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Currently there are over 66 million Americans who are classified as obese.
Do you want to be one in 66 million?
How much is your health worth to you?
Is it worth 30 minutes a day?
Is it worth an additional five years with your family and friends? Another ten?
Think about it.
How much is your life worth to you?
In 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that individuals concerned about their excessive weight gain should look to their inner circle for clues. "The study showed that obesity spreads within social networks and that the closer the social connection — even if people live in different households many miles apart — the greater the influence on developing obesity," (Christakis and Fowler, 2007).
According to an article by the National Institute of Health, findings include:
-A key participant’s chances of becoming obese increased by 57 percent if he or she had a close friend who became obese.
-In same-sex friendships, a close friend becoming obese increased a key participant’s chance of becoming obese by 71 percent. However, no such association was found in opposite-sex friendships.
-The perception of friendship also was an important factor. When two people identified each other as close friends, the key participant’s risk of becoming obese increased by 171 percent if his or her friend became obese. In contrast, a key participant was not likely to become obese if someone claimed a close friendship with him or her but the key participant did not report the friendship.
-Among pairs of siblings, one’s becoming obese increased the other’s chance of becoming obese by 40 percent. This finding was more marked among same-sex siblings than opposite-sex siblings.
-In married couples, one spouse’s becoming obese increased the likelihood of the other spouse becoming obese by 37 percent. Husbands and wives appeared to affect each other equally.
-Obesity spread across social ties, despite geographic distance from one person to another. Further, social distance — the degree of social separation between two people in the network — appeared to make more of a difference than geographic distance in the spread of behaviors and norms associated with obesity.
-An immediate neighbor’s becoming obese did not affect a person’s risk of becoming obese.
-Smoking behavior was not associated with the spread of obesity from person to person.
While this may be troubling news, there is good news as well. Inner circles can influence weight, yes, this is true; however, just as they can be a factor in weight gain, they can also be a factor in weight loss!
Creating a strong, focused support network devoted to weight loss and good health can slowly reverse the increasing numbers of overweight Americans.
How many are taking their health into their own hands?
Many dieters fail because they approach weight loss with the wrong attitude. Looking for a quick fix with dieting pills or fad diets may give you immediate results, but they will not help maintain a healthy weight. While some individuals may need medical assistance, surgery should always be considered an absolute last resort, unless directed by your physician.
The average American's weight loss can be managed through proper diet and exercise; however, in today's society of instant gratification, everyone is looking for that quick fix.
Sorry, it just isn't out there. But, solid diet and exercise programs are available, which can not only change your body, but your mental outlook too.
First, you have to begin with a support group. Building a strong foundation can help individuals maintain their proper, balanced diets, maintain their work out programs, and seek healthy alternatives which will benefit their goals, not destroy them.
Secondly, step up a schedule that you can follow, until the program becomes routine. Research shows that forming a new habit takes at least 21 days, so set a schedule for your new program that consists of 21 days. This will help re-train your mind to include healthy eating and exercise.
Third, time. Yes, it will take time to loss the weight, depending on how much you have to lose. I have a friend who told me it took him three years to lose the weight he desired, but he kept at it, kept working out, because it was important to him to get his health and fitness in shape. This is where your support system will be essential. In times when you are feeling in doubt about your weight loss, they can help keep you motivated.
When you decide (and I do hope that you decide to get fit and take care of your health) to get fit, develop a support system. Enlist your friends, family members, co-workers, associates, anyone you know to join you to get fit. This will help keep you and your network accountable for exercising. People join people, so the more people you have joining you, the more responsibility you feel to meet goals and help keep you motivated.
Local groups may have networks built for a specific audience, like new moms or seniors, which you can join. Gyms may offer groups as well. Health and Wellness companies, like Beachbody, offer online fitness coaches and team forums to help keep you motivated to your goals and inspire you to keep moving forward.
However you go, developing a network will help you reach your goals.
It is true that your inner circle is indicative of your fitness; however, you do have a choice as to what that fitness is.
Join the Revolution!
Reference:
Christakis, N.A., and Fowler, J.H. The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years. New England Journal of Medicine (2007), 357(4):370-379.
Farrer, Susan. New NIH-Supported Study Characterizes Social Networks of Family, Friends Influencing Obesity. National Institute of Health (2007). Retrieved on May 27, 2009 from http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jul2007/nia-25.htm
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A prick of the finger
I went to the doctor today, not expecting the reception I received. Imagine my surprise when she did just that. I have watched those medical shows where the doctors dismiss a crazed mother of a newborn when she complains that there is something wrong with her child, only to discover years later, she had been correct all along and the doctors ignored her. In defense of doctors, I understand it is a subjective thing when someone walks in and tells a story which could or couldn't be a certain illness. Suddenly, it becomes a story of 'you must believe me.' Unfortunately, in certain cases, patients have to be resilient and persistent.
I plan to be so.
From my previous post, I spoke about an "attack" I had, a case of the "vapors," a "spell" if you will. Basically, my blood sugar went way too low and my body reacted poorly, as any body would. So I went to my doctor today, and she immediately dismissed my claims. Yes, dismissed. She asked, do you think it could have been the fumes in the salon?
Fumes do not cause what I went through, unless I was breathing in some sort of neurotoxin, of which case, that would be the end of my story. I simply wouldn't be here to tell it.
I told her about the family history, how this was something that has plagued me most of my life, but just enough that I notice it happening more. Finally, I had convinced her to at least let me monitor my blood sugar for a month and then come back. Then I could have evidence. Then she would see. I'm not making this up.
Imagine--I now have to be even more conscious of my body and my health, which makes being a part of Beachbody that much more important. Not only do I have excellent exercise programs at my disposal, including a diabetes program by Kathy Smith (should it be discovered that I have diabetes), but I have an excellent nutritional program through the Team Beachbody membership which I can customize to my needs. Plus, I have an entire forum of people who are like me, trying to get healthy, trying to lose weight and trying to do so with different medical conditions.
I've never felt so supported.
Oh, and after one day of testing, my blood sugar has been around 80 mg/l all day, even with a soda (normal is from 70 to 150), though before I ate dinner this evening, it was 62 and that was 2 hours after eating when the sugar levels are suppose to even out.
Gee, do you think I have low blood sugar?
Join the Revolution!
I plan to be so.
From my previous post, I spoke about an "attack" I had, a case of the "vapors," a "spell" if you will. Basically, my blood sugar went way too low and my body reacted poorly, as any body would. So I went to my doctor today, and she immediately dismissed my claims. Yes, dismissed. She asked, do you think it could have been the fumes in the salon?
Fumes do not cause what I went through, unless I was breathing in some sort of neurotoxin, of which case, that would be the end of my story. I simply wouldn't be here to tell it.
I told her about the family history, how this was something that has plagued me most of my life, but just enough that I notice it happening more. Finally, I had convinced her to at least let me monitor my blood sugar for a month and then come back. Then I could have evidence. Then she would see. I'm not making this up.
Imagine--I now have to be even more conscious of my body and my health, which makes being a part of Beachbody that much more important. Not only do I have excellent exercise programs at my disposal, including a diabetes program by Kathy Smith (should it be discovered that I have diabetes), but I have an excellent nutritional program through the Team Beachbody membership which I can customize to my needs. Plus, I have an entire forum of people who are like me, trying to get healthy, trying to lose weight and trying to do so with different medical conditions.
I've never felt so supported.
Oh, and after one day of testing, my blood sugar has been around 80 mg/l all day, even with a soda (normal is from 70 to 150), though before I ate dinner this evening, it was 62 and that was 2 hours after eating when the sugar levels are suppose to even out.
Gee, do you think I have low blood sugar?
Join the Revolution!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Skipping out means slipping down
We are all knowledgeable in diets. Many of us have dieted at some point in time. You just cut back food, increase exercise, and voila! You're on your way to fitness! But dieting goes well beyond that. Dieting means you must chose the appropriate foods to properly energize and maintain your system. Choosing the wrong foods, or limiting foods, could result in devastating effects.
While my diet, admittedly, needs work, I'm not starving myself and most likely there's an underlining medical condition, like hypoglycemia or diabetes that I don't know about yet, but I was so fortunate (and said with sticky sarcasm there) to have a "spell" yesterday. That's the only way to explain it, I had a spell. I feel like such a Southern Belle saying that. I got a case of the vapors.
I was at the nail salon when it hit, and thankfully there was a very lovely woman there who knew what she was doing. I started feeling sick to my stomach, and immediately I knew I need to eat, but I had nothing with me. Then the vision started going, right after the hands began to shake violently. Before I knew it, I had cold rags on my neck and forehead, and a very nice lady trying to keep me alert with questions. I really don't remember what happened in those few minutes, but someone gave me a piece of candy and a glass of water. Slowly I started feeling better.
While this is most likely a case of an underlying medical condition, I wanted to tell this story because the same thing can happen someone who isn't eating a proper and balanced diet. Skipping one meal can give anyone these symptoms, so it is of the utmost important that you eat on a regular schedule and not skip a meal. I didn't technically skip a meal, but I went too long with eating something, even a protein bar.
This is why I like Shakeology. Shakeology, while it is a meal replacement, is packed with so many proteins, amino acids, prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that it is perfect to keep blood sugar at a steady, healthy level.
I am feeling better and I do have an appointment with the doctor to get checked out, as this is a problem I have had in the past. I'll let you know how it turns out, but please, try to eat on a regular schedule and make sure you have something on you at all times, in case the blood sugar gets too low.
You can read all about Shakeology and all its goodness on their site.
While my diet, admittedly, needs work, I'm not starving myself and most likely there's an underlining medical condition, like hypoglycemia or diabetes that I don't know about yet, but I was so fortunate (and said with sticky sarcasm there) to have a "spell" yesterday. That's the only way to explain it, I had a spell. I feel like such a Southern Belle saying that. I got a case of the vapors.
I was at the nail salon when it hit, and thankfully there was a very lovely woman there who knew what she was doing. I started feeling sick to my stomach, and immediately I knew I need to eat, but I had nothing with me. Then the vision started going, right after the hands began to shake violently. Before I knew it, I had cold rags on my neck and forehead, and a very nice lady trying to keep me alert with questions. I really don't remember what happened in those few minutes, but someone gave me a piece of candy and a glass of water. Slowly I started feeling better.
While this is most likely a case of an underlying medical condition, I wanted to tell this story because the same thing can happen someone who isn't eating a proper and balanced diet. Skipping one meal can give anyone these symptoms, so it is of the utmost important that you eat on a regular schedule and not skip a meal. I didn't technically skip a meal, but I went too long with eating something, even a protein bar.
This is why I like Shakeology. Shakeology, while it is a meal replacement, is packed with so many proteins, amino acids, prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that it is perfect to keep blood sugar at a steady, healthy level.
I am feeling better and I do have an appointment with the doctor to get checked out, as this is a problem I have had in the past. I'll let you know how it turns out, but please, try to eat on a regular schedule and make sure you have something on you at all times, in case the blood sugar gets too low.
You can read all about Shakeology and all its goodness on their site.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Find your inner goddess!
The program of my choice: Yoga Booty Ballet. Work out without it feeling like work.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Don't be stopped!
I'll admit, I've never been one to stick to things, particularly an exercise program. I really need someone there telling me where to go, what to do, how much to work. Its the mentality of a team sports player. You get used to being told what to do, how to do it and not ask questions. It is also this mentality which got me into Beachbody. Their coaching opportunity and their online forums help keep me accountable to my work out. I'm still working on the diet (again, that team sports mentality: I can eat anything and not gain weight. I need to realize I'm not 16 anymore) but the work outs are now habit. In fact, I become quiet cranky if I know that I can't get a work out in. I will arrange my schedule around my work out so that I can make sure I get at least 30 minutes of something in.
30 minutes is better than nothing.
I really need to pump it up to an hour. That may be next month's goal. Start getting up to an hour a day.
I was recently speaking with a friend about working out and I told her that I had lumbospondylosis, which is an arthritic spinal condition and along with it, I have a herniated disc. About three years ago, I bent over to pick something up, and felt a strain across my lower back like nothing I had ever felt before. With minutes, I couldn't feel my two outer toes. Within days, I couldn't feel my foot. After several weeks, I couldn't feel my leg. How I didn't break anything I still don't know, because I was walking around, not feeling the ground below me and not sure if the leg I was walking on was going to give underneath me. Eventually, it got to the point where I was unable to move. I was walking around on a cane. I had to go in for an MRI where I discovered that I had a herniated/bulging disc. And by the look of the MRI, there wasn't much of the disc left.
So I had to stop working out, because, well, I couldn't feel my leg. I eventually went in for cortisone shots, which helped tremendously and really haven't had problems since. Oh sure, my leg will get all pins and needly sometimes, but it usually goes away within an hour or so.
My friend was amazed that I had come from this point where I was walking with a cane to working out every day. I told her that I could very easily sit on my butt and say, I can't do this. But there are people who are in worse conditions than me, and do they say 'I can't do this'? NO! So why should I? Its all about having the will to get up and say I'm not going to be stopped.
I'm not going to be stopped, and I'm not going to stop. That's why I love Yoga Booty Ballet, because it is easy on my joints but gives me a great work out. Believe it or not, I'm dripping with sweat when I get done.
So, no matter what, don't be stopped. You can modify your plans to fit your life, but don't be stopped. Don't ever be stopped. Keep getting off the couch, keep sweating and keep living healthy. Don't we owe it to ourselves to be healthy?
My Beachbody Page
30 minutes is better than nothing.
I really need to pump it up to an hour. That may be next month's goal. Start getting up to an hour a day.
I was recently speaking with a friend about working out and I told her that I had lumbospondylosis, which is an arthritic spinal condition and along with it, I have a herniated disc. About three years ago, I bent over to pick something up, and felt a strain across my lower back like nothing I had ever felt before. With minutes, I couldn't feel my two outer toes. Within days, I couldn't feel my foot. After several weeks, I couldn't feel my leg. How I didn't break anything I still don't know, because I was walking around, not feeling the ground below me and not sure if the leg I was walking on was going to give underneath me. Eventually, it got to the point where I was unable to move. I was walking around on a cane. I had to go in for an MRI where I discovered that I had a herniated/bulging disc. And by the look of the MRI, there wasn't much of the disc left.
So I had to stop working out, because, well, I couldn't feel my leg. I eventually went in for cortisone shots, which helped tremendously and really haven't had problems since. Oh sure, my leg will get all pins and needly sometimes, but it usually goes away within an hour or so.
My friend was amazed that I had come from this point where I was walking with a cane to working out every day. I told her that I could very easily sit on my butt and say, I can't do this. But there are people who are in worse conditions than me, and do they say 'I can't do this'? NO! So why should I? Its all about having the will to get up and say I'm not going to be stopped.
I'm not going to be stopped, and I'm not going to stop. That's why I love Yoga Booty Ballet, because it is easy on my joints but gives me a great work out. Believe it or not, I'm dripping with sweat when I get done.
So, no matter what, don't be stopped. You can modify your plans to fit your life, but don't be stopped. Don't ever be stopped. Keep getting off the couch, keep sweating and keep living healthy. Don't we owe it to ourselves to be healthy?
My Beachbody Page
Beachbody Products
Wonder what Beachbody has to offer, take a quick look at all the great products that are helping millions get in shape and look great!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sugar, we're going down...
As I sit down to drink my glass of water, I silently lament the lack of soda in my hand. Yes, it is true. I am a soda addict. There is something so soothing about the taste of that sugery goodness flowing. But it is so bad for you.
Isn't the good stuff always bad for you? It's like bad boys, you know you should stay away, but there's just something...
Anyway, I'm limiting, if not removing all trace of Dr. Pepper from my life. It's nothing personal, Dr. P, I just can't afford the sugar intake anymore. Eventually you would lead me so far down the road of excessive fat and caloric intake, I would end up in a dibetic coma. Okay, so I exaggerate but it could happen.
Do you honestly know how much sugar is really in those sodas you drink? Let's take a look:
It's safe to assume that each of those sugar cubes are equal to 4 grams of sugar. The can of soda has 39 grams of sugar, the 12 oz has 65 grams and the 20 oz has 108 grams. That's how much sugar you are drinking when you enjoy one of those delicious sodas.
For a 2000 calorie diet, a person should not take in more than 40 grams of sugar. You get that in one can of soda. And that's the recommended sugar intake in ONE can. This isn't counting the sugar found naturally in food, which would mean, drinking one can of soda with a balanced diet can push your sugar intake for the day well over the recommended amount.
Excessive sugar is stored within the body as fat, for future consumption. If you are not excerising to a point where excessive sugar converted to fat is quickly used up, it means you are storing fat, creating unwanted weight gain.
From ONE can of soda!
Think of the calories and the fat you can shed if you eliminate that ONE can of soda a day.
Isn't it worth it?
I will admit, I probably won't give up soda altogether. It's like ice cream, every once in a while is fine. A daily habit will kill me, literally.
But I know whenever I sit down to enjoy that soda, that image of sugar cubes will come to my head. Somehow, I'm not sure how much I will enjoy that soda...
Carolyn's Beachbody Site
Isn't the good stuff always bad for you? It's like bad boys, you know you should stay away, but there's just something...
Anyway, I'm limiting, if not removing all trace of Dr. Pepper from my life. It's nothing personal, Dr. P, I just can't afford the sugar intake anymore. Eventually you would lead me so far down the road of excessive fat and caloric intake, I would end up in a dibetic coma. Okay, so I exaggerate but it could happen.
Do you honestly know how much sugar is really in those sodas you drink? Let's take a look:
It's safe to assume that each of those sugar cubes are equal to 4 grams of sugar. The can of soda has 39 grams of sugar, the 12 oz has 65 grams and the 20 oz has 108 grams. That's how much sugar you are drinking when you enjoy one of those delicious sodas.
For a 2000 calorie diet, a person should not take in more than 40 grams of sugar. You get that in one can of soda. And that's the recommended sugar intake in ONE can. This isn't counting the sugar found naturally in food, which would mean, drinking one can of soda with a balanced diet can push your sugar intake for the day well over the recommended amount.
Excessive sugar is stored within the body as fat, for future consumption. If you are not excerising to a point where excessive sugar converted to fat is quickly used up, it means you are storing fat, creating unwanted weight gain.
From ONE can of soda!
Think of the calories and the fat you can shed if you eliminate that ONE can of soda a day.
Isn't it worth it?
I will admit, I probably won't give up soda altogether. It's like ice cream, every once in a while is fine. A daily habit will kill me, literally.
But I know whenever I sit down to enjoy that soda, that image of sugar cubes will come to my head. Somehow, I'm not sure how much I will enjoy that soda...
Carolyn's Beachbody Site
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