Monday, February 8, 2010

It's 'never too late to get in shape

Chloe,

In addition to that great post that U did about physical fitness; here is some information about a plan for life. This is a contract between you're mind, and your organism...the Body.!!

I always laugh at the advertisements that show a before and after; they seem so phony no??..so I won't show mine; and no pics or promises that if you buy something...in 10 days U will lose 10 pounds....

I believe in a complete new start, and thinking when it comes to making a commitment that will help us be successful...so if U do the following ...it is in it's-self all the motivation that one needs to keep fit....I do the following once a year.

First of all I started with the Seneca Indian fast:

"cleansing fast comes from a Seneca Indian tradition. The North American tribe believed in fasting as a means of connecting mind, body and spirit with all of Nature. Please see "How to Understand a Summer Cleansing Fast" (under Related eHows) and consult your doctor before beginning this fast.


Things You'll Need:

* Bragg Aminos
* Fresh Fruit
* Herbal Teas
* Mineral Bouillon
* Vegetables
* Fresh Fruit
* Vegetables

1.
Step 1

Prepare for your fast by gathering all the food you will need in advance. Avoid the temptation to eat a big "last supper" before the fast. Your mind, stomach and appetite need to get used to the idea that less food is acceptable. An internal bath before you begin your fast is also a good idea.
2.
Step 2

Eat all the fruit (except bananas) you want on the first day. Eat apples, berries, watermelon, peaches and cherries. Drink plenty of fresh juice, water and herbal tea.
3.
Step 3

Eat nothing on the second day. However, drink all the herbal tea you want for the second day. Drink your favorite teas, or some suggested teas are cyani, catnip, chickweed, buchu, dandelion, barberry, and black walnut. Use raw herbs boiled in water and then strain to make your own fresh tea.
4.
Step 4

Eat all the vegetables you want on the third day. Eat them raw, steamed, roasted or baked. Drink teas and juiced vegetables.
5.
Step 5

Prepare a big pot of vegetable broth on the fourth day. Boil all your leftover vegetables from the day before in a pot with water. Add other vegetables as well, such as potatoes, peas, corn, carrots, broccoli, green peppers, zucchini, cabbage and parsley.
6.
Step 6

Season your broth with Bragg Aminos or mineral bouillon.
7.
Step 7

Strain away the vegetables and drink only the broth of your stew throughout the fourth day of your fast. (Keep the vegetables and eat them the next day.) Drink tea and water as well.
8.
Step 8


dailymotion.com/flavor wave oven...click on the one on the right side..and follow the link

Break the fast on the fifth day with fruits in the morning, steamed vegetables for lunch, and a sensible, healthy dinner.

Now what I have told, and helped some friends that did all this, is that we can start doing some mild exercises...start by walking a mile..and eating more, of what U want; but keep in mind of what we just did..we need to eat more of the foods that we want...more chicken, turkey fish, and whole grain breads, and pasta, nuts, beans, salads, etc, for a little while...add some treats...cake, cookies, ice cream what ever you like...
but very little of it...stay with it as long as possible..but there is no guilt if you don't the important thing to remember, is that now U have to stay away from salt..that's the killer...and limit the amounts of sweets to a small amount...I use honey; brown sugar,and sugar less candy...after a cpl of months I ordered a pizza with everything....now I order one about every two months, instead of once a week, or every two wks...I order a size that will be eaten, and none left.

Nothing fried, and very little fat..I cook a lot of things in my Flavor Wave oven, saves time and everything tastes like bbq. And great for frozen foods.



After U walked one mile for a week, than it's time to do a little bit more. This is also a good time to make out a written contract with your self to exersice at least three times per week; or every other day.

Make sure that U now incorporate a little more protein now...specially after a work-out.

I didn't use pictures b/c I don't thing that they help, the only thing that U will need is to start, and stay with the first few day's and then the rest should follow...after the fast, it will make no sense not to do the rest...

If U want I will post my exersice routine, and then u could do them but at your own pace...jump in whenever u want?? Don I will post it, or email it to you if U want....let me know. One thing to remember, is that the first 15 minuets should be used for warming up, doing stretches, etc..it takes this long for the body to start working, and using energy, the long walks on the tread mill, and the rest of the routine that U do...will be the some for of light wieghts, and aerobics...

The walking should be brisk for a few wks, then it should be like almost marching very fast...the wieghts should start out at only a few lbs, and only a few added..but you should have a routine of at least 17-10 different exercises in it that will strengthen the different body muscles

138 comments:

Solar said...

Sorry for the length, and for the link, could not get it to hyperlink...if one of u do it..tell me how..I have the formula right in front of me....but somehow not using it right...

I will post the routine that I do if U want..be it is also detailed and will take up some space...

Solar said...

flavorwave oven/">

Anonymous said...

"I believe in a complete new start, and thinking when it comes to making a commitment that will help us be successful"

A great post Solar. Much better than mine, because it all came from your personal experiences. It's like I said about writers, the best ones share 'themselves' with us.

I especially agreed with this: "I believe in a complete new start, and thinking when it comes to making a commitment that will help us be successful"

There's nothing I love more than new starts, new beginnings. It will take me quite a while though, to psyche myself up enough to go on a fast. It's been a long time since I've even tried that, and I do love to eat.

The most important thing to me is to make everything that I decide to do 'long term'. Something I can teach myself, and then live with it from then on. I've done a lot of that already, learned to enjoy more nutrient rich foods - but every so often, I slide into the habit of too much junk food, and have to pull myself back, and remind myself. It has to be something each of us can individually live with forever, something that will be reasonable, and at the same time won't make us feel deprived.

I absolutely agree with the most nutritious foods that you named here: "more chicken, turkey fish, and whole grain breads, and pasta, nuts, beans, salads, etc." The only thing I'd add to the list for myself is lots of fruits too.

I hope you decide to post your exercise program next. I think the walking you suggested is definitely the best way to begin though. I've also heard that three times a week is the minimum (like you said), and if you do it that often, it is very beneficial (if done on a regular basis).

Anonymous said...

Solar, Is this the link you're talking about?
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6wndk_mr-t-on-the-flavorwave-oven-infomer_shortfilms

The first couple I pulled up were in Spanish, then French. The English one came up featuring Mr. T, but the oven looks great. Did you order yours online?

Anonymous said...

"The other thing, is that now U know what im like when I have a few beers...."

Ha Solar, I thank you for being so kind, and then you take it back.

.... I probably shouldn't have mentioned it - I would have felt better.

Anonymous said...

I hope you straighten out your computer problems. Is your computer almost to full capacity.

Maybe you should download the free version of CCleaner. It keeps cookies and cache clean and under control. You can set it to only save the cookies you want saved, then clean up the rest whenever you run it. I couldn't get along without it.

Anonymous said...

Jan, Hope your granddaughter was OK to go to school today. Was also glad that you were able to catch the game last night too.

A great day for Louisiana.

Well, off to get a few things done for a change. Have a great day everyone.

Solar said...

Chloe,

No, that was teasing you a little, U should mention anything that u want with me...I thought that-that would make U feel better..so lets just say, that what I said was not necessary ..Im the one that should have left it alone...cos i did mean it...

Thanks for posting that hyper link for me...things keep getting in the way... and could not do it in right..I also kept getting it in another language, and had to take care of them...

Solar said...

Chloe,

Yes I have cc-cleaner and use it...but the settings are off somewhere...hate when that happens.!!

Solar said...

Chloe,

We all slide back into eating a little junk food..mine is cake and ice cream, that Pizza i mentioned, and others...but not often, and what makes them ok to eat, is the exercising...if you can work them off, it is ok imo...the problem is when we eat them, and get ignore the work outs..the walks, and everything else...take a look at the dvd that u ordered and see which ones that u would like to try..only a cpl, or few at a time...and then add to them....

Solar said...

I think that I have mentioned juicing before..this is the very best thing that one can do for themselves.

When I started to juice a few years back, I didn't think too much of it..but in about 4-6 wks time, i could feel, and see the difference...and since then have read, and heard where it even helps one with sickness, it has reversed or stableized a few also.!

I used to do this on a regular basis, and will go back to doing it.

Take 4-6 carrots, one large apple, and a slice of beat..I use the Jack La Lane juicer. U can even use the mulch as compose or just throw it out..

I would also recommend a jugging book..I have Hay Kordich's "The power of juicing" it even helps the skin...little wrinkles go away...

Solar said...

Forgot to mention that what I do is put the juice over crushed ice and drink it right away. I did this every day for a while, then 3 times per wk...sometimes I would add spinach, kale, or something to boost energy levels...but learned that the carrots, apples, and the beat is the best...

Anonymous said...

"When I started to juice a few years back, I didn't think too much of it..but in about 4-6 wks time, i could feel, and see the difference..."

Solar, I don't doubt it. Fruits have made all the difference in the world for me too. I've been blending them everyday for over 2 years now, and will never stop. They have more nutrients and antioxidants than a lot of the vegetables.

I read, at the time I was researching different nutrients, that a little bit of a lot of different foods everyday, is the best way to make sure you're getting all the nutrients that you need. I blend a variety of frozen fruits (high in blueberries), sometimes adding protein and yogurt. No need to put it over crushed ice, because it is already icy. I prefer to drink the whole crushed fruit (to which I add fresh juices to also).

I think Jan said she does the same thing, but likes to add banana to hers. I prefer to eat fresh bananas separately, as they make a great snack (raisins do too).

Solar said...

Ok, Im off the phone again...that book's name is Jay Kordich, not Hay.

Chloe, Yes it's all good, as long as you do it...the reason that I like juicing is that i got used to it..is all...I eat a banna when I have oatmeal for breakfast....add a handful of raisin, and some honey....not you the bees honey.....and a piece of toast...

On the day's that I exersice I toast a raisin bagel, and put peanut-butter and jam....gives me the protein boost that I need.....I don't eat lunch, at sometime around 4 or 5 I eat my dinner....and a desert with my coffee....a muffin, or cake, or cookies..if not some ice cream, or dark chocolate....but we can eat anything that we want...as long as we work it off.!

Solar said...

Chloe,

The work out routine that I do is a full work out that takes a cpl of hrs to do..and a little longer sometimes...but anyone can do it, and build up to that time...the thing to remember is that the first 15 min, doesn't count..that is only a warm up...and the same goes for the cooling down time...another few min..and there is breathing involved ....it is important to inhale right when doing any exercises...I breath in through my nostrils on the ( exertion) effort, and let it out through my mouth at the release ( u did this when U ran long distances)...and control every movement by doing them slowly...

Solar said...

Start You're new routine right away; do as much as you can for the first week; and then add a little each week until u are where you are getting a good result....there is never a time when you can't start to exersice; age, or gender, are no reasons not to either ...so get your combat boots on and lets go...r u ready for some foot-moving?

Durward Discussion said...

Just decided to start with Yoga simply because it doesn't stress my back and an old injury. This sounds like the perfect lead in.

Carol said...

Afternoon guys, before I forget, I just heard that Paulsen, Greenspan, along with Obama, all picked the Colts to win the Super Bowl. Huh, all wrong! At least Obama did say yesterday that his heart was with the Saints. Rick Sanchez of CNN, also picked the Colts. Wrong.

I bet no one went to work today or will tomorrow in New Orleans. Then next week it's Mardi Gras. It will take them a month to recup. I even get two days off next week.

Solar, I came home, read your blog post and got in the kitchen to fix a healthy dinner. Had to cook Maggie food today also. She always eats healthy.

I would like to get a juicer. A couple of months ago I did a little research on them online. Still haven't decided which one I want.

Solar said...

I wasn't going to post my ex-routine, but Chloe asked me to; so Im going to write it down and get it to you...I have degenerative disc disease so I do take the stretching very seriously....and don't worry about the sore muscles ...thats part of it all...I don't like the ones that say "No Pain No Gain" that is not what we want...so do what you can, and at your own pace...but do it.!!!

Solar said...

First- I start with doing isometrics..this might be good for you Mary, very good for Y Carol...I do them in bed, before I get up. I don't have a head board and use the wall for resistance...with my head about 6 inches from the wall, and lying on my back (this could be done on the floor(--(helps me wake up and alert-right away) I put both hands above my head and with my palms I touch the wall, and push with them, at first not so hard, and try to do it for the count of 20, or less...then put your arms forward,and while on your back, lift and support with both hands your knees as far into your chest as you can...this helps you relax, and stretch...next lie on your left side....hey.! your other left marine....haha. 6 inches from the wall and reach with that hand and push against it like you did with the first...the do the other side....now u are wide awake and alert..

2nd- For at least the first 7-10 min. some stretching, for flexibility..and add a cpl of min after the 2nd week..flexibility is the key to all...

this might be a good start, along with the walking.....from here we can go onto some more...do u want me to keep posting, this whole routine??

Solar said...

Ok im going to stop now...lets see what u think so far....but if u want I can try to explain that a little better....isometrics is a great way to loosen up.!....imagine standing with your back against the wall, and pushing with both of your hands against the cieling...that is exactly the same or, lying on the floor, pushing against the wall...ok that should be clear to even u boot camp Pinks....

Carol said...

I love Yoga but it's supposed to be done when your stomach is completely empty and unless I can do it when I first get up in the morning, that's is seldom the case. It's especially important if you are throwing in some downward dog in the routine. That one dumps the stomach contents right into the esophagus. My favorite routine does include some downward dog. Maggie's really good with that position. It's second only to her, laying on the top of the couch cushion, dog position.

I save weekends for Yoga. I do it before breakfast and coffee.

I heard from my sister and BIL up Seattle way last night. They emailed/called their congrats about the Saints. My sister was listening to the radio and she's not even a football fan. My BIL went to a club house to watch it. They don't have TV.

From all the congrats, you'd have thought I played in the game yesterday. Well, by the time it was over, I felt like I had. I almost got tackled by my exercise thingy when I was trying to catch one of those passes. I got a little carried away. That was why it was best I stayed home and watched the game with you guys.

Coreen, thanks again for the wonderful Super Bowl post. You outdone yourself again girlfriend. And Chloe, thanks for the courage to call the game early. You had that ESP, huh? I guess I'm more 'stitious than I thought I was. And thanks everyone for coming to the party. It's nice to have a party and not have to spend hours before preparing and hours after cleaning. And it turned out that I had just the right amount of food.

Solar said...

3rd. thing that I do is go into a push-up position and do 50 of them..u can do as many as u can..it is good for the back, chest, and stomach...but put both of your knees on the floor, and do them that way...later on, if you can do a cpl the regular way......HEY private Chloe...where are you going? No cup-cakes around here...got it cup-cake...hahaha

Solar said...

Carol, coming up I will give u a few that you can do if you don't have an empty stomach...gentle ones...Im going to let some of the others post for a while....I had a call from Ohio, he lived in INdiana for may years and was for the colts...when he called this am, I answered the phone by asking who-dat...he bust out laughing....

Carol said...

Did you tell your friend that you were pulling for the Saints Solar?

Don't tell me anything about doing any push ups Solar. Even the sissy ones are way out of my league. About 8 years ago I was just going to demo one for someone who I was monitoring a fitness test on. I pulled a muscle just trying to do one. I have spindly arms and very little upper body strength.

Solar said...

Carol,

Don't do them. But try those isometrics..they will build u up a little....promise.!!

Yes my friend knew...he is a good sport, an ex AirForce, and ex Nasa procurer...he can stand the ribbing....

Solar said...

Don,

Hey were the hell are U??

Coreen said...

Solar,

Your regimen sounds effective, but the biggest
drawback is lack of motivation to get up out of the chair & actually do them....

I have never been able to keep up any program
of exercise...something always gets in the way...

Coreen said...

Carol,

Were you exhausted after the game... I know that after an important win for the Yankees, while happy, I feel exhausted...

And now that you added me to the Saints fanclub you will have to let me know their news, since though today the talk here was all
about the Saints great win....usually it is only NY sports....

Carol said...

Solar, I think Don divorced us.

Solar said...

U need to stop using that word "motivation" use the word contract with your self..that is what it is..a contract to give your self the best present that you could.....not only that, but going thru the fast...which is not hard at all...that should motivate anyone...cos it does take some preparation, why waste it all??

Carol said...

Their getting a hero's welcome here Coreen. I'm already looking forward to next year's football season. There were a lot of people watching football yesterday who never do. I think I heard that the Super Bowl this year was the most watched TV program ever. Did you hear that? I think the little team that could, was one of the reasons.

Coreen said...

Yes, Carol, it beat out the last episode of Mash....something like 106+ million....

Carol said...

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/02/08/why-did-super-bowl-2010-become-the-most-watched-tv-program-ever/

Carol said...

Cool!

jan said...

Solar, a great post for now. I do exercise every day (or almost every day). I walk and swim and do a good bit of housework. I live close enough to work to walk so that helps too. When I swim, I walk a mile there and back home. Like Chloe, I have a smoothie most mornings. I make mine with plain low fat yoghurt, frozen blueberries, 1/2 banana and other mixed fruits. I buy my frozen fruits at Costco. I also add a little low fat soy milk to that and a teasp of local honey (for my allergies). For lunch I have peanut butter on oat bread and the other 1/2 banana. Some days, I have cooked oatmeal with walnuts, raisens, and some brown sugar and soy milk. For dinner, I eat whatever I want but not a heavy meal. I agree with Solar, if I exercise that day, I can eat what I want. I can't eat large meals - I eat pretty small ones.

Carol said...

And some of the worst Super Bowl commercials, IMO.

jan said...

I heard that the superbowl beat all past records for any TV show for watchership.

jan said...

oops. I should have read previous comments.

jan said...

When was the last time we heard from Don? Does he go over to TM? Has anyone seen any of his comments there?

jan said...

Chloe, My GD was herself last night. I took her home before her parents got there. She clung to them like she was a piece of glue. We kept their little dog too and it was a great family reunion.

Carol said...

Jan, have her parents ever left her that long before?

jan said...

Mary, How are you? I have been thinking about you. I have 3 DIL's and it is tough being a mother in law to DIL's. Just hang in there. My mother had a saying that I think of often."A daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life, but a son is a son till he takes a wife." I have 3 sons, no daughters.

Solar said...

Jan,

Thats great, and keep that up until u can't.! I buy my fruit from cost-co also..but not frozen..i cut them up and freez them myself...lot cheaper, and I use them on my wheat pancakes, with honey...about the only thing that i mis about not belonging to a club, is the swiming, and a hot sauna afterwards....what i found out about juicing, is that it is more direct, goes right into the blood stream, and one can add wheatgerm, kale and spinach to it...lots of energy after a while...the smoothies are also a great way to do all of this...just what each wants to do...like I said...i like to stream line.....

Coreen said...

Carol,

Just heard that Drew Brees is on with Letterman tonite...

jan said...

Carol, that was the longest they have been away from her. She is the youngest of 6 kids. Terry had 3 children from his first marriage and his wife had 2 from her first. Taelor is their one and only and 9 years younger than the one before her. She is spoiled but in a good way. She thinks she is the center of the universe too.

Ivy, thank you for the story about your daughter's first time at camp. I got a chuckle out of it.

Coreen said...

About those juicers...

Solar, you have a Jack Lalanne...does it mash up the entire fruit....My aunt has a Montell Williams?....she said it is very big, but it mashes up everything really good...

Is the idea to use the entire fruit/veggie, for the nutritional value...and what does it taste like when you mix fruit/veggies....

jan said...

Coreen, I will watch Letterman tonight so I can see Drew Brees. He sounds like a really good guy. Letterman is not my favorite talk show host - but will watch tonight.

Carol said...

Now that I got the satelitte, I no longer have network in the bedroom. It's an old TV with only room for one antennae. I can get one of the switches but too many things have to be hooked together.

Just heard on Rachel that Blue Cross is increasing their rates 39% this year and have recently reported a 8 fold increase in profits. Anyone for some health care reform?

Solar said...

Coreen,

Yes thats the idea. I just wash them and cut the apples in half to take out the seeds..then i put into the top of the juicer...it is large enough to take the half apple, then all of the carrots, then the slice of beat...it comes out a nice red color, and over crushed ice...it tastes sorta good to me, like a fruity taste..

it changes a little if you add green leaf to it, and still tastes very good... that machine is one of the better ones, and easy to clean up, very easy, I just did not get carried away with buying a lot of fruit....the red color gets a little darker with the vegies..but I drink it right away.....I want to drink it at it's highest potency....

jan said...

I want to add something about being a mother in law. There are so many jokes about mother in laws. I had a dream the other night about my first mother in law. I dreamed we were in a house and she was moving boxes and I was sweeping the porch with a broom. I turned to her and asked (in the dream), "Do you remember that you taught me to make my son's baby clothes?" and she smiled at me and said "yes." I felt very happy in the dream. She taught me to sew. I married her son when I was 18 and divorced him when I was 21. I wrote the dream down & feel it had a lot to do with all the sewing baby quilts I have been doing lately - and I think it means that I am getting a lot more in touch with my "feminine" side - which I think makes me feel happier. I think work represents my masculine side. Since I am getting ready to retire, I am leaving the more masculine side of myself behind.

Solar said...

I forgot the name of a book that deals with all the herbs, and what each if for but I will see if I can get the name and pass that on.

All of this information together should help to get into the program, and stick with it...it is not a question of will power, or motivation, or any of those things, it is a question of what is right for our body, just like when we paint, do the plumbing, or plant a tree it is what is best to maintain oursleves...if we need to put a roof on the house, if prevents leaking in it..so its the same for our bodies..we need to get the interior in good shape....the exterior will come along for the ride.....but watch out for all of the wolf whistles......

Solar said...

Ok, that's enough for the first day of the Pink Marine Boot camp.

See u in the am....so stand up straight, stomachs in, and chest's out.....I love that last one :-))))

Carol said...

We have a pretty serious thunderstorm moving over right now. Satelitte went out. It's hailing.

Carol said...

who ha or whatever those Marine people say.

Coreen said...

Carol,

Hope it passes quickly....I have a feeling that what you are getting is tale end of the mass of weather that is moving across the middle of the country, about to bring a lot of
snow to the east coast...and this time,looks like we are not going to get lucky....so far they are saying 6-12" snow all day Wednesday....

Carol said...

Yep Coreen, I think this stuff is headed your way to make some more of that white stuff. I have a friend who thinks she would like to live where ya'll get all that snow. I told her she wouldn't for very long.

Carol said...

I don't think Mary will be here for awhile. She dumped the second cup of coffee into her laptop yesterday. I told her to stop drinking coffee over it but she knows better. Her laptop took the first cup pretty well but the second one did it in. I guess it was just too much caffiene.

Carol said...

Well, time for beddie. Nite everyone.

Coreen said...

The snow is a pain, the cleanup, just thinking about shoveling a foot of snow makes my back hurt...& its supposed to be wet snow,(good for making snowball, but heavy to shovel) even though the driveway is plowed, I still get to clean up around the steps, near the garage doors & where the birds eat... but still better than mud slides, floods, fires like the west coast & hurricanes like you get in the south....

The snow, wind, cold, freezing gets old fast,
but thankfully its only a couple of months a year...

Good night, hope the worst has passed you...

Ivy Green said...

A really good post, Solar. Chock full of everything I need to know or be reminded to get back into tip-top shape. Or at least feel well enough to get up off the couch. I'll settle for that. lol

I plan to return to this thread-post as often as needed until I get one or more of those good new habits established. Food-wise, I'm going to try the juice and fruit. I have been avoiding fruit for years because of the sugar. Probably been a bad move for me. Exercise-wise, I will continue with my elliptical; I did get on the treadmill and enjoyed it; I will get back to my yoga class. Hubs tried to cancel that membership, but I said no way. So I need to get back or I'll lose the opportunity. I do better in class than practicing at home. Well, I think I gotta go now...Hubs on the phone. He's in Tampa this week. I tried to get him to go down to the manatee viewing spot to hunt for Don. But he doesn't have any time for manatee hunting this trip, he says. lol

Carol said...

Babies aren't as innocent as they seem:

6 Shockingly Evil Things Babies Are Capable Of

Carol said...

Elizabeth Warren's oped

Wall Street's Race to the Bottom

Carol said...

As we have discussed here before, we are what we think. If we think about eating healthier and increasing our activity, it will make a difference. Just tiny little changes for the better can make a difference. As Solar has pointed out, we don't have to have a total makeover, just keep adding a few good things. It's not hard to make a little change here and a little change there. I've already seen some benefits of a few small changes.

Coreen said...

Can't access Warren's Wall Street piece, need to subscribe to read it....but the consumer protection agency she proposes is something that it will be interesting to see if it actually survives any financial reform legislation (actually not sure the so-called reform bill will even get passed by the Congress at all this year)....

About health benefits...there were 2 articles
this past week about benefits taking Vitamin D
here's Dr. Weil's latest.
Dr. Andrew Weil why you need more vitamin D

Coreen said...

And here's the NYT article about benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D miracle drug:is it science or just talk

Carol said...

Looks like you better plan a vacation day on Wednesday Coreen. Blizzzard conditions with sustained winds of 29mph and gusts of 59?? Ouch!

Carol said...

Hi ho, hi ho....

Ivy Green said...

Another item from Yoga Journal that fits timely with our topic.

"The way we resist not only life's difficulties but also life's potential sweetness is one of the most puzzling paradoxes of the human organism. It's the subtle tendency to hold back from anything that changes the balance in our lives."

Freedom from Resistance

jan said...

Coreen, interesting article on Vit D levels. Thanks for linking it. When all the research results are finally in - I believe they will find that a healthy diet and lifestyle is what truly makes the difference. The studies cited on other vitamin supplements have shown this to be true.

jan said...

I taped Oprah's segment yesterday. She interviewed 4 convicted child molesters as to what and how they did it. It was most interesting and yet disturbing. I think every parent needs to see it.

Solar said...

Costa-Rica has a new Women Pres...first time ever.!! Another thing they have is the longest ( average living people...they eat a lot of foods high in incidents ...the second county isssss...forgot for now..but they drink a lot of vitamin D...what they have in common is a lot of physical activity, and eat right for the most part...

Missed the 6-8 inches of snow that was supposed to happen last night....that did not upset me at all...will have a blueberry bagel toasted (like the crunch) spoon of peanut-butter, and a little jam, a hot cup of hobo, start doing some stretching, and by the time that i get into the wieghts, and running for a cple of miles...the energy from that should kick in nicely...

The next thing that I do after all the stretching is 310 crunches....I don't do regular sit ups b/c of my back...I lie down on the floor, get a foot stool and put my legs up on it..I stretch my arm above my head, breath in, and try to reach the inside of my thighs ...this give my a full range, I do them ( 110) slowly, just lift the shoulder, while keeping the base of your spine on the floor:

Then I get on on side, keep on leg on the stool, use an arm for neck support, and do 110 of side crunches...I put my arm over my head, but to the side of my shoulder, palm on the floor, and reach the opposite side...palm down...this works a full range of the hip sides......will post as I go along maybe...If the phone lets me do all of this..I don't stop, I talk on the phone as I go along, if it someone new, then I stop...and try to make it short.!

Solar said...

Change of plans, have to shovel the falling snow...that will be my work out for today...no wieghts or running...but all of the rest, the stretching and all will be good for the 8 inches that will take about the same time, that the work out would have taken...so it is not really work for me ( snow shoveling)..it is a work out...program...the snow instead of the wieghts and a run...but will wait til it stops or do it twice...

Anonymous said...

Excellent article on Vit. D Coreen. Of course, NY Times articles are usually excellent. Carol will like it, because it covers the pros and cons from all sides, and backs it up with studies. I take 2000 iu's a day - started a year or so ago. They also mentioned the fish oil (that Don recommended a while back) in the article:

"Dr. Manson said fish-oil supplements were included in the study because they are another promising treatment that suffers from a dearth of clinical trial evidence. In addition, both vitamin D and fish oil are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect, but each works through a different pathway in the body, so there may be an added health benefit in combining them."

Anonymous said...

Here's a couple of good write-ups about Elizabeth Warren's article (the one from WSJ, that we couldn't read unless we subscribed)

Elizabeth Warren: Time For Wall Street CEOs To 'Earn Back' America's Trust

Elizabeth Warren: Time For Wall Street CEOs To 'Earn Back' America's Trust

Anonymous said...

"I make mine with plain low fat yoghurt, frozen blueberries, 1/2 banana and other mixed fruits. I buy my frozen fruits at Costco. I also add a little low fat soy milk to that and a teasp of local honey (for my allergies). For lunch I have peanut butter on oat bread and the other 1/2 banana. Some days, I have cooked oatmeal with walnuts, raisens, and some brown sugar and soy milk. For dinner, I eat whatever I want but not a heavy meal."

I sure am impressed with your exercise routine and eating habits Jan. I don't know why I haven't been buying my frozen fruit at Costco or Sam's Club. I do spend a lot of money on fruit, because I make a whole blender full daily, which I put in a thermos to drink all day.

Glad to hear your GD is doing well and has her parents back. I bet you are too!

Anonymous said...

" I think it means that I am getting a lot more in touch with my "feminine" side - which I think makes me feel happier. I think work represents my masculine side. Since I am getting ready to retire, I am leaving the more masculine side of myself behind."

Oh, and Jan, I love everything you said in your dream post. Your interpetation of your dream is so positive and right on, in my opinion. How great that you're feeling so in touch with your feminine side. You'll be letting go of some of your masculine side (your job?) soon, and it seems that's exactly what's going to make you so happy.

You've got such a great future ahead of you and best of all, it's all up to you. You'll have so many more choices - probably more than you've ever had in your life.

Anonymous said...

"If we think about eating healthier and increasing our activity, it will make a difference. Just tiny little changes for the better can make a difference"

... this place has been so inspirational for me this morning.

Carol, I couldn't agree more with that post you made about tiny changes and little steps - about how the little changes we make can make a big difference. We really are what we consistently think about.

It'll take me a while to even get started, but every thing I have ever accomplished has started with thought. I'm so glad you just reminded me of that.

Anonymous said...

.... Happy shoveling Solar. I don't know how you do all the stuff you do, but the healthy living must be doing it's job. Thanks for keeping us on track.

Ivy, good to see you back this morning (or was that last night?). Hope we see plenty of you while hubs is in Tampa.

Anonymous said...

"Defiance is a way for a baby to define themselves. They start to realize that they are separate from the world and have their own thoughts, desires and actions. When you were first born, your parents would put you into your crib and you fell asleep. But a few months later it occurs to you, what if you don't feel tired? What if you CHOOSE not to go to sleep? What if you refuse and express your displeasure?"

Oh Carol, I just now went to that baby site you linked. How funny! I think I'm 'still' in the defiance as a way to define myself' stage. Ha.

Emma's at the 'choose' age now. It's a battle of the wills here, and I'm afraid to tell you who's winning. :)

Solar said...

The next thing is a little yoga for more flexibility.

I get on the floor on hands and knees, keeping my palms on the floor, I sit back on my heels, slowly, and count to 30:

Getting back to the starting position, I then reach with both arms and hands as in a push up position, and push my hips down, and raise my shoulders, and head up; this relaxes the hip, and back area..gives weak backs some support muscles:

Back to the starting position; on hands and knees...I use for support my right hand, and my left knee while lifting my left hand,arm, and extend my right knee extending the leg as far as I can, this also helps the hip area, back, and gives u balance; I hold it for the count of 30 (start doing for 10 seconds if you can, and build up) repeat this on the other side...using opposites......

Back to starting position I then balance on the right knee, and the right hand, put my head down, and extend the leg...this can be hard so you might want to skip this one Carol, cos it does take some strength and balance...u have the strength..but do not risk it..I hold for a count and then repeat the other side...

I go into my weight training after this...won't go into detail but it is for endurance training..and then I do 2 miles on the tread mill; Im going to buy a machine that incorporates both the elliptical and stair training, had no impact on joints....it took a while, but most times, it is not that tiring at all...sometimes just a little...but since I have put in so much time into getting to this point..I won't ever stop....

All things that you will ever need is a little bit of space, the right attitude that will get u going, and you are on your way..once and if you decide to do the fist step of the Seneca Indian fast...that is a contract....and you can't break a contract with your self..can you...if u do, you can't expect anyone else to keep theirs with you....by keeping my contract with myself...I expect others ( my attitude ) to keep what ever promises that they gave to me....Ok sorry for the long-long posts about all of this.....sorry u asked now huh??

Anonymous said...

I, for one, am not sorry I asked Solar. Just need to psyche myself up a little more (I've got a little cold, so am not ready to start anything new until I'm better). Please feel free to keep it coming - it's exactly what we need.

One thing though Solar, you can't completely discount motivation. In order to make a contract with ourselves, we have to first have some motivation to do it. Therefore, we have to convince ourselves that the contract is something we can stick with, because the reward at the end will be worth it. Lot's of 'thinking' goes on, before one can make their mind up about these things. You have to have a good picture in your mind of exactly what it is you want to accomplish. Once you have that figured out, all the rest falls into place.

Solar said...

No we can't discount motivation completely, that should be the end result..also the goal...I guess that you can say that there is a goal, and a motivation every time that you do the program...the contract is for those times that u need to be reminded of your goals, just trying to help anyone out that m ight be having a little bit of a problem with this.... a little help getting them started....so it's kp for anyone that doesn't get with the program....

Carol said...

Hi folkes. Very trying day. Deep cleansing breath, repeat. Ahhhh. I feel better now.

I have been following all the things they are finding out about Vit D for a while now. It has lead to many ponders. Have people always been deficient and we just didn't know it? Just about everyone who has been tested, has been found deficient. What are we doing to cause this deficiency? Sun screens are used more often these days but I don't often use them, I get plenty of sun and I was deficient. Even people who take large doses every day continue to be deficient. What gives?

Carol said...

Coreen and Solar, ya'll be careful in all that snow you are getting. Don't pull any muscles, fall down or get lost in a drift. Keep warm.

I see that Jan is going to be in for some snow also and even Ivy on Friday. As for Chloe and me, we are only going to be a little cooler than we want.

Ivy Green said...

Snow?? Here?? WhattchyoutalkinaboutWillis?

Carol said...

Well Ivy, one of those weather places said that on Friday you might be in for snow. It's not my prediction. I know nothing.

Carol said...

It even said we might get one flake or ice pellet on Thursday or Friday.

Carol said...

I keep up with everyone's weather.

jan said...

Chloe, so sorry you have a cold. When I have a cold I drink plenty of warm liquids. I love a hot herbal tea with lemon juice and honey. I also alternate taking some tylenol and Ibuprofen. These meds seem to relieve the sore throat and other aches and pains and help me rest and sleep. Hot soup is good too. I hope you will be feeling better soon.

Carol said...

Look at this one Ivy.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=35201&hourly=1&yday=42&weekday=Friday

jan said...

Carol, we are in a valley in Albuq and it snows in the east mountains and west toward Arizona, but we seldom get much snow. We have had some snow falls lately but it melts quickly. Last Sun. I swam at the UNM center. There are lots of windows there so I could see what was going on outside. During the 45 minutes I was in the pool it rained and then snowed hard for about 20 minutes. By the time I showered and was outside again it had all stopped and the air felt almost balmy - not too cold.

All of you, especially Coreen and Solar, have really had some winter weather this year. Wish I could send some of my weather to you.

Carol said...

I think we are sending them our weather Jan but by the time it gets there, it's not quite the same as when it left us.

Carol said...

Rut rho, Young has to turn over Edward's sex tape to the judge. Do you think he really made a sex tape???

Carol said...

What's the water temp in that pool Jan? It would have to be a hot spring for me to get in it.

Carol said...

Mary called to tell me that Ellen will be on American Idol tonight.

Carol said...

They just showed the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl parade on a local channel. Everyone, including Drew Brees, looked properly snockered.

Coreen said...

Let's hope Solar checks in, since I think he may have been walloped today....& his snow & your rain Carol, is on our doorstep....they just keep saying at least a foot or more....I'll be lucky if I get out of the house Friday....

And yet today, it was sunny & it reached 40, the proverbial calm before the storm....

The Vitamin D thing...or lack thereof, is it possible that over the years the environmental changes have caused us to not absorb the necessary vitamins....

Do any of you southerners still sit in the sun?...I was a big sunworshiper, but not for quite awhile...Hard to believe that the wonderful feeling of sitting in the sun has such awful consequences to your skin....

Watched Drew Brees last night on Letterman...
Letterman mentioned that Drew & his son are going to be the cover of SI (after the swimsuit
edition). Both his wife & son were in the wings...& apparently before they were in NYC
they stopped at disneyworld, there's a pic in the NYT today with mickey mouse...

Ivy Green said...

Coreen,
The Idiotic Swimsuit Edition showed up in today's mail. Hubs is away all week. Should I toss it before he gets home? Or hide it and see if he misses it.

(^_~)

Carol said...

Coreen, I haven't spent any time sun tanning since I watched my father die of skin cancer. He died when I was 21. His was a fairly common type of skin cancer, squamous cell. Usually easy to cure but his Doc did a biopsy and then went on vacation for a month. When he got back and gave dad the results, it had spread into his neck and lymph nodes. He had multiple disfiguring head and neck surgeries, chemo and radiation. It took 8 years for him to die and they were 8 really miserable years for all of us.

Carol said...

Maybe just hid it until your in the mood Ivy.

Carol said...

I mean hide not hid. I've been having a little typing disability tonight. I keep hitting something and things disappear. I've done that several times tonight.

Carol said...

I bet he will miss it Ivy.

Coreen said...

Apparently the SI covergirl "Brooklyn"? is Andy Roddick's wife....They also unveiled a
giant pic of it in Times Square on Letterman
last night...& I sort of remember she may have been on after Drew Brees, but I turned it off
by then....

No sense in tossing the SI Ivy, after all he might miss reading one of those great articles
that are behind those pics...

Carol said...

Ivy, I'm curious. Have you ever tampered with his swimsuit edition before???

Coreen said...

Carol,

Sorry to bring up sad memories about your dad's suffering...I often wonder why today
so many people still spend so much time in the sun when we know the danger.

My friend in SC (he plays a lot of golf)just had a small cancerous growth removed from his temple area a couple of weeks ago....he says
they said it has been totally removed...

Carol said...

Ivy, you could cut our a few of your head shots and glue them to the pics. If you do, please take some pictures of his expression. Do it quick and put on your running shoes first. That might be a way to start your aerobic exercise program.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
That last suggestion of yours is the funniest. You gave me an idea for a home-made Valentine!

I have never thrown away a swimsuit edition before he got to see it, but I have placed it strategically underneath a pile of Newsweeks or Smithsonians... heehee.

jan said...

Ivy & Carol, I love your ideas for a home-made valentine.

Ivy, I love your little character you put in sometimes instead of a smiley face. It might be fun to create different faces from the keyboard:
@>@ or (*^*) {^:^} I like the last one - looks like a snowman.

jan said...

Carol, I remember how tough it was for you when your dad was ill.

jan said...

I forgot to watch Letterman the other night when Drew Brees was on. I saw Drew's baby tonight in some re-run stuff. What a darling little boy.

jan said...

Looks like I am the last one on tonight. Idol was fun. Just checking to see who is watching the site. Carol, I think you have a bigger group of followers in the US.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
You made up some cute emoticon "phaces" there. Good ones...

Solar always liked my little winky-poo from over at TM. There was a time when tensions ran high there and someone suggested emoticons to let people know you were joking. I picked up on it and the little wink sorta became my trademark.

Ivy Green said...

@>@ looks like one of Carol's wise owls.

Ivy Green said...

Just got done talking to Hubs...I compleeetly forgot to tell him his swimsuit edition is here...just slipped my mind, oh darn.

Carol said...

Well, I'm still up dealing with a left over crisis at work. Now I'm wired.

Ivy, you are a devious little thing aren't you? And speaking of owls, I bet you and your hubs are quite a hoot.

jan said...

Carol, whenever I have a crisis at either home or work It keeps me up. I have an entire sleepless night at least once a month.

What do you do? Do you stay up or go to bed and try to sleep?

Ivy Green said...

Hoots are better than toots...lol

Nite...

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
I'm reading a heavy tome. It's keeping me occupied.

Ivy Green said...

The best thing for me in a sleep-depriving crisis is to get some inspirational literature and focus on it, seeking spriritual guidance. There's always some to find. Then I ponder it and try to write it in my own words in my journal. Then "turn it over," and sleep will come.

jan said...

"Emma's at the 'choose' age now. It's a battle of the wills here, and I'm afraid to tell you who's winning."

Chloe, So funny to hear you talk about you and Emma. One thing I remember about my 3 boys is their little personalities at the stage your Emma is. It helps when I look back at pictures - it brings it all back.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
I hope this isn't one of your sleepless nights.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
If you need someone to stay and chatter with you for a bit, I can do that.

jan said...

Ivy, intriguing. Usually, I just get up and sew or iron - but my way only deprives me of the sleep I need and then am a zombie the next day. I may try what you do.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
I used to pace all night but that only gets my adrenaline up, so I quit that except occasionaly in the daytime.

jan said...

Ivy, thanks. I am doing fine tonight. What triggers sleeplessness for me is to have someone call late in the evening or nighttime with news that either disturbs me or excites me. I suppose what happens is that I get an adrenaline rush. It is only 10 pm here. Are you able to sleep tonight?

Ivy Green said...

I'll be awake with my book, probably an hour.

jan said...

I am off to bed with a magazine tonight. Good night.

Ivy Green said...

I dislike late night phone calls too. It's never a good sign for the phone to ring late unless, like tonight, it's Hus calling from another time zone. Then it could be all hours and I'm still glad to hear from him. E-mail and texting has made international communication easier.

Carol said...

Dang, I didn't know anyone was still around last night so I turned off my computer, put my earphones on with Coast to Coast am. I listened for a while so I would think about what was upsetting me. I fell asleep fairly fast because I was pooped. That's what I do when I'm distressed and can't sleep.

Carol said...

Jan, I watched a little of the Idol last night and wasn't impressed. I like Ellen but am not sure she will fit in there. Maybe she will grow into the job.

I don't enjoy seeing people have their dreams of a lifetime crushed. Some, I know, are just there to do dumb things but others are really trying hard. The judges try to make comedy out of tragedy. Not funny to me. I see enough of that on the news.

And speaking of comedy out of tradegy, I've also noticed that many on the news these days are trying to give The Daily Show and Colbert Report a run for their money. Even the President's press secretary is getting in on the act. Yesterday he was making fun of Palin. Yep, she can be a dope but let the funny guys make fun of her. It's beneath his dignity to do it. Our government is already too much of a joke to try to make it more of one.

Carol said...

You guys up in the snow storm stay safe. Keep us informed of how things are going for you. Solar, hope you aren't frozen to a snow shovel somewhere. Don't disappear now when we need to keep our eye on you.

Solar said...

Will be shoveling out another 7 inches of snow today. Still not worried about it...I just incorporated it into my workout schedule....will leave out the weights, and the run....We had an earth quake 50 miles north-west of chicago....????

Almost in the middle of Feb, so its all down hill from here. I do feel for the states that are not used to it, and are having a hard time...

Ivy, Yes I do like your emoticon, but give that magazine back to the rightful owner, he doesn't ever look at it..just saving them as a collection ...will be worth $ someday...don't make me do my serious emoticon face......

Jan your last emoticon, I liked....looks like Betty-boop or however u say her name....everything looks like a pink to me tho :-)

Chloe, hope that u r feeling better.

Solar said...

Coreen,
I don't think that you will get that one ft of snow all at the same time...it came down in two diff. storms over here...I will go and shovel about 7" a little later.

Solar said...

Tell U what I don't like....turning on a news station, and seeing a weather person out in the snow, reporting from some park, and using a measuring ruler or something...over and over and over again.....I want to get my local weather from my local stations.....don't want to see some traffic accident cos someone ran or could not stop for a red light....

now they are reporting mud slides in calif.....what do u expect when some mountain is all mud...and no grave, rock to keep it more stable..and if build a house on top of one..one day it will slide down....bet thier high ins and property taxed effect the price-cost of the rest of calif..the cities have to pick up the average??

Mary said...

Good Morning All,
I was starting to have blog withdrawals so I had to go get a new computer. I'm baaaaack!! I now know computers don't like coffee.

Anonymous said...

Mary, I am so glad you are back. Carol told us about your coffee mishap, and I was afraid we wouldn't hear from you for a while.

Anonymous said...

New Post guys: http://ct-carolssouthernspice.blogspot.com/