Thanks for playing

Well, with the Mayors' Challenge over it looks like this will be my last post, unless there's a huge public outcry for me to keep posting to the blog.

Thanks for all your comments, questions and support. They were very much appreciated and it was nice to know there were others out there who could relate.

I'll monitor the blog for commments and see if we get any conversations going in the next couple of weeks.

After that, you can hopefully find me at the salad bar or at the gym! Or you can send e-mail here: adominello@news-record.com

Thanks!

~ Amy

I Demand a Recount!

Like I said last week, I've got a healthier attitude these days.

And that seems to have taken root. I just weighed myself and I've lost eight pounds.

But I still can't believe the mayors did better than me!

Final Mayors' Challenge Update

From the organizers:

Congratulations to the Guilford County Mayors who lost a total of 100.2 pounds! Of the 751 on-line participants, 151 reported a total weight loss of 1454.8 pounds! If you forgot to report your total pounds lost, you can still do so. Send an email to mayorschallenge@ymcagreensboro.org and report your weight lost.

More About the Mayors
Every one of our mayors met the challenge and lost at least 10 pounds. Every mayor was a big winner!

Here are the final results:
Mayor Keith Holliday, Greensboro - LOST 10.25 pounds

Mayor Billy Ragsdale, Jamestown - LOST 10.4 pounds

Mayor Howard Morgan, Sedalia - LOST 10.6 pounds

Mayor Pro Tem John Faircloth - LOST 12.4 pounds

Mayor Mark Brown, Summerfield - LOST 13.4 pounds

Mayor Rick Wallace, Pleasant Garden - LOST 14.3 pounds

Mayor Bert Stone, Archdale - LOST 14.4 pounds

Mayor Lenny Williams, Gibsonville - LOST 14.45 pounds

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 100.2 pounds

This is an average of 12.5 pounds per mayor!

Mayors' weight loss story

Sorry, guys. The story on the mayors never made it to the News & Record site on Saturday.

But here are the mayors in all their svelte glory.

How the Mayors Did

They did better then me!

All eight that participated lost 10 pounds or more.

Check out tomorrow's paper for all the details on how your mayor did.

How did you do?

Well yesterday was the official end of the 10-week Guilford County Mayors' Challenge.

As you can see from the article below, I lost six pounds. Not ten pounds.

But you know what? I even worked out this morning. A full day after the end of the challenge. Now that's an accomplishment.

Any other participants in the Mayors' Challenge want to share their stories?

Final story

Here's the final installment of the weight-loss chronicles:

Lost 6 pounds, gained healthy habits for life

Amy Dominello
Staff Writer

When I woke up early on my birthday to go to the gym, I knew a transformation had taken place.

In the past, I would have never worked out on my birthday. Ever.

But during the past 10 weeks I've been participating in the Guilford County Mayors' Challenge to lose 10 pounds. I did it to get a little healthier — and because I could easily spare 10 pounds.

I lost 6 pounds, not 10.

I thought it would be easier than it was. I slacked off at times. My diet wasn't always great.

But I gained a lot. I learned how to eat better. I became reacquainted with working out.

Most importantly, my mind-set has changed. Although the 10-week challenge is over, I still plan to keep it up.

Even on birthdays and holidays. At least most of them.


Best comment: "I thought you'd be fatter."

Newly discovered favorite form of torture: The elliptical machine

An epiphany: Getting up early to work out is not that difficult. I'm just lazy.

The bunny was looking at me funny: An after-Easter tangle with a chocolate bunny was my weakest moment.

Full list of snarky comments and story here.

Don't forget

If you're looking for a little exercise, don't forget the walk this weekend:

GREENSBORO — The Guilford County Department of Public Health is hosting “Get Healthy Guilford,” a walking event Saturday at Festival Park.
Registration and a short program will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a community walk at 2 p.m. The event is free and will be held rain or shine. Walkers may register on site at Festival Park or by logging in here before the event.
The first 100 walkers to arrive and sign in will receive a free pedometer. For information, call 641-7777 or go to www.guilfordhealth.org.

Rough week

I've lost some momentum this week.

A trip to New York for Easter really started me on a downward spiral. Couple that with a busy week and it hasn't been pretty.

I started off with good intentions. Really, I did. But between traveling, Mom's cooking, Easter candy and pizza, temptation was hard to resist. (On the plus side, I did work out two of the three days I was in New York, even running along the beautiful Hudson River.)

But the downward spiral of eating poorly seems to have continued this week. And I haven't been to the gym that much this week. It feels like once I let myself eat bad food it's really hard to get back to being healthy.

Protein bars

This question comes from a reader who is looking for the names of some good, high protein bars.

"I need help from you. I, too, need to lose 10 pounds. Please share you honest tips, and particularly the name of the higher protein bars. Every time I look at them sugar is high and so is the fat."

Clearly, I'm no expert. I'm reluctant to name the brands that I've been eating because I'm probably wrong.

Anyone want to offer their advice?

Advice from Jeannie Sykes

Here is more advice from my interview with Jeannie Sykes, a clinical nutritionist from Moses Cone Family Practice. (Related to today's story on willpower and diet.)

On cultural norms:
"I think that plays a big part of what we're drawn to and avoid. Taste preferences are mostly learned. What you like is what you're exposed to."

Facing the buffet:
"Did you really get more of your money's worth when you eat more than you want and ruin your weight loss effort?"

On overeating:
Listen to whether or not you're hungry and get joy from your food.
"When we live in the area of all or none that's when we're in a dangerous place."

Eating at events:
Eat something before you go.
"While you're at home you have control. Take the control you have while you have it."

Peer pressure:
We've all been there when someone tries to push another serving or dessert on your plate. You don't want to look like a jerk.
Try asking for a piece to go, recommends Sykes. And usually people want you to eat more to justify their own desire for that extra serving or piece of cake.
Or you can take just one bite of dessert and that usually gets a food pusher to leave you alone. But Sykes added, if you know that one bite will lead to a downward spiral, avoid it at all costs.

Changing others:
You can set a good example and help reshape cultural norms, Sykes said.

Today's article

UPDATE: And I wonder where I get it from! My family spent about 30 minutes over the weekend dissecting what makes a good sandwich and where to get the best in the New York area.

Mind over mouthful

Amy Dominello
Staff Writer

Editor's note: Buff — or buffet. That's staffer Amy Dominello's dilemma. She likes food too much to ever starve herself. But she's been trying to lose some weight and get healthy as part of the Guilford County Mayor's Challenge, which ends Sunday.

I had a moment the other night.

Eating dinner at a friend's house, I took my first bite of homemade lemon chess pie. I actually closed my eyes and made a noise that sounded close to what Homer Simpson does when he looks at a doughnut.

I didn't even realize I did it until he called me out on it.

Relationships are complicated. As I try to watch my weight, I'm finding my relationship with food is a little twisted, even obsessive.

I love food.

I like talking about it.

I like planning and thinking about it: New York-style pizza. Girl Scout cookies. Wine. Bagels. Those little pieces of chocolate that sit out on everyone's desk. The twisted chicken burrito at Fishbones.

Buffets and potlucks are like winning the lottery.

And like every junkie, I don't go very long without a fix.

Full article here.

Check out Gibsonville's mayor

Also from the folks at the Mayors' Challenge:

Gibsonville Mayor Lenny Williams and his daughter and grandson were on WFMY's Good Morning Show today at 6:45 a.m.

Click here for their inspirational story. All three generations will motivate you and your family!

Their story will also air tonight at 5 p.m.

Things that make sense

I know these thoughts I'm about to put down aren't exactly rocket science.

But I had a really bad workout today. I didn't eat so great yesterday. I went to bed late and didn't sleep that well.

And I think that really messed me up today. It's just further proof that you've got to take good care of yourself to really function well.

Today's story - Carb Queen

Today's story on my addiction to carbs:

When I decided to track what I eat for a week with a food diary, it was only natural for my good friend Andrea Mitola to look at it and offer suggestions.

Not only have we known each other since our days as college roommates, but she's also completing her doctorate in nutrition at Johns Hopkins University.

She knows what she's talking about. More important, she held me accountable:

I have decided you are the carb queen! Carbs are not all bad, so this is not a complete diss, BUT you do need to discriminate.

Full story here.

Update

I'm down six pounds with a little more than two more weeks to go.

I probably won't be able to hit the goal of losing 10 pounds in 10 weeks, but I'll be close.

As my editors can confirm, I usually push my deadlines as far as I can. So maybe I'll be more like 10 pounds in 12 weeks.

Capoeira

Last night I went to a class on capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.

I initially told a friend who has become a self-described "capoeira addict" that I would go to watch. And yet somehow last night I was attempting cartwheels. Not quite sure how that happened.

The class was a little out of my comfort zone. Grace and coordination are not exactly my strengths.

But I enjoyed myself. And I obviously worked some different muscles, because I am sore today.

Here's a cool multimedia package of what capoeira is supposed to look like, although you can trust me on the fact that I looked nothing like these people.

THURSDAY UPDATE: I take it back. I am REALLY sore today. The back of my calves feel as if someone has repeatedly kicked me.

Week 7 update

Yikes, only three more weeks to go in the Mayors' Challenge. Good luck everyone!

An update from the folks coordinating the challenge:

Getting Outside: Now that the weather is beautiful again, take advantage by getting your exercise outdoors! Enjoy a walk in the neighborhood, invite friends over for a game of volleyball, shoot some hoops with the kids or kick a soccer ball around the yard. You can work in some extra steps and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Walk for Your Heart: Research shows that 30 minutes of walking per day can bring down your blood pressure. This small amount of physical activity can also regulate your blood sugar, help control your cholesterol and make you healthier in general.

Health on the Web: Find healthy recipes and other tips here.

Mark Your Calendar: Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to finish off the Mayors’ Challenge with the Get Healthy Guilford walk on Saturday, April 14. The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Festival Park in downtown Greensboro. Come out and enjoy a 30-minute walk on one of eight beautiful downtown Greensboro trails.

Success Stories: "Happy to tell you that I lost 21 pounds… I am so glad to be a part of the challenge ... I look forward to meeting all April 14." -- Lori Collins
Do you have an experience from the Mayors’ Challenge you’d like to share? If so, simply email your story to us at: www.gcmayorschallenge.org

The Mayors’ Update: Our mayors have lost more than 50 pounds so far with just three weeks to go!

Chinese food

Seriously, I might not ever go out to eat again.

Well, that's a lie. But this was in the news last week if you didn't see it:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The typical Chinese restaurant menu is a sea of nutritional no-nos, a consumer group has found.

A plate of General Tso's chicken, for example, is loaded with about 40 percent more sodium and more than half the calories an average adult needs for an entire day.

The battered, fried chicken dish with vegetables has 1,300 calories, 3,200 milligrams of sodium and 11 grams of saturated fat.

That's before the rice (200 calories a cup). And after the egg rolls (200 calories and 400 milligrams of sodium).

"I don't want to put all the blame on Chinese food," said Bonnie Liebman, nutrition director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which did a report released Tuesday.

"Across the board, American restaurants need to cut back on calories and salt, and in the meantime, people should think of each meal as not one, but two, and bring home half for tomorrow," Liebman said.

The average adult needs around 2,000 calories a day and 2,300 milligrams of salt, which is about one teaspoon of salt, according to government guidelines.

In some ways, Liebman said, Italian and Mexican restaurants are worse for your health, because their food is higher in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

While Chinese restaurant food is bad for your waistline and blood pressure — sodium contributes to hypertension — it does offer vegetable-rich dishes and the kind of fat that's not bad for the heart.

However — and this is a big however — the veggies aren't off the hook. A plate of stir-fried greens has 900 calories and 2,200 milligrams of sodium. And eggplant in garlic sauce has 1,000 calories and 2,000 milligrams of sodium.

"We were shocked. We assumed the vegetables were all low in calories," Liebman said.

Also surprising were some appetizers: An order of six steamed pork dumplings has 500 calories, and there's not much difference, about 10 calories per dumpling, if they're pan-fried.

The group found that not much has changed since it examined Chinese food 15 years ago. That's not all bad, Liebman said.

"We were glad not to find anything different," she said. "Some restaurant food has gotten a lot worse. Companies seem to pile on. Instead of just cheesecake, you get coconut chocolate chip cheesecake with a layer of chocolate cake, and lasagna with meatballs."

The group says there is no safe harbor from sodium on the Chinese restaurant menu, but it offers several tips for making a meal healthier:

—Look for dishes that feature vegetables instead of meat or noodles. Ask for extra broccoli, snow peas or other veggies.

—Steer clear of deep-fried meat, seafood or tofu. Order it stir-fried or braised.

—Hold the sauce, and eat with a fork or chopsticks to leave more sauce behind.

—Avoid salt, which means steering clear of the duck sauce, hot mustard, hoisin sauce and soy sauce.

—Share your meal or take half home for later.

—Ask for brown rice instead of white rice.

Greensboro's biggest loser

Tina Firesheets had great stories yesterday and today about the Greensboro man, Ken Canion, who was on the NBC reality show "The Biggest Loser" and how his life has changed.

He's now helping others in Greensboro, including his wife, to lose weight.

TGIF

Just in time for the weekend, a co-worker sends me this article on counting the calories in your cocktails.

I know we've talked about this before, so this is just a few more details.

Thanks to everyone's comments I'm generally drinking red wine when and if I imbibe. (Hey, they say it helps your heart!) But it's also something I tend to drink slower, which also means less calories.

Update on the Mayors' Challenge

Here's an update that was sent on Monday (it's been that kind of week) from the folks with the Mayors' Challenge:

Benefits of Dairy
You probably know that dairy foods are good for you because of the calcium they offer, but did you know that dairy foods can help you keep weight off? Low fat dairy foods have been shown to keep you full longer which can reduce your daily caloric intake and help you slim down. Choose low fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt for optimal benefits.

Exercise Myths
There is a lot of information (and misinformation) about exercise in the news and on the Internet. How do you decide what to believe? According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, these are some common exercise myths that need to be debunked:

- Women shouldn’t strength train: many women believe that strength training (weight lifting) will make them too look like bodybuilders. The truth is, women don’t have nearly enough testosterone to create muscles that big. Strength training is an important exercise, and provides both women and men tremendous physical benefit by strengthening the body and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

- Light weights on your arms or legs can boost your exercise benefit: According to exercise experts, carrying light weights during a walk or run will make your aerobic exercise less effective, and won’t give you any strength training benefit.

- Weight gain is inevitable as you age: Not true! As you age, your body naturally loses muscle mass, which causes weight gain. Regular exercise and strength training can offset this tendency and help you maintain your weight.


Mark Your Calendar
Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to finish off the Mayors’ Challenge with the Get Healthy Guilford walk from 1-3 p.m. April 14. Information here.


Mayors' Update
Our eight mayors are sticking with their program and have lost more than 40 pounds so far! Please share your success story here.

Goodie Days, revisited

I had to face two days at work last week that were full of peril: A St. Patrick's Goody Day and a cookout for a co-worker who was leaving.

Both had lots of yummy food and I didn't over indulge. (Although an editor did yell at me for eating four Wheat Thins. But I think he was kidding.)

Anyway, I found this in my e-mail from the N.C. Division of Public Health: practical guidelines for providing lower-fat and lower-calorie foods and drinks at meetings and events.

Not that Krispy Kremes at meetings are going to go the way of the dinosaur or anything, but it's worth looking at.

Personal trainers

Interesting story on personal trainers and how well they are trained.

I'm not sure what the requirements are in North Carolina.

I've been debating whether to get some help at my gym from someone more qualified than me just to make sure I'm doing everything I can to maximize my workouts. I'd probably only do one session, although I probably should have gotten some good advice at the very beginning.

I'm baaack ...

I'm going to post a couple of more interesting things in a second, but first I'll give you a little update on how I'm doing.

I've lost five pounds in about seven weeks. Not bad, I think. I don't know if I'll make it to the 10 pounds in 10 weeks. But I think I could swing another pound or two before April 15.

Especially since I've gotten a little advice on what I should be eating. I kept a food diary and an article will be in the N&R about that on April 2. (It was originally scheduled for this Monday, but it was pushed back a week.)

The biggest change in my life is that I'm continuing to work out. I think I'm actually starting to secretly enjoy it. And on mornings where I skip the gym (like today), I feel kind of slow all day.

So I'm really going to try and kick it up a notch and try and stay focused over the next three weeks. I'm going to be facing a lot of road blocks: my birthday, Easter candy, a trip to New York where I'll be faced with bagels, pizza and Mom's cooking.

It's going to be tough.

M.I.A.

I've been working a bit of a weird schedule lately, so I've been somewhat M.I.A. on the blogging.

Sorry about that. I'm going to post a few things today that I've been meaning to get to. So stay with me ...

Carbs

I had my food diary looked at.

Turns out I'm a carb addict. I really did think my diet was better than it is.

I'll write more about my food diary in an upcoming News & Record article. But in the meantime, I'm trying to focus on eating less carbs and more protein.

Any suggestions?

More harm than good?

A commenter asked if it's possible to eat too few calories and in turn, slow down your metabolism.

I promised to research it, but I should have turned to Diane Lamb, one of the N&R's researchers from the start.

She sent me these articles from the Arizona Republic.

The short answer is yes. If you don't eat enough, you will slow down your metabolism. Well, at least eating enough is one of the few things I don't have a problem with.

Volumetrics

Interesting article in Newsweek on volumetrics, a diet plan that's not as well-known.

The print edition has additional diet stories that made for an interesting read that I couldn't find online.

Time change

It was still dark today when I went to the gym.

Ugh. Huge mental obstacle for me.

I know lots of you out there go to the gym and even leave for work when it's still dark out. But that goes against everything I believe in. :)

I don't think I was the only one to struggle with the time change. The gym was really empty today. But that may also be because the weather is so nice.

So is it a good idea to change your workout routine when the time changes? Does anyone do that? Or is it best to just suck it up and keep the same routine?

Halfway through the Mayors' Challenge

Only five more weeks to go in the Mayors' Challenge. Here's some items from their weekly updates:

- It's a great time to get outside and get moving! Gardening can be a great way to add activity to your day. Walking around the neighborhood after dinner and on the weekend can give you added energy and burn calories. Taking a 10-minute walk at work can burn calories and give you a boost. Revisit Guilford County's parks and trails at the Healthy Guilford Web site.

- Look for Gibsonville Mayor Lenny Williams, his daughter and his grandson on the WFMY Good Morning Show. Three generations will talk about how they are losing weight.

- Success Stories
"I am happy and proud to say that I lost 8 pounds during the month of February. I cut back on sweets, carbs, and salts. I also increased my water intake to help flush the salts from my system. I eat 3 times a day and 3 healthy snacks." - Dalene Johnson

"So far, I've lost 7 pounds by eating smaller portions. I've also joined the Y in High Point." - Jinx Wood

Share success stories here.

Recipes?

I really don't like to cook.

I much prefer other people cook for me.

I know. I'm a brat.

But this whole weight-loss thing has got me thinking about getting a little better about that.

So can anyone recommend some tried-and-true healthy recipes?

And the simpler the better, when it comes to both ingredients and time. (Just so you know who you're dealing with - Rachel Ray's 30-minute meals usually take me about an hour or more.)

Mel's got one here for veggie chili, although I may need a chemist to help me figure out how to halve the ingredients. :)

Walk it off

More details on the Get Healthy Guilford walk from the Guilford County Department of Public Health:

On April 14, Guilford County residents are being challenged to "step into health" with a walk at 1 p.m. at downtown Greensboro’s Festival Park next to the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street.

Come out and walk as we celebrate the success of the Mayors’ Weight Loss Challenge. Walkers may pre-register on our Web site or register that day at Festival Park at 1 p.m. You may choose from eight walk routes, about one to two miles each, through the downtown Greensboro area.

Get Healthy Guilford Walk Schedule:
1-2 p.m. - Registration & Pre-Walk Activities
2 p.m. – Walkers Take Off

For questions or donations call 845-7720 or e-mail JWORKMA@co.guilford.nc.us.

The Get Healthy Guilford walk will also coincide with the Center City Park Kick-Off Celebrations taking place from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Pork barrel politics

Hmmm ... wonder if this Florida rep stole the "weight-loss challenge" idea from Guilford County?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Pork in government isn't a good thing. Neither are too many ham sandwiches and pork chops, says the chairman of the House's health care council.

Rep. Aaron Bean has challenged the chamber to see which member can lose the most weight by the end of the session. Weigh-ins will be held this week and during the final week of the session in early May.

The friendly competition is meant to promote healthier diets and lifestyles, and the House is challenging the Senate to lighten the load as well.

"We need to set an example for all Floridians," Bean said.

Is Atkins a winner?

First, Atkins was all the rage.

Then, everyone said it was bad for you.

So will Atkins now be "in" again?

CHICAGO (AP) -- The low-carb, high-fat Atkins diet gets high marks in one of the biggest, longest head-to-head studies of popular weight-loss plans, beating the Zone, the Ornish diet and even U.S. guidelines. Even so, critics say the results show how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off.

Full story here.

UPDATE: This is carb-related. N&R columnist Lorraine Ahearn's take on white vs. wheat.

Good news and bad news

First the good news:
My clothes are a little looser.

I have to pull my belts in one notch tighter.

And when I was weighed Monday, I came up 145 pounds. (Although I hadn't eaten lunch yet and it was 1 p.m., so I'm not putting a lot of stock into that.)

Now the bad news:
I kind of slacked off this weekend on the workouts.

I missed three days! (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

I've got several excuses, including a weird work schedule and the fact that my gym opens on Sundays later than I thought.

Blah. Blah.

Really there's no excuse. I could have totally gone to the gym on Saturday. Just plain lazy.

Anyway, I'm trying not to let either my progress or laziness set me back. I went to the gym on Monday and Tuesday, which I think is a good sign.

Usually when I have a bout of laziness it kills my momentum. So it's probably a positive thing that I went back to the gym at all.

Mayors' Challenge Update

From an e-mail sent out by the folks coordinating the Mayors' Challenge:

This Month:
March is upon us, which means that it’s National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme from the American Dietetic Association is “100% Fad-Free.” It’s easy to be tempted by fad diets that offer fast weight loss while letting you eat all the junk food you want, but such diets are usually not scientifically or nutritionally sound. In fact, many can cause serious health problems. The following are signs that a diet is probably a fad:
- Promises of incredibly rapid weight loss, such as 10 pounds in the first week (remember – healthy weight loss is generally 1-2 pounds per week)
- A list of “good” and “bad” foods
- Any recommendations that are used to sell a product
- Too good to be true promises, such as “no exercise needed”

Mayors’ Challenge Success Story:
Shirley Pearson of Gibsonville has already lost 7 pounds! When asked how she did it, Shirley told us she simply cut back on the amount of food she’s eating. For example, she realized she didn’t need to eat 10 crackers with her salad when she would be just as satisfied after eating 3. She’s also stopped driving through fast food restaurants for the 99 cent sundae. Congratulations, Shirley!
Do you have a success story you’d like to share? If so, simply e-mail the details along with your name and daytime telephone number to mayorschallenge@ymcagreensboro.org.

Staying Motivated:
With week 4 of the Mayors’ Challenge finished, many of us are struggling to keep our motivation to exercise. Consider these simple tips to make exercise a lasting part of your life:
- Exercise in short bursts. Finding 30 minutes to exercise is difficult, but it may be easier to find time for three 10 minute walks during the day.
- Keep a journal. Looking through records of your success with exercise may be just the thing to keep you going back for more.
- Schedule time. Treat exercise like an important business client – write it in your calendar and don’t cancel your appointment!
- Do something you think is fun. Sure, running may be great exercise, but if you don’t enjoy running, you probably won’t stick with it. Maybe you prefer walking or taking a yoga class instead.

Mark Your Calendar
Join your mayors from 1-3 p.m. April 14 in Festival Park, downtown Greensboro, for the "Get Healthy Guilford" walk as part of the finale of the Mayors' Challenge. You can choose one of eight downtown trails, each about a 30-minute walk - or take two trails for an hour walk.

The Mayors’ Update
In the first four weeks, the eight mayors competing have lost more than 36 pounds!

BMI

Interesting story. I wonder if we will one day have to rattle off our BMI like it's our Social Security number?


HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Amid a growing obesity epidemic in the United States, an insurance company has started giving customers another reason to slim down by being one of the first in the nation to offer discounts to customers who keep a low body-mass index.

The program by Phoenix Cos. Inc. offers discounts up to 20 percent on life insurance policies to customers whose BMI is verified by a doctor to be 19 to 25.

BMI is a ratio of body fat that takes height and weight into account. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines obesity as a BMI of 30 or more; people between 25 and 30 are considered overweight.

Rude?

I've gotten a couple of e-mails and even a blogger who think I'm the rude one for getting mad at the weightlifter who wanted to "work in a set." (From Tuesday's story.)

I've heard their complaints, but I still think the guy was rude to ask to work in a set. And it was especially frustrating because it was the first time I had tried the weights on my own.

If I was sitting there for awhile, then yeah, that's obnoxious.

But he was hovering over me like it was a hot slot machine in Atlantic City. And I paused for only a few seconds. I equate it to a waitress asking if you're done with your plate when you put your fork down after one bite.

It's just unnecessary.

Any more thoughts on weight machine etiquette?

Watching what I eat

I continue to insist I eat fairly well. But I'm going to put my theory to the test.

For a week, I'm going to keep a food diary to track what I eat. I started yesterday.

I want to see two things -

1. Do I really eat as well as I think?

2. Will writing everything down keep me from overindulging?

This week might be especially illuminating. I'm helping to cover the ACC women's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum and it will probably be hard to eat really healthy.

I'm curious to hear how the experts and non-experts feel about food diaries. Are they good or a bit obsessive?

Over-the-top meals

Sorry to leave you guys hanging for a couple of days.

I went away to the mountains and was busy with work, but I'm back! And as you can see, I'm making up for lost time with a couple of new posts today.

Check out this report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which bills itself as "a strong advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science."

An excerpt from their press release:

"Burgers, pizzas, and quesadillas were never health foods to begin with, but many restaurants are transmogrifying these foods into ever-more harmful new creations, and then keeping you in the dark about what they contain,” said Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of CSPI. “Now we see lasagna with meatballs on top; ice cream with cookies, brownies, and candy mixed in; ‘Ranchiladas,’ bacon cheeseburger pizzas, buffalo-chicken-stuffed quesadillas, and other hybrid horribles that are seemingly designed to promote obesity, heart disease, and stroke.”

Looking at all this can make you crazy, especially when I think about how many similar meals I've eaten in the past! And I wonder if there were calorie counts on the menu if I would ever go to a restaurant again.

I guess there is something to be said about this tip that I've seen: Immediately ask your waiter or waitress to box half your food.

Any other tips or healthy alternatives out there?

Third week of the Mayors' Challenge

Here are some excerpts from an update the YMCA put out yesterday on the mayor's challenge:

This week's health tip:
When trying to lose weight, know how to control your portion sizes. Remember - how much you eat can be just as important as what you eat. More in depth information on portion control is available here.

In the news this week:
Congratulations to Greensboro, recently designated as one of North Carolina's Fit Communities! Greensboro received this distinction based on efforts to increase the health of citizens through physical activity, healthy eating, and prevention of youth tobacco use. Fit Community is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina as well as the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund.

Mayors Update:
Our mayors are doing a great job on their healthy eating and exercise program. In the first two weeks, they had lost a collective 27 pounds!

Health on the Web:
Looking for health information online? Be sure to check here for delicious (and healthy!) recipes.

Tips from Diane Gill

Afraid of the gym?

Here are some tips from Diane Gill, a UNCG exercise and sport science professor who specializes in the psychology of exercise.

- Have the gym staff show you how the machines work. Also, there are instructions on the sides of many of the weight machines.

- If you can, go to the gym during times when there are less people there. Before and after work hours tend to be the busiest.

- Don't start out trying to do too much. You'll just hurt yourself and that means you'll be less likely to go back to the gym.

Today's column

Today's article in the News & Record:

Rage against the machines

By Amy Dominello
Staff Writer

After 10 reps on some sort of bench-press machine, I paused to take a break between sets.

Obviously, I needed to make sure I didn't overexert myself with the 10 pounds I was pumping.

But as soon as I paused, the guy hovering behind me leaned in.

"Do you mind if I work in a set?" he asked

Ticked off, I grabbed my towel and my water.

"This is why I don't use the weight machines," I growled at him, as I turned the machine over.

Click here for the full article.

New diet trick

Last night, I attended a dinner where I somehow managed to sit at a seat that had two place settings. While that meant two salads, it also meant two desserts.

Facing down two desserts can be difficult, but I found there's an easy way to deal: make sure N&R sports writer Robert Bell is nearby.

After he wolfed down his own slice of cheesecake, I passed over my two pieces to him.

So if you're trying to diet, just invite Robert to your home and feed him everything you're trying to avoid. Maybe it will catch on among dieters: Atkins, The Zone, and now, the Bell.

Two pounds down!

To answer Andrea's taunt, I have been weighing myself once a week.

Doing it more often would make me insane.

But I weighed myself today and I've lost two pounds since Feb. 1. It's probably a good thing that I saw some results. This blog might have gotten real ugly if I had gained some weight.

I want to hear from others who took up the mayors' challenge! Anyone else out there want to share their results?

Talk about willpower

Man, I can't believe I can complain about getting up early to go to the gym when there are people who are capable of this:

IN THE WESTERN DESERT, Egypt (AP) — A Greensboro, N.C., man and two other ultra-endurance athletes have just done something most would consider insane: They ran the equivalent of two marathons a day for 111 days to become the first modern runners to cross the Sahara Desert's grueling 4,000 miles.

Click here for full story.

I wish I was a little bit taller ...

Since the beginning of January, I've been playing basketball in a rec league twice a week along with N&R City Hall reporter Margaret Banks.

Good thing there weren't tryouts. We never would have made the team. The league consists of teams who've played together for years and ex-college players.

But in spite of our team's 1-9 record, both Margaret and I have had a good time playing. We've met some really cool girls on our team. As someone told us last night, our team has "great spirit."

Sure, it'd be nice to win a few more. But Margaret and I have realized one benefit - our lungs no longer burn when we run!

And let's face it - I'll run a lot harder in a competitive situation than I ever will on a treadmill.

Gym etiquette

So I conquered my fear of the elliptical machine and used it on both Friday and Sunday.

But I did have to switch to the bike when the gentleman on the elliptical next to me would not stop talking about the game on television and his family's upcoming move. I don't know about you all, but I am not someone that wants to chit-chat while I've got sweat pouring down my face at the gym. Is there any sort of gym etiquette on that or am I just rude and unfriendly to want to be left alone?

I also got my friend and co-worker Tina Firesheets (You may recognize her from all the Sweat Boxes in the News & Record she does) to show me how to use the different weight machines. You'll be able to read about my experiences with that in Monday's paper.

Weak-ends

Well, the weekend once again was little tough.

I did drink some beer on Friday night. (There are just some bars where you look weird drinking wine, and this was one of them.)

I was also dragged, sort of, to Waffle House by a visiting Yankee friend who thinks Waffle House is God's gift to the South.

I feel like I combated that a little bit by grabbing sushi with a friend later that night. But is sushi really good for you? I'm not even sure. It seems like it should be. Or is it one of those things you think is great for you and it's really not?

How the mayors are doing

This just in from the YMCA:

We are proud to say that your Guilford County mayors collectively lost 20 pounds in the first week! Their individual weight loss ranged from one to three pounds (a healthy weight loss is generally one pound a week, although you may lose more in the beginning, which is typically what you hear referred to as "water weight").

How are you doing with your program? Valentine's Day was a challenge for all of us, and now the key is to get back on track. Another upcoming challenge is "Fat Tuesday" on Feb. 20, which kicks off the observation of Lent, a tradition of self-discipline and reflection (Feb. 21-April 7). Maybe this year, we can kick it off with "Low Fat Tuesday."

The link to the mayor's challenge is here.

The trouble with BMI

Interesting story today on MSN about the limitations of using BMI, or body mass index, as a measure of body fat.

When I checked my BMI a couple weeks ago it said I was 25, which is the very beginning of the overweight category. It pushed me to join up for the mayors' challenge to try and lose 10 pounds and get healthier. All of which is positive.

After reading the article on MSN, I played around with the BMI calculator. I would have to drop three pounds to 147 to be in the "normal" category.

But clearly, as the article points out, there are limitations to using BMI. I would still be considered "normal" at 113 pounds! There's no way I'd be "normal" at that weight. I'd be dying. I think I weighed more than that in high school, for god's sake.

It doesn't change my motivation to get fit, but I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying that BMI might not be gospel.

Anybody have anything to add on this debate?

Goodie Days

Avoiding temptation has been rough this week.

On Monday, I got a package of Valentine's Day candy. On Tuesday, Girl Scout cookies I forgot I purchased arrived. And today, of course, is Valentine's Day and an official "Goodie Day" here in the newsroom.

Brownies, cupcakes, candy, chips. They're all there, just a few cubicles down.

On Monday and Tuesday, I gave the candy and cookies to my co-workers. (As one of our photographers pointed out, it doesn't count as weight loss if all I do is make everyone around me gain weight.)

Today, I've behaved a little differently than at past work "Goodie Days" where I go up for food an average of 17 times.

I've thought a little bit more about what I really want to eat and when. I ate some yummy stuffed shells as my lunch. (Thanks Dennis!) On my end, I brought in a big bowl of strawberries for everyone, although I think I've eaten half of it.

Now I know there's a lot of you out there who face down the free treats at work all the time, whether it's cake for a co-worker's birthday or the cookies customers bring in to say thank you. How do you do it? Do you indulge in just a bite or not at all?

And I will have a piece of chocolate before this day ends! It is Valentine's Day after all!

Today's tip ...

... Comes from a voicemail from a Germantown woman who read yesterday's story:

"I have a great free way to lose weight for you. Volunteer three times a week at a horse stable. Trust me. You'll lose weight, have fun and build muscle. Horses are better than gyms and they listen to all you secrets and never give them away."

Rage against the machines

Today my plan was to get on the elliptical machine.

But I chickened out.

I did the bike for 10 minutes and then used the indoor track to do a combination of running and walking.

I'm not sure why but I'm really intimidated by a lot of the equipment at the gym. I've used a lot of it before, but I'm reluctant to use them.

It's probably that I don't want to look like a moron falling off the machines.

I know I'll get there eventually. I plan on having someone take me through and show me how everything works so I feel more comfortable.

Still, I hate that I'm being such a wimp about it.

Weekends

So maybe my problem isn't Super Bowl Sunday.

Maybe it's the weekends.

As I try to get into a routine of exercising during the week, I was surprised this weekend to find that one of my bigger obstacles may be to get healthy on the weekends.

On the plus side, I did go for a long hike again on Saturday morning. But I also like to go out on the weekends. Many times that involves dinner out. It also may involve some wine or beer. Now I know those calories add up. It's not something I'm willing to give up just yet. Maybe by the end of this 10 weeks I'll find out that I should. We'll see.

In the meantime, here are some good troubleshooting tips from a Greensboro trainer and nutritional consultant, Leigh Peele.

Today's story

Here's today's story on my attempt to lose 10 pounds from the News & Record:

The board lit up and ordered me to pick a level between one and 20.

A nice and comfortable Level 5 seemed about right for my first time on a stationary bike in awhile.

Almost immediately, I grew smug. Level 5 is clearly for weaklings. Level 10 is where I should be at.

Then the evil machine taunted me in big, red letters: WARM-UP OVER.

The resistance kicked in. My legs went weak. The guy on the bike next to me probably thought I was having a heart attack.

The bike had more buttons on it than Mission Control.

I started pressing every one I could to get it to stop before accidentally turning it off.

And there was my evidence, as if I needed any proof: I am not in good shape.

Click here for full story.

Lunch options

It's 12:50 p.m. and my stomach's growling.

I brought a Lean Cuisine with me, but it's really the last thing in the world I want to eat.

My alternative is to find someplace downtown that's quick. But I also want to stay healthy. A portion size that's not for two people would also be good.

Any suggestions on where to find a quick, healthy lunch in downtown Greensboro?

Women and weight

Clearly this guy is trying to start something on John Robinson's blog.

I guess some people will say anything for a little attention.

But it got me to thinking about how hurtful some of these comments can be - especially to women.

Last week as I covered the press conference on the Guilford County Mayors' Challenge, there were hardly any women up there talking about weight. But between eight and 10 men spoke.

The issue didn't make it into the story but when I asked about it, Linda L. Fullam, the director of the Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center with the Moses Cone Health System, said this:

"With women it's more of an emotional issue. For men it's more of a physical issue."

Some men, she said, will grab their gut almost as a point of pride. Women are not always so willing to talk about.

So is there ever a good way to get women to talk constructively about their weight as a health issue? Or are we doomed to conversations about how thin we look in a certain pair of jeans?

UPDATE: Here's in an interesting story from today's New York Times on female athletes and weight. Registration is required to read it.

Working weights in

As Dawn posted, it seems many trainers and fitness types recommend getting not only cardio but some weight training in too.

So what kind of exercise routines seem to work for you all out there? A combo of cardio and weights? Do you do them on separate days or the same days?

I've been focused on doing cardio, but I'm going to try and get into the weight training a little bit. A friend is giving me a lesson on using the weight machines at the gym so I don't look like a total moron trying to figure it all out.

NASCAR fans targeted in new ads aimed at obesity

NASCAR star Kasey Kahne is encouraging fans to get eat better and work out more.

Fans will get to see Kahne join the fight against obesity in a new series of TV advertisements, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health. The race car driver will star in ads for Eat Smart, Move More…North Carolina in the period leading up to the Daytona 500 to encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

The TV and radio ads focus on encouraging fans to choose water over sugar-laden drinks and to be more physically active through simple choices.

These latest ads are targeted at NASCAR fans, many of whom are adults with kids in the home. According to the state, market research showed that many adult NASCAR fans get less exercise and drink more sugar-sweetened beverages than the average American.

Well, maybe if the races didn't take so darn long fans would be more willing to get off the couch!

Older Adults Face Double Whammy When It Comes to Body Fat

From Wake Forest University School of Medicine:

WINSTON-SALEM – When it comes to body fat, today’s older adults face a double whammy, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues. Up until age 80, older adults not only gain fat as they age – but because of the obesity epidemic – they actually begin their older years fatter.

The result is an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and disability, according to Jingzhong Ding, M.D., Ph.D., lead author and a researcher on aging at Wake Forest Baptist.

Full press release here.

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Here's something brought to my attention by fellow N&R reporter Tina Firesheets that might be worth checking out:

Tuesday, March 27

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

6:30 p.m. Dr. Peter Brubaker, executive director of the Healthy Exercise and Lifestyle Programs at Wake Forest University, offers advice on how to develop the proper personal workout. Held at Stokes Family YMCA, 105 Moore Road, King.

Morning vs. night

God, I hate getting up in the morning to go to the gym. But it really does feel good to know you're done with it for the day.

Does it matter if you work out early or late in the day? What are the pros and cons of both?

What do you do?

Here's one answer from Outside Online.

After the Super Bowl

I did kind of pig out last night as I watched the Super Bowl.

But I had planned to, so I'm OK with it.

So does anyone have any tips on how to deal with a post-party pigout? Do you try and eat a little better during the week to combat bad eating on the weekend? What's the best thing to do?

My weight

Since I decided to participate in the mayor's challenge, I've gotten lots of encouragement from my co-workers, friends and family.

But many have also questioned whether I need to lose 10 pounds.

That's always a nice thing to hear and maybe they're just being polite.

So here are the numbers: I'm 5'5". When I was weighed last week at my doctor's office, I was 150 pounds.

That means my BMI is 25. A BMI of 25 and over is considered overweight. I'm just on the edge, so I'm not under any delusion that I'm seriously overweight.

For the past couple of years, I've started eating much better, but I've hardly gotten anywhere close to the amount of exercise that I should. It's an unhealthy pattern that I've tried with little success to break.

I'm hoping this challenge will kick-start some good workout habits. It may also make me feel I'm finally getting my money's worth from my gym membership.

Super Bowl Sunday

I'm going to eat some bad food and drink some beer tonight.

It would be un-American if I didn't.

However, eating wings and drinking Miller Lite doesn't exactly help with the weight-loss challenge.

But I know I'm going to do it. I'm not going to deprive myself. I'm still allowing myself to eat like that when the occasion calls for it. I am just going to try for a little more self-control. Tonight, for instance, I'll try to avoid knocking someone over to be first in line when the food is ready. :)

And I'm eating some fruit right now so that I'm not starving when I get to the party. (Usually I would eat very little today knowing that I will full-on pig out tonight.) But I'm trying to not be starving when I get there.

And on the positive side - I did go for a hike in the woods for over an hour this morning with my friend Kim. It really is a better workout when you can get some gossip in too!

Day One

The way my life goes, mornings are the best time for me to hit the gym.

However, I hate mornings. And I hate working out in the morning even more. Especially when it's cold.

I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. this morning. I stayed curled up under my comforter for 20 minutes going over all the reasons why I should stay in bed.

But I got up.

I went to the gym and did 15 minutes on the bike and 15 minutes on the treadmill.

It's not a lot. But at least I got out of bed.

The mayors' challenge

So the mayors in Guilford County have challenged us: Lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.

As the reporter who covers health, it's my job to write about their challenge, which began today and wraps up April 15. So I went to their Web site and checked it out.

I plugged in my own weight and height into the BMI calculator.

The verdict: OVERWEIGHT.

Surely, there was something wrong with this Web site.

But, of course, there wasn't.

I'll admit that according to the BMI calculator I'm just barely in the overweight category. But I'll also admit that while I eat fairly well, I don't exercise enough.

So I'm going to take the mayors up on their challenge.

You all can follow along as I try to shed some pounds and pick up some better habits.

I'll update you on my progress and challenges. I'll also post weight-loss related news when I see it.

But I'd also like to hear from those of you out there. Are you trying to get healthy? What are your challenges? What are your successes?

I'd love to hear from you, whether you're participating in the Guilford County mayors' weight-loss challenge or not.

Everyone's welcome to this party. Just don't bring any cake. Please.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the story I wrote on the challenge and other weight loss initiatives in Guilford.