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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Be Careful What You Wish For......

I have been moving and shaking, and covering the south coast of MA and the cape, with training and coaching and teaching..... And a weekly trip to Cambridge to work at a camp. AND.... I have been feeling tired with the heat, and running around.

Simply stated: I need a day off-- actually, I think I asked for a rainy, cooler day so I could spend some time catching up and cleaning and organizing and working in my apartment. (I cannot tell you how many people were upset I wanted a rainy day.... It is summer after all. Wow! Rain is good, it cleanses, it refreshes, it provides different opportunities...... And so, I digress).

Simply seeking a day off.

 

 

Well, I got two. Days off, that is..... Hoping there isn't a third involved.

 

 

Pictured is the fan belt from my JEEP, Lola. Lola has been needing a day at the spa....oil-change, and check on a thing or two. In the super-hot heat, she was complaining a bit..... The belt whining, which it can do from time to time, in the heat. The AC needed to be checked, as it was running warmer, and I wanted to ensure no problems.

Yesterday morning, shortly after turning the engine over, Lola was squealing.... Not with delight. I backed her out of the driveway, and the power-steering locked up. Pulled her back in the driveway, and smoke was pouring out from under the hood. I popped the hood, to find the fan belt not on the pulleys like it should be.....go to move it, and it comes off the engine block in my hands. YAY!

The air compressor went. Super Yay! Total repairs are costing me about a months rent. Even more cheering and I am facing two-day income loss.

Well, I could be totally upset, or I could flow. Don't get me wrong.... I am bummed! And a little annoyed. BUT....I asked for a day off, and I now have two. Yesterday, and today, I have been doing some home office work, and I am cleaning and catching up on organizing. It isn't too hot which is a blessing, as the cats are spending quality time on me.

I trust I will get Lola back today. And I am looking forward to taking her for a drive.

 

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Is it possible to not count calories?

I have been reading various protocols out there for creating habits...... And several (including the warrior diet) that state, 'it is not necessary to count calories, your body will know exactly what to eat and how much of it'. Well, isn't that what got 'us' in trouble to begin with? Not counting calories, that is.

I have been eating like a warrior most of my life, and ran into bigger problems as I chose more and more processed foods. I am not saying all processed foods are bad, as I cannot press my own oil, or harvest my own nuts. We need to consider the quality of processed foods.

Processed foods are made for convenience. That is what the FOOD GIANTS are competing for-- you, and they do so by making eating convenient. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to walk into any corner market and get any kind of food in a box.

And so...... The question: Do we need to count calories?

I would dare so no. We have become so indoctrinated with the multi-meals, or three squares, and incessant availability of food, that we are not truly aware of our hunger.

My goal for the next thirty days is to evaluate hunger and to listen to my body.... Am I hungry, am I thirsty, am I bored? And while I am eating.... Am I satisfied? And put my fork down and relax. I am also guilty of racing through meals, so I am unaware of what I am experiencing.

On to the freedom of NOT counting calories, and eating only when I am hungry.

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Salt, Sugar, Fat

The title draws you in! Salt, Sugar, Fat-- How the Food Giants hooked us.

This is NOT a diet book, but instead a discussion of the food industry at its roots, and how/why the elements of fat, salt and sugar are essential to processed foods. The author discusses the FOOD GIANTS and competition for shelf space and your dollar.

It is an interesting read, and has really caused me to reevaluate (and read labels closely) the processed foods I choose to eat. This book affirms a great deal of what I already know, and challenged me to closely evaluate my eating lifestyle.

I highly recommend this text.

 

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