A burning question answered

Have you been watching The Weight of the Nation on HBO? I have. It's excellent. The short film posted above (The Quest to Understand the Biology of Weight Loss), parts of which were in the main feature of the documentary, is absolutely mind blowing. It answers the question: Why do so many of us find it difficult, if not impossible to maintain weight loss. 

Thanks to the filmmakers of this extraordinary documentary series, the researchers and practitioners, and especially to all the overweight and obese adults and children who participated. You can watch the entire four part series free online as well as many more in-depth bonus short pieces like the one I've posted. Bravo HBO!

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Ah, spring is here

"Notice the color purple" (The Happiness Project)

What a gorgeous time of year! Birds are signing and so much is in bloom. The downside is allergies. I used Simply Saline nasal spray and downed a Claritin D before setting off for a 20 mile ride yesterday. I have to do this year round now as my allergies have been wicked this year. I've also had asthma for the first time in my adult life. Yesterday's ride was the best I've had in a long time with regard to allergies. Usually, my eyes start weeping and my nose runs the entire ride. Attractive! Exercising is so much more enjoyable when you can see & breathe.

Do you have allergies? Have you found ways to effectively manage them?

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March was...

The weather sent mixed messages.

March was a lot like February in terms of my exercise goals. I walked my age in miles (yay!) and fell far short of cycling my weight in miles. Cycling was impacted by weather (yes, winter finally arrived here in nor cal) and by what was hopefully my last oral surgery. Adios frankenmouth!

Getting to my goal weight range has taken some time -- months actually. I'm happy to be right in the middle at 133. I don't keep a food journal but I think my eating has been a bit cleaner this month too.

When I first started  this blog, I had a steep learning curve. I was eager to learn what was needed to lose weight while pushing fifty and if it was possible to stay at a healthy weight. I learned about replacing unhealthy eating habits with healthier ones. I discovered "clean eating." Figured out that finding a form of cardio exercise that you like, maybe even grow to love, is essential. But the lesson of this past year, hands down, is that patience is an absolute requirement in maintaining weight loss and fitness levels.

BTW - You're invited to visit Fitville on facebook for daily recipes, wellness research and stuff.

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