Two Fat Bears

Episode #23: Happy Halloween

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:35:00 GMT

This week, Tommy and Harry discuss Halloween briefly and conclude their video travelogue with some brief footage of the post-cruise bear brunch at Seattle's Space Needle Sky City Restaurant.

Tommy
Weight: 267.4 lbs
Tommy gained 2.2 lbs

Harry
Weight: 207.2 lbs
Harry gained 1.0 lbs

Episode 22: Glaciers to the Left of Me...

twofatbears@gmail.com — Tue, 2 Oct 2007 04:00:00 GMT

We concluded our 5-day return to Phase 1 and resumed Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet. We've setup the first challenge for SparkTeam at SparkPages.com, so come join us.

In this episode, we continue our travelogue from the Alaska cruise. We pick up where we left off in Juneau and continue on to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Tommy
Weight: 265.2 lbs
Tommy lost 3.8 lbs

Harry
Weight: 206.2 lbs
Harry gained 1.6 lbs

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Mendenhall Glacier
The TwoFatBears Spark People SparkTeam

Episode #21 - Did Juneau?

twofatbears@gmail.com — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:43:00 GMT

We enjoyed our cruise to Alaska and we begin sharing some of the footage with you this week. We made it home with minimal weight gain. However, we are going to do a few days on Phase 1 before resuming Phase 2. We're also gearing up for a weight-loss challenge with our viewers using SparkPeople.com and our own SparkTeam.

Tommy
Weight: 269.0 lbs
Tommy gained 3 lbs

Harry
Weight: 204.8 lbs
Harry lost 1.2 lbs

Tommy's Flickr photo set for the cruise
Glacier Gardens Adventure
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
SparkPeople
The TwoFatBears SparkTeam

Episode #20: We're all ready to go (but you already know)

twofatbears@gmail.com — Fri, 7 Sep 2007 18:34:00 GMT

We're packed and ready to go. We landed in Seattle safely and explored downtown a bit. We're heading to the cruise ship momentarily.

Tommy
Weight: 266.0 lbs
Tommy lost 2.6 lbs

Harry
Weight: 206.0 lbs
Harry lost .8 lbs

Pike Place Market
Lowell's Restaurant

Episode #19 - Partied Too Hearty

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:32:00 GMT

We celebrated Harry's birthday this week with a dinner party at Simply Fondue. We made a series of poor choices throughout out the week and paid the price this weigh-in.

Tommy
Weight: 268.6 lbs
Tommy gained 2.6 pounds this week.

Harry
Weight: 206.8 lbs
Harry gained 2.2 pounds this week.

Simply Fondue
TiVoCommunity

Episode #18 - The Good (Value) and the Bad (Taste)

twofatbears@gmail.com — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:26:00 GMT

We talk a little bit about some of the final preparations for our cruise, which is less than 3 weeks away now. We recommend or rant about some new products before showing off some new artwork we've hung in the living room.

Tommy
Weight: 266.0 lbs
Tommy lost 1.4 lbs.
Measurements:
Neck: 17.5"
Chest: 49"
Waist: 50.5"
Hips: 49.5"

Harry
Weight: 204.6 lbs
Harry lost 1.6 lbs.
Measurements:
Neck: 16"
Chest: 42.5"
Waist: 45"
Hips: 44"

Blue Bell No Sugar Added Ice Cream
Planters Nut-rition mixed nuts
Sugar-Free Oreos
Wal-Mart's Great Value No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches
Dave Burck Photography
Music I-Quiz

Episode #17 - Grillin' Time

twofatbears@gmail.com — Wed, 8 Aug 2007 16:09:00 GMT

We grill some steaks, sausages and squash this week outside. It was very tasty, we'll show how we made everything.

Tommy
Weight: 267.4 lbs
Tommy lost 2.4 lbs.

Harry
Weight: 206.0 lbs
Harry lost 1 lbs.

Episode #16 - Side Effects

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:20:00 GMT

We discuss some of the unexpected side effects of diet and weight loss this episode such as decreased heartburn and increased sex drive.

Tommy
Weight: 269.8 lbs
Tommy gained .2 lbs.

Harry
Weight: 207.0 lbs
Harry gained .8 lbs.

Whole Wheat Total Cereal
Slow-Churned Light Ice Cream Bars

Episode #15 - Blissfully Reviewed

twofatbears@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:58:00 GMT

We received a very detailed and honest review from My Daily Recipe and this week's main topic is our recipe submission. We also mention a little write-up we got from American Bad Bear Studios and the Bear Zero podcast guys.

Tommy
Weight: 269.6 lbs

Harry
Weight: 206.2 lbs

Kraft Philadelphia Fat Free Cream Cheese
Cool Whip Free
My Daily Recipe
American Bad Bear Studios

Episode #14 - Chocolate is a vegetable, right?

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 9 Jul 2007 01:13:00 GMT

We head off to a couple of fast food places that make acceptable salads, but somehow we keep ending up with sugar-free chocolate, whether it is cookies, candy or syrup.

Tommy
Weight: 271.6 lbs

Harry
Weight: 207.6 lbs

Crystal Light flavor Slurpee brand frozen drinks
Mary of Puddin Hill (sorry, I don't trust the website's links to the sugar-free stuff, so call or request a catalog)
Subway Restaurants
Taco Cabana
7-11 Kwik-E-Mart
Hershey's Sugar Free Syrup
Hershey's Special Dark Kisses
Weight Watchers brand nonfat yogurt
Voortman Cookies
Interbake Foods

Episode #13 - Reward. Cheat. Guilt. Repeat.

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 2 Jul 2007 11:53:00 GMT

Tommy and Harry show off some new clothes and along with a little before and after sequence as we each hit our first weight loss goals on the South Beach Diet. We also cover how to deal with cravings and catered meals. We also throw in a few new product reviews for you this week.

Tommy
Weight: 272.0 lbs

Harry
Weight: 207.6 lbs

Wolf Brand Turkey Chili
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
Aunt Jemima Whole Wheat Blend Pancake and Waffle Mix

Episode #12 - Sugar Free Candy

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 03:06:00 GMT

This week, Tommy and Harry try a new format: voice over slideshow. We present a bunch of still images of sugar free candy products and discuss taste, texture and nutritional facts.

Tommy
Weight: 275.0 lbs
Tommy lost 2.8 lbs this week.
Neck: 17.5"
Chest: 49"
Waist: 51.5"
Hips: 49.5"

Harry
Weight: 210.0 lbs
Harry lost 0.8 lbs this week.
Neck: 16.75"
Chest: 42.5"
Waist: 45"
Hips: 45"

Hershey's Sugar-Free Candies
Sorbee Crystal Light flavored Hard Candies
Eclipse Sugarless Gum
Tic Tac Mints
Dove Sugar-Free Chocolates
Sugar-Free Dubble Bubble gum
Nestle Nips
Russell Stover Sugar-Free Candies

Episode #11 - Banana Pudding

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:45:00 GMT

This week we try to take some of the fat and sugar out of one of our favorite desserts: banana pudding. We use sugar-free instant pudding (yes, we know instant pudding is usually a bad idea for banana pudding), sugar-free shortbread cookies and skim milk to mix the pudding.

Tommy
Weight: 277.8 lbs
Tommy lost 0.8 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 210.8 lbs
Harry lost 0.6 lbs this week.

Jell-O Fat-Free Sugar-Free Instant Pudding
Fifty50 Foods Sugar-Free Cookies
Murray Sugar-Free Cookies

Episode #10 - Fireside Chat

twofatbears@gmail.com — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 19:04:00 GMT

This week, Tommy and Harry sit down to discuss staying encouraged, online resources, and avoiding sabotage while on your weight loss plan.

Tommy
Weight: 278.6 lbs
Tommy lost 2.4 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 211.4 lbs
Harry lost 1.4 lbs this week.

Yelp!
eDiets
FitDay
Weight Loss Thread at TiVoCommunity
Abuelos Mexican Food Embassy
Panera Bread Company
IHOP

Episode #9 - Pizza on Pita

twofatbears@gmail.com — Tue, 5 Jun 2007 10:37:00 GMT

The Two Fat Bears head into the kitchen this week to make pizza a bit more South Beach Diet friendly with a whole grain pita or whole grain tortilla. We also have a brief follow up on the South Beach Diet meal replacement bars.

Tommy
Weight: 281.0 lbs
Tommy lost 1.0 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 212.8 lbs
Harry gained .2 lbs this week.

Mission Tortillas
Toufayan Bakeries
Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasonings
DiGiorno shredded parmesan
Hormel Turkey Pepperoni and Canadian Bacon rounds.

Salmon Patties

Mon, 28 May 2007 03:33:00 GMT

Awesome Salmon Patties Recipe

by ChefSheri

2-3 servings

15 min prep

14 3/4	ounces salmon, drained
1/2	cup pork rinds (finely ground)
1/4	cup minced onions
2	teaspoons lemon juice
2	teaspoons parsley flakes
1	minced garlic clove
2	large beaten eggs
3	tablespoons mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for 1/2 hour -(optional, but they handle easier).
Make into 4 patties and cook until browned on either side turning once.
I make a double batch and freeze part of it in flattened patties in zipper bags, and just thaw in the microwave, then fry.

Episode #8 - Eating Italian

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 28 May 2007 03:16:00 GMT

In this episode, we get caught up on almost every product recommendation we've recorded up to this point. We cover a lot of territory for this special Memorial Day edition including a visit to an Italian restaurant.

Tommy
Weight: 282.0 lbs
Tommy lost 3.4 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 212.6 lbs
Harry lost 1.6 lbs this week.

Johnny Carino's Italian Grill
Blaine's Low Carb Kitchen on FitTV
Smucker's Sugar-Free Jams, Jellies and Preserves
Jennie O Turkey Sausage
Jimmy Dean Reduced Fat Sausage
Honey Tree's Sugar Free Imitation Honey
Frito-Lay Baken-Ets
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta
Ragu Old World Style Traditional flavor sauce

Episode #7 - Exercise

twofatbears@gmail.com — Tue, 22 May 2007 02:06:00 GMT

We show you our smooth moves this week; outside: walking the dog, bicycling in the park, inside: busting a move on the Nintendo Wii with Rayman Raving Rabbids.

We also have a quick bit on the South Beach Diet line of foods from Kraft.

Tommy: 285.4 lbs
Tommy lost .8 lbs this week.
Neck: 17
Chest: 51
Waist: 48.5
Hips: 54

Harry: 214.2 lbs
Harry lost .4 lbs this week.
Neck: 17
Chest: 43.5
Waist: 45
Hips: 45

Nintendo Wii
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Rayman Dancing Bunnies video on YouTube
South Beach Diet Foods
Walking Trails
Bicycling Trails

Episode #6 - Let Graduation Commence

twofatbears@gmail.com — Fri, 18 May 2007 02:45:00 GMT

Harry finally completes his Master of Education at University of North Texas. Join us for an abbreviated commencement ceremony and see Harry walk across the stage, receiving his degree.

Join us later for a South Beach safe Mexican dinner at Dallas' Uncle Julio's where we tell you what to enjoy and what to avoid.

Tommy
Weight: 286.2 lbs
Tommy lost 3.8 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 214.6 lbs
Harry lost 3.4 lbs this week.

University of North Texas
Chancellor Lee Jackson
Dr. Steven N. Blair
UNT Alma Mater
Uncle Julio's

Episode #5 - Are You Going to Scarborough Faire?

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 7 May 2007 01:38:00 GMT

This week, we head to the nearby Scarborough Renaissance festival to enjoy the sights, food and entertainment. We take our camera along to show you how we ate safely on the diet, discovered something new and enjoyed some of the variety found at the faire.

Tommy
Weight: 290.0 lbs
Tommy lost 1.6 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 218.0 lbs
Harry gained .6 lbs this week.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Jim Hancock - Burly Minstrel
Garlic Festival

Episode #4 - Party Time

twofatbears@gmail.com — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:45:00 GMT

This week, Tommy and Harry prepare some South Beach diet safe dishes for a potluck dinner. Harry makes zesty devilled eggs (recipe in separate post), and Tommy makes stuffed celery with lite pimiento cheese or fresh-ground peanut butter.

Tommy
Weight: 291.6 lbs
Tommy gained 2 lbs this week.

Harry
Weight: 217.4 lbs
Harry lost 2 lbs this week.

Links:
Hellman's Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
Price's Lite Pimiento Cheese
Borden Reduced Fat Shredded Cheese
Oscar Mayer Light Beef Bologna

Zesty Devilled Eggs

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:43:00 GMT

South Beach Friendly Zesty Deviled Eggs

6 hard-boiled eggs

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 tbsp. reduced fat mayonnaise or salad dressing

1/2 c. finely shredded reduced fat cheddar or similar cheese (about 2 oz.)

2 tbsp. snipped parsley (or 1 tsp. prepared horseradish)

Cut peeled eggs lengthwise into halves. Slip out yolks and mash with fork. Mix in remaining ingredients. Fill whites with egg yolk mixture, heaping each lightly. Arrange eggs on large serving plate. Cover and refrigerate no longer than 24 hours. 6 servings.

Episode #3 - Brunch and Munch

twofatbears@gmail.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:45:00 GMT

We've finished Phase 1 of South Beach Diet and are proceeding to Phase 2. In this episode, we conclude our "Clean-Out the Kitchen" series and introduce new segments including our first meal out on Phase 2 and some South Beach-safe products.

Tommy
Weight: 289.6 lbs
Tommy lost 4.8 lbs this week

Harry
Weight: 219.4 lbs
Harry lost 2.6 lbs this week.

Links:
Brunch at LePeep
No-Sugar Added Fudgsicles and Popsicles
Nature's Own Whole Grain Bread

Episode #2 - End of Week 1: Reflections

twofatbears@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 03:14:00 GMT

Tommy and Harry discuss their first week on the South Beach diet and how they feel about the restrictions as well as their results. We continue our "Clean out the Kitchen" segment, tackling the refrigerator this week. We also have a quick tip about taking multivitamins.

Harry
Weight 222.0 lbs.
Harry lost 5.6 lbs.

Tommy
Weight 294.6 lbs.
Tommy lost 8.2 lbs.

Links:
V8 Vegetable Juice
Campbell's Tomato Juice
How Much Do We Love podcast

Episode #1 - Starting on the South Beach Diet

twofatbears@gmail.com — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:25:00 GMT

In this first episode, Tommy and Harry introduce themselves and their goals for being on the South Beach Diet.

Starting Measurements:
Tommy
Weight: 302.8 pounds
Neck: 17.5 inches
Chest: 54 inches
Waist: 52 inches
Hips: 55 inches

Harry
Weight: 227.6 pounds
Neck: 17 inches
Chest: 45 inches
Waist: 45 inches
Hips: 47 inches

Links:
The South Beach Diet by Dr. Arthur Agatston
Crystal Light On The Go

Introducing... Two Fat Bears

twofatbears@gmail.com — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 19:22:00 GMT

We are a gay couple, in the Dallas, Tx suburb of Denton, who self-identify as a bear and cub. Like many married couples, our weight has risen significantly in the 14 years we've been together. We have previously succeeded in losing weight together. However, because Tommy struggles with exercise while Harry struggles with dietary restrictions, we haven't been able to keep the weight off. This is our latest attempt with specific goals as well as the idea of being accountable to a viewing audience.

Tommy, 40, is a Windows server administrator for a large business company. Harry, 44, is a graduate student and will complete his master's degree in May 2007. In celebration of that achievement, we're taking a 7-day cruise to Alaska in September 2007, which is one of our big motivators and goals in our initial phase of weight loss.

Subscribe to our podcast and check our progress each week leading up the cruise along with a slew of other helpful dietary and lifestyle tips. We will be following Dr. Arthur Agatston's South Beach Diet plan. We began "Phase 1" of the South Beach Diet on Sunday, April 8, 2007. Each episode will include a "weigh-in" so you'll be able to see how well we are doing on the plan. We will also be framing our introductory segments each week so that you'll see most of our body shape, which should make it easier to see where each of us is losing weight and inches.