It's time to get back in shape, for me, at least.
I have had some health issues for a quite a few months now, as a result I have gained weight, have high blood pressure, and haven't been able to do the active things I love doing. I don't want to go into details of the nature of the health issue, but I am sure many of you are aware, and dealing with a family crisis back in India. The weight gain has been due to hormonal imbalances, organs not working right, and depression as a result of pain, and hormones. In order for the body to function exercise is important, however if you are in so much pain you can't move (which I have experienced), exercise is difficult. So the hormonal imbalance, Pain, and lack of exercise (doing things I love), all result in inability to burn fat, calories. Also when you are in that state, you don't really want to eat healthy.
For the next couple of months I will blog about how to get back into shape to hike, yoga, climb, dance, and run. Get into that peak physical condition - shape, cardiovascular, muscular, mental level which I had but a year ago. I am starting from ground zero and with astounding high blood pressure (side effect of meds? Doc is working with me to narrow the cause). If you want to get into shape and do things like biking 40 miles etc. stick with me and hopefully by spring we should be in shape (hopefully sooner, for I long to go back country hiking and camping this winter).
First off I am totally cleaning up my diet - low sodium, which means mostly cooking at home, using fresh ingredients- VEGGIES! Researching (Wikipedia/Google) the nutrition of the ingredients, adding little to zero salt. Using spices for flavoring, and not eating out as much.
I will have some alcohol (beer, wine) on weekends. I never indulge in caffeine other than Earl Grey.
Eating lots of fruits.
Oh did I mention this miraculous but nasty thing called Oatmeal? It helps reduce blood pressure among other things, it is so good for weight loss, but after eating it for 3 years (when I lived at home) it just sounds kind of gross to me. Yes lots and lots of oatmeal.
Starting off these next few weeks: slow and easy Yoga and Pilates, walking or elliptical for 30 minutes to an hour, some light weights to get the arms and back, back in shape, and breathing exercises (Kapalbhati - I learnt it at the Sivananda Yoga Center, Chennai, Google or ask me to learn more and see if it is right for you).
During the work day: watch posture, walk as much as you can, drink lots of water (yes I forget this simple task) and let's not forget sneaking in some... OATMEAL!
Breathe!
I have had some health issues for a quite a few months now, as a result I have gained weight, have high blood pressure, and haven't been able to do the active things I love doing. I don't want to go into details of the nature of the health issue, but I am sure many of you are aware, and dealing with a family crisis back in India. The weight gain has been due to hormonal imbalances, organs not working right, and depression as a result of pain, and hormones. In order for the body to function exercise is important, however if you are in so much pain you can't move (which I have experienced), exercise is difficult. So the hormonal imbalance, Pain, and lack of exercise (doing things I love), all result in inability to burn fat, calories. Also when you are in that state, you don't really want to eat healthy.
For the next couple of months I will blog about how to get back into shape to hike, yoga, climb, dance, and run. Get into that peak physical condition - shape, cardiovascular, muscular, mental level which I had but a year ago. I am starting from ground zero and with astounding high blood pressure (side effect of meds? Doc is working with me to narrow the cause). If you want to get into shape and do things like biking 40 miles etc. stick with me and hopefully by spring we should be in shape (hopefully sooner, for I long to go back country hiking and camping this winter).
First off I am totally cleaning up my diet - low sodium, which means mostly cooking at home, using fresh ingredients- VEGGIES! Researching (Wikipedia/Google) the nutrition of the ingredients, adding little to zero salt. Using spices for flavoring, and not eating out as much.
I will have some alcohol (beer, wine) on weekends. I never indulge in caffeine other than Earl Grey.
Eating lots of fruits.
Oh did I mention this miraculous but nasty thing called Oatmeal? It helps reduce blood pressure among other things, it is so good for weight loss, but after eating it for 3 years (when I lived at home) it just sounds kind of gross to me. Yes lots and lots of oatmeal.
Starting off these next few weeks: slow and easy Yoga and Pilates, walking or elliptical for 30 minutes to an hour, some light weights to get the arms and back, back in shape, and breathing exercises (Kapalbhati - I learnt it at the Sivananda Yoga Center, Chennai, Google or ask me to learn more and see if it is right for you).
During the work day: watch posture, walk as much as you can, drink lots of water (yes I forget this simple task) and let's not forget sneaking in some... OATMEAL!
Breathe!
