Since I was a young girl, I have often heard people make statements and comments about things that were beyond the scope of their expertise as well as make assumptions regarding things they were certain had to be true but in reality were completely false. Unfortunately, nothing has really changed in the 21st century and with respect to health and fitness or lack thereof, the assumptions are even more outrageous. Read on and take note of the "assumptions" at the end of this post.
After my son was born, for some unknown reason, I was no longer able to digest meat or chicken. I never cared for fish, so I became a vegetarian by default. I have now been a vegetarian since February of 1988. Almost two years later, by Dec 1989 I had managed to put on over 50 pounds, I lost all the pregnancy weight while nursing and ate well as per my doctor's instructions, but when I stopped nursing, I gained the weight steadily. This was as a result of drinking approximately two liters of soda per day, plus a quart of orange juice, consuming enormous amounts of cheddar cheese along with excessive quantities of refined breads, crackers, sugared cereals and very little produce. Yes, I was now a vegetarian and an obese one at that. Although I was a very happy full-time wife and mother, I began eating in a very unhealthy manner and I did not exercise at all. In December of 1989, a notice came in the mail that our ten-year high school reunion was coming up in less than six months and it terrified me. Although I wanted so badly to see our former classmates, I did not want to attend after having put on all that weight. In addition, there was something more important happening to me and it was a big part of the impetus which put me on the right path to optimum health and fitness. I had only enough energy to take care of my son, not much else. I was tired when I should not have been and when my son napped, I would eat more unhealthy food and did not exercise at all. During the course of one day, I took a 180 degree turn and made the following major changes: - I replaced BOTH the soda and juice with still and sparkling water. - I traded the unhealthy cheese for one serving of cottage cheese. - I traded the refined bread, crackers, etc. for healthy whole grain crispbread with plenty of fiber. - I traded the sugared cereal for whole grain flakes. - I began to eat yogurt for the first time in my life. - I began to eat a variety of whole fruits and vegetables.. - I eliminated candy and replaced it with seeds and nuts in the correct, healthy quantities. - I purchased my first stair-climbing machine, a $200 battery-operated stepper, the precursor to the motorized one I was to later purchase in 1995 and still own today in my home. I began to exercise on it using proper form as I slowly, but surely increased the intensity and duration. - I bought a starter set of free weights and a mat and learned to properly lift weights by "taping" a 1990's cable TV show featuring trainers, both male and female, on the beaches of Hawaii giving step by step instructions on how to engage in safe and effective anaerobic exercise. In less than six months, I not only lost the 50 pounds, but I did it the right way, the healthy way. The best part was that I was now full of energy and life again. At age 28, I was now healthy and fit. Then six years later, Valentine's Day 1996 was the beginning of a 29-day ordeal which almost cost me my life. (Scroll to my post dated February 12 & 14, 1996 for the synopsis of the book I am currently writing.) Both my New York Metro physicians at the time and my physicians today here in San Francisco strongly believe that my healthy lifestyle saved my life on February 14, 1996. All will be revealed when I finish the book. Fast forward to 2015. Today, at age 53, I am still healthy, fit and even stronger and more energetic than ever. I have no intention of making any changes. Getting back to assumptions, here are some examples: 1) You look great. You do not have to exercise. 2) You have good genes, that is why you are so fit. 3) You have never been sick a day in your life. 4) You have no idea what it feels like to be overweight. 5) You are overweight because you are a stay-at-home mom. 6) You are in great shape because you are a stay-at-home mom. You can exercise anytime you want. 7) You are in great shape because you're a vegetarian. (This comment is a rather interesting one since I was an obese vegetarian for almost two years. There are many obese vegetarians who eat nothing but bread, cheese, pasta, cookies, cakes, chips, candy, etc.) Needless to say, the above statements are ridiculous. Moreover, the individuals who made these statements were not physicians or other medical professionals, but rather individuals who are in need of health education. Obesity is a very serious medical issue and the problem will not be solved quickly or easily. It is essential that you consult with your trusted, board-certified physician concerning your health. Quality of life depends on it. As always, CLIMB, LIFT AND EAT WELL...
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Audrey"Let's PREVENT what we can and BE COMBAT-READY for what we cannot as we ENJOY and make the most of every single day!" Archives
November 2024
Categories |