Definitely a good thing, I know. A nice step, to me, in the right direction of weight loss. I've been noticing it for awhile, but today I got a salad from SaladWorks. Don't get too happy, it was a create your own with the pasta as a base and eggs, turkey, chicken, cheese and shrimp. Very protein and carb heavy. However, I only ate about 1/3 of it and the multi-grain roll that came with it. So I know what I am having for dinner tonight.
Dancing tonight! Woo!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Combat fat!
Foods that work for battling the bulge:
1. Almonds- Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. 12 per serving or 3 oz. a day works.
2. Berries- Vitamin-C loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you sizzle up to 30% more fat during exercise. A vinaigrette blend that can be made is 1 cup of berries and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
3. Cinnamon- Sprinkling 1/4 teaspoon on food can prevent a postmeal insulin spike which occurs after you eat and signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it.
4. Mustard- The spice that gives mustard its color, tumeric, may slow the growth of fat tissues. Use instead of mayo and sprinkle tumeric on cauliflower and roast for a tangy side.
5. Oranges- Contains fat-torching compounds called flavones. For the biggest payback, snack on slices or drink freshly squeezed OJ with the pulp. (Actually I love the pulp. One of my favorite things about fresh squeezed OJ. I'm one of those that buys the extra pulp juice at the store)
6. Soybeans- Rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Edamame here I come!
7. Sweet potatoes- High in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato and think of two bars of soap as a portion size. Top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.
8. Swiss cheese- Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown. Swiss cheese is a heavy hitter in the calcium department.
1. Almonds- Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. 12 per serving or 3 oz. a day works.
2. Berries- Vitamin-C loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you sizzle up to 30% more fat during exercise. A vinaigrette blend that can be made is 1 cup of berries and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
3. Cinnamon- Sprinkling 1/4 teaspoon on food can prevent a postmeal insulin spike which occurs after you eat and signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it.
4. Mustard- The spice that gives mustard its color, tumeric, may slow the growth of fat tissues. Use instead of mayo and sprinkle tumeric on cauliflower and roast for a tangy side.
5. Oranges- Contains fat-torching compounds called flavones. For the biggest payback, snack on slices or drink freshly squeezed OJ with the pulp. (Actually I love the pulp. One of my favorite things about fresh squeezed OJ. I'm one of those that buys the extra pulp juice at the store)
6. Soybeans- Rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Edamame here I come!
7. Sweet potatoes- High in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato and think of two bars of soap as a portion size. Top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.
8. Swiss cheese- Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown. Swiss cheese is a heavy hitter in the calcium department.
Top Tips for Flat Abs (Eating Required!)
Snagged from this article:
1) Go on an abs spree
Grouping all your ab exercises together can deliver better results than switching back and forth between various body parts, according to Nicole Stewart, a pilates instructor in Los Angeles. Working your abs to the "burning" point delivers a sizzling stomach.
2) Feast on a little fat!
A smidge of fat in your diet can actually help your midsection get svelte. Studies suggest that foods rich in monounsaturated fats—including olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado—can help prevent the accumulation of unwelcome tummy fat. See 8 superfoods that combat fat.
3) Try teamwork
Toning up and slimming down doesn't need to be a solitary pursuit. Grab a pal for this exercise: Lie on the floor with your legs straight up in the air, says Akin Williams, a group fitness instructor at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City, who created this move. Ask a buddy to command you to bring your legs up and down randomly (saying, for example, "Right leg down, left leg up" and "Both legs up") every few seconds. Use your ab muscles to follow her directions, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Do this for three or four 20- to 60-second sets, resting 1 minute between each set. Then switch and you be the leader. These random commands trigger a rapid contraction of your muscles, tiring the more easily sculpted areas of your abs, so "you see better results in less time," says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist in San Diego for the American Council on Exercise. Hey, what are friends for?
4) Tone abs while you burn fat
Heart-pumping activity triggers your body to convert abdominal fat to fuel, research shows. Aim to do 30 minutes or more most days. Squeeze even more belly benefits from your stint on the treadmill by ramping up the incline, or relying on your core muscles to keep you upright on the elliptical (grip the handlebars, but don't use them to support you!) to engage your core, says Joanna Stahl, group fitness instructor at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City.
5) Try the Dragonfly
Start on all fours, a weight in each hand. Extend left leg behind you in line with body; extend right arm out to side at shoulder level. Keeping left leg lifted, curl weight toward chest (see the move). Straighten arm for one rep. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
6) Find your balance
A great way to tighten and tone your core? Give yourself a stay-steady challenge. "Strength moves requiring balance work the tough-to-reach transverse abdominis more effectively than traditional ab toners do," says Robert Sherman, a trainer in Rockville, Maryland. Use a folded bath towel, a BOSU or a pair of balance pods to make it hard to find your footing for this move, called the Lunge-Up: With left foot on pod or towel, lower into lunge, knee over ankle, thigh parallel to ground, right knee bent with heel raised, hands on hips (see the move). As you straighten left leg, push off ball of right foot, bringing right thigh in front and parallel to ground, balancing on pod. Slowly return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat.
5) Bend those knees
Add a tummy-toning balance challenge to traditional squats by doing them on one leg, as Roxy pro surfer Kassia Meador swears by. Do two sets of 12 reps on alternate days for abs that make waves.
6) Do the ab-up
A side plank sculpts flat abs fast by focusing on obliques, the muscles that wrap around your middle and hold you in. Lie on left side, resting on left forearm and left hip, knees and feet stacked, right arm at side. Lift left hip into a side plank (see the move). Lower and touch left hip to ground, then lift back up, holding abs in tight, for one rep. Do 20 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
7) Go bananas!
The fruit contains 422 milligrams of potassium, which helps limit belly-bloating sodium in your body. Talk about peel appeal! Another source: four stalks of celery deliver 416 mg of potassium.
8) Do bench presses
Extending your arms during the pec-perking exercise causes your ab muscles to contract, toning your abs as well as your arms. Add two sets of 12 reps to your usual routine.
9) Chill out
Increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can lead to excess stomach fat, research shows. Try delegating work duties, pursue a hobby you find relaxing, whether it's knitting or jewelry making, and make laid-back lunch dates with buddies to lighten your mood—and slim your middle!
1) Go on an abs spree
Grouping all your ab exercises together can deliver better results than switching back and forth between various body parts, according to Nicole Stewart, a pilates instructor in Los Angeles. Working your abs to the "burning" point delivers a sizzling stomach.
2) Feast on a little fat!
A smidge of fat in your diet can actually help your midsection get svelte. Studies suggest that foods rich in monounsaturated fats—including olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado—can help prevent the accumulation of unwelcome tummy fat. See 8 superfoods that combat fat.
3) Try teamwork
Toning up and slimming down doesn't need to be a solitary pursuit. Grab a pal for this exercise: Lie on the floor with your legs straight up in the air, says Akin Williams, a group fitness instructor at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City, who created this move. Ask a buddy to command you to bring your legs up and down randomly (saying, for example, "Right leg down, left leg up" and "Both legs up") every few seconds. Use your ab muscles to follow her directions, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Do this for three or four 20- to 60-second sets, resting 1 minute between each set. Then switch and you be the leader. These random commands trigger a rapid contraction of your muscles, tiring the more easily sculpted areas of your abs, so "you see better results in less time," says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist in San Diego for the American Council on Exercise. Hey, what are friends for?
4) Tone abs while you burn fat
Heart-pumping activity triggers your body to convert abdominal fat to fuel, research shows. Aim to do 30 minutes or more most days. Squeeze even more belly benefits from your stint on the treadmill by ramping up the incline, or relying on your core muscles to keep you upright on the elliptical (grip the handlebars, but don't use them to support you!) to engage your core, says Joanna Stahl, group fitness instructor at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City.
5) Try the Dragonfly
Start on all fours, a weight in each hand. Extend left leg behind you in line with body; extend right arm out to side at shoulder level. Keeping left leg lifted, curl weight toward chest (see the move). Straighten arm for one rep. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
6) Find your balance
A great way to tighten and tone your core? Give yourself a stay-steady challenge. "Strength moves requiring balance work the tough-to-reach transverse abdominis more effectively than traditional ab toners do," says Robert Sherman, a trainer in Rockville, Maryland. Use a folded bath towel, a BOSU or a pair of balance pods to make it hard to find your footing for this move, called the Lunge-Up: With left foot on pod or towel, lower into lunge, knee over ankle, thigh parallel to ground, right knee bent with heel raised, hands on hips (see the move). As you straighten left leg, push off ball of right foot, bringing right thigh in front and parallel to ground, balancing on pod. Slowly return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat.
5) Bend those knees
Add a tummy-toning balance challenge to traditional squats by doing them on one leg, as Roxy pro surfer Kassia Meador swears by. Do two sets of 12 reps on alternate days for abs that make waves.
6) Do the ab-up
A side plank sculpts flat abs fast by focusing on obliques, the muscles that wrap around your middle and hold you in. Lie on left side, resting on left forearm and left hip, knees and feet stacked, right arm at side. Lift left hip into a side plank (see the move). Lower and touch left hip to ground, then lift back up, holding abs in tight, for one rep. Do 20 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
7) Go bananas!
The fruit contains 422 milligrams of potassium, which helps limit belly-bloating sodium in your body. Talk about peel appeal! Another source: four stalks of celery deliver 416 mg of potassium.
8) Do bench presses
Extending your arms during the pec-perking exercise causes your ab muscles to contract, toning your abs as well as your arms. Add two sets of 12 reps to your usual routine.
9) Chill out
Increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can lead to excess stomach fat, research shows. Try delegating work duties, pursue a hobby you find relaxing, whether it's knitting or jewelry making, and make laid-back lunch dates with buddies to lighten your mood—and slim your middle!
Blah is Blah
I've been slow in updating this, though this week at work has been just insane, coupled with homework and I am a rather busy person it seems. Though this week with emotions/stress, I am also a very down person and it's affecting me adversely.
I am trying to motivate myself to up the amount of exercise I do. I want to start burning more calories and increasing my cardio workout while adding in weights, but I've yet to get the motivation to do so. I don't know if it's because I am working out alone and I don't have someone pushing me by saying you can do it or what.
I also want to find the best ways to burn fat. Unfortunately my diet remains horrid because I am so strapped for cash that I can't do a good shopping trip. I want to switch to a diet where I am eating primarily fruits, veggies, whole grains, olive oil and fish, with the spare servings of eggs, meat, chicken and cheese. Milk is always going to be a constant in my diet because of how much I like it and it's one thing I can't get away from, though my consumption has gone down a lot. And I drink skim milk.
I know that a lot of my issue too is that I see no results and therefore I get extremely discouraged very fast and I want to just say screw it. I am trying my damndest to not do that now, but oh is it hard. I just need to continue on, but I have been feeling so increasingly tired of late and I don't know why. Maybe it's the weather and I need to eat some brazil nuts.
I am trying to motivate myself to up the amount of exercise I do. I want to start burning more calories and increasing my cardio workout while adding in weights, but I've yet to get the motivation to do so. I don't know if it's because I am working out alone and I don't have someone pushing me by saying you can do it or what.
I also want to find the best ways to burn fat. Unfortunately my diet remains horrid because I am so strapped for cash that I can't do a good shopping trip. I want to switch to a diet where I am eating primarily fruits, veggies, whole grains, olive oil and fish, with the spare servings of eggs, meat, chicken and cheese. Milk is always going to be a constant in my diet because of how much I like it and it's one thing I can't get away from, though my consumption has gone down a lot. And I drink skim milk.
I know that a lot of my issue too is that I see no results and therefore I get extremely discouraged very fast and I want to just say screw it. I am trying my damndest to not do that now, but oh is it hard. I just need to continue on, but I have been feeling so increasingly tired of late and I don't know why. Maybe it's the weather and I need to eat some brazil nuts.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Some things are worth the discomfort...
If I can find the nerve to do it, I will post weight and measurements tonight, because I forgot the paper that has my measurements on it. I know my hips are the largest portion of my body. I was so bummed last night too when I took them. My THIGH Is larger than some people's waist! My THIGH! *sigh* That was rather heart wrenching.
My workout last night kicked my ass, too. I had been doing this "weight loss" course on the treadmill. Essentially staying same incline, I just did a slower pace for the "rest" section and a higher pace at the "work" section. So I was doing 2.5 mph walking for rest, 3.2 mph for work. I decided to change it up and do a set speed on one of the other courses that changed incline periodically. I set it at 2.5 mph to start and at first, I was like "I don't think this is gonna give me a workout."
HA!
By ten minutes into the 30 minute workout, I was definitely feeling it. It was making me work for it. Each incline was 1.5 minutes long, and by the time I got to the end, I was ready for the 0 incline. And to push myself further, I did the first 30 seconds "normally" then I upped the speed to 3.5 mph for the last minute and jogged for a minute straight. Now, for me, being so overweight plus just getting back into working out? That was a feat. Especially after already feeling just how much that workout kicked my ass. So I think I am going to start going through each "course" of the treadmill doing the set speed and then trying to jog the last minute. Eventually I want to increase the length of jogging and/or the intensity of the incline.
I thought about adding in weights as well last night, but I am going to hold off on that until either next week or the week after. Monday starts dancing again and that's gonna be fun. Alida's mom is back in the hospital, so if she's still there on Monday and Alida and Dem can't make it, I'll still use the space to practice the choreo I do know, because I want to teach at least one of the choreo routines I know to Roo. Roo won't be at dance on Monday because she's having dinner with JT, but that's cool. I'm gonna do something special the following Monday since that'll also be Roo's birthday.
L & C might make it, but if they can't, dance, dance, dance to the music I go. And I think I am going to start watching the weather for the mornings. I might start taking Anubis for an early morning walk to get my body jumpstarted and that way I can start to intensify working out by doing a morning workout as well as one at night. We'll see how things go.
I might post food later tonight, or later today, depending. Starting to use SparkPeople.com again to track food. I need to add in exercise as well.
I am mildly concerned that my sleep patterns have adjusted to the CPAP machine and causing it to be a moot point. A couple times last night I woke to find my mouth was open. I have a full mask so I should be getting the full effect and that shouldn't happen. I need to clean the machine and perhaps get a different set of pillows to see if that helps. Maybe get some sinus medicine as well, because I could be having sinus issues that are causing blockage, which would lead to my mouth opening. However, my throat is not quite as dry as it was, so I don't think I am snoring.
I can definitely feel the difference, though, when I use the machine at night vs. when I don't. I had a bad sinus night the night before, so I had it on for an hour before I took it off for the night and I woke up feeling on the tired side. I wore it all night and despite the waking up issues, I feel a bit better than yesterday. So unless it's just a night of "No, can't do it at all", I need to make myself wear the thing every single night.
My workout last night kicked my ass, too. I had been doing this "weight loss" course on the treadmill. Essentially staying same incline, I just did a slower pace for the "rest" section and a higher pace at the "work" section. So I was doing 2.5 mph walking for rest, 3.2 mph for work. I decided to change it up and do a set speed on one of the other courses that changed incline periodically. I set it at 2.5 mph to start and at first, I was like "I don't think this is gonna give me a workout."
HA!
By ten minutes into the 30 minute workout, I was definitely feeling it. It was making me work for it. Each incline was 1.5 minutes long, and by the time I got to the end, I was ready for the 0 incline. And to push myself further, I did the first 30 seconds "normally" then I upped the speed to 3.5 mph for the last minute and jogged for a minute straight. Now, for me, being so overweight plus just getting back into working out? That was a feat. Especially after already feeling just how much that workout kicked my ass. So I think I am going to start going through each "course" of the treadmill doing the set speed and then trying to jog the last minute. Eventually I want to increase the length of jogging and/or the intensity of the incline.
I thought about adding in weights as well last night, but I am going to hold off on that until either next week or the week after. Monday starts dancing again and that's gonna be fun. Alida's mom is back in the hospital, so if she's still there on Monday and Alida and Dem can't make it, I'll still use the space to practice the choreo I do know, because I want to teach at least one of the choreo routines I know to Roo. Roo won't be at dance on Monday because she's having dinner with JT, but that's cool. I'm gonna do something special the following Monday since that'll also be Roo's birthday.
L & C might make it, but if they can't, dance, dance, dance to the music I go. And I think I am going to start watching the weather for the mornings. I might start taking Anubis for an early morning walk to get my body jumpstarted and that way I can start to intensify working out by doing a morning workout as well as one at night. We'll see how things go.
I might post food later tonight, or later today, depending. Starting to use SparkPeople.com again to track food. I need to add in exercise as well.
I am mildly concerned that my sleep patterns have adjusted to the CPAP machine and causing it to be a moot point. A couple times last night I woke to find my mouth was open. I have a full mask so I should be getting the full effect and that shouldn't happen. I need to clean the machine and perhaps get a different set of pillows to see if that helps. Maybe get some sinus medicine as well, because I could be having sinus issues that are causing blockage, which would lead to my mouth opening. However, my throat is not quite as dry as it was, so I don't think I am snoring.
I can definitely feel the difference, though, when I use the machine at night vs. when I don't. I had a bad sinus night the night before, so I had it on for an hour before I took it off for the night and I woke up feeling on the tired side. I wore it all night and despite the waking up issues, I feel a bit better than yesterday. So unless it's just a night of "No, can't do it at all", I need to make myself wear the thing every single night.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bah wah?
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday that was a bust. Last week they drew blood to check my lipids since my cholesterol is on the high side. However, I got to the doctor's and they went to pull my test results... only to discover that the lab didn't run the results for my lipids. They even made sure they wrote down that's what they wanted, they did, so they called the lab. Lab basically said "Yeah, you did, but we didn't run them."
...
Hoookay. Anyways, since they didn't have my results, they re-scheduled me to get more blood drawn, which I did this morning, and then I will go back next Friday to do the follow up. I did get some stretching exercises from the doctor to help with the issue I am having in my leg. He said it sounds like I am having some issues in my lower back that is causing some burning down the side of my leg, but it's only concentrating on one side. So he gave me some stretches to do and said if that doesn't help at all, we'll figure something else out. He's not concerned it's a large problem, it's just an uncomfortable one for me.
Actually looking forward to Monday. Well not the work part, but I am looking forward to getting back to dancing. Though it'll be interesting because *I* will be the one leading the "class" LOL. But I can't wait. I've missed dancing. I'll be doing some added "work" on the off dance days in order to make sure that I am prepared to continue teaching as I go on Mondays. Whee.
...
Hoookay. Anyways, since they didn't have my results, they re-scheduled me to get more blood drawn, which I did this morning, and then I will go back next Friday to do the follow up. I did get some stretching exercises from the doctor to help with the issue I am having in my leg. He said it sounds like I am having some issues in my lower back that is causing some burning down the side of my leg, but it's only concentrating on one side. So he gave me some stretches to do and said if that doesn't help at all, we'll figure something else out. He's not concerned it's a large problem, it's just an uncomfortable one for me.
Actually looking forward to Monday. Well not the work part, but I am looking forward to getting back to dancing. Though it'll be interesting because *I* will be the one leading the "class" LOL. But I can't wait. I've missed dancing. I'll be doing some added "work" on the off dance days in order to make sure that I am prepared to continue teaching as I go on Mondays. Whee.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Quiet, quiet
Been kinda quiet on this front, which is no real surprise to some. I have moments of being quiet and things have been as such so far. I relaxed this weekend, mostly. We went to the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Saturday. Froze our asses off waiting for the shuttle bus. Did a ton of walking, which is good because after a Burger King breakfast, some deep fried mozzarella cubes and a milk shake, that walking needed to be done! I was cranky all day for whatever reason, probably because I hadn't slept well and my knee was just aching. It was doing one of those wonderful things where it felt like I needed to pop it, but I knew if I did it would be a painful pop that would just make it worse for the rest of the day. So I dealt with that pain for two days before it finally worked itself out. On top of that, my right leg was acting up and that's the leg I injured last March while dancing. It flares up every once in awhile, which sucks.
In GOOD news, I have dance space now! I am one of those that needs a space to go to when it comes to dancing to keep up with it, plus Alida, Roo and Dem have expressed interest in learning and I know enough of the basics of bellydancing to teach them as I learn from my DVDs to teach them more. I figure this is a very good motivational thing for me to get my butt in gear. Plus I have two co-workers that are interested, so each Monday we are going to use the community center at work as a dance studio to workout once we move all the furniture out of the way. The only time the day would change would be if the community center needs to be used for apartment stuff or one of the residents needs it, then we'll just move to a different day. It's free space that's most unused, so I am putting it to use. Besides, I have this crazy idea that maybe by this summer, we could turn an evening a week into a second session that would be offered to the residents if they so wish as a community activity. Or once a month. I would have to talk to the resident manager about that. For now, we start with Alida, Roo, Dem, C, L and I.
Still trying to get up the nerve to post my weight and measurements. Maybe soon. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I'll know for certain how much I currently weigh. And I need to get my measuring tape from Alida's to take my measurements. I know I want to be totally honest on this journal, but not entirely sure yet if I am REALLY that comfortable with posting that particular intimacy about my struggle. Maybe putting it on in the public "eye" will help me. Who knows.
Until later!
In GOOD news, I have dance space now! I am one of those that needs a space to go to when it comes to dancing to keep up with it, plus Alida, Roo and Dem have expressed interest in learning and I know enough of the basics of bellydancing to teach them as I learn from my DVDs to teach them more. I figure this is a very good motivational thing for me to get my butt in gear. Plus I have two co-workers that are interested, so each Monday we are going to use the community center at work as a dance studio to workout once we move all the furniture out of the way. The only time the day would change would be if the community center needs to be used for apartment stuff or one of the residents needs it, then we'll just move to a different day. It's free space that's most unused, so I am putting it to use. Besides, I have this crazy idea that maybe by this summer, we could turn an evening a week into a second session that would be offered to the residents if they so wish as a community activity. Or once a month. I would have to talk to the resident manager about that. For now, we start with Alida, Roo, Dem, C, L and I.
Still trying to get up the nerve to post my weight and measurements. Maybe soon. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I'll know for certain how much I currently weigh. And I need to get my measuring tape from Alida's to take my measurements. I know I want to be totally honest on this journal, but not entirely sure yet if I am REALLY that comfortable with posting that particular intimacy about my struggle. Maybe putting it on in the public "eye" will help me. Who knows.
Until later!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tips for Boosting Brainpower
I have been having memory issues of late, mostly short term stuff. Almost like I just can't retain anything and it's been EXTREMELY frustrating because I've always been a person with a fairly decent memory. Granted, I can still recall situations that happened at cons a few years ago, but trying to remember something as simple as what I was going to do before I got distracted has been difficult which leads to me being frustrated. I get these emails from Women's Health about things and I decided to make this list becaue it helps boost brainpower and it seems fairly easy.
1. Dance, Dance, Dance- this should be fairly easy as I want to start bellydancing again more seriously as well as just wanting to have a time that's almost like a drum circle where music plays and we just dance no matter how dumb we look.
2. Visit the gym- something I am going to start doing by going to our fitness center across the street for the complex I work in. I have free access to it, dammit, I need to start using it like I was back in June when I was going at least 4 days a week religiously.
3. Crack some eggs- I think this goes along with the meditterranean diet I want to do as well. An egg a morning won't hurt. Just can't overdo it. That is a weakness of mine that's slowly fading because my stomach can't handle the overeating anymore.
4. Keep On Moving On- it's suggested to not multi-task as much because it's like kryptonite to brain matter. Focus on projects one at a time for an hour each, but if something takes more than 60 minutes, set aside time to come back to it so you can re-charge working on something else.
5. Hydrate your mind- Two things with this one. 3 or more 4-ounce glasses of fruit or veggie juice has shown to decrease the chances of Alzheimer's disease. Score. Plus, as much as I like water, sometimes you got mix it up for variety so you don't get bored. V-8 Fruit Fusion is probably THE best invention ever. You get a full serving of fruits and veggies together and it tastes damn good. Then I tend to drink water like a fiend while at work since they provide bottled water.
6. Take a YouTube timeout- This surprised me but it makes sense. Essentially watching videos that will make you laugh because laughter counteracts stress. Need to do this on my breaks.
7. Hit the Hay- This goes without saying and it's slowly getting better for me, though I have some bad nights when I can't handle having the CPAP mask on, or I have nights like last night where apparently at some point I woke up, turned the machine off and took the mask off. Have no memory of doing it, but my guess is I got up for whatever reason and didn't put it back on or I noticed I was having a night where it was one of THOSE nights and took it off so I could sleep. It's not the easiest thing to wear at night, and while I am generally used to it, there are those nights where I can't because of a stuffed up nose or something. Surprisingly, my left nostril seems to be the clearest at night and that's the side I have pierced.
8. Disconnect the cable- They suggest only watching TV for 2 hours a day because it seems to up the ante for people developing Alzheimer's later in life. The goofy side of me wonders if drink fruit and/or veggie juice so much cancels this one out. Highly unlikely if it's on this list.
9. Raid the Spice Rack- Use rosemary on side dishes. Can help reduce the risk of stroke and shield brain cells from free-radical damage. Cinnamon, tumeric, basil, oregano, thyme and sage can also protect the brain. Actually, I have heard that cinnamon also helps those with diabetes as well as prevent it in those at risk for it. Something I need to get back to. I used to have applesauce or yogurt and sprinkled cinnamon into them each morning. Just a teaspoon works. The article also suggests sprinkling 1 teaspoon of it into your coffee. I bet the same can be said for tea. Though it does suggest a teaspoon of rosemary into tea.
10. Study Another Language- Buh wah? Now this one is interesting. Apparently a study was done and it was shown that bilingual seniors kept the worst effects of dementia at bay for 4 years longer than those who didn't know another language. It appears that learning a second language increases the density of gray matter in the areas of your brain the govern attention and memory. Makes sense. Guess this just increases my urge to learn Italian. Need to dig out my CDs again for the car. :-D Hadn't been listening to them because I have such a short commute, though I do drive for lunches every day too...
11. Floss Your Teeth- ... Huh, didn't know that one, but I guess it makes sense that gum disease can cause issues as it travels through the blood stream to other vital organs. Looks like I need to floss more. I need to get to the dentist soon as well anyway, stupid hole in my tooth.
12. Go Green- Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea per day can make you 20% less likely to experience psychological distress than if you drank less than a cup. Hm. Looks like I need to up my intake of green tea. Between the water, veggie/fruit juice and tea they are suggesting, I'm gonna float away...
x-posted to LJ
1. Dance, Dance, Dance- this should be fairly easy as I want to start bellydancing again more seriously as well as just wanting to have a time that's almost like a drum circle where music plays and we just dance no matter how dumb we look.
2. Visit the gym- something I am going to start doing by going to our fitness center across the street for the complex I work in. I have free access to it, dammit, I need to start using it like I was back in June when I was going at least 4 days a week religiously.
3. Crack some eggs- I think this goes along with the meditterranean diet I want to do as well. An egg a morning won't hurt. Just can't overdo it. That is a weakness of mine that's slowly fading because my stomach can't handle the overeating anymore.
4. Keep On Moving On- it's suggested to not multi-task as much because it's like kryptonite to brain matter. Focus on projects one at a time for an hour each, but if something takes more than 60 minutes, set aside time to come back to it so you can re-charge working on something else.
5. Hydrate your mind- Two things with this one. 3 or more 4-ounce glasses of fruit or veggie juice has shown to decrease the chances of Alzheimer's disease. Score. Plus, as much as I like water, sometimes you got mix it up for variety so you don't get bored. V-8 Fruit Fusion is probably THE best invention ever. You get a full serving of fruits and veggies together and it tastes damn good. Then I tend to drink water like a fiend while at work since they provide bottled water.
6. Take a YouTube timeout- This surprised me but it makes sense. Essentially watching videos that will make you laugh because laughter counteracts stress. Need to do this on my breaks.
7. Hit the Hay- This goes without saying and it's slowly getting better for me, though I have some bad nights when I can't handle having the CPAP mask on, or I have nights like last night where apparently at some point I woke up, turned the machine off and took the mask off. Have no memory of doing it, but my guess is I got up for whatever reason and didn't put it back on or I noticed I was having a night where it was one of THOSE nights and took it off so I could sleep. It's not the easiest thing to wear at night, and while I am generally used to it, there are those nights where I can't because of a stuffed up nose or something. Surprisingly, my left nostril seems to be the clearest at night and that's the side I have pierced.
8. Disconnect the cable- They suggest only watching TV for 2 hours a day because it seems to up the ante for people developing Alzheimer's later in life. The goofy side of me wonders if drink fruit and/or veggie juice so much cancels this one out. Highly unlikely if it's on this list.
9. Raid the Spice Rack- Use rosemary on side dishes. Can help reduce the risk of stroke and shield brain cells from free-radical damage. Cinnamon, tumeric, basil, oregano, thyme and sage can also protect the brain. Actually, I have heard that cinnamon also helps those with diabetes as well as prevent it in those at risk for it. Something I need to get back to. I used to have applesauce or yogurt and sprinkled cinnamon into them each morning. Just a teaspoon works. The article also suggests sprinkling 1 teaspoon of it into your coffee. I bet the same can be said for tea. Though it does suggest a teaspoon of rosemary into tea.
10. Study Another Language- Buh wah? Now this one is interesting. Apparently a study was done and it was shown that bilingual seniors kept the worst effects of dementia at bay for 4 years longer than those who didn't know another language. It appears that learning a second language increases the density of gray matter in the areas of your brain the govern attention and memory. Makes sense. Guess this just increases my urge to learn Italian. Need to dig out my CDs again for the car. :-D Hadn't been listening to them because I have such a short commute, though I do drive for lunches every day too...
11. Floss Your Teeth- ... Huh, didn't know that one, but I guess it makes sense that gum disease can cause issues as it travels through the blood stream to other vital organs. Looks like I need to floss more. I need to get to the dentist soon as well anyway, stupid hole in my tooth.
12. Go Green- Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea per day can make you 20% less likely to experience psychological distress than if you drank less than a cup. Hm. Looks like I need to up my intake of green tea. Between the water, veggie/fruit juice and tea they are suggesting, I'm gonna float away...
x-posted to LJ
Beginning a New Journey...
One of the scariest things a person can ever do is to be completely honest with the things that they do. I had considered doing something like this with the start of the new year, which I have tried to dub the start of a new and healthier me, but I didn't follow through. Then I saw that a friend of mine decided to do the same idea (I am sure a lot of blogs popped up with the same purpose, seems to be the way of things in the technology age) and the more I thought about how I want to progress this year, the more I realized a blog would help me focus, especially as I try to really buckle down this time.
So first, some info... I am Midalah. It is an online name, one that I have adopted as a stage name as well as one I most identify with anymore and have for almost 9 years now. Prior to that, I was Jourdana, or Jordy, a name I do still answer to. I've been Jourdana/Jordy for 12 years to many. I am a geek, I fully admit that. I enjoy doing things in fandom, I go to conventions, I dress in costume, I like to sew, I love to write. I role play and I bellydance. I am 30 years old, will be 31 in February. I live in Pennsylvania and I have an adorable puppy.
Currently, I am single. To me, right now, it's not painfully so. I was in a relationship for four months and we recently broke up due to wanting different things out of life. It was the first time I have ever been the one to break up with someone, but doing so just before New Year's made me realize that I wanted to focus on nothing but me in 2010. That begins with losing the weight I've been plagued with all my life and becoming all around healthier. I figure that if love comes my way, it will, I can't force it and I won't. I need to focus on me for awhile.
I am going to be as honest as I can in this blog. Posting weight, perhaps posting pictures of my progress. We'll see on that second one. Posting measurements as well. One thing that I know for me is that I am curvy. I am always going to be curvy. I'm one of those people that is going to be on the heavier end of things even once at my goal weight. I won't be a size 2. I don't even know if I will be a size 8 when I am done. I'll be happy to be a size 10 or 12. I will have moments of frustration, moments when I can scream and rant. There may even be days where that's all this blog will have, but it's one step in this journey I am taking.
A part of me can't believe that I am actually doing this, but there have been times I considered trying out for "The Biggest Loser" and it would be no different then being on national television and taking this journey. Maybe this will be easier then that because I can hide behind a computer and not face millions watching me.
So the journey begins...
So first, some info... I am Midalah. It is an online name, one that I have adopted as a stage name as well as one I most identify with anymore and have for almost 9 years now. Prior to that, I was Jourdana, or Jordy, a name I do still answer to. I've been Jourdana/Jordy for 12 years to many. I am a geek, I fully admit that. I enjoy doing things in fandom, I go to conventions, I dress in costume, I like to sew, I love to write. I role play and I bellydance. I am 30 years old, will be 31 in February. I live in Pennsylvania and I have an adorable puppy.
Currently, I am single. To me, right now, it's not painfully so. I was in a relationship for four months and we recently broke up due to wanting different things out of life. It was the first time I have ever been the one to break up with someone, but doing so just before New Year's made me realize that I wanted to focus on nothing but me in 2010. That begins with losing the weight I've been plagued with all my life and becoming all around healthier. I figure that if love comes my way, it will, I can't force it and I won't. I need to focus on me for awhile.
I am going to be as honest as I can in this blog. Posting weight, perhaps posting pictures of my progress. We'll see on that second one. Posting measurements as well. One thing that I know for me is that I am curvy. I am always going to be curvy. I'm one of those people that is going to be on the heavier end of things even once at my goal weight. I won't be a size 2. I don't even know if I will be a size 8 when I am done. I'll be happy to be a size 10 or 12. I will have moments of frustration, moments when I can scream and rant. There may even be days where that's all this blog will have, but it's one step in this journey I am taking.
A part of me can't believe that I am actually doing this, but there have been times I considered trying out for "The Biggest Loser" and it would be no different then being on national television and taking this journey. Maybe this will be easier then that because I can hide behind a computer and not face millions watching me.
So the journey begins...
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