It's never too late - in fiction or in life - to revise.
I've got a feeling, Lee, that 2010 is going to be your kind of year. That you'll be happier than you've ever been, laughing harder, smiling wider, standing taller, walking lighter, dancing crazier, hugging longer, living grander, loving louder, and if you want, selling the pictures to a tabloid to raise money for your new charity.
Can you feel it, too?
The Universe
Here's a list of the bestselling health and wellness books as reported by independent bookstores:
I'm back from our trip to Boston and NYC to celebrate turning fifty. It was wonderful! I saw things I'd never seen before such as the very old cemeteries in Boston, Beacon Hill all dressed up for Halloween and New York! Incredible!
Hey [candy]! Don't come around here no more... (Tom Petty)
Made pumpkin pancakes Sunday morning by combining two recipes. One was from Martha (who needs no last name) and the other from a healthy type recipe website. Martha's recipe was too fussy (and not too healthy) and the healthy one suggested adding artificial sweetener. So, here's my own kitchen-tested recipe for pumpkin pancakes:
Kirsty MacColl would have turned 50 today if she had not been killed in a tragic accident several years ago. It's also my grandmother's birthday. She was an artist (painter), poet and full-of-life adventuress. I usually try to plant bulbs on her birthday but doesn't look like I'll get to it today. Thought about both of these saucy British women during my 30 mile ride on this gorgeous fall day.
Some Saturday morning reading for you, if you're so inclined...“The membranes of our neurons are composed of fat, so the quality of fat that you are eating definitely has an influence on the quality of the neuron membranes, and the body’s synthesis of neurotransmitters is dependent on the vitamins you’re eating,” Dr. Martinez-Gonzalez added. “We think those with lowest adherence to the Mediterranean dietary plan have a deficiency of essential nutrients.”Here's a link to the google book preview of The Mediterranean Diet.
The elements of the diet most closely linked to a lower risk of depression were fruits and nuts, legumes and a high ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fats, the study found.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 35 obese women with an average age of 60. Each took either 8 grams of the safflower oil supplement or 8 grams of the CLA supplement every day for 16 weeks; after a one-month break, the women then switched to the other supplement."Bad" fat enters political rough & tumble
Overall, Belury's team found, the women showed a small decline in BMI and shed a couple pounds of body fat while on CLA. There was no change in their blood sugar levels or muscle mass.
Our question for today is whether it’s fair for a politician to point out that his opponent is fat.
A report issued in May by Williams's commission found that, compared with college graduates, adults who did not graduate from high school were 2.5 times as likely to be in less than very good health. High school graduates, it found, were nearly twice as likely as college graduates to be in less than very good health.Make it a terrifically healthy weekend -- you deserve it!
If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you.
The first one I tried ended up being my favorite: Pomegranate Peach Passion White Tea. It's very flavorful and refreshing. The passion flower flavor is blended carefully with the peach so that it's not overwhelming. I'm not the biggest fan of passion flower, but the way it's used in this tea compliments the peach flavor extremely well. I liked all the flavors, each and every one of them. The one I liked the least was the Pomegranate Lychee Green Tea. It was still very good but I'm not that fond of lychee flavor. But, it's not to say that flavor was overpowering. I still enjoyed the tea. If a flavor is listed such as blackberry or peach, you'll taste an authentic infused flavor. The overall taste of the teas is refreshing and light with complex, pleasing flavors.
Change in the weather, change in the weather,
Read some health tips today that I thought I'd pass along. Who knows, maybe this information will end up being of some use to somebody. First, since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month (not Breast Awareness Month --oh, boy!) from Dr. Weil:Six Warning Signs of Breast CancerI was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 4 years ago. Before I was diagnosed, I noticed a difference in my overall energy level, weight gain (eight to ten pounds) despite a lot of exercise and eating well, seemed to be losing a lot more hair than usual when I washed it, and last but no way least, I felt a little down. Jillian Michaels was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when she was 30. She writes a lot about this condition, which is no big deal at all once it's detected. All it takes to find out if your thyroid needs some help is a simple blood test. Here are some indicators for hypothyroidism from Jillian:If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis and possible treatment. If you are over 40, talk to your doctor about mammograms.
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Nipple discharge or tenderness
- An inverted nipple
- Ridges or pitting on the breast (resembling an orange peel)
- A change in the look or feel of the breast, areola or nipple (such as temperature, swelling, redness or a scaly feel)
Some Signs of Underactive ThyroidJillian also provides information about things to do if you are found to have an underactive thyroid such as not eating these veggies raw (news to me!) -- broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, and some supplements that support proper thyroid function: selenium, vitamin D, zinc, and fish oil.
Do you feel sluggish or have you started to pile on extra pounds that you can't blame on a poor diet or lack of exercise? These symptoms and others, including "brain fog," coarse hair and skin, depression, exhaustion, joint pains, constipation, and high blood pressure, may be signs that you have hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, which can sap your energy and cause you to gain weight.
Just read another great book review by Hanlie at Fertilehealthy. Started me thinking about the role books have played in my fitness journey. Seems the book that has had the most influence to this point, is a book I read seven years ago. The South Beach Diet by Dr. Arthur Agatston. While I don't agree with restricting fruits and vegetables (I've never seen anyone blame extra weigh on eating too many strawberries or grapes or bananas, have you?), I think Agatston's focus on reducing or eliminating saturated fats and increasing fiber are valuable guidelines to eating a healthier diet. When I decided to follow the South Beach diet plan, it was after reading his rationale. One thing this diet did was to assist in developing the habit of preparing the majority of our food from fresh whole foods.
When my mom & dad gathered my younger twin sisters and I together and told us that Karen had leukemia, my first reaction was to run to the bathroom and vomit. I can't remember the exact date this happened -- the date of Karen's cancer-versary. Sometime in the spring. So, maybe it makes sense to adopt today since it's the day Lance Armstrong and Janell received their diagnosis. It's LiveStrong Day -- not I hate Cancer Day (although I would acknowledge that day too). It's a day to consider what it takes to live strong and live well while dealing with cancer in your life, i.e., Unity. Knowledge. Attitude. (see previous post)
We've been to some amazing cities in the world, but never to Boston or New York City. So, guess how I'm going to celebrate my 5oth birthday? If you guessed a trip to Boston & NYC, you're correct!
Hanlie, from one of everyone's favorite blogs Fertile Healthy, has surprised me (in a good way) with the Honest Scrap Award. Thank you, Hanlie. Very kind of you!
Watched The Biggest Loser last night. Holy crap! It is me or has this show turned truly bizarre? Last week, Jillian and Bob dropped f-bombs so liberally, I wondered if Jillian just read a study linking screaming "f*ck" at people to increasing their metabolisms. And, what's with decking J & B out with shiny bad ass leather jackets? This idea probably came from the person who invited Tom DeLay to dance on TV. As if his hair wasn't scary enough, now I'd have to beware of video clips of him shaking his money-maker. DeLay should be dancing the jail house rock -- and not on TV.
For various reasons, I've not been able to ride my bike for a while. But, here's the good thing that has come out of this: I've learned that maintaining my weight (130 again this week) is not dependent on my previous level of cycling, at least in the short term. I have a tendency to get pretty obsessive about things so this is a helpful revelation. I could easily become rigid about having to do a certain number of rides each week -- other aspects of life be damned! It's healthy to be flexible...in more ways than one.
Heading off for a ride. Yesterday, was my longest ride to date -- 35 miles. Didn't make my weekly goal of 100 miles due to intestinal disturbances Saturday morning that I'm attributing to the not-quite-right tasting fish taco from a local Salvadoran restaurant on Friday night before book club. Even so, came close to reaching the goal at 89 miles.I feel so badly for his coworkers who had to witness his death and his family and friends.A U.S. Forest Service employee is dead after being struck by a falling tree as he helped clean up a marijuana growing operation in eastern Oregon.
Forest Service workers and members of the Baker County Narcotics Team were removing a marijuana garden in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest southwest of Unity when the dead tree toppled and hit the man Thursday morning.
Efforts were made to revive him, but he died at the scene.
Source: Falling Tree Hits, Kills OR Forest Service Worker (AP)
What can women expect from their bodies after 50?
I believe a woman can get a fit, toned and sexy body at 50, but she has to work out for it. Fight gravity all the way. Exercise is a must. Especially muscle-conditioning moves. To keep up your muscle tone and firm up, work out at least three times a week with weights, your own body weight, Pilates or boot-camp-type exercises that focus on strength.
Of course, cardio is so important too, as well as stretching for flexibility.
~ Denise Austin, (52) "...I don't ever think of a perfect body. I think of a healthy body."
Started the day with a 25 mile ride by the river. The weather was perfect, 81 to 86 degrees. Felt very energetic. Even though I handle heat much better than in the past, it still makes a big difference.
This week I tried something new with cycling: two 30 mile rides. So instead of riding five days, I rode four and walked 4 miles instead one day. The walking was easier than I remembered, probably because I've increased my endurance with the cycling and because I'm lighter. Still, my feet have really softened up. Even got a blister! Total cycling miles: 113. I'm going to increase the walking/hiking and keep the 100 miles a week of cycling goal. As much as I love riding my bike, I think weight bearing exercise is important.
The farmers market was the happening spot in ol' P-ville this morning. Maybe this is the peak of the season? I picked up some strawberries, blueberries (natch) and cherry tomatoes. Also, got a plum scone for J from a local baker who's in the process of starting up a bakery. Strawberry Bob declared that he loved me today. I admitted to a crush. Lordy.
A while back, Cranky Fitness had an intriguing post about whether or not there are any magic beans out there to take in the form of supplements. I have to admit, this is one area where I engage in some magical thinking.
I'm just like Val except that I'm six months older and a half an inch taller. And, I've never been an actress or been married to an alcoholic rock star. Well, I wasn't paid to lose weight either. I guess we're not alike at all except that we decided to make changes in our lives that would result in being in great shape (maybe the best of our lives) as we head toward the big 50. That's something, I suppose.
Today's featured food super star is organic blueberries. I love blueberries and it doesn't get better than summertime when I can get them from local farms. They are fantastic stirred into oatmeal or Fage nonfat Greek yogurt. When I first started on this journey, I wondered if I'd end up looking older when I lost some of the youthful roundness in my face. Why beat around the bush? I wondered if by losing weight I'd gain winkles. Thankfully, this has not been the case at all and I think my diet of berries of some kind everyday but mostly blueberries, deserves at least some of the credit.A 33-year-old man who was critically injured on Wednesday morning when a heavy tree limb snapped off and struck him in the head while he was walking in Central Park has begun to show signs of consciousness, responding to verbal commands. ...
[He] was walking alone near the park entrance at West 63rd Street around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when the limb — four inches in diameter — fell from a giant oak tree. He was taken, unconscious, to the intensive care unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and listed in critical condition. He was placed on a ventilator because the tree limb had punctured his lung.
Source: Man Hit by Falling Tree Limb Shows Signs of Recovery
Update on my tree attack: I'm practically completely healed. The place on my left calf that was bruised and punctured, is still slightly discolored and tender to the touch and I have a scar on my right shoulder from the cut, but I feel great and no longer look like a member of a fight club. I still jump at the cracking noises trees make.People get into a heavy-duty sin and guilt trip, feeling that if things are going wrong, that means that they did something bad and they are being punished. That's not the idea at all. The idea of karma is that you continually get the teachings that you need to open your heart. To the degree that you didn't understand in the past how to stop protecting your soft spot, how to stop armoring your heart, you're given this gift of teachings in the form of your life, to give you everything you need to open further.
~ Pema Chödrön
Health Secretary Sebelius:
They found U.S. obesity rates rose 37 percent between 1998 and 2006, driving an 89 percent increase in spending on treatments for obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Obesity now accounts for 9.1 percent of all medical spending in the United States, up from 6.5 percent in 1998.
"What we found was the total cost of obesity increased from $74 billion to maybe as high as $147 billion today, so roughly double over that time period," said Finkelstein, whose study also was published in the journal Health Affairs.
An obese Medicare beneficiary spends $600 more a year on drug costs than a Medicare patient of healthy weight.
Source: Obesity costs U.S. health system $147 billion: study
"If there were an epidemic in this country of children getting cancer at the rate they are presenting with diabetes, I think we would have people crying out for some sort of national solution," said Sebelius.Taxing soda pop is the answer?"But weight problems -- because they don't present themselves as dramatic problems till later in life -- we have been slow to act."
"Reversing obesity is not going to be done successfully with individual effort," Frieden said. "We did not get to this situation over the past three decades because of any change in our genetics or any change in our food preferences. We got to this stage of the epidemic because of a change in our environment and only a change in our environment again will allow us to get back to a healthier place," he said.
Source: Almost 10 Percent of U.S. Medical Costs Tied to Obesity
It seems like the heart of summer but for teachers and kids around here, school's going to start pretty darn soon. Still, this song (Summertime Thing by Chuck Prophet) has been on my mind the past week as I've seen tons of people heading to the river with their rafts. Sure seems like the summertime thing to do when temps hit the triple digits. We might take the kayaks up to Tahoe tomorrow for the first time this summer.
In the article profiling weight gain books, someone was quoted as saying something to the effect that food items that used to be big treats had become part of our daily diets. That person used the example of coke. Drinking a coke used to be a treat (and just think, the bottles and other servings were much smaller then too). Now, I bet there are people who consume a couple big gulps each and every day. I imagine they can't even taste the sweetness anymore.
One of the things saving my TV from exile is the Tour de France.
Here's another article that instead of examining the rising tide of "weight-gain" books, explores a seeming obsession among TV viewers in the UK for shows featuring people with extreme morbid obesity. What does the popularity of "fatsploitation" shows say about pop culture? Will this focus on obesity help to stem the 'obesity epidemic' in the UK or is it normalizing -- leading to 'fat fatigue?' As you might imagine this article is quite interesting. And, as usual, more questions are raised than answers provided.
There's an article in the New Yorker "Why Are We So Fat" by Elizabeth Kolbert that gives an overview of current "weight-gain books," i.e., those books that offer theories of why, Americans in particular but not exclusively, are much larger than they used to be.It’s not that sweet and oily foods have become less expensive; it’s that they’ve been reengineered while we weren’t looking. Kessler spends a lot of time meeting with (often anonymous) consultants who describe how they are trying to fashion products that offer what’s become known in the food industry as “eatertainment.” Fat, sugar, and salt turn out to be the crucial elements in this quest: different “eatertaining” items mix these ingredients in different but invariably highly caloric combinations.It's an interesting piece and I'd like to know what you think. Have you read any of the so-called "weight-gain" books mentioned?
One for sorrow two for joy
A common theme in weight loss blogs is how there is no one-size-fits-all approach to losing weight and becoming fit. Hence, we often write about what we do and the adjustments we make along the way, but are quick to say, "Hey, this is what works for me. What you choose to do may be entirely different and work just as well."You all seem to run on different brands of fuel. Some on rage. Some on humor. Some on nurturing. Some on the nuts and bolts of nutrition or exercise. Some on a kick in the ass.Weigh in everyday or toss that scale away. Limit carbs or not. Count your calories or measure success by the fit of your jeans. Become a disciple of Jillian or a regular at WW meetings. Be cranky or funny or both. Reaching and maintaining your weight loss and fitness goals really is a matter of what works best for you, mentally and physically. Yes, it's all about your unique journey; your discoveries about what works and what doesn't.
I'm a true fan of all things pomegranate, from bath gel & sport energy drinks to the real deal pure pomegranate juice straight up. The only thing missing from this photo is Trader Joe's pomegranate Greek yogurt. I grew up in southern California with a pomegranate tree right in the backyard. Late summer meant picking a pomegranate that was beginning to split open and then sitting down on the grass beside the tree and munching away. Heaven.
It's been a quiet week here in P-ville. Some yard work, some catching up on reading, some netflixing*, and some time spent riding Bykasandra**. Weight seems to be maintaining at 132.8ish. Challenged myself to ride 100 miles and amazingly I surpassed this goal and rode a total of 120 miles. Surprise! My legs feel stronger with each ride -- it's a great feeling.
As I've noted previously, getting a pair of bike shorts has made all the difference. I bought a pair of canari women's shorts at REI. The style has 'baggy' shorts over the padded form-fitting part. Love em! I'm waiting for my shorts to dry right now before heading out for a ride this morning. I feel like I need to ride whenever I have the opportunity because the weather has been so great. It could easily be well into the triple digits with smoky rotten air from wild fires (like the last couple of summers). Gotta take advantage of the somewhat clean air (moderate air quality) and the cool delta breeze along the river.
I may have to give quercetin another go:This bioflavonoid, derived from buckwheat and citrus, can help relieve symptoms of hayfever and other allergic reactions. New evidence suggests that it also may increase exercise endurance, even in those who don't work out regularly.Grim news in this new public health report:
(Source: Dr. Weil)
Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen states experienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.
(Source: New Report Finds Obesity Epidemic Increases, Mississippi Weighs in as Heaviest State)
I love to listen to this song when I'm riding my bike (the video is nothing but you can hear the tune if you want):
The Phenomenal Handclap Band "15 to 20"
