Why We Get Fat

I am currently reading, 'Why We Get Fat, and What to Do About It' by Gary Taubes. Taubes is also the author of Good Calories, Bad Calories which contains a great deal of research to discuss calories and the food industry. * I read the first several chapters of that book, and would like to finish it. *

In Why We Get Fat, Taubes is discussing the Calorie In-Calorie Out theory that I hear so many runners (well, people who run for fitness) chat about. I have heard in conversation people say, I know how far Imhave to run to burn off a handful of M&Ms, or whatever their pleasure is...... My response to their aghast is, if only it works that way.

But I digress..... And Taubes addresses this calorie in - calorie out theory. Chapter Three entitled, The Elusive Benefits of Exercise begins with:

Imagine you're invited to a celebratory dinner. The chef's talent is legendary, and the invitation says that this particular dinner is going to be a feast of monumental proportions. Bring your appetite, you're told-- come hungry. How would you do that?

You might try to eat less over the course of the day -- maybe even skip lunch, or breakfast and lunch. You might go to the gym for a particular rigorous workout, or go for a longer run or swim than usual, to work up an appetite. You might even decide to walk to the dinner, rather than drive, for the same reason.

Now let's think about this a moment. The instructions that we're constantly being given to lose weight -- eat less (decrease the calories we take in) and exercise more (increase the calories we expend) -- are the very same things we'll do if our purpose is to make ourselves hungry, to build up an appetite, to eat more. Now the existence of an obesity epidemic coincident with half a century of advice to eat less and exercise more begins to look paradoxical.

This insight causes me to value the book F*ck Calories. You can get your FREE copy!

 

I am looking forward to finished Taubes book, and re-reading the other.

 

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It's my birthday..... Giving myself the gift

Thursday, 15 August, I celebrated the beginning of a new year on this planet. I celebrated life.

As I reflect back on the summer, I have been doing a great deal of stuff and eating some junk, overall enjoying life. I have my afternoon catnaps, and my Friday afternoons off, and just a thorough love for life.

What's missing?

My focus. My ability to do for me. Me..... While I am doing all theses things, I have lost myself (the reason for doing these things) in the shuffle.

On my birthday, I empowered myself to take care of me, to do for me, what is best for me.

In that..... I am pursuing running, swimming and cycling-- the things I enjoy. I am creating opportunities to go hiking, sight-seeing and just to enjoy this world.

And..... I am permitting myself to explore and be open to change and new possibilities. I have been struggling here in MA. It isn't easy meeting people, and making friends here.... Many people are closed. I struggle to create opportunities for networking and employment-- it is challenging doing things differently in the world of the same...... And so, change in my life is coming. A move to better opportunities. I love the ocean and the cape...... So, within the next 18 months I will be transplanting to a new ocean locale --- to create a new life, and a new adventure. I may be going warmer or colder..... I am not certain. But I have given myself this gift and permission to pursue the change.

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A walk is not just a walk

I went for a walk with my cousin through Marion yesterday. We moved!

And all the while chatted about life and stuff. It was great!

 

The total distance was about 5 miles.

 

Today, I feel the effects of walking. A little soreness, a little stiffness, and the overall feeling of moving. It is great! And most importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed the company, the views and the conversation.

 

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Hot tomato peppers

I purchased a few of these during my last trip to the market.

Sitting on my cutting board, the pepper looks pretty innocent. It wasn't. My eyes, nose and throat started burning once I cut it. I washed away the seeds, knowing that in some peppers the seeds are the actual HOT part...... Well, this innocent pepper, was just deadly. Not really, but my eyes are still burning.

I cooked the pepper cut in tiny pieces with mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. I mixed the menagerie into an omelette and sprinkled with almonds.

Tasted wonderful! My eyes teared, my nose is burning and draining, my sinuses are clear, and I am sweating!

 

I am guessing my metabolism is boosted, as well as my immune system.

 

What veggie have you tried recently?

 

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