Friday, January 25, 2008

logging

My logging of foods continues. It's a help. I feel a little more controlled about things right now.

Yesterday was a really good exercise day. I managed to work two semi-longish (for me anyway), brisk walks in arctic like winds. I felt really good by the end of the day (I managed to work the walking around my breaks at work). We went out for dinner last night and I know that I ate a little more than I needed to but I didn't feel terrible about it because afterall, I walked around in the freezing cold.

The weekends are my down fall and I'll see how this weekend goes. I have a few little projects planned which should keep me busy. I really just need to resist the temptation to bake some cookies or brownies. On my list this weekend, really close to the top (after get some rest) is to start back on my recumbent bike.

It's on folks, I feel good about the small progress I've made this week.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

what works

Journalling my food works for me. When I say "works" I really mean, keeps me on track. If I'm actually inputting it into fitday, I have think about it and add it up. Thinking about the calories can be a slap in the face. I can lollygag around and think I'm being straight with myself but it's hard to do (for me) if I'm not writing it down.

Just a few moments ago, I input my breakfast and my lunch, and my activities, into fitday. I don't remember when I last did that but I know I'll be updating it later today (for dinner) and again tomorrow. I need to do it and I will.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

grape tomato

Someone, a lovely coworker, left 5 caramel kisses on my desk yesterday. They were still on my desk this morning and I ate them while I had a coffee.

they were really delicious and I thought, hey, these are a good subsitute for a whole caramilk bar.

15 minutes later, all I could think about was a giant caramilk so, that theory doesn't hold up.

Right now, I'm having my lunch break and am eating some grape tomatoes. these are yummy in their own way but they are not as much fun as caramel kisses.

Monday, January 14, 2008

wandering

It's week 2 of my new job. I realize that I did not post at all during week 1. Week 1 was busy and a couple of days last week, I didn't take a proper break (and that's normally when I make the time to write here). So far, so good. I love the building and the people and the work is not bad either. There is a period of adjustment happening at the moment, of me to all three of these things. It'll take me a few more weeks to get my head around everything I'm sure.

There is actually a fitness benefit to this job. In my old job, I was up and down stairs a lot but if I didn't want to, I could easily avoid having to walk much outside of the building. I was in the central office so eventually, most folks/stuff would come to where I was. I'm in an, um, "outpost" I suppose is a good word. It's a small building, set apart from the central administrative buildings, so there is actual outside in the fresh air walking required. It's good. I'm wicked out of shape right now so this is very good for me.

I still haven't gotten into a routine at home yet but I'm working on that this week. As always, I struggle with weekend eating. Weekdays are fine, I've avoided baked goods and candy (that is sitting right on the table in the kitchen) at work for 6 days so far. I drink my water and chew my gum (sugarless minty stuff that really makes you not want to eat anything cuz it's creating the same senstation as brushing one's teeth) and avoid chocolate.

So that's where I am, 2 weeks into our new year. Plugging away, trying to make small changes that I can stick with, hoping for the best.

Monday, January 07, 2008

very good news

I saw this story from BBC NEWS and it's very good news for those folks who think that it's too late to start. It's never too late to start feeling good!!

Healthy living 'can add 14 years'

Taking exercise, drinking moderately, eating sufficient fruit and vegetables and not smoking can add as much as 14 years to your life, a study has found.


Research involving 20,000 people over a decade found those who failed on all criteria were four times more likely to have died than those who succeeded.

The findings held true regardless of how overweight or poor they were.

The Public Library of Science Medicine study suggests many could increase their lifespan through simple changes.

The research was carried out by the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council in the English county of Norfolk between 1993 and 2006.

Participants were aged between 45 and 79. They were socially mixed although overwhelmingly white, and as far as they were aware at the time, did not have cancer or any heart problems.

Taking off the years

A point was awarded for each of the following: not currently smoking, consuming between one and 14 units of alcohol per week (the equivalent of between half a glass and seven glasses of wine), eating five servings of fruit and vegetables each day and not being inactive.

This last category was defined as either having a sedentary occupation and taking half an hour of exercise a day, or simply having a non-sedentary job like a nurse or plumber.

Not only did the team find that those with four points were significantly less likely to have died over the period than those with none, they also found that a 60-year-old person with a score of zero had the same risk of dying as a 74-year-old with the full four points.

"We've know that individually, measures such as not smoking and exercising can have an impact upon longevity, but this is the first time we have looked at them altogether," said Professor Kay-Tee Khaw, who led the research.

"And we also found that social class and BMI - body mass index - really did not have a role to play.

"It means a large proportion of the population really could feel health benefits through moderate changes."

Everyone gains

It was in the reduction of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease where the findings were most pronounced, with those scoring zero five times more likely to succumb than those scoring four.

But there was also a relationship between score and cancer deaths.

While the main analysis excluded people with known disease, the researchers found that those with serious conditions fared better the higher they scored than those who scored lower.

Health campaigners welcomed the study.

"This is good news and shows that by living a healthy life, people can reduce their risk of dying from heart and circulatory disease," said Judy O'Sullivan of the British Heart Foundation.

"By not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, taking regular physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, people can improve their chances of living longer."

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Everyone has responsibility for their own health, which was highlighted last year when we kickstarted the Small Change, Big Difference initiative to show people that there are simple changes they can make in their lives that will have a direct impact on their health."

© BBC MMVIII