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?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
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."
"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.
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.
Monday, February 12, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Friday, February 9, 2007
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?
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?
Thursday, February 8, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
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.
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Monday, February 5, 2007
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?
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
