Like many other women, I am a reader of fitness magazines. I read them all, Shape, Women's Health, Fitness, etc...and my husband reads the men's fitness magazines. There are a lot of great ideas for eating right, for getting and staying healthy. I believe every doctor's office should carry these magazines. There's almost always time for read. Then again, if they did, they would probably have fewer patients. Imagine that.
Anyway, my husband and I were sitting together this morning having that first cup of coffee when I glanced over at my most recent copy of my favorite fitness magazine. It suddenly hit me. Why do they only put celebrities and super models on their covers? Why don't they ever put normal everyday women on the cover? They look amazing too. He said, "Yeah, you should be on a cover." Well, even though I didn't agree, I thought that was very sweet of him to say. I'm no front pager, but I know there are women out there who are. Seriously, aren't there any non celebrity women with stories even more interesting than those they now feature? Granted, the celebrity models are gorgeous and most extremely talented in their art, but where are the soldiers, the teachers, the doctors, the office workers, the volunteers, etc? I want to hear from them. How are they staying in shape? Most of us will never have a chef or a trainer to help us get fit. Most of us are on our own everyday determined to be all we can be, to be healthy and fit individuals. And sometimes, that in itself is a significant challenge. Those are the women I want to see on the cover...super women.
I'll give an example. I remember one magazine a few months back. It had a short article near the back on an amputee, a former soldier injured in the war. She fought hard every day to stay in shape with all her injuries. She was a runner with a prosthetic leg, but it didn't stop her. That one article touched me to the core. It was a truly inspirational read. She should have been on the cover.
Do I really care how some model keeps her beach body year round? Not really. I'd rather read how a teacher or a suburban housewife does it. Feature one of them on the cover real and in person...with no makeup, no camouflage. Honestly, who wears make up when they work out? We are mature, intelligent readers. So, there it is...my blog...my opinion. Regardless, I will continue to read fitness magazines for all of their positive features. And you know what? I'll probably continue to whine.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Winter sports
I am sitting here alone with my second cup of coffee. Its a rare weekend treat. My husband and son are off on a father son excursion, a Boy Scout ski trip to a nearby state. They called once they had arrived. Driving up on the treacherous roads, they said they had joked about how mom would be freaking out. They were probably right. Driving on snow and ice is not something they teach in coastal Southern Virginia where I was raised. My husband is used to driving in winter. He was raised in Massachusetts. Sometimes he skids on the ice just to scare me. He thinks its funny. Men are such boys. Admittedly, its something we love about them.
Our youngest chose to take lessons in snowboarding in lieu of skiing. I guess he wants to be like his big brother. He's been an avid snowboarder for years. I, myself, have never been skiing. I could probably count the snow days we had as a kid on one hand. Though we suffered through the biting chill of winter, and prayed for days off from school, we were wasting our time. There was no need to even own a snow shovel. There were ski resorts within a few hours drive, but we didn't take advantage of them. Our family trips, our vacations were always in the summer. And besides, we really didn't participate in sports. I remember playing catch and kickball in front of the little blue house, swimming and hiking during the summer. I was probably the most active in the family, only because I roller skated.
When I was stationed in Germany, as a young woman of nineteen and twenty, my friends would go away on weekend ski trips. I chose instead to take more touristy trips. To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed to be seen on the learner slopes. In hindsight, I wish I had gone along and tried. I wish I had been braver.
I did try ice skating a couple of years ago. It was with my kids at a nearby rink. I found that it was a lot like roller skating. As a kid, I had quietly fantasized about someday being in roller derby. But that would never come to pass. I was fast, but not nearly mean enough for the derby. After only one time on the ice, I found that I enjoyed ice skating. Unfortunately, last year's heavy snows caused the roof at the only rink to cave in. I hope they will rebuild. I may be the oldest one there, but I would go back.
Last year, I went sledding for the first time ever. I was frightened, but my husband said not to worry. He would take me down. As I looked over the steep hill, behind a local elementary school, I felt a rush of adrenaline I had not felt in years. The cold air bit at my uncovered face. But I knew my husband had literally grown up sledding. In my mind, it was going to be like tandem parachuting. I was going down with a skilled sledder. The kids went down first and fast. Small and light, they flew down the hill. We would follow. I just knew, with our combined weight, it would be slower. My heart raced with excitement. It was like I was twelve years old again, doing something I should of done as a kid, something all kids should do.
But half way down the hill, my husband caught his boot on a patch of ice and we rolled. He rolled over on top of me and dragged me over the frozen snow. The end seemed never to arrive. When it did, I could not move. For a moment, I was pinned beneath my husband. I felt the ice on my face. It numbed the pain. Finally, my husband rolled off of me. He had injured his leg when he had caught his foot. Slowly, we climbed back up to the top of the hill. He reached back to hold my hand. I always need assistance climbing hills because of my back and knee issues. Soon, I realized I was bleeding. And I wasn't the only one. A young friend of our son's had gone down the hill without his gloves. He'd scraped his hands pretty bad. It looked painful. I asked if he wanted to head home. He said no. He was fine. That's youth for you. Kids are invincible. He went down the hill again. After checking on us and our injuries, our son followed quickly behind catching air. He hesitated only because he was worried about my face. I had not yet seen the damage. Battered and bruised, my husband and I both began to feel the pain once we warmed up. So, we sat it out while the kids continued to enjoy how fast they could go on ice. Eventually, we went home. I looked in the mirror and groaned. In time, my face healed. The snow and ice melted.
Would I go back and do it again? Yes, if only for a rush of adrenaline I felt looking down that hill. Its good exercise and next time, as the scouts say, I'll "be prepared". Look at that. I let my coffee get cold. Such is life.
Our youngest chose to take lessons in snowboarding in lieu of skiing. I guess he wants to be like his big brother. He's been an avid snowboarder for years. I, myself, have never been skiing. I could probably count the snow days we had as a kid on one hand. Though we suffered through the biting chill of winter, and prayed for days off from school, we were wasting our time. There was no need to even own a snow shovel. There were ski resorts within a few hours drive, but we didn't take advantage of them. Our family trips, our vacations were always in the summer. And besides, we really didn't participate in sports. I remember playing catch and kickball in front of the little blue house, swimming and hiking during the summer. I was probably the most active in the family, only because I roller skated.
When I was stationed in Germany, as a young woman of nineteen and twenty, my friends would go away on weekend ski trips. I chose instead to take more touristy trips. To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed to be seen on the learner slopes. In hindsight, I wish I had gone along and tried. I wish I had been braver.
I did try ice skating a couple of years ago. It was with my kids at a nearby rink. I found that it was a lot like roller skating. As a kid, I had quietly fantasized about someday being in roller derby. But that would never come to pass. I was fast, but not nearly mean enough for the derby. After only one time on the ice, I found that I enjoyed ice skating. Unfortunately, last year's heavy snows caused the roof at the only rink to cave in. I hope they will rebuild. I may be the oldest one there, but I would go back.
Last year, I went sledding for the first time ever. I was frightened, but my husband said not to worry. He would take me down. As I looked over the steep hill, behind a local elementary school, I felt a rush of adrenaline I had not felt in years. The cold air bit at my uncovered face. But I knew my husband had literally grown up sledding. In my mind, it was going to be like tandem parachuting. I was going down with a skilled sledder. The kids went down first and fast. Small and light, they flew down the hill. We would follow. I just knew, with our combined weight, it would be slower. My heart raced with excitement. It was like I was twelve years old again, doing something I should of done as a kid, something all kids should do.
But half way down the hill, my husband caught his boot on a patch of ice and we rolled. He rolled over on top of me and dragged me over the frozen snow. The end seemed never to arrive. When it did, I could not move. For a moment, I was pinned beneath my husband. I felt the ice on my face. It numbed the pain. Finally, my husband rolled off of me. He had injured his leg when he had caught his foot. Slowly, we climbed back up to the top of the hill. He reached back to hold my hand. I always need assistance climbing hills because of my back and knee issues. Soon, I realized I was bleeding. And I wasn't the only one. A young friend of our son's had gone down the hill without his gloves. He'd scraped his hands pretty bad. It looked painful. I asked if he wanted to head home. He said no. He was fine. That's youth for you. Kids are invincible. He went down the hill again. After checking on us and our injuries, our son followed quickly behind catching air. He hesitated only because he was worried about my face. I had not yet seen the damage. Battered and bruised, my husband and I both began to feel the pain once we warmed up. So, we sat it out while the kids continued to enjoy how fast they could go on ice. Eventually, we went home. I looked in the mirror and groaned. In time, my face healed. The snow and ice melted.
Would I go back and do it again? Yes, if only for a rush of adrenaline I felt looking down that hill. Its good exercise and next time, as the scouts say, I'll "be prepared". Look at that. I let my coffee get cold. Such is life.
Winter Sports
I am sitting here on a Sunday morning with my second cup of coffee (decaf hazelnut). Its a rare weekend treat. I am alone this weekend, alone with my thoughts, my memories. What do I choose to remember? Winter sports. You see, my husband and son are off on a Boy Scout Excursion this weekend. They, along with many others, have gone to a winter resort in a neighboring state. They are having a father son weekend.
Once there, they called to let me know they had arrived. They joked how mom would be freaking out over how treacherous the roads were. And they are probably right. I never drive in snow and ice. Its not something they teach in coastal Southern Virginia where I was raised. But having grown up in Massachusetts, my husband is the skilled one, and he has the man truck, so I need not worry. Sometimes he skids on the ice just to scare me.
I wish my stepson could've gone with them. He's been an avid snowboarder for years. But he is in college now. Our youngest, aspiring to be more like his big brother, chose to learn snowboarding in lieu of skiing. My husband just called. He says he loves it. I imagine there will be more weekends like this. Maybe, next time I will go along and take pictures. Then again, I'm not much for the winter sports.
I have very little memory of snow as a kid. We got our share of blistering cold weather. Though we prayed for snow days every year, they never seemed never to come to our little part of the world. When I was in the Army in Germany, I discovered that I was one of the few who had never been snow skiing. At nineteen, I was too embarrassed to be on the learner slopes. When my friends took weekend ski trips to winter wonderlands, I chose to take more touristy trips alone. I wish I had been braver.
I didn't go ice skating until a few years back. It was at a local rink. I went with my kids. Surprisingly, I was quite good and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It wasn't much different than roller skating. And well, I was a roller queen back in Virginia. Growing up, I had fantasized about doing roller derby one day. I only went once though. The rink roof caved in after the winter snow. Maybe someday, they will rebuild. I might be the oldest one there, but I would go back in a heartbeat.
I tried sledding for the first time last year. I was frightened, but my husband said he would go with me. As I was looking down the steep hill behind a local elementary school, I felt a wonderful rush of adrenaline. The cold air bit at my uncovered face. For a brief second, I felt like I was twelve years old. I was genuinely excited. Was this what it was like to have a snow day? But that excitement ended soon. As we were going down, my husband caught his boot on a patch of ice. As we slowly found out, the hill was covered in frozen snow. We flipped over half way down the hill. He rolled over on top of me, as my face scraped down the frozen snow. As I dragged across the ice, the bottom of the hill seemed never to arrive. Then, for a moment in time, I lay there unable to move, because he was still on top of me. He had gotten injured also. When he caught his boot, he had jammed his leg. Still, he helped me back up to the top of the hill (bad knees...I almost always need assistance up hills). When I warmed up, I realized I was bleeding. And I wasn't alone. A friend of my son's had also gotten scraped up. His hands were a bloody mess. He smiled and said he was fine. He continued to go down the ice covered hill. My husband and I sat it out. I took pictures of the kids until it was time to go. We were done sledding for the day. With his injured leg, my husband was done for the season. Would I go again? Sure. You are never too old for that rush of youth.
You know what? All this remembering and I forgot about my coffee. Yuck...cold now. Guess it wasn't meant to be.
Once there, they called to let me know they had arrived. They joked how mom would be freaking out over how treacherous the roads were. And they are probably right. I never drive in snow and ice. Its not something they teach in coastal Southern Virginia where I was raised. But having grown up in Massachusetts, my husband is the skilled one, and he has the man truck, so I need not worry. Sometimes he skids on the ice just to scare me.
I wish my stepson could've gone with them. He's been an avid snowboarder for years. But he is in college now. Our youngest, aspiring to be more like his big brother, chose to learn snowboarding in lieu of skiing. My husband just called. He says he loves it. I imagine there will be more weekends like this. Maybe, next time I will go along and take pictures. Then again, I'm not much for the winter sports.
I have very little memory of snow as a kid. We got our share of blistering cold weather. Though we prayed for snow days every year, they never seemed never to come to our little part of the world. When I was in the Army in Germany, I discovered that I was one of the few who had never been snow skiing. At nineteen, I was too embarrassed to be on the learner slopes. When my friends took weekend ski trips to winter wonderlands, I chose to take more touristy trips alone. I wish I had been braver.
I didn't go ice skating until a few years back. It was at a local rink. I went with my kids. Surprisingly, I was quite good and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It wasn't much different than roller skating. And well, I was a roller queen back in Virginia. Growing up, I had fantasized about doing roller derby one day. I only went once though. The rink roof caved in after the winter snow. Maybe someday, they will rebuild. I might be the oldest one there, but I would go back in a heartbeat.
I tried sledding for the first time last year. I was frightened, but my husband said he would go with me. As I was looking down the steep hill behind a local elementary school, I felt a wonderful rush of adrenaline. The cold air bit at my uncovered face. For a brief second, I felt like I was twelve years old. I was genuinely excited. Was this what it was like to have a snow day? But that excitement ended soon. As we were going down, my husband caught his boot on a patch of ice. As we slowly found out, the hill was covered in frozen snow. We flipped over half way down the hill. He rolled over on top of me, as my face scraped down the frozen snow. As I dragged across the ice, the bottom of the hill seemed never to arrive. Then, for a moment in time, I lay there unable to move, because he was still on top of me. He had gotten injured also. When he caught his boot, he had jammed his leg. Still, he helped me back up to the top of the hill (bad knees...I almost always need assistance up hills). When I warmed up, I realized I was bleeding. And I wasn't alone. A friend of my son's had also gotten scraped up. His hands were a bloody mess. He smiled and said he was fine. He continued to go down the ice covered hill. My husband and I sat it out. I took pictures of the kids until it was time to go. We were done sledding for the day. With his injured leg, my husband was done for the season. Would I go again? Sure. You are never too old for that rush of youth.
You know what? All this remembering and I forgot about my coffee. Yuck...cold now. Guess it wasn't meant to be.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Mall excursion
I went to the mall today to catch a movie and maybe walk around a little. It was a way to get out of the house and hopefully get a bit of exercise in the process. The movie was wonderful by the way. I saw "Black Swan". I highly recommend it. Anyway, I tried to keep it light with the snacks. Though my favorite has always been twizzlers, I opted for the smallest bag of popcorn they had and a water. I couldn't finish half the popcorn. I guess my stomach is shrinking. How weird is that? After the movie, I ventured out into the mall. I think I need to stick to mall walking on weekdays. That place is way too crazy on weekends. I found myself going in and out of people traffic, dodging everyone. I walk pretty fast, like a woman on a mission. Folks always seem to get in front of me. It wore on my nerves so I decided mall walking could be saved for another day.
Its interesting though. Every time I walk the mall, I find myself people watching. Have you ever watched the people who shop at the mall? They come in varying shapes and sizes. Some are actively shopping. Some aren't. But all of them are exercising whether they like it or not. Walking around and shopping is definitely exercise. I wondered if any of them knew they were actually exercising today. Probably not.
Its interesting though. Every time I walk the mall, I find myself people watching. Have you ever watched the people who shop at the mall? They come in varying shapes and sizes. Some are actively shopping. Some aren't. But all of them are exercising whether they like it or not. Walking around and shopping is definitely exercise. I wondered if any of them knew they were actually exercising today. Probably not.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Under the Weather
I woke up this morning with a general blah feeling. Sore throat, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and achy all over. I felt it coming on. I knew my husband had given me his cold. I guess it was inevitable. I was able to sleep in. Fortunately, the kids had another snow day. I slept until 0800hrs, then rolled my tired body out of bed. I hadn't slept well the night before. But I had things to do. I couldn't stay in bed all day. Honestly, who can?
My first thought was that I could sweat it out. So, I got dressed in my work out clothes, and went downstairs to hit the treadmill. I have to admit after five miles on the treadmill, followed by a hot shower, I felt a little bit better. I was at least well enough to run the errands I couldn't escape.
The snow was still coming down, so we rushed out the door. I really hate driving in snow. In and out, I told my son. We get what we need and get home (I sounded just like my husband). But, in rushing out the door, I forget to wear a hat. Big mistake when you have a cold. I was breaking all the "get well rules of engagement".
What are rules? Well, most common colds last one to two weeks. And germs are difficult to avoid when you spend time around other people. I used to stay sick when I was substitute teaching.
One should dress warm, continue to exercise but at a slower pace, get plenty of rest, sleep well, and hydrate. Some things that help are green tea (has antioxidants) and honey (anti-germ), Garlic (anti-germ), and old faithful...chicken broth or chicken soup. And avoid second hand smoke. I like to drink small glasses of orange juice mixed with emergen-C orange flavor. Less juice means less calories. I drink three spread throughout the day.
Though I felt horrible in the morning, my immunities are stronger now that I'm healthier. My husband swears I won't get sick, that I'm in too good of shape to get sick. We'll see. For now, I have a glass of orange juice with my name on it.
My first thought was that I could sweat it out. So, I got dressed in my work out clothes, and went downstairs to hit the treadmill. I have to admit after five miles on the treadmill, followed by a hot shower, I felt a little bit better. I was at least well enough to run the errands I couldn't escape.
The snow was still coming down, so we rushed out the door. I really hate driving in snow. In and out, I told my son. We get what we need and get home (I sounded just like my husband). But, in rushing out the door, I forget to wear a hat. Big mistake when you have a cold. I was breaking all the "get well rules of engagement".
What are rules? Well, most common colds last one to two weeks. And germs are difficult to avoid when you spend time around other people. I used to stay sick when I was substitute teaching.
One should dress warm, continue to exercise but at a slower pace, get plenty of rest, sleep well, and hydrate. Some things that help are green tea (has antioxidants) and honey (anti-germ), Garlic (anti-germ), and old faithful...chicken broth or chicken soup. And avoid second hand smoke. I like to drink small glasses of orange juice mixed with emergen-C orange flavor. Less juice means less calories. I drink three spread throughout the day.
Though I felt horrible in the morning, my immunities are stronger now that I'm healthier. My husband swears I won't get sick, that I'm in too good of shape to get sick. We'll see. For now, I have a glass of orange juice with my name on it.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Snow Day
Last night, before we went to bed, they had already announced it. Thursday, like Wednesday, was to be a snow day. The marquee floated across the television screen. Code Red. No school. Our son could sleep in. Me? I knew I wouldn't. I told my husband I would get up and have that first cup of coffee with him (even though mine is always decaffeinated). I put on my work out clothes and headed downstairs. The morning routine is performed without even thinking. Turn on the coffee maker, take my vitamins, feed the pets, check the news. He heads out to shovel the snow from the driveway. I watched from the warm house. My first thought was...that's good exercise...though I did advise him to be careful. One winter, I shoveled snow and ice from the porch. I slipped and fell right into the rose bush...and to top it off, I threw my back out. Ouch! You probably guessed, but he does all the shoveling now. I'm slower, less efficient, and well, a bit of a klutz. 
When he came in for his second cup of coffee, I went down to the work out room. Its coming together nicely. I am so glad we decided to create this room. This is the first winter I've been able to get consistent exercise and it feels wonderful. I literally used to spend half the winter in bed because of my back. The funny thing is I still have all the injuries. I still have a herniated disc, disc bulges, etc. I'm just healthier now. When and if I do twist or turn the wrong way, I recover more quickly. What used to take a week or two, now takes a day or two. Its made it so I am able to enjoy life more and miss less.
So, if you want to stay in shape over the "snow days", and you either don't have a gym membership or don't want one for some reason, I thoroughly recommend you create your own home gym. It doesn't take much really. Ours is a conglomeration of all the exercise stuff we've accumulated over the years (I wonder what I did with my old "Thigh master"). : )
We did buy one thing...one big item for cardiovascular exercise...a new treadmill. Its our second. The first, we had when I was pregnant. That was a very long time ago, but we both remembered it as something that didn't gather dust. You may wish to have your own treadmill, or an elliptical, a stair climber, or maybe a bicycle. The choices are limitless. Just make sure to do research first, read what other consumers are saying about the product. When we bought our treadmill, we had a certain brand in mind, but ended up getting one from "Fitness Resource" because it was sturdy, and they built it around our needs and desires. In your new room, you should have at the very minimum weights of varying sizes. Newest to our collection are the kettle bells, but hey, I also have a "Shake Weight". Okay, stop laughing. It really works. The bottom line is don't let yourself get into a rut over the cold winter days. If you like winter sports, great. But if you are slightly broken and seriously klutzy, like me, try a home gym.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Second chances
The other day, I was watching a news report where the first lady was talking about big changes at local Walmart stores. I thought to myself, "That's nice." Then, I found myself having to go there. I'll admit it. Normally, I avoid going to Walmart. Its always been one of those places where I felt kind of claustrophobic. The old guy at the door said hello. After that, it was always hit or miss whether anyone helped and they always looked as if they really didn't want to be there. I understood. I had watched that Robert Greenwald documentary, "Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price".
Besides, Target was so much closer to where I live. But, it is the only place in town that carries my favorite Jillian Michaels brand natural low calorie whey protein. And Momma has to have her smoothies, right? Hoping not to have to go, I even looked at labels of comparative brands at other stores. Unfortunately, there is still nothing on the market that meets my very particular needs.
So, I headed to the dreaded Walmart parking lot. I parked far away. I do it for two reasons: I like to walk and well, to avoid getting dinged by another shopper. From the outside, it appeared that they were renovating. I worried that there might be even more congestion in the aisles of the store, confusion from the renovation.
But I was taken back by what I saw once I walked in. The store had completely changed. It looked much like my favorite Target store, clean and welcoming. There was a new fresh grocery section. It actually seemed as if they had enlarged the store. And the prices were still reasonable. I got lost but I didn't really care. Customer Service Representatives were everywhere. They smiled and said hello. Besides, there was no need to rush. I had no urge to be in and out as quickly as possible anymore.
On this day, even the cashier seemed happier. Had I walked into an alternative universe? Had Michelle Obama performed some miracle of this century, encouraging a healthier and happier Walmart with a greater selection to boot? They even had my husband's favorite Boiled Peanuts. One thing is for sure, they have cured my anxiety towards Walmart. I'll be back. And next time, I'll bring my shopping list.
Besides, Target was so much closer to where I live. But, it is the only place in town that carries my favorite Jillian Michaels brand natural low calorie whey protein. And Momma has to have her smoothies, right? Hoping not to have to go, I even looked at labels of comparative brands at other stores. Unfortunately, there is still nothing on the market that meets my very particular needs.
So, I headed to the dreaded Walmart parking lot. I parked far away. I do it for two reasons: I like to walk and well, to avoid getting dinged by another shopper. From the outside, it appeared that they were renovating. I worried that there might be even more congestion in the aisles of the store, confusion from the renovation.
But I was taken back by what I saw once I walked in. The store had completely changed. It looked much like my favorite Target store, clean and welcoming. There was a new fresh grocery section. It actually seemed as if they had enlarged the store. And the prices were still reasonable. I got lost but I didn't really care. Customer Service Representatives were everywhere. They smiled and said hello. Besides, there was no need to rush. I had no urge to be in and out as quickly as possible anymore.
On this day, even the cashier seemed happier. Had I walked into an alternative universe? Had Michelle Obama performed some miracle of this century, encouraging a healthier and happier Walmart with a greater selection to boot? They even had my husband's favorite Boiled Peanuts. One thing is for sure, they have cured my anxiety towards Walmart. I'll be back. And next time, I'll bring my shopping list.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
You don't have to give up pasta
I went through a phase when I refused to eat pasta because of all the carbs. I'm over that. Nowadays, I say yes to pasta. Its inexpensive and filling. Let's face it. Most of us don't have time to make our own healthy pasta from scratch. We don't have it every day, but there is absolutely no reason why you have to give up pasta entirely especially when there are so many smart pastas out there. What do I mean by smart pasta? Smart pastas are the ones that are whole wheat, whole grain, multigrain, high protein, with calcium, Vitamin D, Omega-3, etc.. Once you've tried them, I think you'll find that the old pastas become bland and flavorless. So, next time you are in the supermarket, check out the smart pastas. The shelves are filled with them. Barilla PLUS, our family favorite, is also on the "best life diet" (thebestlife.com).
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thanks for everything Jack
I was twenty-seven years old, and newly returned from Desert Storm. I lived alone and my family was thousands of miles away. We were put on mandatory leave for a couple of weeks, but two weeks with mom and dad was awkward in the least. I didn't belong there anymore and my mind was still at war. Once we returned to base, we waited. The equipment had not yet returned from the desert and we had little to occupy our time. We began most days with a long road march followed by unpacking the few things we had been able to bring back. Still, I would have loved to have spent all my time at work. At least I had my soldiers to take care of. I found myself prolonging the day with paperwork delaying having to return to that empty apartment. I wanted to go back. To me, the mission had given me purpose. In garrison, in the civilian world, I was somehow unnecessary. I was anxious. I couldn't sleep. I jumped at every extraneous noise.
Soon afterward, my commander gave me forms to hand out. They were medical surveys meant to determine what soldiers were having ill effects from their time in the desert. I was relieved that they cared, that they wanted to help. Maybe, finally, I would see someone that could help me rest, help me sleep. I handed out the forms to my soldiers and filled out my own. Then I waited. One day, after a unit meeting, my commander asked me to remain behind. He handed me back the form and said it had been rejected. At first I thought I had forgotten to fill in a blank. Then he said my form had been rejected because I had checked "yes" to trouble sleeping. He said he wanted 100% on return of those forms. As long as I was being rejected, he would not have his 100%.
I wasn't going to get the help I needed by going through my chain of command. I was on my own facing a private battle. I waited patiently for time to heal what haunted me, but sleep would only come through total exhaustion. So many nights and mornings, I lay there, restless, on the couch watching endless infomercials. But then, I was sent help in a very mysterious way.
One morning, there was an infomercial about a Juicing machine. The celebrity endorser was Jack LaLanne. I had no idea who he was, but I remember how energetic he was, so full of life (and he wasn't a young man). I so wanted to be full of life again. I was looking for something, anything that would help me be the me I once was. I called. I spent the money, my first infomercial purchase. I ordered a Juiceman (now there are several juicers on the market). I began juicing right away. I used it every day. In no time at all, I was more energetic, my digestion was better, and best of all...I could sleep again. Yes, I could sleep without the aid of alcohol or prescription drugs. It made a huge difference. It saved my life.
You know what? I had that Juicer for more than ten years. So, thank you Mr. LaLanne for getting my attention that morning so many years ago, for teaching me how to truly be a healthier woman, and for showing me the power of natural juicing.
Rest in peace.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Eating out
Yesterday, we went to Olive Garden for lunch. We had a gift card left over from Christmas and its a "sit down" restaurant where everyone can find something they like. While looking over the menu, I thought to myself how it used to be so difficult to find healthy options when eating out. Its not so difficult anymore. I have gotten into the habit of looking at menus on line before we head out to eat. That way, I know in advance what I will order. Why not? After all, we check out movies on line before we head to the theater. Yesterday, I chose the grilled Salmon and Broccoli. I love that they mixed red peppers in with the steamed broccoli. Along with the salad, it was delicious and nutritious. I avoided the bread sticks. Maybe someday, they'll have whole wheat garlic sticks. Anyway, OG has several healthier options on the menu.
http://www.olivegarden.com/menus/
Although I still believe eating at home is the best option (because you have more control), you might find yourself eating out on occasion be it for work, vacation, or just because you don't feel like cooking. When faced with the choices on a restaurant menu, take your time. I think you will find that you can continue to eat healthy. If you know in advance where you are going, you can check out the restaurant's link on line. Take a look at their menu. Most are out there floating around in cyberspace (even hotel restaurants). Plan ahead so you aren't pressured when it comes to you to decide what you want. Without the pressure, you won't be inclined to head for that "not so healthy" favorite dish. And don't be embarrassed if you can't finish your meal. If I get a large portion, I take home half. That's what refrigerators and microwave ovens are for, right? As you can see below, many restaurants even have nutritional guides on line. My point is that you can still stay on track while eating out.
Here are a few popular restaurant menus to check out (some with nutritional guides):
http://www.tgifridays.com/menus/menus.aspx
http://www.applebees.com/Menu_Under550.aspx
http://www.sakurasteakhouse.com/menu_03.html
http://www.ontheborder.com/menu-home.aspx (avoid Margaritas. Though tasty, high in empty carbs)
http://www.macaronigrill.com/Nutritional/Nutritional.aspx
http://www.chilis.com/en/menu/pages/home.aspx
http://www.bobevans.com/menu/nutrition.aspx
http://rubytuesday.com/menu?gclid=COi2vOXT0KYCFYnd4AodK3UPGw
http://www.outback.com/menu/
One of my personal favorites is Thai food. I have a weakness for the spicy stuff.
http://dineview.com/search/show_menu.fwx?cat=R&zip=&ord=&id=052105&zone=35003&ti=thai%20orchid,woodbridge&tab=menu (It receives wonderful reviews. Though tempting, avoid the fried and heavy creamed selections).
Of course, if you are going to a restaurant I haven't listed, you can still eat healthy. Here are some healthy hints when eating out:
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/healthy-choices-when-eating-out
If your favorite restaurants don't have on line menus, you can still work towards planning ahead. Try this. Grab one of their paper take out menus next time you are there. It feels great to be prepared, doesn't it?
http://www.olivegarden.com/menus/
Although I still believe eating at home is the best option (because you have more control), you might find yourself eating out on occasion be it for work, vacation, or just because you don't feel like cooking. When faced with the choices on a restaurant menu, take your time. I think you will find that you can continue to eat healthy. If you know in advance where you are going, you can check out the restaurant's link on line. Take a look at their menu. Most are out there floating around in cyberspace (even hotel restaurants). Plan ahead so you aren't pressured when it comes to you to decide what you want. Without the pressure, you won't be inclined to head for that "not so healthy" favorite dish. And don't be embarrassed if you can't finish your meal. If I get a large portion, I take home half. That's what refrigerators and microwave ovens are for, right? As you can see below, many restaurants even have nutritional guides on line. My point is that you can still stay on track while eating out.
Here are a few popular restaurant menus to check out (some with nutritional guides):
http://www.tgifridays.com/menus/menus.aspx
http://www.applebees.com/Menu_Under550.aspx
http://www.sakurasteakhouse.com/menu_03.html
http://www.ontheborder.com/menu-home.aspx (avoid Margaritas. Though tasty, high in empty carbs)
http://www.macaronigrill.com/Nutritional/Nutritional.aspx
http://www.chilis.com/en/menu/pages/home.aspx
http://www.bobevans.com/menu/nutrition.aspx
http://rubytuesday.com/menu?gclid=COi2vOXT0KYCFYnd4AodK3UPGw
http://www.outback.com/menu/
One of my personal favorites is Thai food. I have a weakness for the spicy stuff.
http://dineview.com/search/show_menu.fwx?cat=R&zip=&ord=&id=052105&zone=35003&ti=thai%20orchid,woodbridge&tab=menu (It receives wonderful reviews. Though tempting, avoid the fried and heavy creamed selections).
Of course, if you are going to a restaurant I haven't listed, you can still eat healthy. Here are some healthy hints when eating out:
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/healthy-choices-when-eating-out
If your favorite restaurants don't have on line menus, you can still work towards planning ahead. Try this. Grab one of their paper take out menus next time you are there. It feels great to be prepared, doesn't it?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
How to choose fruit
How many of us have walked into our favorite supermarket produce section and thought how do I tell if a particular fruit is ripe? I do it all the time. I used to drag my husband along. For some reason, he's better trained at figuring out if something is ripe or not yet ripe. At least, I think he is. He could be faking it for all I know. I am that gullible when it comes to advice in choosing fruit in season. Let's face it. Some are simple. Some are a challenge to the even the most intelligent shopper. At our local Shopper's food warehouse, there is usually a produce manager willing to assist for only a smile. That's right, I will innocently flirt to get a good ripe melon. And at some stores, I am honestly overwhelmed by the limitless fruit section. I swear I want to take pictures whenever I go in. Its just that beautiful. In case you are wondering. I'm talking about Wegman's. Its worth the price you'll pay and you need not bother anyone about what is ripe and what's not. Its all good. Giant, Bloom, and Safeway all have smaller fruit departments, but with a good variety.
The warehouse stores, such as Costco, BJs, and Sam's have fresh fruit...but it comes in extremely large quantities. So, if you can use it all before it goes bad, its a good deal. I get my berries for my smoothies there. Even Target has fresh fruit now. When the larger chains run out of the blueberries, I can always count on Target.
Of course, if you have the opportunity, its always best to shop locally grown. Out for a drive in country? Fruit stands at nearby orchards or farms are an experience you won't forget. Or try a local farmer's market. Take the kids. Its a learning experience.
Here is an informative website I've found if you need a few pointers:
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/04/04/how-to-choose-the-best-fruit-in-the-produce-section-a-guide-for-15-common-fruits.htm
The warehouse stores, such as Costco, BJs, and Sam's have fresh fruit...but it comes in extremely large quantities. So, if you can use it all before it goes bad, its a good deal. I get my berries for my smoothies there. Even Target has fresh fruit now. When the larger chains run out of the blueberries, I can always count on Target.
Of course, if you have the opportunity, its always best to shop locally grown. Out for a drive in country? Fruit stands at nearby orchards or farms are an experience you won't forget. Or try a local farmer's market. Take the kids. Its a learning experience.
Here is an informative website I've found if you need a few pointers:
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/04/04/how-to-choose-the-best-fruit-in-the-produce-section-a-guide-for-15-common-fruits.htm
Friday, January 21, 2011
Life and Death Fitness
Its been twenty years since I was in the middle of the storm, Desert Storm that is. Back then, fitness took a back seat to planning for the inevitable. We set up our tents in a forward area, planned our communications, counted and recounted our supplies, and waited. For months, we waited. When we first arrived, another unit had set up a mess tent serving hot nutritious food. But the Arabian winds were relentless. The mess tent eventually blew over leaving us to fend for ourselves. Our leadership chose to issue MREs, bagged high calorie meals that would at least sustain us in the fight (it was easy). Some ate the meals, some rationed the meals, and a few (like me) just ate granola bars and powdered soup (and drank lots of water). Mostly, soldiers worked shift work. I spent time on the road between sites, checking on my soldiers, doing reconnaissance of future sites, or just delivering mail. Unable to exercise like they were accustomed, those who had relied on the ready to eat meals gained weight rapidly. I remember the night we expected the war to begin. I went out to the van to work with one of my lower enlisted soldiers, the youngest of my platoon. She was alone and I thought it important that I be there. Over the previous weeks, we had been driven to the bunkers nearly every night because of our chemical alarms going off. This night, we fully anticipated a chemical attack. We could not watch the events on television like some, but we had been given the time to expect all hell to break loose. At the hour we were told, we began to don our protective gear. Unfortunately, my young soldier had one problem. She had gained too much weight and her suit didn't fit. She could not zip it up because of all the MREs, and all the calories. It provided no protection from an attack. She was lucky. We were not singled out. There were no alarms that night. All was quiet where we were. The next day, she took another look at what she was eating and adjusted fire (so to speak). This was her life and death fitness moment.
For many out there, the moment comes in a much different way. Perhaps it comes from a medical alert such as type II diabetes, an unexpected heart attack, or the death of a family member. On the television show, "The Biggest Loser", each participant is called in to discuss their medical condition. Each is told when they will die if they continue on the path of poor diet and lack of exercise. For all, it is an eye opening experience. I cried last season when one participant actually overcame his Type II Diabetes. It runs in my family and I have spent my life running from it.
So, I guess my personal awakening has been in watching others in their life and death fitness experiences. Be it family, friends, or just someone I've watched on television, I have been inspired by others to do my best to stay healthy as I grow older. My hope is that others will do the same. Be a role model for health and fitness, for your family, for your friends, and for anyone else who needs one. Choose to live.
For many out there, the moment comes in a much different way. Perhaps it comes from a medical alert such as type II diabetes, an unexpected heart attack, or the death of a family member. On the television show, "The Biggest Loser", each participant is called in to discuss their medical condition. Each is told when they will die if they continue on the path of poor diet and lack of exercise. For all, it is an eye opening experience. I cried last season when one participant actually overcame his Type II Diabetes. It runs in my family and I have spent my life running from it.
So, I guess my personal awakening has been in watching others in their life and death fitness experiences. Be it family, friends, or just someone I've watched on television, I have been inspired by others to do my best to stay healthy as I grow older. My hope is that others will do the same. Be a role model for health and fitness, for your family, for your friends, and for anyone else who needs one. Choose to live.
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| Field expedient weight bench (cases of water) and weights (cable reels) |
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| Soldier in protective gear (MOPP) 1991 |
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| Soldier in protective pants (MOPP) 1991 |
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| My tent home (January 1991) |
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| Me |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
I refuse to accept boring workouts
I decided to head over to mall this morning and do a few laps. Each complete lap is 2 miles. I noticed that, for some reason, they had failed to play music like they usually do. It was so incredibly boring, I stopped after 2 laps (4 miles). I came home. Before I could get distracted doing something else, I got on our treadmill and watched "The Today Show". Before I knew it, I had done another 4 miles. Wait a minute. I just did 8 miles. How cool is that? All because I got bored walking the mall.
The message here is that working out should not be boring and tedious. It shouldn't feel like work even though we all know it is...hard work. When its too cold to work out outside, you don't have time for the gym, or you are just stuck at home for some reason, adapt. Try this. Go to your local Target (that's where I've found the best variety) and pick up a fitness DVD. The price is generally low on these DVDs, usually around $12. I have several. I absolutely love Leslie Sansone's walking DVDs and I've just added "The Biggest Loser Power Walk."
If you prefer, there is yoga, pilates, belly dancing, Taebo, Jazzercise, Boot Camp, or you can focus on specific areas like ab training. Check it out. I'm sure you'll see something you like. They have a nice selection of work out items you may need (hand weights, ankle weights, kettle bells, pedometers, yoga mats, resistance bands, pull up bars, etc) and most of the clothes are every bit as good as what you will find as higher priced stores (I recommend you spend the money and get your shoes elsewhere).
The message here is that working out should not be boring and tedious. It shouldn't feel like work even though we all know it is...hard work. When its too cold to work out outside, you don't have time for the gym, or you are just stuck at home for some reason, adapt. Try this. Go to your local Target (that's where I've found the best variety) and pick up a fitness DVD. The price is generally low on these DVDs, usually around $12. I have several. I absolutely love Leslie Sansone's walking DVDs and I've just added "The Biggest Loser Power Walk."
If you prefer, there is yoga, pilates, belly dancing, Taebo, Jazzercise, Boot Camp, or you can focus on specific areas like ab training. Check it out. I'm sure you'll see something you like. They have a nice selection of work out items you may need (hand weights, ankle weights, kettle bells, pedometers, yoga mats, resistance bands, pull up bars, etc) and most of the clothes are every bit as good as what you will find as higher priced stores (I recommend you spend the money and get your shoes elsewhere).
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Some Like It Hot
What do I look forward too most after a good workout? Well, as much as I enjoy my whey protein smoothies with their fresh blueberries, strawberries, banana, and wheat germ, what I love even more is that well deserved hot shower. After sweating it out, I absolutely love feeling the heat on my skin. Secretly, I wish I could stay in that hot shower until our son comes home from school. Its just that pleasurable.
This isn't something new for me, something newly awakened from the integration of daily exercise in my life. No, its a passion I've had as long as I can remember. In my youth, I relished a warm beach vacation or a few minutes in a tanning bed (though now I realize that was a bad thing). When I injured my shoulder while stationed at Fort Bragg, I went in for acupuncture treatments. The treatments were okay, but what I felt the most relief from was the hot lamp the doctor insisted I lie under once the needles were removed.
While serving in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, showers were heated by immersion heaters. They were scalding hot, but I found them to be an experience I looked forward to each day. Saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi? I've always been the one who stayed long after every else claimed they'd had enough.
Most recently, the main feature I insisted when shopping for a car was the seat heater. Its nice to have a toasty tushie. Yes, I enjoy the occasional hot rock massage. And well, think about it. What feels better than having someone lay towels, right out of the dryer, over you? Well, I'm getting a bit chilled. Time for that hot shower. : ) Hey, I earned it. Maybe tonight, we'll make a fire in the fireplace.
This isn't something new for me, something newly awakened from the integration of daily exercise in my life. No, its a passion I've had as long as I can remember. In my youth, I relished a warm beach vacation or a few minutes in a tanning bed (though now I realize that was a bad thing). When I injured my shoulder while stationed at Fort Bragg, I went in for acupuncture treatments. The treatments were okay, but what I felt the most relief from was the hot lamp the doctor insisted I lie under once the needles were removed.
While serving in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, showers were heated by immersion heaters. They were scalding hot, but I found them to be an experience I looked forward to each day. Saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi? I've always been the one who stayed long after every else claimed they'd had enough.
Most recently, the main feature I insisted when shopping for a car was the seat heater. Its nice to have a toasty tushie. Yes, I enjoy the occasional hot rock massage. And well, think about it. What feels better than having someone lay towels, right out of the dryer, over you? Well, I'm getting a bit chilled. Time for that hot shower. : ) Hey, I earned it. Maybe tonight, we'll make a fire in the fireplace.
Some Like It Hot
What do I look forward too most after a good workout? Well, as much as I enjoy my whey protein smoothies with their fresh blueberries, strawberries, banana, and wheat germ, what I love even more is that well deserved hot shower. After sweating it out, I absolutely love feeling the heat on my skin. Secretly, I wish I could stay in that hot shower until our son comes home from school. Its just that pleasurable.
This isn't something new for me, something newly awakened from the integration of daily exercise in my life. No, its a passion I've had as long as I can remember. In my youth, I relished a warm beach vacation or a few minutes in a tanning bed (though now I realize that was a bad thing). When I injured my shoulder while stationed at Fort Bragg, I went in for acupuncture treatments. The treatments were okay, but what I felt the most relief from was the hot lamp the doctor insisted I lie under once the needles were removed.
While serving in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, showers were heated by immersion heaters. They were scalding hot, but I found them to be an experience I looked forward to each day. Saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi? I've always been the one who stayed long after every else claimed they'd had enough.
Most recently, the main feature I insisted when shopping for a car was the seat heater. Its nice to have a toasty tushie. Yes, I enjoy the occasional hot rock massage. And well, think about it. What feels better than having someone lay towels, right out of the dryer, over you? Well, I'm getting a bit chilled. Time for that hot shower. : ) Hey, I earned it. Maybe tonight, we'll make a fire in the fireplace.
This isn't something new for me, something newly awakened from the integration of daily exercise in my life. No, its a passion I've had as long as I can remember. In my youth, I relished a warm beach vacation or a few minutes in a tanning bed (though now I realize that was a bad thing). When I injured my shoulder while stationed at Fort Bragg, I went in for acupuncture treatments. The treatments were okay, but what I felt the most relief from was the hot lamp the doctor insisted I lie under once the needles were removed.
While serving in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, showers were heated by immersion heaters. They were scalding hot, but I found them to be an experience I looked forward to each day. Saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi? I've always been the one who stayed long after every else claimed they'd had enough.
Most recently, the main feature I insisted when shopping for a car was the seat heater. Its nice to have a toasty tushie. Yes, I enjoy the occasional hot rock massage. And well, think about it. What feels better than having someone lay towels, right out of the dryer, over you? Well, I'm getting a bit chilled. Time for that hot shower. : ) Hey, I earned it. Maybe tonight, we'll make a fire in the fireplace.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Impulsive Decisions
The old man pulls into the malt shop (this is a scene from an old movie). He turns to his wife and says, "Let's stop and get some ice cream. This is the place with the great ice cream." His wife replies, "Honey, its nearly dinnertime." To which he says, "A little ice cream won't hurt you."
Ever heard that one before?
Well, she's been with him long enough to know just because he has ice cream, it doesn't mean she has to have it too. While he eats his ice cream, she enjoys a cup of coffee.
Sometimes, in life, we are tempted to make impulsive careless decisions. That scoop of ice cream, that sugary soda, that high calorie Margarita, whatever it may be...temptation sometimes gets the best of us.
I find that it helps to stop and think about it before I decide to eat or drink something I might regret later. So, when your Sweetie says, "A little won't hurt you", walk over and give him a kiss on the cheek. Use the time it takes to walk over to him to make an informed focused choice. Do you really want it? In most cases, you'll tell yourself no, not really...not when you think about it. He won't be upset when you say, "Not right now, thank you", and he'll love you all the more for the extra attention he received.
Ever heard that one before?
Well, she's been with him long enough to know just because he has ice cream, it doesn't mean she has to have it too. While he eats his ice cream, she enjoys a cup of coffee.
Sometimes, in life, we are tempted to make impulsive careless decisions. That scoop of ice cream, that sugary soda, that high calorie Margarita, whatever it may be...temptation sometimes gets the best of us.
I find that it helps to stop and think about it before I decide to eat or drink something I might regret later. So, when your Sweetie says, "A little won't hurt you", walk over and give him a kiss on the cheek. Use the time it takes to walk over to him to make an informed focused choice. Do you really want it? In most cases, you'll tell yourself no, not really...not when you think about it. He won't be upset when you say, "Not right now, thank you", and he'll love you all the more for the extra attention he received.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Rising above injury
"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
When I woke, I wanted desperately to spend the day in bed. Yesterday, when we arrived at church, I twisted my hip. I wasn't even exercising. I felt so stupid. I was simply getting out of my husband's truck. I guess the cold morning air had stiffened my muscles. It caught me unprepared.
This morning, it still ached. I had a choice to make. I could spend the day laying around, popping ibuprofen or I could work out, albeit a bit slower than my usual pace. It was rather tempting to choose the couch, but I chose to not focus on the pain. I chose not to focus on the fear I have every time I exacerbate a previous injury. Instead, I focused on the goal I have set for the year, on the thousand miles, my walk for charity.
In the end, I walked 5 miles on the treadmill. I walked slower, but I finished the 5 miles. I don't know if my little show of strength has anything to do with what Martin Luther King, Jr. meant, but it helped...and that's good enough for this woman...on this particular day in my history.
When I woke, I wanted desperately to spend the day in bed. Yesterday, when we arrived at church, I twisted my hip. I wasn't even exercising. I felt so stupid. I was simply getting out of my husband's truck. I guess the cold morning air had stiffened my muscles. It caught me unprepared.
This morning, it still ached. I had a choice to make. I could spend the day laying around, popping ibuprofen or I could work out, albeit a bit slower than my usual pace. It was rather tempting to choose the couch, but I chose to not focus on the pain. I chose not to focus on the fear I have every time I exacerbate a previous injury. Instead, I focused on the goal I have set for the year, on the thousand miles, my walk for charity.
In the end, I walked 5 miles on the treadmill. I walked slower, but I finished the 5 miles. I don't know if my little show of strength has anything to do with what Martin Luther King, Jr. meant, but it helped...and that's good enough for this woman...on this particular day in my history.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Cookie Jar
When I was a little girl, my Grandmother had a cookie jar filled with full size Hershey bars. She would let me have one as a reward if I read the bible with her or even if I just behaved in church. Some girls were accustomed to sitting in back row, giggling and painting their fingernails. I've always liked chocolate, so I was usually good. Since then, I've learned not to reward behavior with food.
In our kitchen, there are bowls of fresh fruit (apples, bananas, pears, etc). Whatever is in season, they are easy to grab, readily accessible. Our cookie jar, unlike my Grandmother's, is filled with granola bars. The crackers on the counter that our son goes for for an after school snack? They are wheat thins or goldfish crackers. The refrigerator is filled with snack size carrots, celery, string cheese, fruit cups, etc. If I do buy chocolates, they are the minis and they are the most difficult to reach. Kids (and husbands) will go for the easiest to reach snacks first. We buy whole grain popcorn, whole grain chips, and unsalted nuts.
It takes careful planning sometimes, but in time everyone becomes acclimated to the healthy change in their snacks. After Halloween, our son even asked me to hide candy from him. We didn't get a lot of trick or treaters. There was a lot left over and he didn't want to be tempted.
So, if you build it (healthy habits in your home), they will come (to adapt).
In our kitchen, there are bowls of fresh fruit (apples, bananas, pears, etc). Whatever is in season, they are easy to grab, readily accessible. Our cookie jar, unlike my Grandmother's, is filled with granola bars. The crackers on the counter that our son goes for for an after school snack? They are wheat thins or goldfish crackers. The refrigerator is filled with snack size carrots, celery, string cheese, fruit cups, etc. If I do buy chocolates, they are the minis and they are the most difficult to reach. Kids (and husbands) will go for the easiest to reach snacks first. We buy whole grain popcorn, whole grain chips, and unsalted nuts.
It takes careful planning sometimes, but in time everyone becomes acclimated to the healthy change in their snacks. After Halloween, our son even asked me to hide candy from him. We didn't get a lot of trick or treaters. There was a lot left over and he didn't want to be tempted.
So, if you build it (healthy habits in your home), they will come (to adapt).
Saturday, January 15, 2011
2011 NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo 15-16 January
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| This event is NBC peacock approved. : ) |
Friday, January 14, 2011
Aging and fitness
The bottom line is that there is no escaping it. We all get older. As you age, you have to make a choice. You can choose to accept it and whine. Or you can choose to accept it and work around it. There are advantages to getting older. For one, with age comes wisdom. In my 20's, I had low self esteem. In my 30's, I was a workaholic. In my 40's, I focused so much on being mom, I forgot to focus time on "me".
So, here I am, older and wiser for all I've experienced. Think about it. When you go to the doctor for an ache or injury, what's the first think they say? They ask, "Where does it hurt?" You know your body better than anyone. You know, before you even visit that doctor. You may not know how to treat it, but you have spent years and years with the body you now wake up to every day. So, I ask you...what works for you?
I was active duty Army. In the Army, everyone ran. We ran everywhere. We ran in formation. It was not only healthy, it was motivational. Heck, my husband still runs on the treadmill singing cadence he learned in his Army training. For some, running made them feel at one with the world. It was an opportunity to clear their minds.
Right at the beginning of my military career, as far back as the early eighties, my knees hurt. I did what every soldier did. I went to sick call. Over and over, the doctors and physician assistant's would give me ibuprofen, and tell me to take a short break from running. For more than twenty years, I did what I was told. I'd take that break, then return to the same work outs...and the same pain. Maybe they thought I didn't like running. Maybe they assumed I was just attempting to get out of something. I don't know. I really wanted to be like the others. And even though it hurt, I really wanted to love running. In time, I convinced myself it was all in my head. Until, one day, I signed in to a unit where to doctor actually looked closely at my knees. He declared one knee unstable, recommended the other be checked to. In the end, running on injured knees not only caused permanent damage to my knees, it injured my back. I went through another painful surgery, but it had proven too late. I was told no more running. They said I was done. Because of my naivety, my ignorance, I'd paid the price. Why hadn't they listened? They had left me with nothing, no plan, no workable fitness routine, and now, I was forty years old. What was I supposed to do? Lay on my couch and pop pain pills for the rest of my life? I wanted advice. I wanted someone to tell me what to do, where to go for help.
I had to pull myself up out the hole I'd dug and soldier up. With all that I'd gone through, I'd gained something valuable. I'd gained wisdom, wisdom of experience, wisdom of age, and now, I had outside resources.
Now I know what I can't do. I know what I can. I choose to focus on the "can". No running. Fine. I'll walk. No more deep knee bends. Fine. I'll stretch. I'll lift weights. There is still pain, but I know my body. I know its limits. I know what hurts. I know what feels good. I'll try new things (like ice skating or the batting cages). I'll rediscover the old things I did in my youth (I'll jump rope). I will play with the kids.
I can, I will...feel like a kid again. After all, age is just a number. It's all in your attitude. You know what? I'm not done. I can rebuild myself. I have the technology. I have the internet. I can be Steve Austin, Jamie Sommers...stronger, faster, better. I can be the bionic woman...well, minus the machinery that is.
And so can you...
So, here I am, older and wiser for all I've experienced. Think about it. When you go to the doctor for an ache or injury, what's the first think they say? They ask, "Where does it hurt?" You know your body better than anyone. You know, before you even visit that doctor. You may not know how to treat it, but you have spent years and years with the body you now wake up to every day. So, I ask you...what works for you?
I was active duty Army. In the Army, everyone ran. We ran everywhere. We ran in formation. It was not only healthy, it was motivational. Heck, my husband still runs on the treadmill singing cadence he learned in his Army training. For some, running made them feel at one with the world. It was an opportunity to clear their minds.
Right at the beginning of my military career, as far back as the early eighties, my knees hurt. I did what every soldier did. I went to sick call. Over and over, the doctors and physician assistant's would give me ibuprofen, and tell me to take a short break from running. For more than twenty years, I did what I was told. I'd take that break, then return to the same work outs...and the same pain. Maybe they thought I didn't like running. Maybe they assumed I was just attempting to get out of something. I don't know. I really wanted to be like the others. And even though it hurt, I really wanted to love running. In time, I convinced myself it was all in my head. Until, one day, I signed in to a unit where to doctor actually looked closely at my knees. He declared one knee unstable, recommended the other be checked to. In the end, running on injured knees not only caused permanent damage to my knees, it injured my back. I went through another painful surgery, but it had proven too late. I was told no more running. They said I was done. Because of my naivety, my ignorance, I'd paid the price. Why hadn't they listened? They had left me with nothing, no plan, no workable fitness routine, and now, I was forty years old. What was I supposed to do? Lay on my couch and pop pain pills for the rest of my life? I wanted advice. I wanted someone to tell me what to do, where to go for help.
I had to pull myself up out the hole I'd dug and soldier up. With all that I'd gone through, I'd gained something valuable. I'd gained wisdom, wisdom of experience, wisdom of age, and now, I had outside resources.
Now I know what I can't do. I know what I can. I choose to focus on the "can". No running. Fine. I'll walk. No more deep knee bends. Fine. I'll stretch. I'll lift weights. There is still pain, but I know my body. I know its limits. I know what hurts. I know what feels good. I'll try new things (like ice skating or the batting cages). I'll rediscover the old things I did in my youth (I'll jump rope). I will play with the kids.
I can, I will...feel like a kid again. After all, age is just a number. It's all in your attitude. You know what? I'm not done. I can rebuild myself. I have the technology. I have the internet. I can be Steve Austin, Jamie Sommers...stronger, faster, better. I can be the bionic woman...well, minus the machinery that is.
And so can you...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
"Mindset"
According to Wikipedia, a mindset is a set of methods held by a person or a group of people which creates a powerful incentive to continue to adopt or accept a behavior, or choice. So, how does one create the mindset to exercise and eat healthy?
This time last winter, I compared myself to a momma bear. I would basically curl up in a ball and hibernate most of the winter. It wasn't pleasant or enjoyable to suffer through the winter's chill when I had arthritis, when everything hurt. Another reason I stayed in? I was sick. I'd get over one cold, then catch the next one. It seemed that I was sick all the time, sick and tired, on the couch covered in a throw blanket, a box of tissues handy. I would come out in the Spring and whine about how pale I'd become, depressed about how snug my favorite jeans were. How did that happen?
That was last year. No mas. No more. How did I change my mindset? I started off simply by telling myself I could do better. I was a warrior, a petite Amazon, a powerful force to be reckoned with. The couch? It became my enemy. Good shoes and my little 5lb weights became my weapons of choice. The mirror, the scale? I no longer feared or avoided them. I only used them to achieve my ultimate goal, to monitor my progress. I stopped wasting time on the blame game and took control of the battlefield, my battlefield. I could drag myself out of bed. I could devote a percentage of time every day to being a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better me. So, I asked myself what would it take to do this, to be better? I knew I had to start slow. I began seriously working out in April 2010, once the snow left. I put on the Sketcher's shape ups I'd gotten for Christmas (shoes I'd asked for) and set out walking the neighborhood. It was so incredibly boring. I set a walk list on my ipod, songs I thought moved me to walk with a purpose. It became less boring. In time, I walked further. Soon, I began to see results. I lost weight, I had more energy, and I felt better. But with the weight loss, I noticed loose skin. Yuck. That wouldn't do. I did some research. Internet, magazines, wherever I could get it...for free. I began doing little weights...I worked up to more. Eventually I became tighter, less like one of those cute Chinese shar-pei puppies. Much better. : ) On days when the weather was bad, I popped in a fitness DVD or drove to the mall to walk. "I improvised, I adapted and I overcame" (I love this Marine mantra). I used anything that kept me focused. I was never too busy. I never hurt too much. I had developed the mindset that I would do something physical (even if it was small), and that I would make better, healthier choices every day.
Of course, the best way to continue with the fitness mindset is with the results you and others will see. My husband told me I am built like Jillian Michaels now. Now that's a compliment I'll take. For one, she's a fitness role model for millions. She's beautiful, powerful, and hey, she's eleven years younger than I am. Hooah!
This time last winter, I compared myself to a momma bear. I would basically curl up in a ball and hibernate most of the winter. It wasn't pleasant or enjoyable to suffer through the winter's chill when I had arthritis, when everything hurt. Another reason I stayed in? I was sick. I'd get over one cold, then catch the next one. It seemed that I was sick all the time, sick and tired, on the couch covered in a throw blanket, a box of tissues handy. I would come out in the Spring and whine about how pale I'd become, depressed about how snug my favorite jeans were. How did that happen?
That was last year. No mas. No more. How did I change my mindset? I started off simply by telling myself I could do better. I was a warrior, a petite Amazon, a powerful force to be reckoned with. The couch? It became my enemy. Good shoes and my little 5lb weights became my weapons of choice. The mirror, the scale? I no longer feared or avoided them. I only used them to achieve my ultimate goal, to monitor my progress. I stopped wasting time on the blame game and took control of the battlefield, my battlefield. I could drag myself out of bed. I could devote a percentage of time every day to being a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better me. So, I asked myself what would it take to do this, to be better? I knew I had to start slow. I began seriously working out in April 2010, once the snow left. I put on the Sketcher's shape ups I'd gotten for Christmas (shoes I'd asked for) and set out walking the neighborhood. It was so incredibly boring. I set a walk list on my ipod, songs I thought moved me to walk with a purpose. It became less boring. In time, I walked further. Soon, I began to see results. I lost weight, I had more energy, and I felt better. But with the weight loss, I noticed loose skin. Yuck. That wouldn't do. I did some research. Internet, magazines, wherever I could get it...for free. I began doing little weights...I worked up to more. Eventually I became tighter, less like one of those cute Chinese shar-pei puppies. Much better. : ) On days when the weather was bad, I popped in a fitness DVD or drove to the mall to walk. "I improvised, I adapted and I overcame" (I love this Marine mantra). I used anything that kept me focused. I was never too busy. I never hurt too much. I had developed the mindset that I would do something physical (even if it was small), and that I would make better, healthier choices every day.
Of course, the best way to continue with the fitness mindset is with the results you and others will see. My husband told me I am built like Jillian Michaels now. Now that's a compliment I'll take. For one, she's a fitness role model for millions. She's beautiful, powerful, and hey, she's eleven years younger than I am. Hooah!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"That's just stupid."
Last night, I had a dream. I was remembering something that happened to me long ago in my ever blurring childhood. I was freckle faced, with long braided hair and I was running. I was running through the tobacco fields. It was a beautiful sunny day. And strangely enough, even in my dream, the smell of the tobacco was wonderful. We'd play hide and seek in the drying barn and pretend to roll homemade cigars. It was a good, warm memory.
At age 9, though neither of my parents smoked, I was convinced smoking cigarettes was the cool thing to do. My friends and I smoked Salem menthol. In movies and on television, we were surrounded by smokers. It made us feel grown up. I smoked all the way through High School and throughout my early enlisted soldier days. By then, I had convinced myself it was good for weight control. After all, it kept me from snacking. I was stationed in Germany. German food is difficult to resist. I changed my brand to Virginia Slims. It made me feel like I had brought a bit of home with me to Germany. On occasion, I would smoke those pastel English cigarettes. Why not, I had more cigarette rations than I use, they were cheap at 45 cents a pack and they made me feel more European.
When I got out and went to college, I still smoked. What stopped me? I worked at a local bar during college. At 3:30 am, I would come home from work reeking of smoke. It didn't matter how much I washing and scrubbed my uniform, I still could not get rid of that nasty smell. If I did, it would just return after my next shift. I didn't work there long, but it changed my life. When I left the bar for another job, I quit cold turkey. Soon I was motivated by the fact that my eyes were no longer bloodshot, my fingernails and teeth no longer stained. The smell eventually left my life, or so I thought.
I went back in the Army after college as an officer. As I climbed up in rank, many around me smoked cigars. Break time during a dressy social event was a good time to go outside for a good cigar. It was also an opportunity for experienced officers to mentor younger officers. The smoke bothered me so I stayed inside feeling left out, abandoned, missing out on what I saw as a valuable bonding experience.
Chewing tobacco helped many of my fellow officers stay alert during long field exercises or deployments. I guess the negative long term effects of this practice were not as important as the immediate positive effects.
Once we had our youngest, tobacco slowly left our lives. We made better choices. Our home became a "no smoking" zone. The humidors became empty wooden boxes, kept only because they are well crafted. Now they are a memory of a time long ago. One day, they will hold baseball cards or old photos. Today, we spend less time where others permeate their surroundings with smoke. It gives me a headache and I don't want to think about what the second hand effects are. As we drive around town, I still see parents traveling in closed window, smoke filled cars with kids. Ignorance is bliss, I guess. It won't always be.
This morning I asked our son, now a teenager, if he had ever been pressured by peers to smoke cigarettes. He said, "I know someone who smokes. He's not one of my friends. He's older. I don't understand how people can think its good for them." I told him, "Its not. They know its not. For some people, they choose to believe it makes them look well, cool." He replied, "That's just stupid." Then he rolled over and went back to sleep. We'd had our little heart to heart and there was a two hour delay for school due to snow.
At age 9, though neither of my parents smoked, I was convinced smoking cigarettes was the cool thing to do. My friends and I smoked Salem menthol. In movies and on television, we were surrounded by smokers. It made us feel grown up. I smoked all the way through High School and throughout my early enlisted soldier days. By then, I had convinced myself it was good for weight control. After all, it kept me from snacking. I was stationed in Germany. German food is difficult to resist. I changed my brand to Virginia Slims. It made me feel like I had brought a bit of home with me to Germany. On occasion, I would smoke those pastel English cigarettes. Why not, I had more cigarette rations than I use, they were cheap at 45 cents a pack and they made me feel more European.
When I got out and went to college, I still smoked. What stopped me? I worked at a local bar during college. At 3:30 am, I would come home from work reeking of smoke. It didn't matter how much I washing and scrubbed my uniform, I still could not get rid of that nasty smell. If I did, it would just return after my next shift. I didn't work there long, but it changed my life. When I left the bar for another job, I quit cold turkey. Soon I was motivated by the fact that my eyes were no longer bloodshot, my fingernails and teeth no longer stained. The smell eventually left my life, or so I thought.
I went back in the Army after college as an officer. As I climbed up in rank, many around me smoked cigars. Break time during a dressy social event was a good time to go outside for a good cigar. It was also an opportunity for experienced officers to mentor younger officers. The smoke bothered me so I stayed inside feeling left out, abandoned, missing out on what I saw as a valuable bonding experience.
Chewing tobacco helped many of my fellow officers stay alert during long field exercises or deployments. I guess the negative long term effects of this practice were not as important as the immediate positive effects.
Once we had our youngest, tobacco slowly left our lives. We made better choices. Our home became a "no smoking" zone. The humidors became empty wooden boxes, kept only because they are well crafted. Now they are a memory of a time long ago. One day, they will hold baseball cards or old photos. Today, we spend less time where others permeate their surroundings with smoke. It gives me a headache and I don't want to think about what the second hand effects are. As we drive around town, I still see parents traveling in closed window, smoke filled cars with kids. Ignorance is bliss, I guess. It won't always be.
This morning I asked our son, now a teenager, if he had ever been pressured by peers to smoke cigarettes. He said, "I know someone who smokes. He's not one of my friends. He's older. I don't understand how people can think its good for them." I told him, "Its not. They know its not. For some people, they choose to believe it makes them look well, cool." He replied, "That's just stupid." Then he rolled over and went back to sleep. We'd had our little heart to heart and there was a two hour delay for school due to snow.
Me at age 19...being stupid.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
See yourself as a celebrity
Its fantasy time. Its December 2011. You've been working out and eating right all year. Of course, the world has taken notice of your amazing achievement. Now a celebrity, you've been asked to endorse products. Question to ask yourself: What 10 products would you endorse even if they did not pay you?
Here's my list.
1) Sketchers "Shape Ups. I know. I know. They are really ugly. But hey, having been military for many years, I've been through all the tennis shoe brands...Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, etc. The shape ups? I'm on my second pair. For me, with all my back aches and knee pains, its not about looks. Its about the results.
2) Crest 3D white toothpaste. Again, this is based on results. I use the toothpaste and the rinse. I love it. My husband loves it. The kids love it. Our dentist loves it. Shall I go on? : )
3) Sleep number bed. My husband and I have both suffered back injury from military service. Sleep was always difficult for us. We tossed and turned every night, each looking for a comfortable position. I slept with pillows under my knees. I took prescription Ambien or some over the counter medicine to help me sleep. He complained every morning that he back ached. Desperate for help, it wasn't long before we visited our sleep number representative at the mall. The beds were a bit pricey, but we both knew what we had wasn't going to get better. All I can say is, the sleep number bed...they can have mine when they drag my cold dead body from it. How's that for a product endorsement?
4) Chobani Greek yogurt. Yogurt has changed my life. I once had a doctor that recommended I eat one yogurt every day. I thought she was crazy. Every day for how long? But she was right. Once I started eating yogurt every day, I noticed a lot of the perimenopause symptoms disappeared. Chobani? I like that it is higher protein. My weakness is the pineapple flavor. Its like a Hawaiian vacation in a little cup. Reminds me of the "Dole Whip".
5) Silk Products. I drink 15 calorie Silk creamer in my coffee every morning. It has less than 1 gram of sugar, 1 carb, and no cholesterol. Silk Light Vanilla Soy Milk (70 calorie) has 6 grams of soy protein, only 5 grams of sugar, and only 7 carbs. It has as much calcium as milk, and it tastes great. In comparison, regular low fat milk has 110 calories, 12 grams of sugar, and 12 carbs.
6) Bear Naked granola. We always keep several flavors in the house. My personal favorite is the Bear Naked protein. It has 6 grams of protein. I'm always looking for that extra protein boost. The vanilla almond crunch (4 grams protein) and oats and honey with blueberries (320mg in Omega-3) are also tasty.
7) Green Giant frozen veggies. Be it the antioxidant blend, the healthy vision blend, steam in the bag broccoli or the Just for one singles (I love the 40 calorie broccoli and cheese), they are tasty, they have just the right stuff, and they are easy to make. Just pop in the microwave. Busy moms like easy.
8) Tostitos Artisan recipes roasted garlic and black bean chips. Every now and then, the chips beckon. Come to me. You know you want it. Think smart choices. You need one that is all natural, made with whole grains and is better for you than dipping into that bag of empty carbs, right? These are 0 grams of trans fat, only 1 gram of saturated fat, and they have 2 grams of protein. They are really tasty with mango salsa.
9) Sabra - go mediterranean roasted red pepper hummus. When I was introduced to hummus, I thought not bad but not great. Still, I knew it was healthy so I searched for a flavor I enjoyed. Give it a shot, right? This flavor is great with whole grain NAAN (indian style tandoori flat bread) or whole grain "Wheat Thins crackers". For a great appetizer, try dipping sliced green peppers in hummus.
10) Emergen-C. A dietary supplement with 1,000mg of Vitamin C. I mix the super orange flavor with a small glass of orange juice. Its like a fun fizzy explosion in your mouth and it puts a halt to the common cold. Thats important on days like today. Its beginning to snow.
Thats really just a few of my favorites. There's also the Pure Protein bars (refrigerated Chocolate Peanut Butter is really good) and powders (I blend the Natural Whey Protein- Chocolate or Vanilla in my breakfast drinks). Also, lets not forget the "Biggest Loser" products. I like their whey protein powder too (blueberry or raspberry flavor mixed with water). I could go on, but all this talk about food has made me hungry. I'm thinking a vanilla whey protein, blueberry, banana, and wheat germ smoothie. I have raspberries and strawberries to try also. Maybe tomorrow. : )
Here's my list.
1) Sketchers "Shape Ups. I know. I know. They are really ugly. But hey, having been military for many years, I've been through all the tennis shoe brands...Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, etc. The shape ups? I'm on my second pair. For me, with all my back aches and knee pains, its not about looks. Its about the results.
2) Crest 3D white toothpaste. Again, this is based on results. I use the toothpaste and the rinse. I love it. My husband loves it. The kids love it. Our dentist loves it. Shall I go on? : )
3) Sleep number bed. My husband and I have both suffered back injury from military service. Sleep was always difficult for us. We tossed and turned every night, each looking for a comfortable position. I slept with pillows under my knees. I took prescription Ambien or some over the counter medicine to help me sleep. He complained every morning that he back ached. Desperate for help, it wasn't long before we visited our sleep number representative at the mall. The beds were a bit pricey, but we both knew what we had wasn't going to get better. All I can say is, the sleep number bed...they can have mine when they drag my cold dead body from it. How's that for a product endorsement?
4) Chobani Greek yogurt. Yogurt has changed my life. I once had a doctor that recommended I eat one yogurt every day. I thought she was crazy. Every day for how long? But she was right. Once I started eating yogurt every day, I noticed a lot of the perimenopause symptoms disappeared. Chobani? I like that it is higher protein. My weakness is the pineapple flavor. Its like a Hawaiian vacation in a little cup. Reminds me of the "Dole Whip".
5) Silk Products. I drink 15 calorie Silk creamer in my coffee every morning. It has less than 1 gram of sugar, 1 carb, and no cholesterol. Silk Light Vanilla Soy Milk (70 calorie) has 6 grams of soy protein, only 5 grams of sugar, and only 7 carbs. It has as much calcium as milk, and it tastes great. In comparison, regular low fat milk has 110 calories, 12 grams of sugar, and 12 carbs.
6) Bear Naked granola. We always keep several flavors in the house. My personal favorite is the Bear Naked protein. It has 6 grams of protein. I'm always looking for that extra protein boost. The vanilla almond crunch (4 grams protein) and oats and honey with blueberries (320mg in Omega-3) are also tasty.
7) Green Giant frozen veggies. Be it the antioxidant blend, the healthy vision blend, steam in the bag broccoli or the Just for one singles (I love the 40 calorie broccoli and cheese), they are tasty, they have just the right stuff, and they are easy to make. Just pop in the microwave. Busy moms like easy.
8) Tostitos Artisan recipes roasted garlic and black bean chips. Every now and then, the chips beckon. Come to me. You know you want it. Think smart choices. You need one that is all natural, made with whole grains and is better for you than dipping into that bag of empty carbs, right? These are 0 grams of trans fat, only 1 gram of saturated fat, and they have 2 grams of protein. They are really tasty with mango salsa.
9) Sabra - go mediterranean roasted red pepper hummus. When I was introduced to hummus, I thought not bad but not great. Still, I knew it was healthy so I searched for a flavor I enjoyed. Give it a shot, right? This flavor is great with whole grain NAAN (indian style tandoori flat bread) or whole grain "Wheat Thins crackers". For a great appetizer, try dipping sliced green peppers in hummus.
10) Emergen-C. A dietary supplement with 1,000mg of Vitamin C. I mix the super orange flavor with a small glass of orange juice. Its like a fun fizzy explosion in your mouth and it puts a halt to the common cold. Thats important on days like today. Its beginning to snow.
Thats really just a few of my favorites. There's also the Pure Protein bars (refrigerated Chocolate Peanut Butter is really good) and powders (I blend the Natural Whey Protein- Chocolate or Vanilla in my breakfast drinks). Also, lets not forget the "Biggest Loser" products. I like their whey protein powder too (blueberry or raspberry flavor mixed with water). I could go on, but all this talk about food has made me hungry. I'm thinking a vanilla whey protein, blueberry, banana, and wheat germ smoothie. I have raspberries and strawberries to try also. Maybe tomorrow. : )
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bouncing back
Years ago, when I got pregnant with our son, I was active duty Army. I was also 20lbs heavier than I am today. During my pregnancy, I gained another 40lbs. It wasn't easy. We were stationed at Fort Bragg during most of my pregnancy. If there is one thing they believe in at Fort Bragg, its exercise. I worked out nearly every day of my pregnancy. On my due date, I was photographed for an issue about pregnant soldiers in the Army Times. I was 177lbs. Regardless of my dedicated exercise regimen, the doctors were concerned. I was gaining too much weight. I was regularly checked for gestational diabetes. My blood pressure was elevated. I spent the last two weeks, at home, laying on my left side as my boss impatiently telephoned asking when I could come back to work. Eventually, our son was born. He weighed in at 9.5lbs. I consider myself fortunate. My father had been a 12 pounder at birth. When I left the hospital, I was still pretty big. I'd like to say it was all baby weight, but that would be dishonest. I still had quite a bit to lose if I wanted to be "fit to fight".
Nursing helped immensely, and I was back down to my before pregnancy weight in less than sixty days; however, that weight was not my "Be All I Could Be" weight. I kept exercising. I went back to work. I worked out with the unit, did my Army Physical Fitness Test, my 20K ruck march, and for home, we bought a treadmill. I worked out like a fiend, but I was battling injuries I'd incurred over my military service. A herniation and disc bulges in my back; a straightened C-spine, cartilage and ACL issues in my knees; and a strange unexplainable cramping in my big toes. I was told one leg was longer than the other. One doctor even told me, to improve my posture, I should stick out my butt more. Lets just say, I went through a lot of 800mg Motrin AKA Ranger candy.
If I was going to bounce back from this pregnancy physically fit, I needed a new plan. I needed to eat better, and smarter. I needed a meal plan that worked. I tried the fad diets. I did Atkins, but to be honest, I couldn't force myself to eat all that meat. So it didn't last. I tried South Beach. I loved the menus, but the portions were really small. Ask any of my friends. I like to eat. There were so many diet plans to choose from. I had friends that succeeded on weight watchers. It was a lot of work to figure out all those points. I'm not that patient. And I really didn't want to commit to regular meetings. I am shy. Ha ha. : )
What I needed was a plan that drew from all the available plans. I needed something that was all about me, planned specifically for me. I took bits of this and bits of that. I read. I watched television. I paid attention. I created "the me plan". Today, though I still battle the old injuries and I always will, I am much healthier. I have bounced back from a lifetime of bad habits (well most of them). Its never too late to get healthy.
Nursing helped immensely, and I was back down to my before pregnancy weight in less than sixty days; however, that weight was not my "Be All I Could Be" weight. I kept exercising. I went back to work. I worked out with the unit, did my Army Physical Fitness Test, my 20K ruck march, and for home, we bought a treadmill. I worked out like a fiend, but I was battling injuries I'd incurred over my military service. A herniation and disc bulges in my back; a straightened C-spine, cartilage and ACL issues in my knees; and a strange unexplainable cramping in my big toes. I was told one leg was longer than the other. One doctor even told me, to improve my posture, I should stick out my butt more. Lets just say, I went through a lot of 800mg Motrin AKA Ranger candy.
If I was going to bounce back from this pregnancy physically fit, I needed a new plan. I needed to eat better, and smarter. I needed a meal plan that worked. I tried the fad diets. I did Atkins, but to be honest, I couldn't force myself to eat all that meat. So it didn't last. I tried South Beach. I loved the menus, but the portions were really small. Ask any of my friends. I like to eat. There were so many diet plans to choose from. I had friends that succeeded on weight watchers. It was a lot of work to figure out all those points. I'm not that patient. And I really didn't want to commit to regular meetings. I am shy. Ha ha. : )
What I needed was a plan that drew from all the available plans. I needed something that was all about me, planned specifically for me. I took bits of this and bits of that. I read. I watched television. I paid attention. I created "the me plan". Today, though I still battle the old injuries and I always will, I am much healthier. I have bounced back from a lifetime of bad habits (well most of them). Its never too late to get healthy.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Powerful
I rarely ever walk on weekends. Its my recovery time. But today, I walked five miles. I needed to. There are things that happen in our world that make us feel powerless to do anything. Be it hunger, disease, flooding, or a senseless shooting, we are left wishing we could do something, even if its small, to help those in need.
For years, I gave blood every two months, one pint at a time. A universal donor, the Red Cross representatives would call me at home to let me know where I could go to give. I was nearing my third gallon when I was abruptly stopped. Why? I was stopped because I had eaten meat, while stationed in Germany, back in the nineteen eighties. Because of the fear of mad cow, they decided they no longer wanted my blood. To this day, whenever I see a blood mobile, I stop and ask if, by some chance, the rules have changed. I would like to give blood again, to do my small part. Maybe someday. If you are of age and meet the requirements, please try to give blood. It really doesn't hurt much and it saves lives.
This year, I walk for charity. Beside the fact that I am getting healthier in the process, it makes me feel like I'm doing something to help, something positive. My hope is that what I am doing will inspire others to reach out, to do what they can to help someone in need this year. Spread the word. Share ideas with family and friends. Reach out. Invite a friend to do something with you. Volunteer your time if you can. You don't have to be a celebrity. You don't have to be wealthy. We are all powerful. And we can make a difference in this world.
For years, I gave blood every two months, one pint at a time. A universal donor, the Red Cross representatives would call me at home to let me know where I could go to give. I was nearing my third gallon when I was abruptly stopped. Why? I was stopped because I had eaten meat, while stationed in Germany, back in the nineteen eighties. Because of the fear of mad cow, they decided they no longer wanted my blood. To this day, whenever I see a blood mobile, I stop and ask if, by some chance, the rules have changed. I would like to give blood again, to do my small part. Maybe someday. If you are of age and meet the requirements, please try to give blood. It really doesn't hurt much and it saves lives.
This year, I walk for charity. Beside the fact that I am getting healthier in the process, it makes me feel like I'm doing something to help, something positive. My hope is that what I am doing will inspire others to reach out, to do what they can to help someone in need this year. Spread the word. Share ideas with family and friends. Reach out. Invite a friend to do something with you. Volunteer your time if you can. You don't have to be a celebrity. You don't have to be wealthy. We are all powerful. And we can make a difference in this world.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Get a mini makeover
Eventually, no matter how you ignore it, age creeps up on you. Whether its an innocent comment from one of your kids, an old ache you can't escape, or just a morning glance in the mirror, growing older is inevitable. We all would prefer to do it in our own time and well...gracefully, if possible.
I turn 48 this year. Slowly approaching the big 5 oh, I want, to get there feeling and looking my best. Being a woman, I am told I have all the cards stacked against me with the big "M", if I so choose to believe that. I have always been a fighter, willing to stand on someone's desk and raise hell for a noble cause. As I see it, I cannot fight for others if I am sitting in my rocking chair complaining of my arthritis. And yes, I do have both. Love the rocking chair. Hate the arthritis.
So, In an effort to slow the effects of age, I get a mini makeover now and then. Like Madonna, I transition to a new woman, a new me. I may color/cut my hair, get a facial, suffer through a pedicure (my feet are extremely ticklish), or well, just buy a new outfit that makes me feel beautiful. Whatever works, you know?
Growing up, I had brothers. I never had sisters to show me how to apply makeup, or to fix up my hair. We didn't have money for the latest fad in clothes. No internet, no videos...heck, we only had four or five television channels. I didn't even have "Barbie" dolls.
Remember the movie "Flower Drum Song"? The song "I enjoy being a girl"? When I was a teen, I didn't get it. Now I do. I so enjoy being a girl. I refuse to accept that the cards are stacked against me. I will see the glass half full and "enjoy being a girl". God willing, I will feel younger even if I do have to do a bit of lady maintenance along the way.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Be a rainbow eater, but watch out for that leprechaun tempting you with the golden stuff
What is a rainbow eater? Well, A rainbow eater fills up on the colorful foods like veggies and fruits.
yellow- peppers, corn, bananas, pineapple
yellow- peppers, corn, bananas, pineapple
orange- peppers, carrots, oranges, peaches, squash
red- apples, strawberries, tomatoes, pomegranate
purple- eggplant, grapes
blue- blueberries
green - apples, broccoli, spinach, peas, green beans, zucchini, asparagus, peppers, lettuce
I could go on, but I think you get the idea. Make veggies and fruits your new "filler" foods. Then supplement with things like whole wheats, whole grains, brown rice, etc. Some of us need the extra fiber. Add some healthy browns. I love pears, mushrooms, unsalted almonds or peanuts. Yogurt? Whatever color you like is good. I like the "Chobani" Greek with pineapple, blueberry, or pomegranate, (higher protein). And yes, I have a cup of coffee in the morning...though I have transitioned to decaf. My husband does half caf coffee.
Avoid the fried foods (the golden stuff) and sodas (yes even diet); bake what you can, drink lots of water, and when you can, try something new. Keep an open mind when it comes to food. Make shopping for groceries an enjoyable experience, an adventure even. If you have kids, take them along. They love to calculate totals, read labels, and make comparisons.
If you have to have meat, try changing recipes substituting ground turkey for ground beef. I've made turkey chili, turkey tacos, turkey stuffed peppers, turkey "Manwich" and one day, I plan to make turkey shephard's pie with mashed sweet potatoes instead of mashed white potatoes. My husband makes faces at this one, but I like to experiment. I think he'd prefer I stuck to fish dishes. We both love seafood, especially salmon.
Yesterday, I decided to try one of the vegetarian meals I've been snubbing for years. Sure, I'll eat a Mushroom Swiss veggie burger (portobello mushroom burgers are my favorite), Kashi products are yummy and I love the taste of Silk Soy milks and creamers, but I assumed most of those vegetarian or vegan meals in the frozen food section would be bland. I still want food to taste good. The one I selected was Morning Star Chik'n Enchilada with brown rice (280 calories, 12 grams of protein). I used to live in Arizona. I have a weakness for Mexican food. You know what? It was really good. Now I want to try something else.
So, be a rainbow eater and soon you will feel like wrestling that nasty little leprechaun for his real gold...a prize worth having...a healthier you. : )
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Hulk had it right
Remember the Incredible Hulk? Scientist David Banner is hit with excessive gamma rays. Whenever he gets angry, he becomes the Hulk, a massive green creature in ripped clothing storming through the streets, wrecking havoc on everything around him. Then what does he do? Instinctively, he separates himself from whatever angered him and goes for a run. After a while, he begins to calm down and eventually becomes mild mannered David Banner again. Its simple, but it works. Never been hit with gamma rays? Sure you have. We all have. Ever had a bad day at work, received an email that just made you want to slap some sense into the sender, got an unexpected bill, or just felt completely unable to not sweat the small stuff? We all have. We are human just like scientist David Banner.
So, whenever you feel like turning big and green, wrecking havoc you might regret later, take a hint from him. Separate yourself from whatever angers you and get some physical exercise. Go for a walk, a run, ride a bike, or just clean something. Its easier to deal with stress as a David Banner, than it is as a Hulk.
So, whenever you feel like turning big and green, wrecking havoc you might regret later, take a hint from him. Separate yourself from whatever angers you and get some physical exercise. Go for a walk, a run, ride a bike, or just clean something. Its easier to deal with stress as a David Banner, than it is as a Hulk.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Fat Baby
I watched "The Biggest Loser" last night. During one run of commercials, I did sit ups. During another, I went for water. I never snack during the show. It just seems wrong. I absolutely love both the BL trainers, though I'm sure if I had to do the job, I'd be more like Jillian. I was in the Army after all.
Everyone on the Biggest Loser has a story. I guess we all do.
From my very beginning, the day I came home from the hospital, I was labeled. Though I was only 6 lbs, my eldest brother (age 10) gave me what he thought was an endearing nickname. He affectionately called me “Fat Baby”. My youngest brother taunted me with that name until I left home at 18. Being fat in our family meant one was healthy, a good eater. I can remember white bread sandwiches, pizza night, TV dinners, Spaghetti, Fried Chicken, burgers, hot dogs, processed lunch meats, etc. There was the infamous favorite of mine, the mayonnaise sandwich. On Sundays, my mother would make her special corned beef hash which consisted of canned corned beef watered down and poured over white bread. Remember cooking with lard? I do. I don’t remember ever being concerned about getting my fruits and vegetables. Most of the vegetables came from my grandmother’s garden. There were a lot of tomatoes and snap beans. On occasion, we did get corn on the cob. Can I count pork and beans as a vegetable? When puberty hit, I was told I had breeding hips. But I believe that was a compliment.
Everyone on the Biggest Loser has a story. I guess we all do.
Though my weight fluctuated over the years, I was never really fat. Where I came from, I was considered curvy. Even so, I wasn't my personal best. I still had bad eating habits. I was in danger. I had high cholesterol and a family history of diabetes. Still, its easy to disregard your health when people around you tell you you look good.
The problem was I didn't feel good. And I was missing things I didn't want to miss. I was always in pain and I took way too many pills for that pain.
I now see my active duty injuries as craters in the road of my life. When I am exercising and eating right, I have the strength to face them without fear. I become a fitness warrior.
Last night, before the show came on, we made Wasabi ginger stir fry veggies... broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, etc. Very filling. Neither of us could finish our meal. For dessert, I had sugar free "Jello". My husband low fat skinny cow ice cream. Our son doesn't like spicy food. He requested PB and J on whole wheat bread, carrots, peas, and applesauce. Gone are days of fried chicken and white bread. We are smarter than that now and I'm glad.
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