When you are interested in weight loss, my advice is to approach it from a sensible and long-term standpoint instead of trying to make huge changes overnight. These huge changes are usually not permanent because they are so uncomfortable and unnatural that you cannot sustain them for long. Instead, if you make small changes that involve healthy portions, choices and sensible meals, you can make these changes last a lifetime.
No, you won’t see big changes in your body overnight…or perhaps even in a week or a month…but they will come…as will better health and more energy.
I’m about to take my own advice as soon as I have this baby. I will be breastfeeding, so no crash diets for me…but I will also be eating sensibly and moderately to stay healthy and allow my body to regain my former healthy weight.
I’ve never been one for supplements and I wouldn’t have a clue about what might be the best protein powder out there. I do know that I tend to feel better physically, however, if I am eating more protein. I think I frequently short-change myself in the protein department and hence, I just don’t have the stamina to keep going when I otherwise would.
Eating more protein certainly wouldn’t be unpleasant…who would turn down more meat or another scoop of ice cream? Certainly not me. I’m not sure why protein always seems to be lacking in my diet but it seems like it would be an enjoyable problem to fix.
Dealing with finicky skin when you are pregnant is no fun. No, I don’t need anything as serious as adult acne treatments, but I freely admit to being tired of skin that can’t decide whether it is 12 or 43. One day it’s oily and the next day it’s dry and tight. I’m taking the natural route and just trying to watch my diet, drink lots of water and keep my face clean. Hopefully when this pregnancy is over my skin will settle back into its 40s where it belongs.
Ever tempted to try an appetite suppressant like phentramine to get a handle on your out-of-control appetite and lose some weight? I can see how this would be tempting for someone who feels a lack of control where food is concerned. The website of this appetite suppressant promises no side effects and it is available without a prescription, compared to the prescription strength form of the same appetite suppressant that does have nasty side effects.
Are you a slave to the scales? I admit I have had periods in my life where my daily mood depended far too much upon what the scale said first thing in the morning. I think there is a balance between allowing the scale to rule you and never stepping foot on one. Instead of striving for a certain number, strive instead for health, vitality and well being. Strive for being happy and comfortable in your skin. Strive for being content and for having the healthy energy to do the things you want to do. The rest will come once you create this balance in your life.
How much time do you spend out in the sun? Now, I’m not talking about sun worship or working on a tan for hours each day…but we all need our daily dose of natural vitamin D from the sun. Besides, once you’re outside you might be surprised how invigorating the fresh air is…especially if you battle indoor smells from things like Dutch Masters.
Did you know that experts are now attributing maladies like osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer to vitamin D deficiencies? Vitamin D increases calcium levels, which means that it indirectly fortifies bones and teeth. It also regulates cells all over the body, which means that it regulates insulin production and immune function, prevents inflammation and prevents cancer.
Long about the time people started worrying about skin cancer and limiting sun exposure, vitamin D deficiencies started and health woes began as well.
What to do? Try to get about 10 to 15 minutes of peak sunshine every day. Your body will thank you for it!
Are you a supplement taker? As in supplements like discount supplements, I mean?
I confess…I am not. I’d rather spend my time and money purchasing real food for my family and making and serving real whole foods that give us a generous amount of vitamins and minerals simply because we are eating pure, organic, unadulterated foods.
I do own a juicer; however, and I consider the juices I can make in our juicer to be as beneficial and powerful as many supplements probably are…plus when I juice, I make everything fresh and I know exactly what goes in it!
We’ve had strep in our house this week (ME!), which has prompted me to investigate some basics about how strep is contracted and passed in my efforts to keep my germs to myself and avoid infecting other family members.
Group A strep infections like strep throat are very common and are very easily transmitted from person to person.
Left untreated, Group A strep can cause serious complications like acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and a kidney disease called acute glomerulonephritis. Group A strep is also a cause of impetigo (you an also catch strep throat from impetigo bacteria).
Strep is spread by sneezing and coughing, so it passes easily among schools, daycare centers and other crowded locations.
Common symptoms start 1 to 5 days after initial exposure and symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of a severe sore throat accompanied by a fever
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
Once antibiotics begin, strep patients can return to work or school 24 hours after their fever is gone and within 48 hours after beginning antibiotics.
My poor oldest son…he is now an official victim of the “Freshman 15.” I never thought it would happen to him because he has fought to keep weight on his entire life and is built very much like his dad who is tall and lean. Well…of course there are worse things, but he is now slightly perturbed by his expanding waistline. I think I will just sit back and see what he does from this point. I do not expect any severe weight loss diet programs in his future…he’s more a “work-out and cut the sweets” type of guy. It should be interesting to see whether this new-found shape stays a permanent fixture of his physique or he goes back to his naturally lean build. Either way…he’s my baby and I love him!
OK – so we’ve discussed some of the warning signs of being too busy and the problems this creates in one’s life. Ready to leave this lifestyle behind?
The first step is to admit that things have gotten out of control. You likely did this when you read the last post…right? Good!
You do have choices; however, and choosing to slow down and create a balance in your life is a reasonable choice and wise choice.
Spend a short time visualizing a time in your life when you were not overwhelmed with busyness. Think back to what it felt like. It felt good…right?
Now it’s time to plan how you are going to achieve this calm and serene feeling in your life. Redesign your life so it encompasses only the things you choose for it to include. Remove every single thing you don’t love or want. You can do this!
With happiness as your goal, you have the motivation to make these changes.
Begin to conquer the physical clutter around your spaces. Remove things that are unnecessary because these things lead to stress…whether you realize it or not. Once you make a dent in the physical clutter, start getting rid of the obligations that clutter your time. Delegate where you can and where you cannot delegate, you must ruthlessly eliminate the things you no longer wish to include in your life. Make sure your priorities are in order. Don’t forget about yourself as your whittle down your obligations. For example, if you have always wanted to take a crafting class, prioritize this in place of something you want to remove from your list of obligations. When you reassess your priorities, you suddenly have time for things like this.
OK – chew on those things for a bit…next time: making your home a sanctuary from the crazy world.
