Paying Attention!

Being aware of what we put into our bodies...being conscious...

is perhaps the most important change we can make.

So often we just eat whatever is available,

or we eat when tired and distracted.

Sometimes we eat to (ugh!) please others,

and sometimes we are just plain not paying attention.

Becoming alert about what goes into a product

(and therefore, HELLO! --what goes into us!)

is a crucial development for successful eating.

To be more healthful and nutritious takes

some investigating and caution.

Below is a link to a great site with tons of

info for reading food labels and how to

interpret them, as well as what items

are most important when you read them.

Always remember the hidden calories and dangers

(sugar, salt, etc) of such 'incidentals' as

toppings, dressings, and other last second

add-ons.

If eating out, assume the worst, and always ask

for sauces to be....ON THE SIDE!

Portion control is everything.

http://www.fda.gov/food/labelingnutrition/consumerinformation/ucm078889.htm

Back On It

What with all the depression and frustration and blah, blah, blah
of recent months, I had made a conscious decision to let my
healthy eating/lifestyle slide.

I rationalized that some food-related comfort was acceptable,
and I might as well enjoy life since I don't know how much
longer I have, etc.
You know the drill!

I was also having trouble finding what foods I needed for
optimum health through the food bank and with my limited
food stamps. (For those not 'in-the-know,' healthier eating
is more expensive.)

Shit 'foods' are readily available and inexpensive. It costs
very little to manufacture the empty calories that are killing
Americans with completely avoidable health problems; diabetes,
hyper-tension, cancer, stroke, heart attack, etc.

The biggest 'convincer' that "some of this stuff won't hurt you!"
myth is that the habit of poor eating is so widespread. Even
after all the nutrition facts and statistics and scientific results,
most people in this country treat their bodies like a garbage dump.

We use white flour because we always have, we use sugar
because it's possibly the most highly addictive substance (besides
nicotine) on the planet, and we FRY, FRY, FRY because that's
the way that's always been done.

So, after stuffing my face with crap and feeling bad the next day
and tiring of seeing my never-ending waistline expansion,
I got real. Again. No more excuses.

*I am responsible for everything I put in my mouth.
*It is not a 'Treat' to lace my body with chemicals and artery-cloggers.
*Sugar is a drug; stop medicating with it, Robert!
*No more giving in to what's easier; make better decisions.

I have to remember my goals. I have to think of the
long haul, and not be distracted with the momentary pleasures.
It's just like every other addictive and compulsory problem;
except I have to deal with this every single day.

I sort of lost my way, and once you do it, staying lost is easy.
But I have to bear in mind that I care about myself, and that isn't a
part time job. Being conscious and "in the moment" about food
intake--and exercise--is crucial for me to have the kind of life
I want...and deserve.

It isn't magic. It isn't going to fix itself.
It's hard work and will power. But we can do it, once we
decide we need to and we're worthwhile.

This isn't punishment. It isn't an ordeal. I can and do eat fun
and tasty food. Like everything else, I have to stop allowing
myself to be influenced by the majority, and just DO WHAT
I KNOW TO BE RIGHT.

It works out ever so much better in the end!

Peace....

Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say

Often when people say "You should have an
open mind," what they mean is "Why won't
you allow me to convince you how right I am?"

It is one thing to be open to allowing others
their beliefs, as well as potentially
considering that they may be right.
It's another to cave to what others want
in an effort to people please or accommodate.

I have the right to maintain distance from
any ideology I disbelieve or dislike.

I have the right to support and promote
the beliefs I subscribe to.

I have the right to not listen to diatribes or
propaganda, and still be respected.

An open mind works both ways.

And "No, thank you" is still a complete sentence.

More than just complaining

It may seem rudimentary, but it obviously bears
repeating; The Heat Kills.

Please do everything you can to stay safe, healthy, and
alive. This is no time for trying to impress anyone.

The 'common sense' stuff;

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably room temp.

Water, tea, and sports drinks are best.

Stay away from caffeine and sodas and sugar.

Don't eat heavy meals before going into the heat.

Stay inside if at all possible; go out before or after
the peak hot times (12-4 EST) if possible.

Wear light, loose fitting clothes.

Carry a rag to keep perspiration off your face and
out of your eyes.

Wear sunblock.

Don't wear regular hats that block release of heat;
straw hats that are well ventilated keep you aired
out but block the sun.

Wear an icepack (wrapped in cloth) around your neck
to keep cooler.

Carry a cooler with you; don't worry about looking
'un-cool' to friends. Stay healthy.

Keep animals inside or under shelter. Give them
a fan if possible. Keep plenty of water and check it often.

NEVER leave animals or kids in a closed car.

If getting perishable groceries, take a cooler and ice
with you for long drives.

Don't go from severe heat directly into cold air.
Also, dry off and cool down before going inside.
(The severe temp changes cause sickness.)

Eat right, eat light, eat smart.

Take breaks often and don't push past exhaustion.
heat can upset many existing medical conditions
and bring on heart and brain problems.

Break up projects over several mornings, taking it
easy, rather than trying to do it all at once.

Use your mind; don't give in to peer pressure.

Remember; you owe it to yourself to take care
of yourself. There is no amount of proving self
to others worth sickness, suffering, or death.

This is the real deal; act smartly.

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