No Need to Be Dazed and Confused

I talk to people all day long about health issues....their high blood pressure, their high stress level, their high cholesterol, and their pains --- in pretty much every place they have a place. I notice one common thread among various types of people who don't even know each other: None of them eat in balance or have a regular exercise program. Now, the two operative words in the previous sentence are "balance" and "regular".

Often, there is so much lost in the process of communication because each one of us comes to the party with a different frame of reference. Please allow me a feeble attempt to explain what I mean by this.

If we grew up in a home where we ate toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and meat, potatoes, vegetables, and a roll for dinner --- well --- we would think we're 'really watching' our waistline if currently we are only eating four slices of bread a day (two slices of toast for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch). In addition, rarely, if ever, did any of us grow up on multi-grain bread. I would venture to say that most of us grew up on the 'white demon'. Although greatly lacking in nutritional value, it tastes amazing when it's all soft and smothered in butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. Come on now! Do you THINK I don't know how to have a good time? However, this menu item was NOT supposed to complete our 'fiber' or 'grain' food group for our daily nutritional balance. But, it did. And, now, 20 to 30 years later, we're discovering that what we perceive as "smart eating" really isn't smart at all. It's just a tad better than what we practiced in our childhood and early adulthood.

So, now what? We don't like to be told that the extra 25 to 100 pounds is causing our knee and joint problems. We really don't want to hear that most white, starchy foods have little nutritional value at all. I didn't say "none"...I said "little". The truth is that every time we open our mouth to put food in it we should try to eat as few empty calories as possible. So, it would be better if we ate oatmeal for breakfast with a few chopped walnut meats or raisins (the raisins will automatically sweeten the oatmeal) and, possibly, a piece of fruit. Egg whites are also a power breakfast. You could even have one whole egg and the second egg with just the white. This helps control your fat intake and will enable you to keep your cholesterol levels where they should be. Should you choose the eggs, eat a multi-grain toast and keep it to one slice. Again, add a piece of fruit for fiber. Lunch has many options: a nice chicken stock soup with brown rice and vegetables, a healthy salad with balsamic (to avoid fats), a boneless, skinless chicken breast either broiled or seared in a little olive oil and garlic with a side vegetable. Of course, dinner can be treated much the same as lunch, depending upon what you chose for lunch. Everyone already knows that portion control is half the problem. So, wean yourself from large helpings and second helpings. It may take some time, but the changes we're trying to make are supposed to be for a lifetime. So, don't go so drastic that you give up your fitness goals in three, short weeks and resume all your bad habits.

Living healthy doesn't mean we can't enjoy a piece of cheesecake or a favorite snack every now and then. But, our favorite snacks and desserts cannot be eaten on a daily basis without a consequence. Not everyone breaks out in fat. Some people break out in joint problems, poor stress-management, heart issues, cancers, etc.

Regarding exercise, just remember something I've been repeating pretty much everywhere I leave my mark: Find something "physical" you LOVE to do and DO IT! It doesn't have to be the latest fad or the hottest work-out video or the flavor of the day in DVDs. It just has to be something you really enjoy doing. Then, do it consistently and give it all ya got while you're doing it. If you can add music to the workout --- all the better. Maybe, you'd rather do your power walk alone in the brisk air so you don't have to talk or listen to anything or anyone and can just cleanse your mind in the process.

Simple strategies here. Nothing that requires brilliance or even creativity. But, it will take desire and commitment. Are you committed to looking and feeling better? If your answer is "no" or you're not sure, the only one left hurting is you. Think about it.

Deb

Get Your Body in Motion - Some Simple Tips to Get Moving

Well, the weather has been fabulous in those parts of the country that actually experience the colors of autumn! It hasn't been too rainy or too cold. So, let me ask you. What has been stopping you from moving your body? If I had to guess, I'd say it's because you believe that exercise has to be complicated. You feel if you don't go to a gym or a Tai Chi class or lift weights --- you just can't reap any benefits.

Let me tell you straight up: you're dead wrong!

Yes, it would be highly beneficial if you did have a regular routine of cardio and strength training 3 to 5 times per week. It would also be beneficial if you regularly invested the maximum out of your paycheck into your 401(k) plan. (Believe me, this is true...even in the current economy.) However, doing SOMETHING is better than nothing --- in BOTH situations. Of course, always consult your family physician before beginning any exercise program. Now, allow me make some suggestions.

On nice days, consider a few of the following:

• Drive to a nearby park and walk the trails or along the grassy areas. It's good for your body and will clear your head from the worries surrounding that 401(k)
• Walk around your neighborhood after work and before dinner. You will actually increase your metabolism before eating, which will cause you to eat less and burn off dinner faster
• If you prefer company, take your dog for a walk (if you have one). If you don't own one of "man's best friends", offer to walk your neighbor's dog. After a few times, your neighbor may even have the desire to join you. You will now have a walking partner and Fido will actually have "two" friends!

Now, if it's a cold, dreary, wet, or snowy day:

• Simply throw on a CD and dance your heart out. If you live with other people and feel a little self-conscious about this --- well --- get up before they do or find a private place in your home and close the door behind you. No one will be able to see you, so you may as well CUT LOOSE!
• Invest in a mini tramp and jump to the music. This is easier on the lower back if you wear good running shoes AND it's lots of fun. It basically provides the same benefit as jogging.
• Keep your eyes open for a recumbent bike. This bike design is also easier on the lower back. While pedaling, you can view your favorite TV show and 20 - 30 minutes will fly by.
• Let's not forget the abundance of work-out DVDs. Find one at your fitness level and you will immediately have a work-out buddy. You can often find DVDs on Amazon.com for just a few dollars and most are good as new.

By the way, I bought an Urban Rebounder mini tramp for $129. That was a few years ago. But, you can purchase other brands of mini trampolines at most sporting goods stores and sporting goods departments of retail stores. Costs vary, but don't forget your local Paper Shop circulars and, of course, the Classifieds. I only paid $90 for my recumbent bike, which I found in a Classified Ad. It was in perfect condition when I bought it two years ago and it still is. Also, don't forget that soooo many people buy mini tramps and stationary bikes only to have them sit in their bedrooms and function as coat racks. Often times, they look for opportunities to sell them inexpensively. (Not good for them, but good for you!)

One last thought, if you live in a warm, sunny climate either in the desert or by the beach --- then, walking along the beach on the sand offers an X-TREME walk! Also, I found some of the best walking experiences in flat, desert areas. It provides the environment for a faster walking pace. And, of course, when it does rain --- all of the above tips are for you, too. :)

So, spend less time on your couch and more time on your floor. Just 20 minutes a day, three to four times a week will provide you with amazing results. You will have more energy, you'll eat less because you'll get full faster, and you will sleep better. You'll even see a difference in your waistline and legs. Who knows? You may just get addicted to your newly found fitness level and decide to join a gym or sign up for Tai Chi!

Please visit my website at: http://www.3in1fitness.com/ or email me at debracostanzo@3in1fitness.com.

Deb