Health Expo at Work Today

The company I work for hosted a "health expo" for the staff.  One of the local health clubs brought staff and equipment and set up "stations" for different areas.

I started off by finding out that my blood type is A negative.  Only 6% of the Canadian population is A neg. and only 15% of the population has a negative blood type at all.  Which is not great.  Positive blood types can accept blood from positives or negatives but negatives must receive blood from other negatives.  So ... I think I'm going to start donating blood.  Most phlebotomists (blood takers :) ) have a really tough time finding my veins but apparently you're supposed to eat and drink plenty of fluids.  This is on my list of things to do and one small way that I can give back.

Then I went to find my body composition.  Based on 214 lbs. at 5'7", my BMI is 33.5 and apparently I have 40% bodyfat according to a do-dad that I held that's supposed to run electrical current through the body to differentiate between fat and muscle.  I've had a bioimpedence analysis done with electrodes which I would tend to trust more.

Then my blood pressure was 152/90.  Rather high.  But this was after working out, espresso, coffee, food, and a rather stressful commute.  I am not worried.

The next station was great ... found out my blood sugar was 5.  "Normal" is 4-7 (my American friends ... I understand that blood sugar is measured very differently there but the point is I was within the "normal" range) ... fasting blood sugar had been 6.3 for years .... YAY

Then on to flexibility ... I was 14.5 which is quite good ... I stretch my hamstrings every day ... but my belly got in the way ...

My grip strength needs work ... a fair bit of it ... not unusual for someone who sits at a desk all day.

Postural analysis ... nothing new there ... just reminders about being more careful to turn my body instead of just my neck

While I was waiting for my next station, I somehow got roped into a Zumba lesson.  In 3" heels ... on carpet ... wearing too many clothes, no water.  Not a good combination for me.  But I think I could get into it. 

I saw the naturopath who did a tongue analysis ... she said mine was purple with a white coating and a spot in the middle ... all indicators of the presence of toxins.  When I showed her my tongue she said "interesting".  Always makes me nervous when people do that.  Then I told her I was doing a detox and which one and she said that it's obviously working because of the "spot" (kindly looks clear instead of white) but she couldn't tell me anything else.  I'll be going to see my regular naturopath when the detox is finished.

My last stop was the nutritionist.  She gave me so much great info, referred to me to http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ and we talked briefly about a condition where you might present symptoms of thyroid issues but blood tests come back normal.  Or it could be horomonal changes that are causing me to be cold when I'm hungry and then get warm after I eat ...   She also told me to take the coffee withdrawal slowly.  Since I was up to 3 small coffee a day, this week ... 2.  Next week ... 1 a day.  I REALLY want to get off it.  Except for my espresso of course.

It was 90 minutes out of my workday that opened my eyes to a few things, confirmed a few things and provided me with new information.  2 or 3 of the staff was shocked when I said I work out at 4:30 A.M.  Dedicated they said.  I still think it's crazy but it's so much a part of my day I don't even think about it any more.  THAT is when you know that what you're doing has become a habit.

That was my day.  How was yours?

SOS

Happy New Year!

Well ... today's the first day of the new year ... and the last day of my slack eating.  Yesterday and today have been particularly bad.  Tomorrow, however, is another story altogether...

I keep a wall calendar up in my home gym ... each day I strive for a "star".  A workout = \; healthy eating = / and a blog post and leaving at least 2 comments = -------.  I reviewed last year's calendar ... some months were great; others were not.  No wonder I'm not where I want to be.

But that was last year ... we're into a new year now.  And I am focussed on achieving a VERY lofty goal, thank you very much  HHL!  How did I get myself roped into this?  That's ok, it's exactly the kick in the butt, lofty goal I needed.  I can't afford to not stay focussed.

So ... the workouts are recorded for tomorrow ...both mine and Barry's (he starts tomorrow too) .. the meal plan is done for tomorrow and started for the rest of the week.  I admit I tend to stick with similar foods each day ... it's just easier for me to stay on track that way.

Wish you all the very best that life has to offer in 2011 ... it will be an amazing year :)

"When you make a change, you make a difference"

So I've been following the Body for Life program for some time. A while back I had invested in the Body for Life Journal. Each day Bill writes a Lesson for Life. So I thought it would be great to use the lesson as a jumping off point.

I've been working hard to get myself back in shape. Will I ever look like I did when I was in the best shape of my life (22)? Who knows. It's not impossible. It might take me a while ... I'm a long way from 22. OMG that was half my lifetime ago. Chronologically. Of course I don't feel, act or look it (so I've been told). And I think you only get better with age....

So I've been making changes. To my nutrition, my workouts, my habits. And they've been paying off. I can only hope that by being an example to others, I can encourage them to tackle whatever it is they want to accomplish. Better health, weight loss, changing a job ... whatever it is that they want to do but they have something that's holding them back.

Not only am I eating healthier and making wiser choices when I go out for meals, I have more energy to keep going all day. I finally found the nerve to start complimenting people ... on what they're wearing, what they're doing, what they say ... whatever. I used to think it all the time but I was afraid to speak up. Of course people I know, it's easy. Total strangers ... not so much. But I've always admired people who can. And I always wanted to. So slowly but surely I'm speaking up more. And most people appreciate it. And if I can put a smile on someone's face, I've accomplished my mission.

So speaking of change, I thought this would be a good place to share my changes. The before pics were taking about 15 months ago ... then after just 1 week ago. I've had a few setbacks since starting my journey in Sept 08. Spent most of last winter sick (colds, infections, whatever ... nothing critical though thankfully) and wasn't able to work out for almost 3 months. But I started in earnest on March 22, 2009 and have only missed 2 weeks recently because of a sinus infection that put me out of commission.

If I can encourage one person to make a change from this ... I'm a happy girl.

Soul searching

When I started this journey it was about getting fit and healthy, and that's what a lot of this blog has been about. I try to encourage others, be an example of what can be done. What I have done hasn't been miraculous and certainly hasn't been without its share of ups and downs ... of frustrations and questioning.

I do know that I cannot go back to the way things used to be. I can't carry that weight anymore. I can't be so tired and drained and directionless. So many changes have occurred on this journey. Not only have I removed a bunch of fat, gained a bunch of muscle, I've gained confidence. In who I am and what I do ... for a living and as a human being. I'm not afraid to look at people.

It's been a strange occurrence ... to have people actually look at me, look me in the eye, to smile at me. At first I thought there was something wrong. Did I have something on my face? Were my clothes askew? What was wrong? I finally realized that it wasn't about what was wrong, but rather what was right. The confidence is there. I've been told I look approachable. People start talking to me when I'm out and about. Guys (usually black guys ... I certainly don't mean any offence ... I love them ... they so much less inhibited than us "white folks") smile and say "hey".

If I can make somebody smile, encourage someone, especially when they're down, be some sort of positive influence on just one person, I'm a happy camper.

I've questioned myself a lot over the years...questioned my purpose in life. Some people do such spectacular things with their lives, I feel a little intimidated and inadequate. But then I realize that we're all here for our own purpose. And whether that's to be a great parent and raise great kids, to care for parents or other loved ones when they ill, to generally be a positive role model for others ... so other people can see what a difference they can make ... we don't all have to be Mother Teresa or Ghandi or a surgeon or missionary. Just being that best "you" that you can be ... is a life well invested.

Reshaping your body ... it is possible

I was working out yesterday morning and it hit me again ... it really is possible to reshape your body with weight training. I've been alternating strength training and circuit training. I've never had much of a rear. I was blessed (cursed?) with my mother's rear. Everything else I got from my dad (other than the obvious ... I'm not sure where they came from) ... HE actually had a nice butt. I digress ... again. When I started this journey I had a fairly flat butt, no shape and wider at the hips than the cheeks. But things are a changin'! I actually have shape to my bottom. And my waist is coming back. My "natural" shape is an H. I'm rather thick waisted ... always have been. But it's been so great to see the fat going and the muscles taking shape again ... my legs are doing better ... my abs are deplorable. You mean I actually have ab muscles??? I haven't seen them in YEARS! But that's ok, 'cause I'm workin' on it. I sure didn't get here overnight and I sure won't get to my goal overnight.



But the moral of my long story, not to tell you what I've done ... rather to show you what CAN be done. It's not easy. It takes a lot of work ... especially in your 40's ... but it is so worth it! So I encourage you ... if you really want to make some changes ... you can. It is possible. You just need to find what works for you. Of course I highly recommend the Body for Life program. It's simply (not easy), sensible and straightforward. You can find the link on the front page of this blog.



So have a great day ... and never stop pursuing your dreams.

Day 1, Week 1 of Body for Life Challenge

So today finally arrived and I got up later than expected but did my workout, ate healthy, stayed away from the potato chips that Barry ate beside me, although I do confess I had to have a little coke (caffeine issues) but today was good all round.

I took my measurements again today for the first time in 2 months and good news/bad news ... not a lot of change. Down a little here and there but the important thing was I didn't go up. And oddly enough I really wasn't that disappointed. I knew things weren't working like I wanted them too. So I decided to change things and go back to Body for Life. It's worked in the past and no reason why it wouldn't work now.

So wish me luck and I'll keep you posted.

now the second half

I was reading my goals this morning and my initial reaction was to get a little down on myself. Then I started to compromise. It's kinda went like ... well, if I shoot for 15 pounds and I only lose 10, that's not bad .... then I decided I was NOT going to take that attitude. I still have 6 weeks left and I'm more determined than ever to get the fat off, build and define more muscle and most importantly, to be healthier.

I've been slacking in the nutrition area. Workouts ... no problem. Drinking lots of water ... no problem. Reviewing goals ... every day. Nutrition and restricting caffeine ... bit of a problem. It's mostly that I just get lazy. Or if sticking to the plan leaves me weak and hungry, I add a little. Generally it's just been more fruit or veggies which isn't too bad. But then it's bread. And ... and ... and. But that's what I have Saturday for... and boy it I take advantage of it this Saturday.

Sometimes I feel like I take 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Most of the time I'm encouraged. But I admit I'm afraid of taking my measurements again. I know I need to. I just don't want to. But maybe it's the smack upside the head (so to speak) that I need. But I'm already more focussed. I don't want all this hard work to be for nothing.

This isn't easy. Sometimes I get discouraged. Everyone does I think at some point in their quest for anything great. But anyone can do it. Anyone can get rid of the fat. Be healthy. Be strong. Be able to walk straighter, faster, with your head held high. and be proud of what you've accomplished. Not just weight loss. That's only one little thing (although it affects the rest of your life) that can make you proud of yourself. Not proud in a negative way (too full of yourself) but it's ok to be proud of one's accomplishments.

Speaking of accomplishments, Barry entered another model building contest. He entered an old Harley military motorcycle. And, big surprise, he won first place in his category and won a craftsman award for best paint. I am very proud of my hubby....

Until tomorrow....

what a relief!

I'm very happy to report that the cause of my extreme stress (which has stirred up my ulcer again ... although all the coffee lately has probably contributed to the ulcer as well) is now dealt with. YAY!

I cannot begin to stress ladies, and yes, you men too, how important it is to deal with stress in a healthy way and not let it get the better of you. OMG, I have been going out of my mind the past week worrying about something but I found out this morning everything is going to be fine. Unless people are lying. But I don't think so. I can't say what the issue was ... just that it's all good. I feel like I can get on with things.

Stress really is a killer you know. It does such bad things to our body. From ulcers and skim breakouts to heart trouble and long-term elevated cortisol levels which can lead to anything from abdominal weight gain to heart trouble. I seem to be a little focussed. With my family history, no wonder.

The stress was getting to me and I work out 6 days a week. Of course I've been getting sloppy with my nutrition again so I've gotta reign things back in or I'll never hit anywhere close to my goals for Nov 7/09.

Sorry guys and gals ... but I am so freeking tired I'm starting to see double and I don't want to ramble too much at you. So take care of yourselves, try to manage your stress and enjoy life!

on a serious note

ok ... so I usually blather on about what I've been up to lately, my struggles, triumphs, etc. I so appreciate the encouragement ... you have no idea. And while yes, I had a great day, today's not about me. It's about something a whole lot more important ... and I think it's a really good thing this isn't a video blog....

I'm sure most if not all of you have heard that Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer the other day. From what I've read of him, he was an amazing human being. Apparently he was diagnosed just about the same time he started shooting A&E's "The Beast". And despite brutal days among chemotherapy, he opted not to use drugs. He wanted to be sharp and on top of his game. I cannot fathom the grit that took. And for someone is "Hollywood" to remain married to the same person for 34 years ... and they were only 23 when they got married ... is almost beyond comprehension.

Pancreatic cancer is one brutal illness. My dad was diagnosed with a carcinoid (cancer-like) tumour not too long before I got married. Of course my brother sat me down and we had "the talk" that Dad probably wouldn't be around to walk me down the aisle, or at least wouldn't be able to. Well, my Dad was a tough old army guy during the Second World War (drill sargeant to boot) and he never went to radiation or chemotherapy. But 10 years later, after 1, 2 then 3 stents in his pancreas to keep things moving around the tumor, he finally passed. It's hard to believe that will be 8 years ago in November. It was a long, painful, difficult disease and one which I wish no one else else would have to go through. We almost lost him a few times, but he kept bouncing back. Until Friday, September 14, 2001 (THAT was the week from hell given that I also worked in commercial real estate and property management). That was the beginning of the end. We didn't lose him then but he didn't bounce back this time. He got progressively weaker, we had to get a hospital bed for him, personal support worker daily, a nurse and doctor once a week. When they weren't around, guess who got to change his diaper??? Yes, I was the lucky one. Of course I tried to leave him with some dignity but that wasn't going to work so the silly bugger's response was "don't laugh ...." THAT was my Dad. I miss him very much but I was so lucky to have him as long as I did. He almost made it to 80. But he couldn't do it. And he was one of the youngest in his family to die so I'm hoping I've got the Price longevity....

So I guess the moral of this story is to take care of yourself. Appreciate life. Don't take others for granted. And if you don't like something in your life ... change it. The change may not be able to happen overnight, but don't settle for drudgery and misery. Whether it's a job or a bad marriage or being overweight and feeling really down on yourself, pick yourself up, get as much support as you need, 'cause there's always support if you look for it, and make your life as great as it's supposed to be. We haven't been put on this earth to just coast or exist. We need to make a mark on life. In whatever way that may be for each of us.

I think that's it for now ... don't forget to eat your fruits and veggies ... very important.....LOL

Something different ....

I know I talk a lot about what I've been doing and how things have been going. The reason I do this is two-fold. Mostly to encourage others - to let them know if I can do it, so can they. The other is to keep it in front of my face at all times. This is a commitment I made several months ago. To communicate daily, to encourage others and to remind myself what I'm doing and why I'm doing it.

But I would love to hear from you. What are your successes ... your setbacks. There are no failures. Just opportunities to learn from.

How have you been? What your struggles? What are your goals? I'd love to hear from you.

Time to Get Outside and Enjoy the Weather

So this is me last May ... we were either adding soil amendments to the garden or preparing the base for the deck and pergola we built last year. I'm in a little better shape this year and working hard to make a big difference this year.

I think this is going to be about the first full weekend of sunshine and somewhat mild temperatures (roughly 10C or 50F) here in Southern Ontario. I mean for a full 4 days actually. Woo hoo! So it's time to get outside, get walking, cycling, rolling blading, gardening, whatever floats your boat ... just get outside and get moving. I got up this morning at 5:30 - got to sleep in because I'm off today but hubby had to go to work ... felt kinda crappy but got up and did cardio anyway and now I feel fabulous! Got about a 2 mile walk up and back to my appointment. Putter around in the garden... It doesn't matter so much what you're doing ... just do something. It'll make you feel better! Until tomorrow...