's shipping terminal at the end of Cornwall for repair work if the work cannot be done at the Fairhaven terminal.

Weight loss is an ongoing issue for many in the United States (including children). Weight Watchers, Slimfast shakes, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem are just a few of the many programs available, but they are not necessarily easy on our ever-tightening budgets.

Ashley Grimaldo states in her article in the Bellingham Herald, 4 weight loss programs on a dime, that one should look for a system that focuses on a lifestyle change rather than a temporary alteration in habits to lose weight; and that she wouldn't begin a program that isn't a permanent diet. The above-mentioned diet programs have a measure of success due to their extensive support. But, following are 4 suggestions for weight loss with very little cost involved but discipline is required. 

1. Lose It! IPhone App: This take-it-with-you application is super easy to follow. Input some basic information (weight, height, goals) and add what you eat throughout the day. Lose It! Has a comprehensive list of calorie counts for popular brands, meats, vegetables and dairy products. Weigh in every few days to follow your progress on a chart. For a free and ultra portable program, you can't beat it.
2. Wii Active: If you already have a Wii in your home, for $55 you can purchase Active, the next level in gaming fitness. Grimaldo has tried both Wii Fit and Active and says, "...as someone who likes to sweat, the Active provides a genuinely good workout." You can customize players, track progress, as well as, choose from a variety of intensity levels and activities. (No Wii in our home, yet; but this sounds like a good idea!)
3. Best bets at your local library: Do your research-literally! The latest books on healthy living can be found for no charge at the library. Women's Health Magazine recommends the following titles for a rounded-out look at diet:
   • "Food Matters," by Mark Bittman focuses on eating whole foods and helping  the environment at the same time.
   • "The Instinct Diet,"  by Susan B. Roberts, Ph.D. highlights five critical factors that keep your tummy flabby.
   • "The Complete Beck Diet for Life," by Judith S. Beck Ph.D. looks at using cognitive-therapy techniques to combat that evil voice that says one more won't hurt.
   • "Move a Little, Lose a Lot," by Levine and Yeager incorporates movement throughout your day rather than killer gym workouts. The small changes will add up. (Wow, I like this suggestion!)
4. Seminars at health clinics and hospitals: Several hospitals frequently offer free classes and seminars on diet maintenance and exercise. Taught by certified dieticians and trainers, these classes provide a basic understanding of healthy living for free. Check with your health insurance company as well - several will even cover a paid seminar for preventative health.*

*Material gathered/quoted from The Bellingham Herald, Thrifty Living, 4 weight loss programs on a dime by Ashley Grimaldo