Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Holiday Blues

There is way too much good food around right now to even think about dieting. But no - we don't talk about dieting, do we? We refer to being healthy instead. That has been my goal for a while now. Slowly, but surely, I am seeing my way back to feeling, if not healthy, at least a bit better. I'm drinking more water, less Diet Coke, and more tea. I've started drinking chamomile tea in the evenings which has helped me sleep. I still can't make myself eat beef or pork, but I am eating chicken or turkey at least three times a week and salmon once. I love salmon. Have you been to Lonestar Steakhouse? They have a Sweet Bourbon Salmon that's like eating candy.
My son keeps after me to exercise, so tonight I did. I'm not sure how this will set with my rib condition (costochondritis), but I got on my old Cardio Glide. Remember those? I have one in my basement and went down and glided (why it's called that, I'll never know) for about a half hour. Pray I can still move tomorrow!
I've heard many times that people gain weight during the holidays, but I've always had the exact opposite happen because I'm so busy this time of year, and this year is no different. Perhaps if my gliding works out, I can keep it up and keep the scale going down. I haven't measured my waistline lately. That's really my best gauge.
So, I hope you're making it through the holidays without going crazy with the sweets and goodies that abound this time of year. My mother-in-law made me a fruitcake, and of course, I have to eat it. I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings - and besides - it has fruit in it. I can also find an excuse to eat one more Buckeye - it has peanut butter and peanuts are full of protein. Ha! Now if I could just explain away the butter and milk chocolate. But I don't want to get too carried away with the excuses. Before long, all that sugar really would give me the holiday blues. I've been feeling better, and want to keep on my path to healthy living.
I hope your Christmas and New Year are blessed and full of joy. We'll travel this road to health in spite of all the dinners and parties, won't we? At least, let's try!
(Originally posted 12-09, but not much has changed. :)
Illustration courtesy of Kit Grady, who illustrated my picture book for children, Bradybug.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Wellness Mama

A good friend of mine called yesterday and told me about a blog she follows where she has learned a new way of eating. In five weeks, she has lost 17 lbs. Impressive. But the important thing is, she has arthritis and she is feeling much less pain. Now that's what I call a impressive!

So, here's the link. Check it out. Let me know if you follow the plan and have success with it, too. I'm trying to re-program my mind to think of sugar and flour as toxins for my metabolism.

Here's the link to The Wellness Mama: http://wellnessmama.com/

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Crunch Time!

Okay, people. It's crunch time. I would like to feel good and enjoy this wonderful time in our lives. Instead, I'm suffering with plantar fascitis. At this point, I have to limp. No cute shoes for me.

Here are the causes of the condition:

•Tighter calf muscles that make it difficult to flex your foot and bring your toes up toward your shin
•Obesity
•Very high arch
•Repetitive impact activity (running/sports)
•New or increased activity

Hmm....well, I'm not running and my arches are fine. Yep, you and I both know what's happening here. So, I look at September almost like a New Year. This extra weight is really hurting and making me sick - in more ways than one.

Today, I will dig out that tape measure. I won't bore you with my starting number, but I will post progress as my waist size goes down. That will be my gauge. Not weight. My waist AND how I feel.

Here we go...again.

Image: kongsky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Ouch! Golfer's Elbow?

I said in an earlier post that I was going to give the Pilates Power Gym a try. Well, I did what I always do - I overdid it. Earlier this week, I noticed a burning sensation and occasional pain on the inside of my elbow. It's kind of like when you have blood drawn and then you feel sore in that area, but I had the added element of occasional pain shooting through my arm. When it didn't go away immediately, I did what most of us do these days - I Googled it. Unlike 'tennis elbow' which hurts on the outside, 'golfer's elbow' hurts on the inside. As I continued my search, I ended up in a forum for bodybuilders, and it turns out that using too much weight or improper form when doing exercizes for biceps can cause the condition.

So, even though I love the machine I've been using, I'm going to have to be more careful. In the past, when I hurt myself overdoing, I would quit. "What's the use?" I'd say. "I always get hurt." Well, I'm not going to let myself fall into that trap this time. I'm determined to continue.

Have you tried something new lately? How are you doing with your goals?

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

How I Said Good-Bye to Sugar





Are you able to stay away from sugar? That could prove to be very difficult. Here's one woman's account of her struggle and eventual victory over sugar cravings.


How I Said Good-Bye to Sugar












Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Trying Something New - Pilates Power Gym


A new year. A new machine. Well, almost new. My friend, Teri, bought the Pilates Power Gym and I got a great buy on it used (Thanks, Teri!). I just had to order the workout DVD. Now that I have the DVD, I have no excuse. I must utililize the machine. So, today is my first day to try the basic workout.

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