Friday, April 23, 2010

How old would you be if you did not know how old you are?

I used to feel like I was over 50, depressed, going nowhere, drawn and given up.  I've been in that state a couple times in my life and I have to say, that is not at all where I am now.  Today is a good day. All the days lately are good days and every day I am making some kind of kick butt progress, either physically or emotionally or spiritually.  Thank you Jesus.  I think I would be 17 or 18 if I did not know my age.  But a sober version.  With all that wisdom I have.  So, really, 43 is the new 18 for me.  I feel better actually than I have ever felt in my life, and I am getting healthier every day.  A rule of thumb is that we need half the food we eat and twice the excercise we currently get.  Good fats only, limited saturated fats, lots of veggies, no white foods, unless it is limited potates with the skins and limited butter.  Lean meats (95% lean or better) fish, chicken breast, and did I say veggies?  Oh and littel to zero sugar, and only after protein or solid whole grains.  Keep the glycemic index low overall and try and keep a meal to less than 30 carbs at a time.  If you overload your blood sugar the pancreas dumps a bunch of insulin into the bloodstream to deal with it, then the blood gets all sticky and those floating cholesterol plaque things lodge onto the wall of the arteries.  All arteries end in the heart and there is no flow out, so that is why the plaque sticks there.  My cardiac rehab nurse said. :EVERYONE has plaque deposits in their heart, it is just a matter of how big is it and is it growing or shriking?  You can reverse potential damage at every single meal and with every step.

Not meaning to get on my heart health soapbox, agan, but I am passionate about people I care about living long and vibrant lives.  We have work to do, lets live to do it!

Cheers, Jen

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Gone Rogue

I have returned from the great trek south.  I have returned altered forever.  What a treat to see so many people I love  In my world I have more difficultt making new friends than anything and to already trust people you spend time with is such a relaxing thing.  My trip was a bit of a schedule whirlwind, with lots of kismit built in, but the trip did not get truly relaxing and real until I reached Sierra City at the end of my trek.  Amazing and home in every way.  I am plotting more trips there.  Just so I can stare at the mountain. Or not.