Strength Training and Weight Loss

Great article on why weight loss requires strength training, even in women and seniors:

http://www.naturalnews.com/011285.html

Exercise and the Brain

So, brawn and brains do go together. A great article, via my grandmother, pointed out that exercise (as well as sleep) can be important to overall intelligence. For a fun read, see:

Buff the Brain

Goal!

I finally hit my goal weight this week. It seemed to just melt off this week - fitting with the intensity of the heat outside. Maybe it baked off on my early evening walks!

Next goal - Shape up a bit more!

BAI, The New BMI

Ever thought that the BMI (Body Mass Index) calculation did not accurately reflect whether you are at a healthy weight? I have definitely felt this way. Now, after 200 years of using BMI, enter BAI (Body Adiposity Index) into the picture. What is "adiposity" you say? The root word, adipose, means "of or relating to animal fat," according to Merriam-Webster (https://www.m-w.com/).

BMI uses a ratio of your height and weight, while BAI your height and hip measurements to calculate whether you are in a healthy range or not. BAI requires advanced math, but, of course, there are already online calculators available. A large study of Mexican-Americans and African Americans have confirmed the calculation to date. Now, other races and ethnic groups are being studied to confirm BAI's accuracy.

And, of course, there is already a BAI app for the iPhone available.

Where we are

I did not quite make it down by 3.5 pounds before my vacation, only .5 pounds. Luckily, I managed not to gain pounds on my vacation. This was probably due to a lot of walking around, running after and carrying my little one, and eating much lighter dinners here and there to balance out very heavy breakfasts and lunches that are traditional.


I am still working on the last few pounds and trying to do things to keep up my energy. It is tough taking care of a little one, working full time, and keeping a home organized! Need a lot of energy!

My current plan is to eat a lot of vitamin rich foods (like veggies), get a little bit more structured exercise, and make sure I am getting enough sleep.

The "New" Food Pyramid

USDA just released a new food pyramid... a plate with a cup. The pyramid is out the window. While there has been criticism already in the news on the new image and guidelines due to their simplicity, I think the new image and guidelines are a step in the right direction. The visual is straight forward and easy to follow.

Some critics have said that it doesn't reflect the actual guidance on how much protein, for example, a person should eat. However, I think that if the US ate anything near the image, we would probably be in a much better place!

Progress...Months Later

So, I just have 3.5 pounds left to lose, down from 12, when I first posted. This is about 1 pound per week to lose before I go on vacation.... Want to get beach body ready!