I got so busy today accomplishing things (hallelujah) that I have run out of time to write something useful for you. So instead, I want to preview the rest of the week:
Tomorrow - How humor can help you lose weight
Friday - The benefits of chiropractic care - and yes, it can help you lose weight
Saturday - Lose weight by fidgeting
Sunday - More comfort food - fried chicken and mashed potatoes made healthier
Yours in Health,
Kate
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday Inspiration
I love a good story, heck we all do, about people who have been there and done that, when it comes to what you want to do. Today's story caught my eye because of the 'after' picture. She really looks like she could kick your ass. Then I read her story - and she can. LOL.
Sweta's story is on the Women's Health Magazine website, but I wanted to share her before and after picture here, so you could get the idea. Not only has she lost 95 pounds, but she has gained confidence and has a real respect for herself, you can tell just by looking at her.
That's one of the biggest things we're all looking for as we try to lose weight - respect. Sometimes from others, because we are so often written off for being fat. But mostly from ourselves. We lost our way when it comes to self-appreciation and self-control, that has added up to many an internal insult and a constant boxing match of conflicting emotion.
This is a reminder to stop beating yourself up and instead turn the aggression outward to beat the real problem.
Yours in Health,
Kate
Sweta's story is on the Women's Health Magazine website, but I wanted to share her before and after picture here, so you could get the idea. Not only has she lost 95 pounds, but she has gained confidence and has a real respect for herself, you can tell just by looking at her.
That's one of the biggest things we're all looking for as we try to lose weight - respect. Sometimes from others, because we are so often written off for being fat. But mostly from ourselves. We lost our way when it comes to self-appreciation and self-control, that has added up to many an internal insult and a constant boxing match of conflicting emotion.
This is a reminder to stop beating yourself up and instead turn the aggression outward to beat the real problem.
Yours in Health,
Kate
Monday, January 24, 2011
Comfort Food
It turned off sunny today, which is awesome. In fact, the weather looks pretty good, right up until the weekend when it's going to get ugly cold. Perfect, time for comfort food.
I know what you are thinking - comfort = unthinkable amount of calories. True, though there are healthier ways to get that warmth in your stomach and smile on your face. I dug around for a recipe that was healthier and still takes you to a 'happy place' for the ultimate comfort food - macaroni and cheese.
Honestly, mac n' cheese is a calorie bomb, but it can be better. This recipe from a cooking blog, Gina's Skinny Recipes, that I had never been to before, does just that. I plan to look deeper, I have a feeling I found a new favorite site.
So, enjoy your comfort cold when it gets below zero again this weekend. And remember a side of broccoli or a big salad make great fillers.
Yours in Health,
Kate
I know what you are thinking - comfort = unthinkable amount of calories. True, though there are healthier ways to get that warmth in your stomach and smile on your face. I dug around for a recipe that was healthier and still takes you to a 'happy place' for the ultimate comfort food - macaroni and cheese. Honestly, mac n' cheese is a calorie bomb, but it can be better. This recipe from a cooking blog, Gina's Skinny Recipes, that I had never been to before, does just that. I plan to look deeper, I have a feeling I found a new favorite site.
So, enjoy your comfort cold when it gets below zero again this weekend. And remember a side of broccoli or a big salad make great fillers.
Yours in Health,
Kate
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Post with No Name
Today and today were those random days where a lot happened...
The day started after a not great night's sleep thanks to Sheldon the kitten. His kittenhood will be the one I will not miss when it's over. The other 'kids' were much easier, although Lori the roomie would argue that Mischa was worse. You see Sheldon has decided that anything on my nightstand should be on the floor after dark. So every night he comes in and knocks things off, one at a time, if it rolls he will chase it. If it doesn't, he moves on to the next thing. If it finally wakes me up (always) he jumps in bed, wants a cuddle and then tries to draw blood when I start to nod off and the petting slows. Good thing he's cute. ;)
Once up, it was on to a meeting with readers of !ntuition Magazine. Enjoyed hearing their feedback, good and bad. We can't be better without constructive criticism. Thanks to those ladies for sharing their Saturday morning!
I went to grab a healthy lunch - veggies with tofu at the new Thai restaurant in East Village. It's called 'Taste of Thai' and one star is plenty spicy for me.
Then on to an adventure trying to rent "Despicable Me" - 6 Redboxes and a Blockbuster kiosk later, I went and bought it. It's a really wonderful movie and I will watch it enough to justify the purchase. I took it over to my dad and step-mom's and we watched it. I had a small bowl of popcorn with a few M&M's - don't mock me, it was today's treat. :) My brother Gordon came down when we were about to start the movie and he was sick, he went back upstairs to lay down - this is important for later in the post.
After the movie I was suddenly incredibly tired. I was supposed to go to the Iowa Energy game, but I realized if I didn't get a good night's sleep, I would be useless in the morning. I went home, ate some soup and curled up to finish a book. Then I grabbed another book and headed upstairs. I have a new sleep regimen I will tell you about next week - it's all part of being a healthier person.
Well, I was just about to nod off and my mom called. It's 9:45 p.m., mom doesn't call that late unless there is a problem. My father had taken Gordon to the hospital. Mom said I didn't need to go to the emergency room and said she would update me. I sat in bed groggy, but with a growing ache in my stomach and a rise in adrenaline. There was no way, no matter how tired I was, that I would be able to sleep with Gordon at Lutheran. So, I threw on clothes and headed out.
A couple of hours later they had run tests - blood, cat scan, etc. They still don't know. But they sent him home with pain meds, anti-nauseau stuff and an antibiotic. Hopefully he's sleeping right now. Gordon doesn't get sick, so it freaked me out.
Now, I am at work because I couldn't sleep. I am doing a few things and then I will go home after while.
I know this was the most useless post, but I needed to write it out. So, this is the Saturday/Sunday post and tomorrow (Monday), will be a new recipe - with the lovely cold weather and snow, we will find healthier comfort food.
Yours in Health,
Kate
The day started after a not great night's sleep thanks to Sheldon the kitten. His kittenhood will be the one I will not miss when it's over. The other 'kids' were much easier, although Lori the roomie would argue that Mischa was worse. You see Sheldon has decided that anything on my nightstand should be on the floor after dark. So every night he comes in and knocks things off, one at a time, if it rolls he will chase it. If it doesn't, he moves on to the next thing. If it finally wakes me up (always) he jumps in bed, wants a cuddle and then tries to draw blood when I start to nod off and the petting slows. Good thing he's cute. ;)
Once up, it was on to a meeting with readers of !ntuition Magazine. Enjoyed hearing their feedback, good and bad. We can't be better without constructive criticism. Thanks to those ladies for sharing their Saturday morning!
I went to grab a healthy lunch - veggies with tofu at the new Thai restaurant in East Village. It's called 'Taste of Thai' and one star is plenty spicy for me.
After the movie I was suddenly incredibly tired. I was supposed to go to the Iowa Energy game, but I realized if I didn't get a good night's sleep, I would be useless in the morning. I went home, ate some soup and curled up to finish a book. Then I grabbed another book and headed upstairs. I have a new sleep regimen I will tell you about next week - it's all part of being a healthier person.
Well, I was just about to nod off and my mom called. It's 9:45 p.m., mom doesn't call that late unless there is a problem. My father had taken Gordon to the hospital. Mom said I didn't need to go to the emergency room and said she would update me. I sat in bed groggy, but with a growing ache in my stomach and a rise in adrenaline. There was no way, no matter how tired I was, that I would be able to sleep with Gordon at Lutheran. So, I threw on clothes and headed out.
A couple of hours later they had run tests - blood, cat scan, etc. They still don't know. But they sent him home with pain meds, anti-nauseau stuff and an antibiotic. Hopefully he's sleeping right now. Gordon doesn't get sick, so it freaked me out.
Now, I am at work because I couldn't sleep. I am doing a few things and then I will go home after while.
I know this was the most useless post, but I needed to write it out. So, this is the Saturday/Sunday post and tomorrow (Monday), will be a new recipe - with the lovely cold weather and snow, we will find healthier comfort food.
Yours in Health,
Kate
Friday, January 21, 2011
Finally Friday
Sorry no post yesterday. I was on a mad dash to get everything done and then go meet my mom. I never get to spend time alone with her, so it was great. Pedicures and dinner - awesome!
Today isn't much better, I am rolling out the door go do a remote broadcast at Cellular Advantage. We are giving away tickets to the Chicago-Green Bay play-off game this weekend. It will be epic.
So, I am going to chug down my remaining green tea and head out. Have a good weekend!
Yours in Health,
Kate
Today isn't much better, I am rolling out the door go do a remote broadcast at Cellular Advantage. We are giving away tickets to the Chicago-Green Bay play-off game this weekend. It will be epic.
So, I am going to chug down my remaining green tea and head out. Have a good weekend!
Yours in Health,
Kate
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Something's Fishy and That's Good for You
Fish is one of those foods that one minute you hear, "It's fantastic for you" and five minutes later hear, "Oh, but it can make you sick". Oddly both are true.
Fish is fantastic for you, as you can see here in a summary from the American Heart Association: "Fish is a good source of protein and, unlike fatty meat products, it’s not high in saturated fat. Fish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which can lead to sudden death. Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and lower blood pressure (slightly)."
Nice huh? Then of course there is the other side which mainly comes from the amount of damage that humans have done to the eco-system. Between oil spills, toxic dumping and other garbage disposal, the world waters aren't as clean as they once were. The biggest concern is mercury. This toxin can really build up in predatory sea creatures such as sharks and sword fish, mainly because they eat smaller fish who have been tainted on a smaller scale by mercury and it builds up in the system.
Pregnant women and children are most at risk for these side effects, so you should check with your doctor. But the benefits greatly outweigh the concerns if you are middle age or older (male and female) or a heart patient. There are three keys to minimizing your chance of over-exposure: choose non-predatory fish - canned light tuna (in water), salmon, pollock and catfish are some; mix-up your fish choices, if you really want to eat swordfish, make it a treat, not every week; eat fish just 2-3 times a week, studies show that's enough to help create the positive reactions you want in your body and limit your chance of a mercury build-up.
Now, all of that being said, fish scares people. I don't just mean sharks and ugly bullheads. I mean preparing fish throws people off, especially in land locked Iowa. We didn't grow up having the ocean within reach and many of us grew up with little knowledge of fish if it didn't come in a can or from the local lake. Plus, we tend to wrongly believe fish is bland, it's often been thrown on our plate poached or fish-sticked, there is so much more.
Better Homes and Gardens has done a wonderful job of answering your fish handling questions. From telling if fish is fresh to cleaning shrimp, it's all in one place. Plus, they have a full site with recipes that will help fish be anything but broiled, tasteless and boring. The picture to the left is tasty 'Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon', um, yum.
The case for fish and yesterday's topic, tea, has been being made for a few years now by scientists studying life expectancies. Every time they looked around the world to see who was living the longest, Japan came to the head of the class. While there are a few 'micro-countries', like Monaco that are a bit longer, Japan is the only major country in the top 5.
Researchers have determined that the Japanese diet, which is high in fish and tea, is the key to their longevity. U.S. life expectancy - 78.4 years (when averaged between men and women) is 49th worldwide; Japan's expectancy is 82.17. That's nearly four years difference and with equal medical advances available in both countries, diet really is key. Well, that and the Japanese deal with stress differently than we do, but that's for another blog.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions about fish. It really is a great diet staple, especially when you are trying to lose weight - you see it is also lower in calories. :)
Yours in Health,
Kate
Fish is fantastic for you, as you can see here in a summary from the American Heart Association: "Fish is a good source of protein and, unlike fatty meat products, it’s not high in saturated fat. Fish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which can lead to sudden death. Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and lower blood pressure (slightly)."
Nice huh? Then of course there is the other side which mainly comes from the amount of damage that humans have done to the eco-system. Between oil spills, toxic dumping and other garbage disposal, the world waters aren't as clean as they once were. The biggest concern is mercury. This toxin can really build up in predatory sea creatures such as sharks and sword fish, mainly because they eat smaller fish who have been tainted on a smaller scale by mercury and it builds up in the system.
Pregnant women and children are most at risk for these side effects, so you should check with your doctor. But the benefits greatly outweigh the concerns if you are middle age or older (male and female) or a heart patient. There are three keys to minimizing your chance of over-exposure: choose non-predatory fish - canned light tuna (in water), salmon, pollock and catfish are some; mix-up your fish choices, if you really want to eat swordfish, make it a treat, not every week; eat fish just 2-3 times a week, studies show that's enough to help create the positive reactions you want in your body and limit your chance of a mercury build-up.
Now, all of that being said, fish scares people. I don't just mean sharks and ugly bullheads. I mean preparing fish throws people off, especially in land locked Iowa. We didn't grow up having the ocean within reach and many of us grew up with little knowledge of fish if it didn't come in a can or from the local lake. Plus, we tend to wrongly believe fish is bland, it's often been thrown on our plate poached or fish-sticked, there is so much more.
Better Homes and Gardens has done a wonderful job of answering your fish handling questions. From telling if fish is fresh to cleaning shrimp, it's all in one place. Plus, they have a full site with recipes that will help fish be anything but broiled, tasteless and boring. The picture to the left is tasty 'Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon', um, yum.
The case for fish and yesterday's topic, tea, has been being made for a few years now by scientists studying life expectancies. Every time they looked around the world to see who was living the longest, Japan came to the head of the class. While there are a few 'micro-countries', like Monaco that are a bit longer, Japan is the only major country in the top 5.
Researchers have determined that the Japanese diet, which is high in fish and tea, is the key to their longevity. U.S. life expectancy - 78.4 years (when averaged between men and women) is 49th worldwide; Japan's expectancy is 82.17. That's nearly four years difference and with equal medical advances available in both countries, diet really is key. Well, that and the Japanese deal with stress differently than we do, but that's for another blog.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions about fish. It really is a great diet staple, especially when you are trying to lose weight - you see it is also lower in calories. :)
Yours in Health,
Kate
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Cup of Tea?
Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Starbucks. In fact, I was given 4 gift cards from the 'Yum from Seattle' for Christmas. I often get oatmeal for breakfast, sometimes a low-fat breakfast sandwich for lunch and a dose of non-fat latte after a hard workout. Well, welcome to 2011.
I still want my Starbucks, it's just a little different now. I started slowly decreasing my caffeine intake when I ended up in the hospital in November. They were trying to figure things out and caffeine briefly was brought up. Taking no chances (and after 36 hours without caffeine in the hospital), I decided to slow down what I drank. I won't go through the steps I took to ween off, but suffice it to say, I am down to less than one cup of actual coffee a day.
Instead, I am enjoying tea. I have been drinking a cup or two a day. That cuts my caffeine intake substantially, but actually keeps me steady. Plus, tea is actually good for you. Here is a link from the Republic of Tea that hits on some of them. And the picture on this blog is a new tea from them that is decadent in sound, but healthy in reality.
The brief is: tea is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. It has been connected with overall better health, better sleep, helping fight cancer and even obesity. It is a good substitute for your morning wake-up needs. So, as the British say, "Have a cuppa" and enjoy better health.
Yours in Health,
Kate
I still want my Starbucks, it's just a little different now. I started slowly decreasing my caffeine intake when I ended up in the hospital in November. They were trying to figure things out and caffeine briefly was brought up. Taking no chances (and after 36 hours without caffeine in the hospital), I decided to slow down what I drank. I won't go through the steps I took to ween off, but suffice it to say, I am down to less than one cup of actual coffee a day.
Instead, I am enjoying tea. I have been drinking a cup or two a day. That cuts my caffeine intake substantially, but actually keeps me steady. Plus, tea is actually good for you. Here is a link from the Republic of Tea that hits on some of them. And the picture on this blog is a new tea from them that is decadent in sound, but healthy in reality.
The brief is: tea is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. It has been connected with overall better health, better sleep, helping fight cancer and even obesity. It is a good substitute for your morning wake-up needs. So, as the British say, "Have a cuppa" and enjoy better health.
Yours in Health,
Kate
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