Saturday, October 24, 2015

Lazy Girl's Guide to Fitness

WTF?
 
 
It's the screen of my favorite stationary bicycle.
Yes, it's true. I joined a gym.
Why?
Because my exercise of choice is walking, and the weather report tells me to hunker down and watch TV under a blanket. Besides, all the cool kids are doing it. And my doctor (who might be a quack) told me to walk farther and faster (yeah, that stung). Most of all I've made this public declaration to work on my Mind, Body & Spirit.
So I joined the YMCA. I was a member about 20+ years ago. I think I was lazy back then too, because I always thought I should be thinner than I was.
My routine - although I'm no fan of routines - is walking, riding a staionary bike, more walking, stationary rowing, walk some more, and a few nights a week I swim. All in all I exercise for an hour to an hour and a half about 5 days a week. I'm slowly increasing my speed, resistence, and distance (I've been known to overdo and get injured or sick, and then quit).
How long has this been going on?
About a month.
Have I lost any weight?
Not really.
Am I healthier for it?
Jeez, I hope so.
 
 
I will keep you posted.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Granola!

 
In my attempt to eat healthier, avoid preservatives and chemicals, I've been making my own granola.
I loosely follow a recipe I found on the internet, but I seem to have an aversion to measuring. Or following simple instructions.
 
In a bowl I mix rolled oats, raw almond slivers, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans or similar), raisins, cranberries, dates, dried apricots, honey, coconut, and coconut oil.
I toast it all in the oven on a cookie sheet at a low temperature (stirring occasionally) until golden brown.
 
 
I mix the granola into my Greek yogurt and eat it for breakfast.
I store it in the refrigerator.
But basically you can add, omit or substitute other ingrediants (golden raisins, banana chips, various dried fruits).

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Well, I did it. I bought a juicer. And I'm loving it.
If you are at all interested, it's a Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro, or something like that. I bought it at my local Fred Meyer...on sale...with a coupon.
Just saying.
What have I been tossing in my juicer, you might ask.
Let me tell you.
 
 
I bought apples (apparently they really do keep the doctor away), pears, lemons, and strawberries as my base or rather as the stuff that tastes good. I use a combo of 2-3 of the yummy, and then toss in 2-3 of the following: kale, spinach, cilantro (parsley is good for you too), carrots, tomatos, celery, cucumber. 
 


I usually do my own thing and experiment, but I found this juicing website that has recipes (if you're in to that sort of thing) to address your specific juicing needs whether it be weight loss, cancer prevention or allergies. It talks about the why and how of juicing. 
Happy juicing!