So it is true what they say - surround yourself with people of your own mindset. Surround yourself with people you consider smarter and more inspirational. Don't be threatened by it - be inspired by it. I have found that when you are around people that put you in awe for one reason or another, you realize that they are just regular people who have a different take or perspective in life than most...and they become successful because of it. One of my best buds from Colorado won top chef this week. He WON top chef. To even get on that show is amazing. He won. I know how he thinks and it isn't surprising that he has accomplished so much in his life. From winning me at chess every time, to his degree in physics engineering to top chef. His perspective is focused and simple. He was a good friend, you can go on a bike ride with him or out for a beer and he has no ego in the way. So far and few between are the people like hosea.
I am becoming better friends with perfect girl at work. We laugh hysterically at times and just get along well. I've let go of the fact that she will probably take my title of the girl in the office that runs. I can run along side her (or perhaps way behind her) and that is okay too. Speaking of which, I am a little stuffed up still but I am done with it mentally. I have really cut back the past few weeks, considering sleep and rest is most important and trying not to feel guilty about it. But now I am ready to rock. I am so out of shape right now it is daunting. But not enough to rattle me. I started my light weights on thursday night after a very long day at work. Last night I was on the treadmill for 3 miles and then did a video work out for about 40 minutes. I slept really good. I am taking some brown algae to help with my metabolism, just another natural remedy my friend has so kindly sent my way! I also talked with her about my fear of continuing my cleanse. I am so afraid of getting sick again. She said that is nonsense. This time maybe start the first four days with half dosage and move up when I feel comfortable. Focus on eating right, getting enough fiber and water and quit being a baby. Fine! Okay! So I might continue that this week.
I am down to just a little bit over 3 months before the race in ann arbor. Its go time for sure. I still have plenty of time to get where I need to be but I really need to cut the nonsense with the sweets at work. Sitting next to perfect girl at work should help with that. Oh...so here I am - I am on day 4 without coffee. Days 2 and 3 at work were rough. I haven't cut out caffeine altogether so I can still have tea and choclate or whatever but let me tell you, it doesn't ease the pain all that much! And I am not a soda drinker so I don't go that route - that would be so much worse than coffee. I am excited to be coffee free for a while. I am ready to boost my natural energy for a while. I do love coffee, but I think I loved it too much. A good break will do me good and force me to switch up my habits for a while. Today I took bree to the play area at the mall since it was freezing and on an average day I would have been tempted to get an expensive beverage at fivebucks...er, I mean starbucks... but since I stopped drinking coffee, and nothing else sounded appealing, I just stuck with my water. Over time, those decisions will help me.
Well, bree is successfully in napping position and out cold. I must get on that treadmill and make use of this time. To all a good day and healthy choices.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Words From Peter
Had to add this so that I can refer to it later, from Dr. D'adamo's newsletter:
Ever get the feeling that the so-called light at the end of the tunnel is in fact an oncoming train? I certainly do. Fall always seems to be such a demanding time for me; lectures and public appearances seem to multiply; patient contact at The D’Adamo Clinic always picks up after the summer doldrums, and there are the ever-present demands of family and parenthood. Add to that the pleasures and pressures of an oncoming holiday season, closed windows and forced hot air heating, sniffles and uncovered coughing mouths and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm for colds, flu and exhaustion. Add to that the stresses and strains of a failing economy, job layoffs and evaporating retirement accounts and you now know why I suggested that NAP make fatigue and stress the main theme of this month's newsletter. Studies show that end-of-year holiday time ranks very high on the stress scale—exceeded only by the death of a spouse. Many people feel depressed at this time of year, perhaps due to loneliness, lack of sunlight, or as a reaction to the inherent superficiality of many of the public displays and celebrations. However, at their core, these holidays contain very helpful messages. Thanksgiving celebrates the bounty of the Earth and reassures us of the immense regenerative capacity of Nature. Christmas and Hanukkah are festivals of joy and rededication to a new purity of intent. New Year's is a time of new beginnings. The other day I was reading an article on Spam (the pork version; not the email one) and how Hormel, the manufacturer, cannot keep up with consumer demand for it as a ‘hardship food’. Although a bit disturbed by the notion that a food such as this should be considered a ‘value’ when other healthier foods are available and are even better bargains, I did happen to notice that in a separate table of ‘things which were up or down due to the economy,’ nutritional supplement sales were actually way up. My father has often said that ‘Stress is best handled by a healthy body.’ and I guess that a lot of folks feel the same way. However, which supplements? Here are a few that I’ve used over the years to help patients restore from the ill effects of stress, fatigue depression: Acetyl-l-carnitine (NAP ‘Pro-Mitokon A) When I see patients in the Clinic who are chronically fatigued I often recommend the amino acid l-carnitine, especially in the acetylated form (acetyl-l-carnitine). Carnitine serves many important roles in the body, but it’s best know for helping to increase the activity of the mitochondria in our cells. Mitochondria are sort of like the battery of the cell. Under normal circumstances fatty acids are sent to the mitochondria where they are converted to energy. Without acetyl-l-carnitine these fatty acids cannot easily enter into mitochondria. The acetyl group is what makes the whole shebang work. It promotes the generation of energy from amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates, and explains why the acetyl form is so important to the success of this supplement. In essence, if the cell was a wristwatch, taking acetylated-l-carnitine is the equivalent of taking it to the jeweler and having him pop off the back and slip in a new battery. We also use it in the Clinic for muscle fatigue, and to help improve memory and concentration. Patients usually notice a rapid increase in mental energy, followed by a gradual improvement in physical energy as well. l-theanine (NAP ‘Tranquility Base’) Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea (Camellia sinensis) that has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and produce feelings of relaxation. Interestingly, when combined with caffeine it helps to improve cognition and mood. Theanine also has beneficial effects on the immune system as well. Blood sample analysis found that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the tea-drinkers. One of the actions of theanine is to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) an important neurotransmitter, so I usually maximize the effect by also supplementing with a bit of GABA as well. Blood Type and Stress (NAP ‘Cortiguard’ and ‘Catechol’) There are significant differences between the blood types regarding how they handle stress. Type O individuals tend to over-accumulate adrenaline at the expense of adequate levels of dopamine. Types A, AB and B folks tend to have trouble adjusting their levels of cortisol properly in response to stress (Type As are the worst at this!) We’ve long used two specific NAP supplements as ‘blood type specific stress busters’ in the D’Adamo Clinic: NAP’s Catechol for type Os and Cortiguard for the As, Bs and ABs. Catechol has a nice blend of amino acids and herbs which helps to flush excess adrenaline out of the body, which in combination with the high protein, low wheat type O diet, can do wonders for their moods. Cortiguard helps those other types to better control their metabolism (and prevent excess weight gain during stress) by using herbs and nutritional co-factors to help blunt the effects of excess cortisol when taken in concert with the diet for your blood type. These are just a few suggestions that can help you navigate through these challenging times. Be optimistic. Keep up on the news, but don’t overdo it. Stay connected with friends and family. Express yourself. These societal upheavals are scary, but they are just the birth pangs of a new future; a world of new possibilities, new technologies. Recommit yourself to the principles of personalized dieting and optimized nutrition. Be ready for it. Enjoy, and see you next issue! - Peter Peter D’Adamo
Ever get the feeling that the so-called light at the end of the tunnel is in fact an oncoming train? I certainly do. Fall always seems to be such a demanding time for me; lectures and public appearances seem to multiply; patient contact at The D’Adamo Clinic always picks up after the summer doldrums, and there are the ever-present demands of family and parenthood. Add to that the pleasures and pressures of an oncoming holiday season, closed windows and forced hot air heating, sniffles and uncovered coughing mouths and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm for colds, flu and exhaustion. Add to that the stresses and strains of a failing economy, job layoffs and evaporating retirement accounts and you now know why I suggested that NAP make fatigue and stress the main theme of this month's newsletter. Studies show that end-of-year holiday time ranks very high on the stress scale—exceeded only by the death of a spouse. Many people feel depressed at this time of year, perhaps due to loneliness, lack of sunlight, or as a reaction to the inherent superficiality of many of the public displays and celebrations. However, at their core, these holidays contain very helpful messages. Thanksgiving celebrates the bounty of the Earth and reassures us of the immense regenerative capacity of Nature. Christmas and Hanukkah are festivals of joy and rededication to a new purity of intent. New Year's is a time of new beginnings. The other day I was reading an article on Spam (the pork version; not the email one) and how Hormel, the manufacturer, cannot keep up with consumer demand for it as a ‘hardship food’. Although a bit disturbed by the notion that a food such as this should be considered a ‘value’ when other healthier foods are available and are even better bargains, I did happen to notice that in a separate table of ‘things which were up or down due to the economy,’ nutritional supplement sales were actually way up. My father has often said that ‘Stress is best handled by a healthy body.’ and I guess that a lot of folks feel the same way. However, which supplements? Here are a few that I’ve used over the years to help patients restore from the ill effects of stress, fatigue depression: Acetyl-l-carnitine (NAP ‘Pro-Mitokon A) When I see patients in the Clinic who are chronically fatigued I often recommend the amino acid l-carnitine, especially in the acetylated form (acetyl-l-carnitine). Carnitine serves many important roles in the body, but it’s best know for helping to increase the activity of the mitochondria in our cells. Mitochondria are sort of like the battery of the cell. Under normal circumstances fatty acids are sent to the mitochondria where they are converted to energy. Without acetyl-l-carnitine these fatty acids cannot easily enter into mitochondria. The acetyl group is what makes the whole shebang work. It promotes the generation of energy from amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates, and explains why the acetyl form is so important to the success of this supplement. In essence, if the cell was a wristwatch, taking acetylated-l-carnitine is the equivalent of taking it to the jeweler and having him pop off the back and slip in a new battery. We also use it in the Clinic for muscle fatigue, and to help improve memory and concentration. Patients usually notice a rapid increase in mental energy, followed by a gradual improvement in physical energy as well. l-theanine (NAP ‘Tranquility Base’) Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea (Camellia sinensis) that has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and produce feelings of relaxation. Interestingly, when combined with caffeine it helps to improve cognition and mood. Theanine also has beneficial effects on the immune system as well. Blood sample analysis found that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the tea-drinkers. One of the actions of theanine is to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) an important neurotransmitter, so I usually maximize the effect by also supplementing with a bit of GABA as well. Blood Type and Stress (NAP ‘Cortiguard’ and ‘Catechol’) There are significant differences between the blood types regarding how they handle stress. Type O individuals tend to over-accumulate adrenaline at the expense of adequate levels of dopamine. Types A, AB and B folks tend to have trouble adjusting their levels of cortisol properly in response to stress (Type As are the worst at this!) We’ve long used two specific NAP supplements as ‘blood type specific stress busters’ in the D’Adamo Clinic: NAP’s Catechol for type Os and Cortiguard for the As, Bs and ABs. Catechol has a nice blend of amino acids and herbs which helps to flush excess adrenaline out of the body, which in combination with the high protein, low wheat type O diet, can do wonders for their moods. Cortiguard helps those other types to better control their metabolism (and prevent excess weight gain during stress) by using herbs and nutritional co-factors to help blunt the effects of excess cortisol when taken in concert with the diet for your blood type. These are just a few suggestions that can help you navigate through these challenging times. Be optimistic. Keep up on the news, but don’t overdo it. Stay connected with friends and family. Express yourself. These societal upheavals are scary, but they are just the birth pangs of a new future; a world of new possibilities, new technologies. Recommit yourself to the principles of personalized dieting and optimized nutrition. Be ready for it. Enjoy, and see you next issue! - Peter Peter D’Adamo
Funny Guy
I read this guy's column and it was so funny. He and his wife did a marathon and it helped to lighten my day....http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/feb/19/slow_steady_wins_th_place72245/
that was the link if you are so inclined.
Today I realized I have been binge eating for 3 days. Not sure where I fell off track but once I had spiraled down so far it was really hard to regroup and get back on track. Just had a talk with my friend who knows way too much about health and it sort of smacked me back into reality. Sometimes in life we have bad habits - duh. Well anyway, especially in times of great stress we fall back on those and this I have done. When it seems too overwhelming, admittedly I can be seen hiding for an extra 10 minutes on the couch with a bagel and cream cheese before I decide what to do. By the way, she emphasized just how nasty bagels and cream cheese really are and now I have a complex that I am going to decompose and die! Well, I knew they were that bad already but I guess I had chosen to forget for a while.
So I need to make a list of my comfort foods that I know are bad and then I need to make a list of the foods I believe I should be eating that make me feel good. Then with that clarity and clear idea list in front of me I go forward as well as having some emergency code red methods to fall back on when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed which do not include a private rendevous with reese peanut butter cups. That will be my homework at the moment and I am now debating something that I have been thinking about for such a great deal of time now. Do I need to give up coffee for a bit? Man. That is tough. I love coffee. but maybe I need a break. The thing is, it isn't good to drink that caffeine when you are doing a cleanse , which I will be starting back up on in the next few days. Also, coffee tends to make me do bad things. Not every day. But let's face it - bagel and cream cheese goes GREAT with coffee. Lots go well with coffee - breads of every kind, chocolate, everything bad. So maybe I should take a break from coffee and get my self straightened out. But won't my job be at stake? Won't my sanity be at risk?? I am not stopping caffeine though. I am not really a pop or soda fan, so that won't be an issue, but if there is a tea with caffeine, I am allowing tea. Ugh. Not sure. It won't be forever. It will be good for me. I should do it. I'll keep posted on this project.
that was the link if you are so inclined.
Today I realized I have been binge eating for 3 days. Not sure where I fell off track but once I had spiraled down so far it was really hard to regroup and get back on track. Just had a talk with my friend who knows way too much about health and it sort of smacked me back into reality. Sometimes in life we have bad habits - duh. Well anyway, especially in times of great stress we fall back on those and this I have done. When it seems too overwhelming, admittedly I can be seen hiding for an extra 10 minutes on the couch with a bagel and cream cheese before I decide what to do. By the way, she emphasized just how nasty bagels and cream cheese really are and now I have a complex that I am going to decompose and die! Well, I knew they were that bad already but I guess I had chosen to forget for a while.
So I need to make a list of my comfort foods that I know are bad and then I need to make a list of the foods I believe I should be eating that make me feel good. Then with that clarity and clear idea list in front of me I go forward as well as having some emergency code red methods to fall back on when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed which do not include a private rendevous with reese peanut butter cups. That will be my homework at the moment and I am now debating something that I have been thinking about for such a great deal of time now. Do I need to give up coffee for a bit? Man. That is tough. I love coffee. but maybe I need a break. The thing is, it isn't good to drink that caffeine when you are doing a cleanse , which I will be starting back up on in the next few days. Also, coffee tends to make me do bad things. Not every day. But let's face it - bagel and cream cheese goes GREAT with coffee. Lots go well with coffee - breads of every kind, chocolate, everything bad. So maybe I should take a break from coffee and get my self straightened out. But won't my job be at stake? Won't my sanity be at risk?? I am not stopping caffeine though. I am not really a pop or soda fan, so that won't be an issue, but if there is a tea with caffeine, I am allowing tea. Ugh. Not sure. It won't be forever. It will be good for me. I should do it. I'll keep posted on this project.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Go Big
Go big or Go home...that is what we used to say all of the time back in the days when I worked at E.M.S. Back then we compared backpacking stories. Today, it is a different world but the concept remains. The goal is simple - healthy, stronger, feel good. I have manifested the goal into my thought process, and I've got it. The last two days I have successfully dodged all dessert items at the office and it wasn't even hard, I didn't want them. I want my goal. As of right now, I am down 4 pounds from last month. That could actually be meaningless because realistically that is about how much your weight can go up and down in any given month. Nonetheless, I am going to take it and run with it. Any success at all, can be fuel to use for further motivation.
Today I ran 4 miles no problem. Now I am not so worried about missing this first week and a half of the month because I think it will be fairly easy to jump into my training schedule (knock on wood). I am putting a lot of focus on whole grains, fruit and veggies. I can have a light yogurt here and there and meat when necessary. I am not terribly strict about it but if I do have something else I am very careful about how much I have. I'll adjust as needed with exercise each day and whatnot. I already feel a little bit better and I am just so focused right now I don't want to lose sight of it. I keep thinking, how much easier my next race would be if I lost 10 pounds...and I really want to do it.
Today I ran 4 miles no problem. Now I am not so worried about missing this first week and a half of the month because I think it will be fairly easy to jump into my training schedule (knock on wood). I am putting a lot of focus on whole grains, fruit and veggies. I can have a light yogurt here and there and meat when necessary. I am not terribly strict about it but if I do have something else I am very careful about how much I have. I'll adjust as needed with exercise each day and whatnot. I already feel a little bit better and I am just so focused right now I don't want to lose sight of it. I keep thinking, how much easier my next race would be if I lost 10 pounds...and I really want to do it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Through Thick and Thin
February is starting to crawl by and I am still trying to get rid of the remains of this strep-turned-cold annoyance. After the trading if illnesses the daughter and I have been trading, it doesn't take a genius to decide I need to allow just a bit of time before I go back to this cleanse. No sense in tearing myself down when I am already down!
Back to business and this is serious. I am already within the 4 month window of training time for the half marathon in June and training is not underway. This is somewhat driving me crazy. Not liking it at all. Here is the kicker. The all too fabulous girl at work...the one that had 3 kids and looks like christie brinkley anyway...can't hate her because she is super funny and quite fabulous. Well now, she is entering my territory. She is joining the work running club. When I mentioned I was in it - she replied, "oh great, we can do it together!" Sure. Sure we can. Except you are two feet taller than me and will obviously leave me in your dust.
The thing about is...that is my thing. I am the girl in the office that runs. Now she is going to swoop in and take my title. Totally kidding of course. But I would be lying if I said it doesn't bump up my need to keep my edge on training. She isn't planning on doing the race until october. But if I do one in june AND train for october I will be totally ahead of the game. YES. So childish I know, but keeps it exciting.
Back to business and this is serious. I am already within the 4 month window of training time for the half marathon in June and training is not underway. This is somewhat driving me crazy. Not liking it at all. Here is the kicker. The all too fabulous girl at work...the one that had 3 kids and looks like christie brinkley anyway...can't hate her because she is super funny and quite fabulous. Well now, she is entering my territory. She is joining the work running club. When I mentioned I was in it - she replied, "oh great, we can do it together!" Sure. Sure we can. Except you are two feet taller than me and will obviously leave me in your dust.
The thing about is...that is my thing. I am the girl in the office that runs. Now she is going to swoop in and take my title. Totally kidding of course. But I would be lying if I said it doesn't bump up my need to keep my edge on training. She isn't planning on doing the race until october. But if I do one in june AND train for october I will be totally ahead of the game. YES. So childish I know, but keeps it exciting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
