Information Overload

Enough already. In pursuit of health, wellness, and a slimmer, fitter body folks offer me advice all the time. I'm open to suggestions, feedback, new ideas and sometimes I seek the information. Currently, however, I feel inundated with information. What to eat. What not to eat. Whey Protein or Soy Protein. Agave or sugar. How much water should I drink. How to exercise. How not to exercise. To squat or not to squat.  How much sleep do I need.  The debates over how to eat healthy and live well go on and on. The opinions are varied and the sources unlimited.

Today, with the internet, social media, and access to 24 hour news -- oh and health coaches, nutritionists, etc. Information is available at the ready and sometimes I'm not ready. It's difficult to discern what's right, what's best. Sometimes I just want to scream. Aaaaaaaaaaaa. I just did.

Seriously, I don't want to think so hard about it. I just want to eat food -- real food, exercise, and have some fun! My dad always says life is suppose to be fun. Think back to childhood days and how you would play freely. Okay, so maybe we can't go revert to that extreme, but you get my drift. Sometimes I think we are over-thinking this whole healthy lifestyle thing. I don't think it has to be or should be so complicated. I'm sticking to the basics: Eat food -- real food, drink water, exercise, rest, and for goodness sake have some fun! Join me why don't you?

This thing MUST be broke!

For the last two and a half weeks the scale has not moved. I was sure the darn thing was broke until I tried the scale at the gym and the same numbers appeared. Apparently, my body has caught on to my exercise and diet regimen and is forcing me to re-evaluate. Instead, of becoming discouraged I’m just marveling at how amazing the human body is. I mean really, it won’t let me get away with the same old routine. I need to do something different. Keep challenging myself. So it’s time to re-evaluate my routine because backing down or giving up are NOT options.

I think it’s important I mention that although the scale is not moving my body is changing and I have slimmed down. I take photos to chronicle my progress and I can tell the difference in my upper body and in my face since my last official weigh in. I say this because I want to make sure I emphasis that the scale is not the only way to measure one’s success. Clearly, it’s a tool that is used to help measure progress but not solely relied on. I think I keep hopping on it only to make myself crazy or crazier.

**Ironically, about a week ago one of my FB followers asked me about breaking through a plateau and here’s what I told her. I guess it’s time I follow my own advice.

Plateaus are sooo frustrating. They can make the most determined people give up. So… First, don't give up. Secondly, re-evaluate your game plan. You can't keep doing the same thing and get different results. If you usually take cycling class four times a week and jog three days then switch it to kickboxing and weightlifting or… Main thing is to keep your body guessing. Our bodies are complex and they need to be challenged. If you were loosing weight with a certain workout routine it may help just to tweak the routine a little. Next, and MOST important is your diet. I’m not big on counting calories but I’ll say this, lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, nuts, and water are your staples. Also, breakfast is very, very important because it gets your metabolism going. Try to eat six times a day no more than three hours a part. Apples and raw almonds are great portable snacks.  Lastly, did I mention not to give up? Okay, good. Stay at it!!! Just make some adjustments. Slow and steady wins the race there is no quick fix to change your lifestyle. I hope this helps. It brings me great pleasure to pass on advice/encouragement so please feel free to ask anytime. Ironically, I just came from the gym when I saw your post and a trainer there was telling me next year this time I’d be a trainer myself. Hmm… smile. 

September is...

...National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. My life has been topsy-turvy lately, so please forgive me for not acknowledging this HUGE event
sooner.                                         

The CDC recommends parents take the following actions to help children keep or reach a healthy weight:

Promote healthy eating habits by providing plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products. Limit intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda or juice. Also encourage your family to drink lots of water.

Look for ways to make your favorite dishes healthier. The recipes that you prepare regularly, with just a  few changes, can be healthier and just as satisfying.

Get rid of high-calorie food options. Although everything can be enjoyed in moderation, reducing the amount of high-fat, high-sugar or salty snacks in your home can help you and your children develop healthy eating habits.

Reduce sedentary time by helping kids stay active. Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Some examples include playing tag, jumping rope, swimming, dancing, and walking.

Limit the time your children watch television, play video games or log onto the Internet to no more than two hours per day. Encourage your children to find fun activities to do with family members or on their own that simply involve more activity.

Parents it's important you lead by example. A few changes here and there can make a huge difference. It all starts with YOU! Let’s show our kids we love them by not pacifying them with sweets, treats, and food but with genuine love.