EAT LIKE A BABY TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GET HEALTHY

Babies use food for body building fuel and nourishment to develop a healthy growing body.  They have a built in alarm clock every two to  three hours that cries out to be fed, and they also will pull away from food when they are full, eliminating the need to count calories.  As adults, we can learn much from our precious infants.  Also, their nutrients are usually always quality coming straight from Mom’s milk, or formulas containing everything a growing body needs to be healthy.  If we grab onto this philosophy and implement that strategy into our own daily nutrition, we would be on our way to adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Eating is no longer about growing a strong healthy body with quality nutrients and everything about filling our precious system with crap that does nothing but take us further from being healthy people.  We no longer pay attention to our full barometer, intake too large of portions, and fill our stomachs with foods that lack in nutritional value that cause inflammation in our blood streams, the root cause of most disease of the human body.  Food is not only our fuel, but our medicine, and can truly keep our body top notch and healthy, with minimal visits to the doctor if we consistently intake quality healthy “real” foods.  We have come full circle into a fight against healthy food and are so caught up in being mad about what we eat and why we should not eat it when it comes to healthy food.  The reason for this unfortunate issue comes straight from what sits on our grocery shelves and the marketing ploys that we all face each day through sources of media and advertisement.  Studies have shown and there are plenty of documentaries to support that the major food producers are making us fat.  But it does take team work because we can choose to say no to processed, GMO (genetically modified organisms) products, and non-organic pseudo foods that do nothing but provide a momentary good flavor and add fat stores to our bodies.  Consider that anything in a box, bag, or wrapper with ingredients unable to be understood and further stating low fat, low-sugar, and low-calorie are nothing but chemical shit storms in a package. There will be some food items packaged and part of the organic and Non-GMO certified programs and I will applaud those food producers that do understand the importance of supplying that information to consumers.  Off that soap box and getting back to eating like a baby.

Back to the basics, simplicity, and stress free healthy eating just like when we were babies is the key to mastering our daily nutrition.  It is time to stop over-thinking, over-complicating, and to start making the focus about eating healthy.  Forget about the chemical shit storms and reach for the real foods: lean organic proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits, raw nuts and nut butters, organic eggs, plain Greek yogurts, healthy fats in olive oil and avocado are just a sampling of the many healthy foods just waiting for our purchase and consumption.  Change out the sodas for water and start getting excited about the vast amount of selections of healthy food.  Personally, my hunger alarm clock goes off just the same as a baby close to the three hour mark, and I grab something healthy and satisfy that natural feeling.  I do not count calories or even worry about that because what is important is the healthy food that I feed my body and eating just until I feel satisfied, never to the point of overfull.  My body knows how much it needs because I listen to when I should stop eating.  I will say that no one ever got fat eating Kale, so even if I did eat two pounds of greens, I still would not worry about that, but would most likely not enjoy my frequent bathroom visits as a result.   Life was simpler when we were babies and the decisions made for us as we naturally cried out when we felt hungry and satisfied within 20 minutes with a boob or bottle full of nutrients, but as adults we can create a similar life by having healthy foods in our homes and eating when we feel hungry, not because we are bored or trying to squash some emotional feelings through unhealthy processed stuff.  It is a simple perspective but gives us something to think about in regards to our “mental game” surrounding nutrition. 

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Stay Healthy ~ Darla 

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FIX YOUR FITNESS

We do not need anyone to tell us that we are unhealthy or that we need to fix our fitness, right?  If you are unhappy with yourself, feeling like crap, have been told by the doctor to change your lifestyle, or have had your friends and family kindly give you hints, then guess what, you already know that you need to fix your fitness. Fitness goes beyond the physical and includes emotional and spiritual well-being as well.  Don’t think we can walk around in physically pretty bodies and be all messed up emotionally, stressed out, overwhelmed and feeling like life is too big to handle.  Fixing our fitness requires looking at our complete picture and making the choice to clean up our act. 

It is not rocket science and requires nothing magic to fix our fitness, just our will, determination and follow-through to become healthy.  The media would like us to believe that we need a bunch of expensive things, products, pills, and potions to obtain the body that we are looking for, but the truth of the matter is that we all possess the ability to create our fitness.  The first step is admitting the areas we are unhealthy and putting forth a plan of action to get the process of adopting a fit lifestyle started.  If being overweight and struggling with painful joints, lack of energy, low self-esteem, and frequent illness is the issue, a great start would be to look at daily nutritional intake and exercise. If emotional problems such as anger, high stress on the daily, inability to relax, and tension that sends your shoulders to the ears is a constant, a great start would be to look into what is causing these feelings through possibly a counselor or clergy member. 

The important thing is to get on board with fixing your fitness.  Procrastinating on this very important subject does nothing but waste what could be a healthier happier life.  Being in denial about being unhealthy is also a thief of health and fitness.  Changing our mental game and looking at ourselves with rose colored glasses off to expose all the unhealthy parts is what it will take to implement the changes needed to fix our fitness.  It is a brave step in the right direction and today is always the right day to get to work.  

Darla Leal, Fit at 50

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NO ONE BUT YOU CAN MAKE HEALTH HAPPEN

In this world of comparison and getting pissed off at her or him for seeming to accomplish everything, and then spewing “what’s your excuse” in our faces, it’s no wonder women and men alike are throwing up their arms in frustration and happily giving a bird salute attitude at achieving fitness goals.  

Put on the brakes here and look at what has happened.  Letting others control what is best for our health and fitness is out right wrong, and does nothing for us.  That being said, why are we allowing people or media so much control over our decision making to create a healthy, happy life when they have little to no concern or care for us?  Why so pissed about it?  What it comes down to is that no one but you can make health happen.  You know that saying that goes, “whether you do or you do not, you are right.”  Well, that is true and the choice to get healthy lies squarely on your shoulders.  There is no amount of jealousy, blaming others, or putting up defensive posture because others are doing what you are not willing, that will get you closer to your health and fitness goals. 

It does not matter how busy you are, I am, he or she is, because we all can say that we are too busy to carve out that very important exercise hour, and plan and prep healthy food time.  The “what’s your excuse” phrase does hit hard and can ruffle the feathers, especially when it comes from family and friends.  When it comes from the media, it is easier to be judgmental and hide behind our computers commenting on how cushy her or his life is and how they have the time to get it done.  I say bullshit to that and start accepting responsibility for our actions, stop comparing to others, and who gives a crap what anybody’s excuse is.  What is important are the excuses that we are making and why.  It is time to tune into self and let go of insignificant negative drama that weighs down our positive minds.  No one but you can make the choices to move past the excuses and the feelings that keep you from getting healthy. 

Darla Leal, Fit at 50

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Stay Healthy!

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GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY

It is our time to get up to bat and before we are on the plate, we have mentally struck out and kick at the dirt in frustration for not hitting that ball as far as it could soar.  And so it goes with our life and the successes we could be enjoying if only the negative movie reel in our mind would sit down and shut up.  We get in our own way when it comes to reaching our fitness goals because we are too busy coming up with reasons why we are unable to make it happen.  Whether it stems from fear, frustration, laziness, depressed feelings or procrastination, our mind plays the biggest role in our ability to reach and maintain the fitness goals we desire.   

There is no easy way to achieve success without hard work and lots of sweat, and we all need to put in the effort to get where we want in life.  My Dad always told me, “it is a tough world out there”, and we do not need to make it harder on ourselves by playing negative mind games that keep us from creating a quality healthy lifestyle.  There is no perfect time or place to start taking care of our bodies and our minds.  The time is now and “negative Nancy or Ned” will need to take a back seat so that we can be successful with our attempt to reach our fitness goals.  There will be frustration along the way and that is part of life and the journey to get healthy.  Exercise will be hard and eating healthy will not always be one hundred percent, and that is called being human.  What matters is maintaining that positive mental focus and drive to reach your goals and not allowing thoughts talk you out of doing what needs to be done.  There is no amount of work, social life, family drama, laziness or whatever you allow to consume you that is more important than your health.  Once this is realized, it will be easier to stay on track with consistent exercise and eating healthy because the excuses will no longer be an issue.  You will finally be out of your own way and onto a new healthy you.  Time to hit the ball out of the park and Stay Healthy!

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button below to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

Stay Healthy!

Darla 

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MY SHOCKING AND PAINFUL COLONOSCOPY

It has taken me awhile to write about this subject and I also have a family medical crisis that I am dealing with, so blogging time has been difficult to fit into my schedule. I shared with the world on my Stay Healthy Fitness Facebook and Instagram that I was gearing up for my 50 club first experience at having a colonoscopy.  I took my husband a few years ago and all went fairly well, and I have also been re-assured by many that the prep is the worst part and the rest would be a breeze.  Sadly, this was not my experience.

Let me share that I have a very high pain threshold, had both of my children without drugs or epidurals, and in general it takes a great deal of discomfort for me to complain.  The prep for the colonoscopy was horrible, and I nearly vomited up the Moviprep solution each time I had to drink it.  I expected that so I was prepared that this was not going to be fun, and within an hour of drinking the solution, my frequent bathroom visits began.  It felt like self-induced stomach flu of the worst kind and I retreated under several blankets after each run to the commode. I had to drink more solution at 3:30am and continue the toilet runs up to the time of leaving for the hospital at 7:30am.  Needless to say by the time I was done, my poo looked like pee, and I lost 5lbs literally overnight, not the recommended or safe way to lose weight, but understand it needs to happen prior to this type of procedure.

I went into the procedure thinking that after the toilet trauma was complete, the rest would be smooth sailing, so I was ready for my short nap and passing with flying colors colon report.  The doctor was great and explained everything thoroughly and the nurses took really good care of me. I was covered with warm blankets, IV in place and ready to move to the procedure room.  Once the IV anesthesia was administered, I fell asleep quickly but what happened next was like an excerpt from a horror movie.  All of a sudden, extreme pain in my stomach started happening and I felt myself screaming that “it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, and to stop, stop, stop”   and I felt trapped in my mind and my body was enduring pain equivalent to child birth.  In the distance, I did hear a loud voice say “do you want us to stop” and I do remember saying “wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute”, and I was thinking if they stop, I would have to do this again and there was no way that was going to happen.  I do not know what I sounded like or how I moved during this process of extreme pain under IV sedation and was hoping someone would help me.  It could be more pain relief was placed in my IV, but I do not know that.  What I do know is that the pain was unbearable and unbelievable.  My colonoscopy was far from a breeze and I felt traumatized by the event.  The doctor did explain in my haze state upon check out that my colon is very compact with many bends, which caused a rigid application of the scope and caused pain similar to childbirth during the procedure.  His recommendation was that I go under general anesthesia for my next colonoscopy. 

It took my body a couple of days to recover from the anesthesia and I did not feel good physically or emotionally about what happened to me.  I had to know if others experienced extreme pain during a colonoscopy and began my research online and discovered that yes, I was not alone.  What a relief that I could read forums of so many sharing my same story and I think this is what bothers me the most.  I believe that in the paperwork received prior to the procedure that it should be outlined that extreme pain with colonoscopy can be experienced, and that measures will be taken to make the patient comfortable in that event.  I went in to my colonoscopy with a positive attitude and came out with post-traumatic stress about the event. 

I am not writing this to say that I am now against having a colonoscopy and do believe in preventative medicine.  I am happy to report that my colon is clear for ten years, but will be investigating different avenues of colonoscopy approach the next time.  I am writing this to inform people that extreme pain can be experienced, and it is not always a breeze for everyone.  I am in the percentage of those who do not respond well to colonoscopy and for those who have undergone and share my experience, you are not alone.  I was shocked to discover this about myself and now as I have always been, remain a voice of information about health related subjects.  It is important to be informed and your own health care advocate and hopefully the documents pre-colonoscopy will be revised to include a thorough statement of colonoscopy procedure expectations.

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Stay Healthy!

Darla

DON’T BE ASHAMED OF YOUR STORY

For some reason hiding behind our secrets seems to be the easy and almost normal thing to do while we are journeying through life.  Don’t be ashamed of your story because you just might inspire or help someone going through the same things.  All people will experience life with circumstances that may or may not be within our control, and what we are learning from these experiences helps to create who we are.  Why do we get so caught up in what people may think that hiding our true self along with our struggles for fear of rejection is more important than sharing who we are and what is happening within our life. Fear takes over our ability to own our life, robs us of our comfort level to share those things that are important, those things that we struggle with, what we may need help with, and sadly cuts off any chance of gaining a support system through difficult times.

In my lifetime, I have hidden my inability to set boundaries and allowed myself to be mistreated in early marital and boyfriend relationships. I have been a closet Christian, suffered alone with anxiety, hid my cervical dystonia condition, and in my competitive fitness hid behind a ripped body as being healthy.  I look back and can see that my fear of rejection kept me from being me.  During the time of my inability to set boundaries, I cared more about what people would think or say than my own health. I never wanted to be considered a failure. I am embarrassed to say that at one point, I did not confess to being a Christian, and just kept it between me and God.  I was so uneasy about having cervical dystonia and the embarrassment of the tremor that can accompany the condition that I did not feel normal and fearful of being the girl that gets pointed at with the whispers behind the back. Having anxiety in my life has sucked and thinking that others would not understand kept me from opening that box as well.

That was years ago, and my journey of accepting myself and sharing who I am really and truly has been such a relief and freeing experience, and has allowed me to help so many suffering the same ways that I have.  I am not saying that it has been an easy road, or something that happens overnight, and I am a firm believer in faith and a positive advocate for a great therapist to assist during difficult times.  Learning to love yourself and share your story is not only a healing process, but also opens the door for others to feel comfortable enough to step toward you for help.  When fear is set aside and being “real” with who we are replaces that chain around our soul, be ready for doors to open and contentment to flood your life. 

So many hide behind relationship problems, eating disorders, medical conditions, drug and alcohol addiction, money problems, and the list can go on, that enjoying what it feels like to truly be happy is impossible.  When we live fake lives with fake smiles, and are so overcome by shame, embarrassment or fear it is no wonder why so many people suffer with depression and stress.  Hiding behind lies does not provide healing and positive growth in our lives and until we learn how to share our stories with courage, we will not be able to be happy healthy people.  We are required to own what and who we are and to become a better person than yesterday.  That will take courage and taking that first step to sharing your story will not only open the window to self-healing but also open the door to inspiring others.   

Stay Healthy Fitness Happenings: Want to promote your business through low cost Ad Space or a fun Giveaway with Stay Healthy Fitness? Check out my pages for Ad Space or Host a Giveaway and I look forward to assisting you!

 

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Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button at the right to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

Stay Healthy,

Darla

DARLA LEAL, FIT AT 50

WORRY LESS AND SWEAT MORE

Sometimes we can get caught up in worrying about so much in this life, and even things that may never happen.  Worry is definitely a thief of our happiness and will dictate our attitude for the day.  It can become a chronic way of thinking and existing, and not only zaps our energy, but can be exhausting for those around us.  Whenever I feel a worry, I stop and think about the cause and ask myself if it is warranted.  Sometimes worry just does not make sense, and the root cause many times is fear or insecurity about something.  The “What If” this or that kind of worry when nothing definite has even revealed itself.  I found one of the best ways to beat up that kind of mentality is to sweat more.  I get my butt going and use that energy on a high energy workout like HIIT (high intensity interval training) or weight training.

Studies have shown that consistent exercise reduces stress and guess what, that includes the stress that comes from worry.  I use my workout sessions as “cheap man’s” therapy and also as my time to talk with God about what the heck is going on that is making me feel worrisome or anxious.  The more I work and sweat it through, the better I feel.  Most of the time I feel relief, calm, and energized all at the same time after a therapy sweat session.  I do not want to waste my time and energy dragging down my mental game and overall attitude on unnecessary worry.  Not only am I moving my body in a challenging way, but also relieving my mind of the clutter that is taking up precious space. 

The”worry less and sweat more” philosophy provides a healthier lifestyle and the ability to cope with the day to day obligations and responsibilities in life. I feel like I am missing out on something very important for me if I do not sweat it out. My day just feels off, not as accomplished and even tension filled because I did not get that bottled energy out. I like to face head on in the gym any feelings that are questionable as worry and I am not one to just ignore me and think everything is going to fix itself.  I am a doer and a sweater to help maintain a positive outlook, reduce stress and eliminate unnecessary worry.  I am all about not sweating the small stuff but using sweating more to worry less.  

Stay Healthy Fitness Happenings: Want to promote your business through low cost Ad Space or a fun Giveaway with Stay Healthy Fitness? Check out my pages for Ad Space or Host a Giveaway and I look forward to assisting you!

 

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Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button at the right to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

FIT AT 50! 

Stay Healthy!

A Sweat More Worry Less Workout feels FABULOUS!

Darla