Let's Get Real

When it comes to diets that work, they require extremely hard work. I mean seriously, why lie about it. You will never find a diet in a magic pill, or cream or lotion. You must be willing to exercise and eat healthy.

And most importantly you've got to be willing to get rid of the processed foods from your life if you want to feel your absolute best. No more junk foods. Of course in reality, most of us are on a budget and always rushing through life. We have no time to slow down and enjoy fresh foods or even life sometimes.

We rely on the convenience of processed foods to get us through our day. But, if you take the time to drop by your local farmers market like the one in my hometown of Independence, Kansas, you'll be amazed at all of the wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables that are very reasonably priced.

Plus, when you shop local, you're not only eating healthier, you're also helping your local farmers. How insanely cool is that?

Kiwi -It's What's For Breakfast

This morning was one of those mornings that I decided to clean out the refrigerator for breakfast. I had a kiwi that had been in there for a little while now and I hate wasting food. So I sliced this simple treat up and induldged in it for breakfast.

Usually I don't even eat breakfast, but lately I've learned if I skip meals I get very bad headaches and that was proof last night. I've also learned that junk food is only okay once in a great while and as so many of us already know, you are what you eat. It's also not a good example to be setting for our kids.

Not too long ago the kids and I started experimenting with our new found friend, a fun shaped popsicle tray. So far we've made kiwi popsicles, herbal tea popsicles and plain old tea popsicles. In the beginning I thought it would be a bad thing to have since popsicles are generally loaded with sugars and other fake ingredients, but I've since learned it's not the popsicles that are bad, it's what we parents put into them.

So I'm wondering, what you as readers enjoy as a healthy breakfast and what ingredients you would include into the popsicle trays for a special treat?

Coca Cola Getting Teens to the Olympics

It’s interesting that a product like coca-cola is willing to offer a torch to someone for the relay spot in the 2010 Canada Olympics. The reason I say it is interesting is because that someone has to be a youth who must be a part of the Halifax Organization.

Now here’s the real kicker. The Halifax Organization’s whole goal is to get teens physically fit. Soda and fitness is not a great combination. Soda is nothing but sugar, which in the end can cause health problems, even the diet kind. So I’m wondering why such an offer?

I guess I can understand that a major soda company would want to be a proud sponsor of the Olympics, but have they found a way to make their drink all natural and healthy? If they did I’m sure consumers would be the first to know, of course!

But, it’s at least nice to know that aside from the negativity of colas, maybe coca-cola is ready to step up to the platter and stop the obesity caused by sugar and other unnatural ingredients. What do you think? I like the idea that teenagers have something fun to look forward to while making it a goal to get fit and healthy!

Want more info? Check out SOGO Active.

Strengthening My Back and Taking Out the Garbage

This past week I started doing yoga for my back and I feel great! I've only done the workout a few times too! How insane is that? I can imagine what my entire body will feel like if I start doing yoga for more than just my back. Wow. I started the exercise routine, simply because I needed to do something about the pain I've been having there.

A few years ago I was working as a CNA and because I was told to do an entire floor by myself, I ended up lifting a person that was more weight than I could manage and it did something to my back.

I have not been to a doctor about it because I cannot afford insurance and the time has elapsed for my husband to put me on his at work. So I've been dealing with the pain. There are times when it's very hard though. I can be doing something as simple as changing the trash bag in the trash can and it will put my back in severe pain.

So, this past week I was in pain again. Instead of baring through it, I went online and looked up exercise for strengthening my back. Of course yoga wasn't the only exercise there was for it, but since it's the only one that does not require tons of expensive workout equipment, I decided to give it a try. And like I said, Wow. It's been great! So I will continue to strengthen that area and hopefully it will improve.

I am also considered eating a little better. Lately, I've been eating tons of junk food. I can definitely tell a difference at how my body has been reacting just from the breakouts on my face and the sluggishness in my body! I've had very little energy and it's wearing me down inside and out. So I think it's time to take out the garbage and get my body back into a healthier shape.

What do you think? Any suggestions, ideas that work for you?

The Not So Big 32

Last Sunday was my birthday. A few days before it rolled around I was actually dreading it. Not because of my age, but because in the past my birthday has been forgotten and just not cared about by those who matter to me. Surprise, Surprise. This year was no different than the past 16 years. My birthday has now past and I have yet to really enjoy my birthday. I did manage to go to a place called Taco Tico yesterday, my treat. That however was after much argument from my significant other who swears that my treating him to his favorite movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show live as a play (a movie of which I had no desire to see and he knew that) was my birthday gift. HA! HA!

So after taco tico and more whining (not from me) I manage to stop by wal-mart and shop around for something for my birthday. I ended up not getting anything after the kids decided they wanted toys and movies (neither of which they got) and my significant other getting two new movies. (I decided to go ahead and buy him because they're never there when we go back the next time) Really, I can't say much about the trip to wal-mart, but I did request getting to go to yard sales this weekend for my birthday. We'll see if I really get to do that. Sigh. I did get a few Happy Birthdays from friends, so I am ecstatic because of that.

As far as the rest of it, I guess I am hoping for once in my life to be treated special on a special day. I don't think that is ever going to happen though.

 

On a greater note, Since Monday I've managed to walk 80 minutes a day. Not by choice, but it's been nice to be able to get out an walk again. Because we have no car and I'm not allowed to drive my husband's truck(it's touchy, so he won't let anyone drive it), I walk the kids to school every day. it's a 20 minute walk from here to the school, so it's a decent distance. In the past if I walked for 20 minutes, I was out of breath. Today I've noticed that it's not as bad. So the walking is paying off.

 

The walking is also paying off in another sense. Last night I decided to juice my carrots for carrot juice. Today I made a trip up to Braums for some fresh fruit and vegetables for breakfast and lunch. I am really looking forward to a more healthy breakfast and lunch for a change.