Is being overweight...good??

A new study pub;lished in the Journal of the American Medical Association uses BMI as a health predictor. It discusses how being elevated in BMI (25-30) that mortality from cardiovascular disease is not higher than a healthy BMI. The elevated BMI does have higher mortality from other chronic illnesses though.

One thing should be pointed out - BMI is only a ROUGH indicator of health and one of MANY tools that health and fitness professionals use. BMI only takes into account body weight and height. So hockey players and very muscular people can be considered overweight (or rather over fat) by BMI standards which obviously isn't accurate.

DO NOT take this study as a reason NOT to exercise or to eat unhealthy. This recent study uses statistics and playing with numbers and does not show cause and effect relationships.

The evidence is OVERWHELMING that a healthy diet and moving the body does prolong your life. Period.

Good Karma

I received this in an email today, I just liked reading it...the lessons are valuable...

enjoy

Hannah

A few links for you!

Here are some more tips for handling the busy December holidays planning...

Eating to prevent cancer

According to the American Institute for Cancer

The Eight-step plan:

1 Reduce body fat within the normal range of body weight, age and height
2 Move your body every day!
3 Reduce your comsumption of foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar including sugary drinks
4 Choose plant foods more often which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans 5
5 Reduce consumption of red meat and avoid processed meat
6 Limit alcoholic drinks to one per day for women, two per day for men
7 Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy grains or legumes
8 Try to meet nutritional needs through eating rather than taking supplements.

And according to the RealAge website
take time out to worry


Be well

The weather outside is frightful...

...which can mean one of two things: either bundle up to do something outside, or transfer outdoor activities indoors...Top it off with shorter days and less light, and that adds up to many many excuses.

The cure -

Step 1 - recognize when you start making excuses "I'm tired...it's dark out...i don't have time...."

Step 2 - Problem solve - let's take the dark outside as an example. What are some solutions for someone who might like to do a jog before work but are concerned about the weather or the lack of daylight (and safety)? This person can: buy a treadmill, join a gym that has treadmills, take the opportunity to try a different activity such as indoor cycling or other group classes, or try to find a friend that will jog with them. The next step would be to pick the most feasible and most reasonable solution.

Step 3 - Make a plan - We have the solution - now set up a plan - Do you need to find a gym or a class? If you chose to purchase a treadmill, read up on the different models and look up prices...set a deadline...Give yourself a week or two to set yourself up and then...

Step 4a- Get to it!
Step 4b - Those excuses may come back, be ready for them by setting up a "mental" plan as well. Next time you find yourself talking yourself OUT of doing your workout take a moment to stop, reset and get to Step 4a. This is challenging but remember, you are responsible for your own actions. Ask a friend or a family member for help and support. Put up motivational quotes to read when you need to.

Be well!