Thursday, September 8, 2011

Back in the Saddle

Haven't worked out with Free-weights since the accident due to the whiplash that affected my neck, mid-spine and right shoulder. I am really looking forward to a light workout today as I have been given medical clearance to restart my program. Ugh, my body feels like mush since I haven't worked out. If you are on a weight reduction plan, please don't underestimate the importance of some level of strength training. My body responded miraculously and the exchange of body fat for muscle mass is so worth it, as it will help you feel so healthy, strong and fit. Your calorie burn will also increase. Just 2 weeks off my program and I feel the difference, but I know that it will not take long to regain anything I lost.

My TMJ acted up after the accident and I had a difficult time chewing as the pain in my jaw was so bad, I couldn't even comfortably chew a banana. To compensate, I regained an interest in juicing. I blew the dust off my vintage Omega 1000 and began juicing again. Although I still drink Green Smoothies regularly, adding Protein Powder now and again, I am finding a place for juicing throughout the week. Carrots, Apples, Celery, Cucumbers, Spinach, and Lemon is what I am experimenting with now. I just like to mix it up some to keep learning the unending combinations of tasty foods.

Since I began following a plant based diet, my daily meals have never been boring and are so much more exciting than a hamburger and fries. Now really, how many ways can you serve a hamburger as opposed to the number of ways I can serve up Broccoli?

Be Well and Happy, Healthy Living.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Accidents Happen

While raising my son, I always assured him that it was ok if he had an accident which broke or damaged something. I never showed any kind of upset or anger if it was an honest mistake. "Accidents Happen" and I encouraged him to learn from it and move on.

Well, about 10 days ago, I was driving to work, minding my own business, and while I was moving at approximately 40mph, I was suddenly hit from behind like I was standing still. Crash!! Boom!! I looked in my mirror and saw the bottom of the bumper of a car that was trying to run up my trunk. When everything settled down, I got out of the car and went to see if the other driver was ok. She said she was ok as she looked at me  with an "empty stair". She was at least 20 years my senior and mind you, I am 58 yr old. With my neck hurting and succumbing to an immediate headache, I sadly had an anger management problem. I asked her " How the "BLEEP" can you hit a car that is driving away from you with an impact like I was standing still?" When I could not get a plausible answer, I had to accept the fact that I was a victim of poor judgement and lack of keeping your car under control. I apologized for my outburst, called the Sheriffs department and we filed the report.

I am still a little upset with myself for my behavior and had to remind myself about the "Accidents Happen" position I always took with my son. This will surely be classified as an Accident in the paperwork. Please remember, that we are all responsible for keeping the front of our vehicles under  control. Although my injury is considered mild to moderate, this event has reminded me how our lives can be changed in an instant.

Since the accident, I have had to trade my Gym time for Chiropractic and Massage time. I am not too fond of the "adjustments" I get from the Chiropractor but they do appear to be helping. I do enjoy my "after adjustment" massage though. No "Free Weights" for awhile since the neck, traps and back have been disturbed. I do miss the Gym. I will get back into my Cardio routine in a few days. I have had to monitor my calorie intake since I am not burning the usual 500-600 per workout. The last thing I want to do is gain weight since I have worked so hard to shed it.

Lessons Re-learned:

  1. Always maintain control of the front of your car.
  2. Never take a moment of your good health for granted.
  3. Always wear your seat-belt as I do.
  4. Value your family and friends in good times or bad as your life can change in an instant. 
  5. And most difficult for me, was to forgive the person who caused me a disruption in my life.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Committment

Ok, I said it before, I suck at Blogging. I have so much to share and just have such a hard time efficiently putting it into words. I have maintained my commitment to myself in my ongoing transformation of my lifestyle regarding diet and exercise, but have not  been faithful in my goal to inspire others by continuing to share my story. Therefore.....I am going to give it another whirl; Take some pressure off myself and post events along the way that will keep you apprised of milestones and share some good things along the way.

Since my last post, my weight loss has slowed as I have concentrated on strength training and traded body fat for muscle mass. I continue to do 30 to 45 min of Cardio 4-5 times a week. I have changed my strength training program a few times to keep me honest and not get bored. I also feel a need to maintain some type of blog, in order to keep me committed to my goals and accountable to my followers who want to transform their lives in hopes that they will be inspired to take on the challenge themselves.