Fat Cats

How many dogs have you seen lately who can't run? You know the ones with huge bloated bellies, the ones whose "mommies" have to pick them up to get on the couch.





I can almost understand letting your dog get this fat. I mean, dogs beg with those cute little faces and you feel like you are showing your love for them by feeding them table scraps or buying them doggie brownies. But cats suffer from obesity just the same. I guess I shouldn't expect much from people who can't even keep themselves away from that third bowl of Chunky Monkey.

This relates to triathlon because many triathletes take up the sport in an attempt to lose weight. Often this works, but just as much it doesn't work all the way. I see many fat triathletes at races. Even at the Ironman you see them (fat people tend to think that they are good at long and slow). Well, good news tubbytits! I am sharing some of my weight control techniques with you. I am often complemented on my awesome bod, and more importantly, being thin shows up in race results because thin people can scientifically go faster than fat people. We have less stuff to carry!

Here are some great recipes for you to follow. Just be sure not to have seconds!

Breakfast: If I'm training first thing in the morning for 2 hours or less I don't eat. But afterwards I give myself a fabulous Protein shakes reward.

• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract)
• 1 packet Splenda
• a few dashes butter flavor sprinkles or butter-flavor extract
• 8 oz. water or plain soymilk (use milk only if you are not trying to lose weight. Plain sugarless soymilk has less carbs than lowfat milk)
• 3-5 ice cubes
  
  

Add everything to a blender and WHIZ!

Fiber: I always drink a tasty glass of Metamucil before each meal. If this sounds gross to you, you've never tried Metamucil. It tastes like tang and has only 15 calories, yet the fiber punch it packs means that you get full quicker and don't eat as much.

No bananas: triathletes love bananas, but they will put on the pounds faster than Delta Burke at a buffet brunch. High in sugar, low in fiber, sure they digest easily. I keep away from them even during training on principle.

Oatmeal! I eat oatmeal whenever I need an easy meal. Breakfast, lunch, or especially dinner. The Quaker way is the best way. Add one or two egg whites and some Splenda. Just remember: no sugar!

Don't worry, the gas pains will subside after about 3 weeks.