Friday, July 11, 2003
Benefits of fasting:
I mentioned earlier that I've broken my life down into categories, well - I've figured out that fasting actually affects a number of those categories:
Mental - Fasting relieves our minds from the toxic affect of food - my mind becomes very clear and sharp. My thinking is quicker and I remember things easier. Depression seems to just drop off of me quickly. My senses seem more alert and my whole outlook on life seems to improve. When we fast we are exercising self-discipline and self-control - being able to master our own minds and bodies is a major accomplishment and raises our self-esteem and confidence. Just the improvement on this category alone should be enough incentive for me to fast at least once a week - I will from now on!
Spiritual - When we deny ourselves the ability to consume food, we are humbling ourselves. When we are humbled, it is much easier to seek God and His guidance. Prayer comes much easier and we are able to focus on the spiritual aspect of our lives much more intensely. It seems as if, when I fast - my Spirit is much more easier to pick-up on what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell or show me.
Emotional - When I fast, I get much calmer - my anxiety level seems to drop way down. I seem to be able to control my emotions much, much better. When we fast, endorphins are released in our brains - those same endorphins that are released when we do a heavy work (a real natural high!).
Phyiscal - When we fast, the hunger and thirst mechanisms cause our glands to secrete acids that flush out germs and toxins from our systems. Fasting allows our digestive organs to rest and recuperate. If we have food allergies - fasting allows our bodies to recover from the affects of those allergies (we can have food allergies and not even know it!). Did you know fasting can improve your skin tone and complexion? By not eating, our bodies (skin) do not have to secrete toxins and poisons that come with the food that we eat - this gives the skin pores a chance to clean themselves. I definetly notice a glow to my skin when I fast. Fasting improves our blood circulation - when we fast, our digestive system is not putting a demand on our circulatory system - thus givng it a much needed break - the heart is allowed to rest. If we suffer from shortness of breath, fasting improves that situation also. Finally, tissue swelling; and bloating, are reduced by the removal of salt and excess water from the body.
If you've never tried fasting, you should really consider doing so. Just 24 hours will make a very big difference in your health. If you are wanting to kick the habits of alchohol, sugar, caffiene and tobacco - starting off with a fast is a very good way of doing it. You'd probably need to fast for at least two days - maybe three (I have successfully) to get all of the toxins and poisons out of the body - but, it will make an incredible difference in your endeavor to be free from the junk that shackles you and impairs your life!
I mentioned earlier that I've broken my life down into categories, well - I've figured out that fasting actually affects a number of those categories:
Mental - Fasting relieves our minds from the toxic affect of food - my mind becomes very clear and sharp. My thinking is quicker and I remember things easier. Depression seems to just drop off of me quickly. My senses seem more alert and my whole outlook on life seems to improve. When we fast we are exercising self-discipline and self-control - being able to master our own minds and bodies is a major accomplishment and raises our self-esteem and confidence. Just the improvement on this category alone should be enough incentive for me to fast at least once a week - I will from now on!
Spiritual - When we deny ourselves the ability to consume food, we are humbling ourselves. When we are humbled, it is much easier to seek God and His guidance. Prayer comes much easier and we are able to focus on the spiritual aspect of our lives much more intensely. It seems as if, when I fast - my Spirit is much more easier to pick-up on what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell or show me.
Emotional - When I fast, I get much calmer - my anxiety level seems to drop way down. I seem to be able to control my emotions much, much better. When we fast, endorphins are released in our brains - those same endorphins that are released when we do a heavy work (a real natural high!).
Phyiscal - When we fast, the hunger and thirst mechanisms cause our glands to secrete acids that flush out germs and toxins from our systems. Fasting allows our digestive organs to rest and recuperate. If we have food allergies - fasting allows our bodies to recover from the affects of those allergies (we can have food allergies and not even know it!). Did you know fasting can improve your skin tone and complexion? By not eating, our bodies (skin) do not have to secrete toxins and poisons that come with the food that we eat - this gives the skin pores a chance to clean themselves. I definetly notice a glow to my skin when I fast. Fasting improves our blood circulation - when we fast, our digestive system is not putting a demand on our circulatory system - thus givng it a much needed break - the heart is allowed to rest. If we suffer from shortness of breath, fasting improves that situation also. Finally, tissue swelling; and bloating, are reduced by the removal of salt and excess water from the body.
If you've never tried fasting, you should really consider doing so. Just 24 hours will make a very big difference in your health. If you are wanting to kick the habits of alchohol, sugar, caffiene and tobacco - starting off with a fast is a very good way of doing it. You'd probably need to fast for at least two days - maybe three (I have successfully) to get all of the toxins and poisons out of the body - but, it will make an incredible difference in your endeavor to be free from the junk that shackles you and impairs your life!
Status report:
I got on the bathroom scale this morning - I've lost 10 pounds, not bad for less than two weeks into my diet and exercise program. I feel a whole lot better today than I did yesterday - the fasting sure helped get that junk out of my system from the night before. I started feeling better around 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon. I had a good dinner and then walked (1/2 mile) to the fitness center, worked out with the weights for about 30 minutes, and then walked home. For dinner I had, steak, sunny-side-up eggs and some slices of tomato. I also ate a "Carb Solutions" protien bar - only 2 carbs and no sugar but it tastes great (minty chocalate).
I'm back on track. Gonna' do some power walking at lunchtime - very fast walk and slow jog alternating. I cover about a mile to mile and a half.
I might take my measurements on Sunday, see if I've lost any inches - I think I have, my face certainly looks thinner as does my neck. I know that my stomach and waist are a little smaller because my pants have gotten pretty loose.
I got on the bathroom scale this morning - I've lost 10 pounds, not bad for less than two weeks into my diet and exercise program. I feel a whole lot better today than I did yesterday - the fasting sure helped get that junk out of my system from the night before. I started feeling better around 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon. I had a good dinner and then walked (1/2 mile) to the fitness center, worked out with the weights for about 30 minutes, and then walked home. For dinner I had, steak, sunny-side-up eggs and some slices of tomato. I also ate a "Carb Solutions" protien bar - only 2 carbs and no sugar but it tastes great (minty chocalate).
I'm back on track. Gonna' do some power walking at lunchtime - very fast walk and slow jog alternating. I cover about a mile to mile and a half.
I might take my measurements on Sunday, see if I've lost any inches - I think I have, my face certainly looks thinner as does my neck. I know that my stomach and waist are a little smaller because my pants have gotten pretty loose.
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Last night:
Boy, did I have a bad night last night - it started around 8 p.m. and it's food related. Yesterday (July 9th), was my step-daughter Tina's 18th birthday. Her mother, I and my father took her to a Chinese food place to eat. The food was good, and I was so proud of myself, that even though it was an "all you can eat" buffett - I only had one plate of food. I was even pretty selective about the food - trying to avoid anything fried, spicey or sugary. I was even prouder of myself, for when we returned home and celebrated with cake and icecream - I didn't have any of it.
Well, I still got sick - like the "old" days (2 weeks ago), when I ate just about anything. Cramps, burning in my stomach, acid bubbling up in my throat, very severe pain in my stomach. Something in that food just did not agree with me, some spice or oil used in the cooking maybe? I ate a variety of things, so I have absolutely no idea which item bothered me. I took some charcoal pills - which are exactly that, the charcoal absorbs acid in the stomach - I'd never heard of it until I married my wife 12 years ago. I also drank about 3 cups of peppermint tea - if I hadn't sipped it, I probably would have ended up going to the emergency room. The peppermint really helps get my stomach settled when it's in turmoil like that.
I slept very relestlessly, had very strange dreams and woke up this morning with no energy or ambition. My stomach still hurt just a little (no it was not food poisoning - no one else got sick and we ate the same things), I went to the bathroom and felt a little better. I feel lousy - just like I did before starting this diet and exercise program. It's as if food is my enemy - it's the culprit behind so many of my ill feelings. I know that this will pass - that I will get this "stuff" out of my system in the next 12 hours or so and then I'll be OK again. I'm helping to speed things along - I'm not eating until tonight, basically - I will have fasted for almost 24 hours by the time I eat this evening. I'm drinking lots of water and green tea today, flushing my system out and giving my organs a rest.
I'll write about fasting shortly...
Boy, did I have a bad night last night - it started around 8 p.m. and it's food related. Yesterday (July 9th), was my step-daughter Tina's 18th birthday. Her mother, I and my father took her to a Chinese food place to eat. The food was good, and I was so proud of myself, that even though it was an "all you can eat" buffett - I only had one plate of food. I was even pretty selective about the food - trying to avoid anything fried, spicey or sugary. I was even prouder of myself, for when we returned home and celebrated with cake and icecream - I didn't have any of it.
Well, I still got sick - like the "old" days (2 weeks ago), when I ate just about anything. Cramps, burning in my stomach, acid bubbling up in my throat, very severe pain in my stomach. Something in that food just did not agree with me, some spice or oil used in the cooking maybe? I ate a variety of things, so I have absolutely no idea which item bothered me. I took some charcoal pills - which are exactly that, the charcoal absorbs acid in the stomach - I'd never heard of it until I married my wife 12 years ago. I also drank about 3 cups of peppermint tea - if I hadn't sipped it, I probably would have ended up going to the emergency room. The peppermint really helps get my stomach settled when it's in turmoil like that.
I slept very relestlessly, had very strange dreams and woke up this morning with no energy or ambition. My stomach still hurt just a little (no it was not food poisoning - no one else got sick and we ate the same things), I went to the bathroom and felt a little better. I feel lousy - just like I did before starting this diet and exercise program. It's as if food is my enemy - it's the culprit behind so many of my ill feelings. I know that this will pass - that I will get this "stuff" out of my system in the next 12 hours or so and then I'll be OK again. I'm helping to speed things along - I'm not eating until tonight, basically - I will have fasted for almost 24 hours by the time I eat this evening. I'm drinking lots of water and green tea today, flushing my system out and giving my organs a rest.
I'll write about fasting shortly...
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Crap junkie?
I'm feeling stronger and stronger every day in my conviction that the things that we do or put into our bodies, that we think are helping us "get through" life - or to overcome a certain situation, are actually helping to bring about our downfall.
I know for me, in the past when I was really stressing - my intake of sugar dramatically increased. Candy, pies, cakes, ice cream - you name it - I'd eat it. It's as if the sweet stuff would make my problems go away - what a crock. Some people use alchohol or drugs to numb their senses - to escape from reality, yet - when they sober up, the problems are still there. I started using tobacco again - cigars this time, a few months ago. I had myself fooled into the concept that smoking a few cigars (little ones) a day helped me relax and unwind and that it was harmless. Harmless? I may not have been inhaling deeply - but you and I both know, some of that tar and nicotine was reaching my lungs! So, there I was - fooling myself and destroying my lung cells! I stopped smoking the day that I started this diet and exercise program. What a coincidence - the rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and wheezing stopped within 24 hours!
Junk TV - that's what I've now entitled about 80 percent of what is on television these days. I used to think that I was "safe" from junk tv's influence IF I was just flipping through the channels (surfing) and not watching the really bad stuff for very long - WRONG. The crap, the refuse, the temptation, the insult to my intelligence were all still there - just in short bursts! I got to thinking - over time, all of those short bursts add up! I'm now attempting to establish for myself a criteria for watching television - for example, no blind surfing - find out what is on, chose something in particular and watch it. Limit myself to maybe one hour of TV a day - at the most. I really like the History channel, The Learning Channel, Discovery, and A&E - there are a lot of good, enriching programs on those channels - I'm going to try to focus on them. My goal here is - that whatever I do watch - will benefit me, not insult me.
We have to take a stand - have to get out of our comfort zones, if we want to make a difference in our lives. We have to replace the destructive things in our lives - those things that we use as a crutch, and replace them with productive things. Instead of sitting and watching television we need to read a good book - make up a list of self-improvement books, or biographies of famous leaders, and then start reading those books. Instead of sitting on the front porch or steps and watching the world go by - we need to go for a walk, or a jog, or ride a bike. Instead of munching on junk food - we need to eat fruits and vegetables. At meals - we should only eat enough until we are no longer hungry, no seconds or thirds - the more we eat, the bigger our stomachs get, the bigger our stomachs get - the more food it takes to make us feel full.
Instead of walking in the mall or Wal-mart a couple of times a week, we need to hit the gym and work-out. It is so easy to do nothing - it takes self-control, discipline, and drive to make changes in our lives - but, oh is it worth it! Listen to me - this all coming from a guy who was a diehard junk food eating, tobacco smoking, out of shape, depressed couch potato - just two weeks ago! Remember the pit? The pit that I said I was in when I started this blog? I'm no longer at the bottom (it's about 20 feet deep) - I'm about 1/2 out of that pit already - in less than two weeks!
No sugar
No alchohol
No tobacco
No white flour
No caffiene
No dairy products
No peanuts or peanut butter
Lots of fruits
Lots of vegetables
Lots of FILTERED water
Lots of fresh air and sunshine
Daily walks
Weight work-outs (2-3X a week)
Morning exercises (5X a week)
Vitimans and supplements (daily)
I'm a walking talking, living breathing example of what a normal person can accomplish. I'm not special - I've never had anything just handed to me - I've had a LOT of adversity in my life (childhood illnesses, the loss of a child, medical and mental problems, divorce, loss of a parent, a disabled parent, and a whole lot more) - it would be real easy for me to just roll over and die - but I won't. If life wants a fight - I'll give it one! Please be encouraged - know that life is not hopeless, that we don't just have to take things because they come our way. That, down to the very basics of life - we are free to make a choice how we deal with things, what we do - how we fight back. That's the grea thing about living in the U.S.A. - no one has control of our thoughts, no one comes into our homes and tells us what to do.
I'm feeling stronger and stronger every day in my conviction that the things that we do or put into our bodies, that we think are helping us "get through" life - or to overcome a certain situation, are actually helping to bring about our downfall.
I know for me, in the past when I was really stressing - my intake of sugar dramatically increased. Candy, pies, cakes, ice cream - you name it - I'd eat it. It's as if the sweet stuff would make my problems go away - what a crock. Some people use alchohol or drugs to numb their senses - to escape from reality, yet - when they sober up, the problems are still there. I started using tobacco again - cigars this time, a few months ago. I had myself fooled into the concept that smoking a few cigars (little ones) a day helped me relax and unwind and that it was harmless. Harmless? I may not have been inhaling deeply - but you and I both know, some of that tar and nicotine was reaching my lungs! So, there I was - fooling myself and destroying my lung cells! I stopped smoking the day that I started this diet and exercise program. What a coincidence - the rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and wheezing stopped within 24 hours!
Junk TV - that's what I've now entitled about 80 percent of what is on television these days. I used to think that I was "safe" from junk tv's influence IF I was just flipping through the channels (surfing) and not watching the really bad stuff for very long - WRONG. The crap, the refuse, the temptation, the insult to my intelligence were all still there - just in short bursts! I got to thinking - over time, all of those short bursts add up! I'm now attempting to establish for myself a criteria for watching television - for example, no blind surfing - find out what is on, chose something in particular and watch it. Limit myself to maybe one hour of TV a day - at the most. I really like the History channel, The Learning Channel, Discovery, and A&E - there are a lot of good, enriching programs on those channels - I'm going to try to focus on them. My goal here is - that whatever I do watch - will benefit me, not insult me.
We have to take a stand - have to get out of our comfort zones, if we want to make a difference in our lives. We have to replace the destructive things in our lives - those things that we use as a crutch, and replace them with productive things. Instead of sitting and watching television we need to read a good book - make up a list of self-improvement books, or biographies of famous leaders, and then start reading those books. Instead of sitting on the front porch or steps and watching the world go by - we need to go for a walk, or a jog, or ride a bike. Instead of munching on junk food - we need to eat fruits and vegetables. At meals - we should only eat enough until we are no longer hungry, no seconds or thirds - the more we eat, the bigger our stomachs get, the bigger our stomachs get - the more food it takes to make us feel full.
Instead of walking in the mall or Wal-mart a couple of times a week, we need to hit the gym and work-out. It is so easy to do nothing - it takes self-control, discipline, and drive to make changes in our lives - but, oh is it worth it! Listen to me - this all coming from a guy who was a diehard junk food eating, tobacco smoking, out of shape, depressed couch potato - just two weeks ago! Remember the pit? The pit that I said I was in when I started this blog? I'm no longer at the bottom (it's about 20 feet deep) - I'm about 1/2 out of that pit already - in less than two weeks!
No sugar
No alchohol
No tobacco
No white flour
No caffiene
No dairy products
No peanuts or peanut butter
Lots of fruits
Lots of vegetables
Lots of FILTERED water
Lots of fresh air and sunshine
Daily walks
Weight work-outs (2-3X a week)
Morning exercises (5X a week)
Vitimans and supplements (daily)
I'm a walking talking, living breathing example of what a normal person can accomplish. I'm not special - I've never had anything just handed to me - I've had a LOT of adversity in my life (childhood illnesses, the loss of a child, medical and mental problems, divorce, loss of a parent, a disabled parent, and a whole lot more) - it would be real easy for me to just roll over and die - but I won't. If life wants a fight - I'll give it one! Please be encouraged - know that life is not hopeless, that we don't just have to take things because they come our way. That, down to the very basics of life - we are free to make a choice how we deal with things, what we do - how we fight back. That's the grea thing about living in the U.S.A. - no one has control of our thoughts, no one comes into our homes and tells us what to do.
Lesson learned:
I was SUPPOSESD to do a weight work-out at GymX last night but didn't make it over there. After dinner, my wife asked if I'd go with her to Wal-mart and then she would go with me to work-out afterwards - I agreed to go. But, after spending a tiring 35 - 40 minutes shopping and then realizing how late in the evening it was getting - we did not work-out.
From now on, I focus on the diet and exercise program. IF I must go shopping - I'll do it after the work-out. I've noticed, that if I don't really stay focused - it doesn't take much to distract me from what I need to do. I could easily end up having all kinds of things pop-up everyday that will keep me from eating the right things or taking the time to work-out. Since, losing weight and getting into shape are VERY important to me - I need to keep that in mind. I really think that the only thing that should keep me from accomplishing these task, would be a family related issue or emergency, and the issue better be pretty darn important.
I was SUPPOSESD to do a weight work-out at GymX last night but didn't make it over there. After dinner, my wife asked if I'd go with her to Wal-mart and then she would go with me to work-out afterwards - I agreed to go. But, after spending a tiring 35 - 40 minutes shopping and then realizing how late in the evening it was getting - we did not work-out.
From now on, I focus on the diet and exercise program. IF I must go shopping - I'll do it after the work-out. I've noticed, that if I don't really stay focused - it doesn't take much to distract me from what I need to do. I could easily end up having all kinds of things pop-up everyday that will keep me from eating the right things or taking the time to work-out. Since, losing weight and getting into shape are VERY important to me - I need to keep that in mind. I really think that the only thing that should keep me from accomplishing these task, would be a family related issue or emergency, and the issue better be pretty darn important.
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
Status report:
Well, I worked out with weights last night and GymX - first time in about 6 months. An hour before working out, I had a dinner of grilled steak and a baked sweet potato - high protien, complex carbohydrates and rich in anti-oxidants, just what a body needs to "fuel up" before a good work-out. I also ate a protien bar, which I'll talk about later.
Just a little sore this morning but not too sore to do my basic exercises before coming to work. I feel really good - same as yesterday. Not only did I do the weight work-out for about 30 minutes - my wife Susan and I walked quite a few blocks after we got home. The evenings here in New Mexico are just way too nice not to be outside! I plan on taking two short walks today on my breaks (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), resting at lunch - and then working out with weights again tonight, followed by an evening walk.
By the way, I've started reading a book about how we handle adversity and the way it affects our life. The book is entitled: "Adversity Quotient: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities". So far it is very good.
Well, I worked out with weights last night and GymX - first time in about 6 months. An hour before working out, I had a dinner of grilled steak and a baked sweet potato - high protien, complex carbohydrates and rich in anti-oxidants, just what a body needs to "fuel up" before a good work-out. I also ate a protien bar, which I'll talk about later.
Just a little sore this morning but not too sore to do my basic exercises before coming to work. I feel really good - same as yesterday. Not only did I do the weight work-out for about 30 minutes - my wife Susan and I walked quite a few blocks after we got home. The evenings here in New Mexico are just way too nice not to be outside! I plan on taking two short walks today on my breaks (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), resting at lunch - and then working out with weights again tonight, followed by an evening walk.
By the way, I've started reading a book about how we handle adversity and the way it affects our life. The book is entitled: "Adversity Quotient: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities". So far it is very good.
Categories:
I've mentioned before, that I've disected my life and have split it up into some basic categories. I believe each category contributes to the overall quality of our life, and that even when just one category is in bad shape - it causes problems in all of the other categories to some extent. For a radical transformation to take place in our lives, we must tackle head-on - each category and strive to improve that category to the maximum possible.
Here is my definition of each category:
Spiritual - Our relationship with God and the condition of our Soul and Spirit; ministry to others.
Internal - How we handle our emotions, our character.
Mental - Our frame of mind, how we deal with stress; organization and productivity.
Physical - What we eat, the condition of our body, our immune system.
Financial - How we spend money, how we save it, fighting debt.
Relational - The quality of our marriage, the relationship with our siblings and parents.
Communal - Our relationship with our neighbors, what we contribute to our community.
Vocational - Giving 100 percent, pursuing knowledge, advancement.
I've mentioned before, that I've disected my life and have split it up into some basic categories. I believe each category contributes to the overall quality of our life, and that even when just one category is in bad shape - it causes problems in all of the other categories to some extent. For a radical transformation to take place in our lives, we must tackle head-on - each category and strive to improve that category to the maximum possible.
Here is my definition of each category:
Spiritual - Our relationship with God and the condition of our Soul and Spirit; ministry to others.
Internal - How we handle our emotions, our character.
Mental - Our frame of mind, how we deal with stress; organization and productivity.
Physical - What we eat, the condition of our body, our immune system.
Financial - How we spend money, how we save it, fighting debt.
Relational - The quality of our marriage, the relationship with our siblings and parents.
Communal - Our relationship with our neighbors, what we contribute to our community.
Vocational - Giving 100 percent, pursuing knowledge, advancement.
Monday, July 07, 2003
Community
I guess my previous entry ties right in with one of the categories that I have develped for my life. I've entitled the category "Communal" - and it's all about how we as human beings affect the community in which we live. I'm a firm beleiver in the principal of "sowing and reaping" - that whatever good things we sow into peoples lives, we get a return on that in the form of a great harvest! This principal is taught in Christian chruches a lot but I firmly believe it works whether or not one is a Christian. I've observed people throughout my life who have stolen from others, they believe that it is a job to rip people off and they are owed whatever it is that they take. That if something is available for stealing - then it deserves to be stolen. I've also observed these people's lives and have noticed that they have an inordinate amount of personal items stolen from them! Their cars are broken into, their tools are stolen, "friends" constantly steal their money and anything else they can get their hands on. The funny (not really) thing is, these folks who rip others off, just cannot understand why they are getting ripped off all of the time.
So, with the "sowing and reaping" principle in mind, if we help our neighbors when they are in need - I can guarantee, that when our time of need arises - we will receive it. Are there any elderly folks in your neighborhood that could use help with yard work - it's pretty apparent if it is. Do you watch out for your neighbor's home when they are out of town? What about trash blowing down the street - picking it up is not all that hard. I've noticed that when we feel a concern for our neighbors, our community, or region - we feel better about ourselves. When we are willing at times, to put others outside of our own families first - something happens inside of us, for the positive!
Again, if we take each one of life's categories - and do everything we can to put them "in synch", we will make a dramatic difference in our lives.
I guess my previous entry ties right in with one of the categories that I have develped for my life. I've entitled the category "Communal" - and it's all about how we as human beings affect the community in which we live. I'm a firm beleiver in the principal of "sowing and reaping" - that whatever good things we sow into peoples lives, we get a return on that in the form of a great harvest! This principal is taught in Christian chruches a lot but I firmly believe it works whether or not one is a Christian. I've observed people throughout my life who have stolen from others, they believe that it is a job to rip people off and they are owed whatever it is that they take. That if something is available for stealing - then it deserves to be stolen. I've also observed these people's lives and have noticed that they have an inordinate amount of personal items stolen from them! Their cars are broken into, their tools are stolen, "friends" constantly steal their money and anything else they can get their hands on. The funny (not really) thing is, these folks who rip others off, just cannot understand why they are getting ripped off all of the time.
So, with the "sowing and reaping" principle in mind, if we help our neighbors when they are in need - I can guarantee, that when our time of need arises - we will receive it. Are there any elderly folks in your neighborhood that could use help with yard work - it's pretty apparent if it is. Do you watch out for your neighbor's home when they are out of town? What about trash blowing down the street - picking it up is not all that hard. I've noticed that when we feel a concern for our neighbors, our community, or region - we feel better about ourselves. When we are willing at times, to put others outside of our own families first - something happens inside of us, for the positive!
Again, if we take each one of life's categories - and do everything we can to put them "in synch", we will make a dramatic difference in our lives.
Prayer
While I was out for my walk today, I began to think about all of the people who live in the neighborhood where I walk. The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the words, apathy, dispair, hopelessness, anger - and tiredness. Most of the properties are very unkept, lots of junked vehicles sitting in the yards, fallen fences, decaying buildings, trashing blowing around in the yards. It's really a little depressing to walk in this neighborhood - but it also makes me appreciate more, the surroundings in which I live in - in my own neighborhood.
I have a few choices here, first of all - I could just not walk in this neighborhood, I could try to forget what I saw and felt and just go find another more pleasant neighborhood to walk in daily. The second choice would be - I could continue to walk in this neighborhood and just ignore the condition and plight of its residents. The third choice would be, that I continue to take my walks in this neighorbood but while doing so, begin to pray for the residents. Intercede on their behalf and ask God to supernaturally touch those folks, to touch them in such a way that they would know they are important to Him. I can also ask God to lead me to do specific things for specific people - if the need arises. To make me sensitive to the needs of the inhabitants of my "adopted" community.
How could I not pick choice number three? If I want to radically transfrom my life - to be more productive, I can I do so without considering the possbility of helping others transform their lives?
While I was out for my walk today, I began to think about all of the people who live in the neighborhood where I walk. The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the words, apathy, dispair, hopelessness, anger - and tiredness. Most of the properties are very unkept, lots of junked vehicles sitting in the yards, fallen fences, decaying buildings, trashing blowing around in the yards. It's really a little depressing to walk in this neighborhood - but it also makes me appreciate more, the surroundings in which I live in - in my own neighborhood.
I have a few choices here, first of all - I could just not walk in this neighborhood, I could try to forget what I saw and felt and just go find another more pleasant neighborhood to walk in daily. The second choice would be - I could continue to walk in this neighborhood and just ignore the condition and plight of its residents. The third choice would be, that I continue to take my walks in this neighorbood but while doing so, begin to pray for the residents. Intercede on their behalf and ask God to supernaturally touch those folks, to touch them in such a way that they would know they are important to Him. I can also ask God to lead me to do specific things for specific people - if the need arises. To make me sensitive to the needs of the inhabitants of my "adopted" community.
How could I not pick choice number three? If I want to radically transfrom my life - to be more productive, I can I do so without considering the possbility of helping others transform their lives?
Intensity
Another vital thing I learned from reading "Body for Life", is that whenever we exercise - we need to focus on intensity. For example, take a simple thing like walking. When we start off on our walk - a nice casual slow gate - that would be an intensity level of about a 2. So, what we focus on doing is gradually increasing our intensity (walking speed) until we reach the fastest speed possible (not running) - which is a level 10, we then maintain that speed for as long as possble, and then - we gradually decrease the speed (intensity) until we've completed our walk. From what I have read, this type of intensity training is the very best cardiovascular work-out that we can do. This simple principal can be incorporated into running/jogging, weight-lifting, swimming, etc. - any physical activity.
I took my first "power walk" today at lunch. My normal lunch breaks at work usually consist of me eating a sandwich, some chips and/or cookies, and drinking some milk - then, sleeping for about 30 to 45 minutes with my feet propped up on my desk. Up until last week - If I didn't have that nap, I'd be totally useless by 3 or 4 p.m., which means when I got home, I'd eat dinner and then fall asleep in my recliner. Well, since Thursday of last week (having started my diet that prior Monday) - I'm not in need of a lunchtime siesta! I've decided to use my lunchtime to take a very brisk walk (using the intensity method) and then to do some writing. I'm trying to maximize my productivity and my efforts to lose weight and to get into great physical shape. I plan on walking at lunch at least 3 times a week (Mon - Wed - Fri), that combined with early morning exercise 5 days a week, and weight-lifting 3 evenings a week - I should be able to quickly improve my health.
Another vital thing I learned from reading "Body for Life", is that whenever we exercise - we need to focus on intensity. For example, take a simple thing like walking. When we start off on our walk - a nice casual slow gate - that would be an intensity level of about a 2. So, what we focus on doing is gradually increasing our intensity (walking speed) until we reach the fastest speed possible (not running) - which is a level 10, we then maintain that speed for as long as possble, and then - we gradually decrease the speed (intensity) until we've completed our walk. From what I have read, this type of intensity training is the very best cardiovascular work-out that we can do. This simple principal can be incorporated into running/jogging, weight-lifting, swimming, etc. - any physical activity.
I took my first "power walk" today at lunch. My normal lunch breaks at work usually consist of me eating a sandwich, some chips and/or cookies, and drinking some milk - then, sleeping for about 30 to 45 minutes with my feet propped up on my desk. Up until last week - If I didn't have that nap, I'd be totally useless by 3 or 4 p.m., which means when I got home, I'd eat dinner and then fall asleep in my recliner. Well, since Thursday of last week (having started my diet that prior Monday) - I'm not in need of a lunchtime siesta! I've decided to use my lunchtime to take a very brisk walk (using the intensity method) and then to do some writing. I'm trying to maximize my productivity and my efforts to lose weight and to get into great physical shape. I plan on walking at lunch at least 3 times a week (Mon - Wed - Fri), that combined with early morning exercise 5 days a week, and weight-lifting 3 evenings a week - I should be able to quickly improve my health.
Key components of life
Two words popped into my head this morning on the way to work - Adversity & Adaptibility. Our minister taught on adversity yesterday at church and it was very good. It seems that the quality of our life is directly proportional to our ability or willingness to overcome adversity. Our lives are also affected by our ability to adapt to new situations - I'm adding this part, because I've learned that from experience. I'll go over both of these aspects more in depth at a later time - right now, I'm just mentioning them as food for thought.
Two words popped into my head this morning on the way to work - Adversity & Adaptibility. Our minister taught on adversity yesterday at church and it was very good. It seems that the quality of our life is directly proportional to our ability or willingness to overcome adversity. Our lives are also affected by our ability to adapt to new situations - I'm adding this part, because I've learned that from experience. I'll go over both of these aspects more in depth at a later time - right now, I'm just mentioning them as food for thought.
Metabolism boosting supplements
I've done a lot of research as of late, and have found a number of natural supplements that are supposed to help increase the body's metabolism - at the same time, the supplements also help relieve the feelings of hunger. I started taking them this morning and will see how things go, then provide a status report.
The supplements (all in tablet form) that I'm taking are:
L-Carnitine
Cider Vinegar
Dandelion Root
Chromium Picolinate
Capiscool (cayene pepper)
Niacinamide
Ginger Root
My goal, in researching these supplements - was to find products that did not contain caffiene or ephedra (or ephedra bi-products) - these two substances are not good for the body! Just pick a supplement - type its name into the search box at www.google.com and you'll be able to learn all about each one of them.
I'm also going to start using a liquid form of L-Carnitine prior to performing my weight work-outs in the evenings. Supposedly, it helps the body burn fat during intense work-outs. I used it in the past and it definitely seemed to help me lose a few inches.
I'm just one week into my program and my pants are already looser and my face is thinner. I have a ton more energy than I did a week ago, I'm sleeping better, I don't feel stressed - I've actually been feeling pretty darn calm these past few days - it's almost spooky! Up until a week ago, I was having trouble breathing while doing any type of physical activity - that problem is all gone now.
These past few days, instead of barely having enough energy to sit down at the end of the day - I'm finding I have more energy than I know what to do with. So, I just find something else that needs to be done - and work at it till I get tired enough to go to sleep for the night.
I've really enjoyed eating the fruits and vegetables this past week. Never really enjoyed that before.
I've done a lot of research as of late, and have found a number of natural supplements that are supposed to help increase the body's metabolism - at the same time, the supplements also help relieve the feelings of hunger. I started taking them this morning and will see how things go, then provide a status report.
The supplements (all in tablet form) that I'm taking are:
L-Carnitine
Cider Vinegar
Dandelion Root
Chromium Picolinate
Capiscool (cayene pepper)
Niacinamide
Ginger Root
My goal, in researching these supplements - was to find products that did not contain caffiene or ephedra (or ephedra bi-products) - these two substances are not good for the body! Just pick a supplement - type its name into the search box at www.google.com and you'll be able to learn all about each one of them.
I'm also going to start using a liquid form of L-Carnitine prior to performing my weight work-outs in the evenings. Supposedly, it helps the body burn fat during intense work-outs. I used it in the past and it definitely seemed to help me lose a few inches.
I'm just one week into my program and my pants are already looser and my face is thinner. I have a ton more energy than I did a week ago, I'm sleeping better, I don't feel stressed - I've actually been feeling pretty darn calm these past few days - it's almost spooky! Up until a week ago, I was having trouble breathing while doing any type of physical activity - that problem is all gone now.
These past few days, instead of barely having enough energy to sit down at the end of the day - I'm finding I have more energy than I know what to do with. So, I just find something else that needs to be done - and work at it till I get tired enough to go to sleep for the night.
I've really enjoyed eating the fruits and vegetables this past week. Never really enjoyed that before.
Monday status report
Well, I survived the July 4th weekend without any real problems with my diet and exercise program. It was a very "physical" weekend, lots of yard work (cut two lawns in fact), replaced some screens, trimmed some tree branches, went for a couple of walks, including a pretty good hike on a nature trail. I feel very, good.
I started the next phase in my diet and exercise program this morning - got up a little earlier than normal and peformed some stretching, push-ups, leg lifts, crunches, and used the Ab wheel. I performed one set of each routine - will slowly increase the number of reps for each set and then start doing multiple sets (over the next few weeks and months).
The idea behind doing these basic exercises every morning before work is to increase my circulation and metabolism - sorta' get's it going for the whole day. I learned this method from reading "Body for Life" - which is very good. I don't agree with all of the methods in the book, but this one makes a lot of sense.
One method/concept that I don't agree with is the idea of dieting 6 days a week and then being able to eat anything and everything 1 day week, and - as much as you want. It just seems to me that we aren't reprogramming our brains very well that way. For me, I have to totally re-think about how and what I eat - for the rest of my life. If I don't, I'll simply end up falling back to my old habits and routines - something that I never want to do again.
I want to eat to live - not live to eat!
Well, I survived the July 4th weekend without any real problems with my diet and exercise program. It was a very "physical" weekend, lots of yard work (cut two lawns in fact), replaced some screens, trimmed some tree branches, went for a couple of walks, including a pretty good hike on a nature trail. I feel very, good.
I started the next phase in my diet and exercise program this morning - got up a little earlier than normal and peformed some stretching, push-ups, leg lifts, crunches, and used the Ab wheel. I performed one set of each routine - will slowly increase the number of reps for each set and then start doing multiple sets (over the next few weeks and months).
The idea behind doing these basic exercises every morning before work is to increase my circulation and metabolism - sorta' get's it going for the whole day. I learned this method from reading "Body for Life" - which is very good. I don't agree with all of the methods in the book, but this one makes a lot of sense.
One method/concept that I don't agree with is the idea of dieting 6 days a week and then being able to eat anything and everything 1 day week, and - as much as you want. It just seems to me that we aren't reprogramming our brains very well that way. For me, I have to totally re-think about how and what I eat - for the rest of my life. If I don't, I'll simply end up falling back to my old habits and routines - something that I never want to do again.
I want to eat to live - not live to eat!
Habits
I read or heard somewhere a few years ago, that if we do something new for like 30 days in a row - it becomes a habit. That even our subconcious mind will pick up on it and remind us to do it, if we will just force ourselves to practice the new routine for those 30 days. I'm going to try and keep that in mind with all of the new good habits that I try to instill into myself in the coming months.
I read or heard somewhere a few years ago, that if we do something new for like 30 days in a row - it becomes a habit. That even our subconcious mind will pick up on it and remind us to do it, if we will just force ourselves to practice the new routine for those 30 days. I'm going to try and keep that in mind with all of the new good habits that I try to instill into myself in the coming months.
Prioritizing
As I've started listing all the things that I need to get done, I've noticed that there are simple, oridininary things and then there are what I call the "Biggies". So, I'm trying to develop a way to work from the less important list of items to accomplish and at the same time, whittle away on the "Biggies" list. For example, I have probably 10 really important things needing to be accomplished and they are quite complicated (example, prepare a manuscript for publishing, totally revamp a Web site, etc.). I think what I'll do is - pick the top 3 items from the "Biggies" list and then focus on them. This way - I'll have the top 3 items to accomplish from both the "Simple" and "Biggies" lists. Sounds complicated, but it's not really. I've noticed that if I just try to get things done without listing them - I may remember that an item needs to be completed (while doing something else on a daily basis), but it'll quickly stray from my mind and I'll get involved with something else. I've also noticed, that ignoring something that really needs to be done - doesn't really work, I either end up stressing over NOT getting it done every day - or, the thing grows into a monster and ends up biting me in the butt. I think it's much simpler to just focus on the deed (listing it, making it a priority) and then getting it done. We just have to get into the habit of using the listing method.
As I've started listing all the things that I need to get done, I've noticed that there are simple, oridininary things and then there are what I call the "Biggies". So, I'm trying to develop a way to work from the less important list of items to accomplish and at the same time, whittle away on the "Biggies" list. For example, I have probably 10 really important things needing to be accomplished and they are quite complicated (example, prepare a manuscript for publishing, totally revamp a Web site, etc.). I think what I'll do is - pick the top 3 items from the "Biggies" list and then focus on them. This way - I'll have the top 3 items to accomplish from both the "Simple" and "Biggies" lists. Sounds complicated, but it's not really. I've noticed that if I just try to get things done without listing them - I may remember that an item needs to be completed (while doing something else on a daily basis), but it'll quickly stray from my mind and I'll get involved with something else. I've also noticed, that ignoring something that really needs to be done - doesn't really work, I either end up stressing over NOT getting it done every day - or, the thing grows into a monster and ends up biting me in the butt. I think it's much simpler to just focus on the deed (listing it, making it a priority) and then getting it done. We just have to get into the habit of using the listing method.
