Grow Your Own

Still not stoked about eating fruits and veggies? Here's a suggestion: try growing your own. Honestly, there's no better-tasting tomato, apple, herb, etc., than one you've grown with your own blood, sweat, toil and tears. If organic's your thing, you can be sure that no pesticides have touched it, and you'll be able to pick it and eat it at the peak of ripeness.

Now, to be sure, it takes some time, effort and knowhow to grow a flourishing fruit tree or vegetable/herb garden. We planted a variety of citrus trees and an apple tree on our property four years ago and are just beginning to see the fruits of our labor (no pun intended). But gardening is fairly easy, rather intuitive, and it's just so satisfying to walk into the house with a basket full of produce you've grown yourself.

If you really don't know how to get started, visit your local nursery talk to them about what you'd like to accomplish. They'll teach you more than you ever wanted to know about how to be a successful gardener, and they'll be a source you'll turn to time and again for advice as your garden comes to life (ask away about everything from keeping aphids at bay to composting). Now, you have no excuse not to start eating more of those delectable and healthful fruits and veggies that will help you reach your weight-loss goals. Oh yeah, that's what this is all about, right?

Who Knew That Spin Shoes Wear Out?

A change in focus can give you the answer you've been seeking. This statement applies to my recent foot pain troubles, but it also applies to your weight-loss efforts. I've been blaming the pain on running, but maybe I should have been looking at the thing I do more than running: spinning. I've my original spinning shoes for more than five years. I only wear them for spinning class, and I figured they never wear out. But I've been to the bike shop twice in the last few weeks to get the cleats realigned, since one foot or another has been getting stuck in the bike pedals and practically requires a crowbar to release it.

Today, lo and behold: Michael Angelo (yes, his real name) at the bike shop told me my shoes were kaput, which could be causing my foot problems. When spinning shoes get old, they don't support the foot well during heavy resistance and climbing; instead, they dig into the foot and wreak all kinds of havoc. The new shoes have a hard plastic base on the bottom that prevents these problems. So all the spinning I've been doing to compensate for the lack of running may have only exacerbated the pain and not allowed the injury to heal.

Time will tell if this is the true cause of my injury or not, but I'm glad I stumbled on this information. If you've been trying to lose weight but aren't reaching your goal fast enough (or at all), try focusing on a piece of the puzzle. Are you getting enough movement into your day? Are you REALLY watching portion control, intake of starchy refined carbs, intake of fruits, veggies and fiber? Are you telling yourself that late-night snacking in front of the fridge doesn't count? It might take a bit of sleuthing, but eventually you'll figure out what's preventing you from reaching your goals. Just don't stop!

Keep Reading Labels

The other day at the supermarket I saw a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (arguably the most popular corn muffin mix around) and decided to check the ingredient label again. I've been off this product ever since I saw that it was made with lard, an ingredient that doesn't mix well with my kosher kitchen or my waistline. I was shocked by what I read. Not only is lard still in the ingredient list, but it's in there in one of three possible forms: regular lard, hydrogenated lard or partially hydrogenated lard. Yikes! As if plain old lard weren't enough reason to avoid this one, they give it to us in two more heart-clogging forms. Thanks, Jiffy!

This little episode reinforced for me that we all need to continue reading product labels, both for nutrition information AND ingredients. Don't be fooled by "O grams trans fat" claims on products that have hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated anything in them. Products with less than 1g of trans fats can list them as having 0g, but those half- and three-quarter grams of trans fat do add up. Remember: if the ingredient label lists anything "hydrogenated" (partially or fully), avoid it. Stick with ingredients that you yourself would put in your corn muffins. And don't stop reading those labels!

Struggling

So I've been facing some challenges lately. The first is about 2-3 lbs. that crept on during Passover and have remained stubbornly attached to me. The other is a heel injury that has me off high-impact exercise for awhile. Not a good combination! I've been going to spin classes like a fanatic, doing weight training tapes and yoga/Pilates at home and trying to be fastidious about my diet, but ... I miss running and Cardio Muscle class. And every other day has presented either a restaurant meal or special occasion with high-cal food to celebrate. Grrrr!!!

Now admittedly, 2-3 lbs. isn't a whole lot--probably not even noticeable to the untrained eye. And I haven't fallen off the wagon completely, since I'm still exercising and watching what I eat, as best I can. But I'm mindful not to let those 2-3 lbs. expand. But let me tell you, it's HARD to keep your eye on the prize with so many distractions and obstacles. I feel for all of you out there who are dealing with weight loss and maintenance because I'm dealing with it, too, every day.

It was gratifying to get on the scale this morning and see I'm down a half-pound. And even though today isn't a calorie-scorching cardio day for me (I'm doing muscle work instead), I'll be sure to load up on the fruits and veggies and keep portion sizes in line because I know that's what works for me. My advice to you is never to give up on your goals. It IS hard to keep going, but don't stop. Remember that there are so many people going through the same struggles you are (myself included!) and it is worth the effort. I'll let you know when those 2-3 come off and I'm back to my fighting weight again. But in the meantime, let's all stay strong!