Profound Blogging!

It doesn't get much more profound than this. This is the last post by a family man, and fellow blogger, who left this world at the very young age of 41 because of cancer. I ran across it the other day on the "Man Vs. Debt" blog by Adam Baker. It requires no additional words. Read it, really you should. The profoundness of the post, of what Derek has to say in his last words, should renew your desire to be inspired by the life you have today. And if you aren't, do something about it, NOW, not later!

Read it here: http://penmachine-bu.appspot.com/2011/05/the-last-post

Spring is coming

Birds are chirping and the grass is growing, trees are starting to bud and the bulbs are beginning to bloom. It is almost spring. What does that mean to me? I feel a longing to be healthier, to hike again, to crawl onto my bike once more, and to start to get that healthy glow (i.e., tan) instead of the pale, pasty tone my skin has, dreadfully, taken on during the winter months.

There is a lot to be said for spring cleaning, but not just around our house. Spring is a wonderful time to cleanse your mind, soul and body. The seven pillars of health, as referenced by Donald Colbert in his book by the same name, are:
1. Water
2. Sleep and Rest
3. Living Food
4. Exercise
5. Detoxification
6. Nutrional Supplements
7. Coping with Stress

I fully believe that Exercise should be moved up to #2 or even #1 on this list. His book is full of insightful information and lessons we could all benefit from. However, study after study shows that the single most powerful way to get in shape, lose weight, feel better, and correct long-standing health problems is to exercise regularly. You don't have to go to the gym to exercise. You can rent an exercise tape from the library, buy one at the store, catch one on TV, take a walk around the block, or do some good old fashioned calisthenics like push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, etc. You could find a friend or spouse to work out with, head to the basketball or tennis court, go for a swim, get on the bike or treadmill. Exercise in any amounts is the key to reaching success with your long-term health goals.

Please feel free to comment on how you incorporate exercise into your life and what benefits you reap from regular exercise. Look forward to hearing from you.

Yummy Fruits and Veggies!

Who doesn't love fruit and veggies? Do you love chocolate and sweets, too? I do! I was reading Leo Babauta's Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life and halfway through it there is a chapter on food. Leo references Brad Pilon's "Eat Stop Eat" book. I was curious, so I stopped reading and went over to Brad's blog. A couple of clicks later, after reading one interesting post after another about food and nutrition, I found this fabulous post and was floored by the absolute wonderfulness of it - can't wait to eat like this and still lose weight. How simple. Wish I'd understood this earlier in life. Here's a link to the post. Enjoy!

http://bradpilon.com/weight-loss/why-are-fruits-and-vegetables-so-important/

p.s. this is a re-post of a prior entry on my main blog, since it refers to healthy eating, I am adding it here for your reading pleasure.

Healthy Choices - Getting Started

It is now February and many of those New Year's Resolutions may be starting to fade, or the reality of everyday life may have caused you to miss a day or two (or even several in a row) in your quest for eating healthier and/or for becoming more fit in your life. The most important thing to remember is that true change, and the benefits that will come with it, are not decisions that you just make on New Year's Eve and then miraculously stick to with unwavering resolve. You must allow yourself to bend a little, misstep here and there, and to be, well....human. Do not allow a little detour on your path towards your goals, whatever they may be, to keep you from feeling successful. Celebrate every decision you make that is a positive one (skipping dessert this time, taking the stairs, parking a little farther from the door so you get a few more steps in). Whatever the size of the 'good decision' it is important to acknowledge it and recognize yourself for starting to turn the corner towards more consistently making good choices. This way when you are human; i.e., splurge a little, get sick or otherwise feel that your goal of healthier eating or exercising more is derailed, you will allow yourself to consciously remember all of the good choices you made over the past week and not allow yourself to criticize YOU into believing you have failed in your goals and therefore should no longer pursue them and just give up.

Reaching your goals is a long term strategy that you can win, one step at a time. You will turn left or right or back peddle periodically; allow yourself that freedom by being honest with yourself about all the good choices you make each day that kept you on target. Don't listen to those sabotaging thoughts in your head. Reprogram yourself now to believe in the power of You!!  You can do it. I believe in you. Now you must believe in yourself.

Feel free to reply to this post with suggestions on how you find success in meeting your daily goals. Here's to your good health!