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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
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!
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.
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.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
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.
He's now helping others in Greensboro, including his wife, to lose weight.
Friday, March 23, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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 ...
Sorry about that. I'm going to post a few things today that I've been meaning to get to. So stay with me ...
Friday, March 16, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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.
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.
The print edition has additional diet stories that made for an interesting read that I couldn't find online.
Monday, March 12, 2007
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?
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.
- 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.
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