Over and Out

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I bid thee adieu. While I made minimal strides (literally) towards changes in healthy eating and physical activity, I do have a revived appreciation for those who reach their health behavior goals. I also honed my writing skills and entertained the masses, both of which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

So much so, in fact, that I am hereby announcing the launch of my own "food blog" of sorts. Inspired by this blog and my newly found muse (Tiramisu), I believe a food blog is perfectly suited to both my palate and talents. I plan to sample tastes and textures across the United States and relate them to adoring fans, as I sip champagne on my private jet...but perhaps I am getting ahead of myself. I've thought of some working titles, but if you have witty suggestions, do let me know.

As Erma Bombeck so famously said, "I am not a glutton; I am an explorer of food."

So true Erma, so true.

An Inspirational Someone

Since my writings serve as a call to gluttonous arms, I see an eternal need for an inspirational someone who will provide this blog with balance. I've given this a lot of thought. My inspirational someone has no name, age, or hobbies in particular; she's both a college student and a soccer mom. She's young and in-shape, old and overweight, single, and married with four children. She might be a he.

My inspirational someone is actually anyone who possesses discipline in their efforts towards behavior change. I truly admire those who maintain determination, consistency, and optimism - all of which I do not have at the moment, but have enjoyed in past bursts of inspiration. It's so refreshing to see my 78 year-old neighbor jog around the block every day, rain or shine, in complete devotion. Here's to you.

A Challenging Situation

Personally, I feel that my ever-growing blog has cited many a challenging situation, but I'll oblige. I'll paint a picture of the battle between me - Valiant Conqueror of a Healthy Lifestyle - and Cookies, Cakes, and Chocolates - Villains Crushing the Souls of Healthy Eaters Everywhere.

The lights are dim. Notebooks and journal articles clutter the table, their haphazard mess occasionally pierced by a can of Diet Coke or a set of headphones. I sit, restless, running my fingers across the pages of "The Entertainment Education Strategy in Communication Campaigns," and wondering what the hell an oblique persuasion dilemma is, exactly.

Outside, the trees delight in the gentle caress of the wind. They whisper to each other and wave to me, suggesting that I join them on this beautiful day. Their insistence is impressive; the freshest of airs billowing through my window momentarily rouse me to exercise. I sit a bit straighter, and brush my hair from my face; "I can do this!", I say. Yes, out loud.

I glance at the table once more; journal articles glare ominously back at me and sling silent taunts my way. I rise, hoping to outdo them --

And into my immediate line of vision comes a seemingly innocuous box sitting on the kitchen counter. A small, beige box with pleasant brown borders and Porto's Bakery written across the front. My heart sinks.

I can smell the guava jam and mascarpone cream cheese from my huddled position amidst endless papers. Pastries beckon to me, their flaky fingers of fresh-baked crust seducing me in the afternoon sunlight. I glance again towards the trees, but they are so far, far away...

Information and Insight on my Long-Lost (and Yet-To-Be-Found) Health Goal

Although my forlorn attempts at exercise are now the dismal stories of yesterday (and by yesterday, I mean months ago), I have made progress towards healthy eating. The resulting weight loss has given me confidence to don the occasional slim-fitting outfit and to treat myself to some new wardrobe pieces. And I just bought a fabulous pair of peep-toe heels in candy apple red to complement these new clothes.

But rather than detail my weekend shopping spree (although that does seem much more fun), I'll post some health information I discovered through my frequent Google searches.

This brief article by Mayo Clinic staff members highlights well-known benefits of exercise, such as better mental function and better sleep. I do miss the energy rush after a run, now that I think about it... http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676

I also love this somewhat verbose (it is me, after all) article published in the Wall Street Journal soon after New Year's. It begins with the usual "Now that millions of Americans have made their New Year's resolutions, let's examine the benefits of exercise...). It highlights the importance of exercise in chronic disease, cold/flu, and cancer prevention, and sports this lovely image (see above)... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704350304574638331243027174.html

The low-fitness man looks awfully dull, and the medium-fitness woman looks awfully like me, stumbling sweatily around the block. Alright, the chart's done it - I think I might have to exercise today.

A Supportive Someone

Having a supportive someone is essential in attempts at behavior change; the inevitable failures (and the occasional successes, for all of you optimists) are better when told to loved ones. Healthy eating and physical activity is no exception. Since I'm an avid supporter of Just Desserts (which really should be its own movement...a social force validating the sweet tooth of millions), I enjoy the company of like-minded foodies (besides, if you truly don't want the six-layer chocolate cake a la mode, there's something wrong with you).

My boyfriend is kindly supportive of my sweet tooth, and of this ill-fated project. His enthusiasm encouraged my first week of exercise, which (need I remind you) was almost on par. Since then, my healthy eating goals have met greater success than my exercise goals, but my beau's loving words and this blog keep my interest in these health goals.

I want to post a conversation that fully illustrates his support, but I'll do that soon.

Useful (and Useless) Websites

Spring Break really uppercuts the dynamic duo of healthy eating and exercise, doesn't it? It also disrupts the flow of Socratic ideas that emerge from these weekly blog entries, and lands my ass in more schoolwork than I care to do. So alas, tonight's post will be brief.

There are many websites that provide useful information and resources for individuals who eat healthy and exercise. Personally, I prefer general health information, which I find through Wikipedia; I will often Wiki various diseases, foods, and exercises, and soon become interested in their cultural origins rather than derive any practical use.

I also found that the U.S. government's nutrition website is overwhelmingly boring, possibly as a result of text-heaviness. Information is great, but so is entertainment value. www.nutrition.gov

Unfortunately, my knowledge of more healthy eating and exercise websites is minimal. I, do, however, want to say that I recently found the sweetest article about the role of cupcakes in today's society (I know, I know). Cupcakes make me smile, but the fact that this was a CNN headline makes me worry about the future of news.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/03/23/cupcake.craze/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Or to Take Arms Against a Sea of Troubles

While I delight in mockeries of my feeble attempts at athleticism, I do not condone mediocrity by any means. For those of you who bristle at my seemingly blatant disregard for effort, today's update might please you.

Despite a minimal adherence to my proposed plan of exercise, I must be doing something right. I've lost 6.5 pounds since January (what?! I'm dropping numbers now?) and good riddance, too. What's exciting, of course, is that my dresses glide more smoothly past my hips and settle more confidently on my shoulders. But you know that my primary objective is sound health...

Since I only occasionally wave my wand to achieve these instantaneous results, I believe the changes have come as a result of mindful eating. I may not attempt to run three miles (fear of failure, you see), but I'll forgo the McFlurry to compensate.

Sameer, you would be proud.