LauraK
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Oh God, create in me a pure heart
Star this Commitment
Week 12 of 12
LauraK commits to:
Attend church weekly/holy days of obligation, & go to confession as needed.
Pray Lord's Prayer & Oh God, create in me a pure heart prayer twice daily. Daily, read and contemplate what the following means: "Salvation is in Christ alone." Call, write or see each immediate family every other day, but no less than once weekly. Do something daily so that I have a heart full of love and compassion since it is the main source of inner strength, willpower, happiness, and mental tranquilit
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My Commitment Journal
 LauraK
May 28, 2010, 8:35 PM
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Weight Loss Inspiration - Lose the Pounds Now! Posted: 26 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Here are some weight loss ideas, and some methods to help you lose weight and continue a healthy diet and lifestyle. Losing weight is not just about eating less, it is also important to eat the best foods. If you truly want to lose weight, or maintain health, eat mostly vegetables, a little protein, and have vegetables or fruit for snacks. Staying slimmer is about having a healthy routine. If you eat donuts, candy, and pastries regularly, you'll look and feel overstuffed like a donut, giant candy bar or a big pastry! Eat small amounts of healthy foods, and you'll feel better and look great. Movement and physical exertion is really important. Do it daily. Make it fun. My friend Betty, in her late 70's, goes to the gym 3 times a week and does a fast walk, or a swim with friends. That's a great way to keep exercise enjoyable. I like classes I take a dance class or two each week, and also go to the gym. I also love to go on vigorous walks. I'll allow an extra hour and walk part of the way to my destination, then hop on a bus or treat myself to a cab. I just have "one" of things. Instead of a giant bagel and cream-cheese for breakfast, I have a half a bagel and half the cream-cheese, and it's fine and filling. Instead of a bowl of ice-cream for dessert, I have a skim milk smoothie with protein powder, bananas and strawberries. Very very filling and satisfying. I meditate regularly each day. Morning and afternoon. I pray as constantly as possible. I only praise God and ask His will, and guidance. He already knows I need to keep my weight down, and to make a living. Dr. Norris Chumley |
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LauraK
May 28, 2010, 8:34 PM
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Lifelong Health: Study of Centenarians Yields Tips for Longevity Dr. David Lipschitz I have just returned from a visit to South Africa to spend time with my mother. At age 87, she is as smart as a whip, a world-class bridge player and still very interested in all aspects of life. Apart from being treated as a 12-year-old, my trip was a special privilege for mother and son. Each time I visit my mother, I leave with a renewed respect for the value of health, happiness and longevity. This year's visit highlighted the importance of being open to change. My mother is entering the digital age! Typing with one finger on her fancy new laptop, she easily became enamored of the opportunity to communicate with relatives all over the world. She loves receiving photographs of her great-grandchildren, knows all about Bing and Google, and we now use a webcam for our weekly chats. She is even researching new strategies for playing bridge. Truthfully, I have not seen her this excited in a long time. Some may think that my mother is the exception rather than the rule -- not so! More than half of our "oldest old" (85 years and above) remain independent, connected and embrace life to the fullest. In fact, the data show that even centenarians readily take advantage of the novel technologies available in the 21st century. In a survey of 100 centenarians, researchers funded by United Health Care uncovered some very interesting -- and inspirational -- information. More importantly, these adults who have experienced 100 years of life offer a model of health for all of us to follow. Without exception, those over age 100 value the importance of hard work and many strongly believe in continuing to work beyond age 65. They also place a priority on health and understand good lifestyle choices are the key to longevity. Most of the centenarians slept at least eight hours every night and more than 60 percent meditate or pray daily. Over 75 percent say they eat balanced and nutritionally sound meals, communicate with a relative or friend daily, and remain physically and mentally active. Virtually every centenarian believes that volunteering is essential -- more than 20 percent continue to volunteer. Simultaneously, most of them believe that the current economic recession has made life more difficult than the Great Depression. A small but significant fraction use computers and have used cell phones to send a text message. Eleven percent use YouTube, 2 percent have used Facebook and 5 percent have used a DVR to record a favorite TV program. Currently, there are only 84,000 centenarians in the United States. By 2040, this number is expected to increase to almost 600,000. If all these 100-year-olds could be as engaged and independent as those who participated in the United Health Care survey, our country would greatly benefit from their experience and perspective. Sadly, if U.S. health trends persist, this will not be the case. Currently, 50 percent of 85-year-olds are either physically or mentally dependent. By age 100, 80 percent of adults will be dependent, with a large fraction residing in nursing homes. In the next 20 years, the number of America's "oldest old" will triple, incidence of chronic illness will explode, and obese older Americans will be less likely to be independent. Whether you are 25, 45 or 65, it is easy to find inspiration in the stories of amazing older Americans. But in order to be healthy and independent at 85 and beyond, it takes work today. For baby boomers on the cusp of retirement, remember that you can always retire from a job but must never retire from life. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy balanced diet. Health is about an ever-evolving quest for balance -- be moderate and stress-free, stay engaged in life and maintain strong relationships. If you face illness, address it immediately and take care when navigating the health system. Become a lifelong learner and take any opportunity to try new things. The message is simple: Everything you do today will influence the life you will lead. So, take some time to think about what kind of centenarian you hope to be. |
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LauraK
May 28, 2010, 8:34 PM
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Too Much Sugar is Not Enough Posted: 27 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Sugar and sugar addiction is a big topic with me, and I know it is with a lot of our readers, too, going by the number of comments and page views we've received. Of course, the amounts of food I overate when 400 pounds was a contributing factor to my obesity, as was the types of food. I overate way too much fatty meats, ice-cream, cheese, and fried foods. I would say now, some 16+ years in recovery that my worst problem was with sugar. When I lost the excess weight permanently, entirely through God's help and my determination to unlock several deeply held mysteries, it was sugar that was a leading culprit. Having read the recent scientific study about sugar addiction actually affecting brain cells, in addition to behaviors that I posted recently, that confirmed what I knew circumstantially in myself - I was, and am still highly addicted to sugar. Each day I struggle to not overeat sweets, or high-sugar content foods like cookies, candy, cakes, ice-cream. As much as God has removed my compulsions and intense cravings, the addiction is still inside me and I must surrender it daily to God and work really hard not to overeat it. It's best I avoid sugar completely. I believe I lost a lot of weight so many years ago by completely abstaining from sugar. I couldn't do it alone it was only by the grace of God. That's how much sugar was a problem for me. It's clear to me that that sugar addiction is permanently etched into my brain-cells, and affects my body chemistry. Something to always be vigilant about. I recommend to you what I do for myself: I either avoid sugar entirely, or work to limit it, only eating what my structured Food Plan allocates for myself. This is determined individually, with an adviser or counselor. (I'd be happy to help you with this: details on my website www.NorrisChumley.com) When I'm off sugar, I have some fruit if I experience a "sweet tooth," but it takes awhile to wean myself off sugar to get to that point. Dr. Norris Chumley |
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LauraK
May 28, 2010, 3:42 PM
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| A little muscle tone looks terrific — and works miracles for your metabolism! | |
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