It's never too late - in fiction or in life - to revise.
I pick up my bike today! She's a beauty, isn't she? Will have to think of a name...any ideas?The recession seems to have a sweet tooth. As unemployment has risen and 401(k)’s have shrunk, Americans, particularly adults, have been consuming growing volumes of candy, from Mary Janes and Tootsie Rolls to Gummy Bears and cheap chocolates, say candy makers, store owners and industry experts.I don't even know what "Mary Janes" are. On my town's historic little Main Street, the bookstore is for sale and some restaurants have recently gone out of business. However, there is a new bakery, cake shop, and ice cream parlor (also sells candy). The existing candy shop seems to be doing well (noticed a new security door on its entrance the other day - someone robbed the candy store?).
Theories vary on exactly why. For many, sugar lifts spirits dragged low by the languishing economy. For others, candy also provides a nostalgic reminder of better times. And not insignificantly, it is relatively cheap.
Slow, steady progress toward my goal continues. Last week I dipped into the 140's: 149.2. Today: 147.8. Noticing that my tops fit & look better and that my formerly snug jeans are baggy. I've moved into my transitional jeans (jeans given to me last year by a 20 - something friend). Had them hemmed last week. I have another transitional pair of jeans from the same person. They are just a bit too small -- a little muffintop action happening. I'm going to take them in to be hemmed because I think the time is near. Feels good!
Read an article in today's NYT by Mark Bittman that's very interesting. He's really turning out to be a solid writer/thinker about the macro and micro issues surrounding how we, as Americans, eat. Here's an excerpt:No matter how carefully I avoided using the word “organic” when I spoke to groups of food enthusiasts about how to eat better, someone in the audience would inevitably ask, “What if I can’t afford to buy organic food?” It seems to have become the magic cure-all, synonymous with eating well, healthfully, sanely, even ethically.I'm gradually adding things to the list of foods that I prefer to be organic. Number one on the list is organic apples. This last time shopping, I bought organic, natural peanut butter to go with the apples. Do you buy organic foods?
But eating “organic” offers no guarantee of any of that. And the truth is that most Americans eat so badly — we get 7 percent of our calories from soft drinks, more than we do from vegetables; the top food group by caloric intake is “sweets”; and one-third of nation’s adults are now obese — that the organic question is a secondary one. It’s not unimportant, but it’s not the primary issue in the way Americans eat.
[...]
But the questions remain over how we eat in general. It may feel better to eat an organic Oreo than a conventional Oreo, but, says Marion Nestle, a professor at New York University’s department of nutrition, food studies and public health, “Organic junk food is still junk food.”
Begin to act, and your world begins to change. Keep going,
For about a week now I've been thinking about making corned beef and cabbage today to celebrate my inner Irish lass, but ultimately, I couldn't get inspired to buy the beef. I always have green cabbage on hand. I realized I wasn't ready to eat beef again so soon after the visit to the Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX. OMG, that was the best barbecue I've ever tasted and the Salt Lick is a cool place too. Even so, I don't like to eat much beef or pork (at all, even bacon, seriously). After I eat beef, I think to myself: OK, I'm set for another 3 months. That's how long I believe it takes to make its way through my digestive system.
After I got back from New Orleans/Austin this past week, I weighed in on Wednesday morning to see what happened. The result: 152. Five days later: 149.2. This is exactly where I wanted to be today. Yaay!| Description | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Essential fat | 10–12% | 2–4% |
| Athletes | 14–20% | 6–13% |
| Fitness | 21–24% | 14–17% |
| Acceptable | 25–31% | 18–25% |
| Obese | 32%+ | 25%+ |
| Women 41-60 yrs | Under fat 23% | Healthy 23-35% | Overweight 35-40% | Obese 40% |
Just had to post a photo of fruits & veggies to counter the image in my last post. While perusing blogland this morning, I happened upon some new blogs I like and some good info on blogs I've been following for a while. Over at Cranky Fitness, studies suggesting red meat is not a good idea if you are concerned about your blood pressure levels or cancer are discussed -- along with a Paris Hilton photo. Tena's outstanding post Eating is Not a Reward has generated more thoughts on the subject from other bloggers. On a new to me blog, Praying for Lightening, the tendency to reward all types of success with food treats is explored further. I like the writing and will be checking this blog out regularly. And, here's an article about "diet bloggers."
In New Orleans to combat the fried food, cocktails & beer and beignets (also fried, of course), I walked a lot despite having a rental car. I have the blister on my right foot as a souvenir -- ouch! -- but much better than a 5-pounds-of-extra-weight-souvenir....the rewards of letting go of our impossible expectations are many: vitality, feeling satisfied by the variety and amount of food we eat, energy, stable moods, confidence and a healthy appreciation for our appearance instead of obsession.
Last week: 153. This morning: 151.2. Not quite two pounds. I ate better this week, added a little more intensity to my treadmilling, and cut my wine consumption by more than half. Feels like I should have had slightly better results, but, bottom line I'm happy to see 151.Mark made the changes after developing high cholesterol, borderline high blood sugar, bad knees and sleep apnea, and realizing he was about 35 pounds overweight. A doctor suggested he adopt a vegan diet, which means no animal products. But for a food writer, Mark said, becoming a full-time vegan was both unrealistic and undesirable. Instead, he came up with a compromise:Those are some terrific results after only three or four months! Here's Bittman's Day Tripper approach to a healthier way of eating:
"I decided to do this sort of “vegan till 6” plan. I didn’t have huge thoughts or plans about it. I just thought it was worth a try. Within three or four months, I lost 35 pounds, my blood sugar was normal, cholesterol levels were again normal … and my sleep apnea indeed went away. All these good things happened, and it wasn’t as if I was suffering so I stayed with it…. I have not eliminated anything completely from my diet. I haven’t had a Coke in a while, but I didn’t drink that much Coke to begin with."
My arrangement with myself is that from the time I wake up until dinner I eat only fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. I don’t even eat white bread during the day. And then starting at dinner, I do. I have one meal a day when I do pretty much what I want, which is normally quite indulgent.
