Stumbling is a Foolish Consistency

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famous literary transcendentalist, once stated that "a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."  While I am not a statesman nor philosopher nor divine, I've recently realized that I have my own foolish consistency: spending too much time on my computer.  It is, in fact, a hobgoblin leading to my little mind and, more unfortunately than that, to my over-sized frame.

The internet is one of those inventions that has come as a double-edged sword.  Sure, I get to watch my favorite television shows whenever I want and I learn all sorts of interesting facts and get to fulfill my Lady Gaga obsession whenever I want to.  But that is just the problem.  The internet may provide entertainment, but it's also provided me with a means by which to sit on my butt and not do anything all day.  You know when you watch an entire season of the Mary Tyler Moore Show in two days that you have a problem.

To begin my journey toward Health & Fitness, I've decided that the first step is simply getting away from the computer, internet, and television during the day, and I think this is a great step for those who are looking to get healthier.  Without having countless hours of needless instant entertainment gratification, you might just get the motivation to get up and get a move on simply because you're bored.  Running, biking, and swimming are far better activities than simply sitting around and staring at a wall all day.  And yes, I mean your facebook wall.

With that, I think I'm going on a bike ride.

- Brandyn

Making Yummy Diet Changes

I love food- as most APO people do- and for my health pledge, I am starting off with diet changes. I have been combing health sites, finding out the recommended health foods of today. Out of all the foods, one is making its way into most of my meals because of its unique flavor and ability to make me feel full very quickly. This superfood is kale.

Kale is such a versatile vegetable- you can it it raw, cooked, and mixed in soups. Its bittersweet, kind of nutty flavor makes it an interesting addition to meals, unlike other greens that people dread to eat. My favorite way to eat kale is as a salad with this dressing a church lady gave me:

(This is enough for six salads or less if you like a light amount of dressing)

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice

1-2 tsp chili powder

Pinch of garlic

Salt to taste

Either mix ingredients in a bowl or put in a small bottle and shake. Refrigerate any you don't use for up to two weeks, not that it will last that long. ;)

I will start on exercising soon- when I get over my cold, which should be in just a couple of days. I want to work on the Couch to 5K plan and my DWTS DVD Workout in hopes to get more active overall.

If you have any recipes or food suggestions, lay them on me, and I'll give some of my own! :)

YiLFS and Health,

Martha

Rockin' and Rollin' My Way to Better Health

On Sunday, August 14, 2011, I participated in the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  Actually, I didn't just participate--because of my hard work and training over the past several months, I was able to run the entire 13.1 miles!  No walking for this lady!  I was not one of the fastest runners, by any means, but I went at a pace I knew would work for me, and I stuck with it.  The last few miles were really tough, but I kept thinking about how far I had already come, and I wasn't going to let myself quit.  Oh, and seeing Al Roker out running with us when I reached about mile 10 was pretty inspirational, too!  All in all, a fantastic, once in a lifetime experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.  After working this hard for so long, there's no way I can go back now.  I will continue my new healthy lifestyle, and I hope to see you all running, biking, or swimming alongside me someday...or something else--you pick!

Taken from http://www2.brightroom.com/75646/25188

Yours in Leadership, Friendship, Service, and Health,

Jessica Szweda