Sunday, June 29, 2008

Want to avoid cancer? Be "as lean as possible," study advises

This site sumarizes a report released in October 2007 by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research.

The report describes the results of five years of study, during which nine teams of scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on diet, exercise, weight and cancer.

They concluded that cancer isn't something that "just happens" -- rather, it's the long-term result of dietary influences and other factors.

Their #1 recommendation for preventing cancer? "Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight."

This means having a body mass index of between 21 and 23.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Licorice temptations


weeping-willow Flickr Photo (CC)

My recent visit to my mother was a challenge:
  • I forgot to mention about the sugar-free year, so she'd scattered bowls of licorice allsorts and jelly beans around to welcome me (so kind!)
  • She's quite forgetful and kept offering and re-offering the candy, even after I'd explained. After the tenth time, I just said, "Not right now, thanks!"
  • I was hungry from travelling!
But, I was able to resist!

Continued weight loss


poppalina Flickr Photo (CC)

Two days ago (while travelling) I weighed in at 137.5 pounds (62.4 kilos), the lowest in more than 10 years. This is exciting!

I wasn't trying to lose weight, as my starting weight of 143 pounds was fairly healthy at my height of 5'8" (1.72 m). However, I'm happy with the loss, as I have a small frame and feel it suits me.

According to this chart, which references frame size, I'm now solidly in the "weight with lowest mortality rate" slot -- but before the SFY started, I was slightly above.

Hmmm, maybe my starting weight wasn't so healthy after all.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Problem with energy levels

It's not the usual problem experienced by many people my age -- too little energy -- my "problem" is just the reverse! Energy to BURN, a strong urge move, cravings for a sprint or a nice long walk . . . crazy! And so wonderful.

A couple of times last week at work, I just had to DO something -- hid in the corridor next to my office and did a bunch of jumping jacks, garnering funny looks from my co-workers. Then yesterday it was lunges around the parking lot and fast walks up and down a small hill while waiting for my son at his school.

I remember wondering as a child how adults could just SIT all the time -- it's great to be rediscovering those feelings, and my long-lost energy, at age 47.