The Secret to Getting Icky Things Done

Nov 22nd, 2009

Sometimes household chores stay on my “to do” list for weeks.  Every time I think of them, I wince…..”Oh no, I’ve got to do X.”  The longer it’s been on my list, the more punishing the thought is and a feeling of overwhelm or dread washes over me.  Sometimes it’s very mild, sometimes it’s spicy hot.

A case in point.  I’ve been meaning to rake the leaves, mow one last time, and sweep the leaves and nut shells off the deck before it turns cold.  Oh yes, and sweep the stairs going down to the basement (dirt, leaves, cob webs, dead crickets, etc.)  In other words, yuck. 

In the back of my mind, these tasks have been taunting me, “you never have enough time, you’re not very well organized, you’re lazy, you should have done this sooner.”  There’s always a little bit of truth to the voice that taunts – just enough truth that I can choose to feel bad about myself.  Or I can shush that voice because it clearly is just speaking up to cause trouble.  Any bit of truth it speaks is just a tiny bit of the whole truth.  That same voice speaks to you.  The whole truth is that everyone is busy, everyone has tasks they don’t want to do, and everyone does their best…even if it isn’t very good at times.

Sometimes making a to-do list works wonders, and sometimes it’s the kiss of death for the tasks.  Once the items are grouped into one big, long list, the self-talk can get really ugly.  Negative self-talk saps energy and momentum, so I caution you not to get caught up in it.  If it speaks up, tell it to hush up because you’ve got a plan.  A plan??  Yes, a plan. 

This is what I do when my to-do list isn’t working.  I just do the task.  I don’t look directly at it and just do it.  Oh, I’m raking the leaves.  Oh, I’m sweeping the steps.  In other words I start in, not thinking about the dreaded task.  I do the first thing that comes to mind like grab a broom.  That step is pretty easy.  And then I just flow with it moving from sweeping to raking to mowing–not thinking, but doing.

When I feel like I’ve had enough, I stop.  But I don’t stop when I “think” I’ve had enough.  That little devil on my shoulder often pipes up when I’m close to finishing a task.  She says, “Just go and have a cup of coffee, you can finish this up later.”  I used to fall for it and stop before finishing.  Now I ignore the voice because I know I’ll feel much better finishing the task now.  There’s nothing like a finished task. 

Now I’m sitting on my tidy deck with a cup of coffee surveying my success.  Yesterday I raked and mowed.  Today I swept and straightened.  This coffee sure does taste great!

In summary:  Do “the thing” first, before doing what you want to do like drink a cup of coffee, fire up your computer to check emails, call a friend, or turn on the TV.  Do the thing first.  Don’t put it on a list or shove it to the back of your mind to do later, do it first.  Do it now.  The rest of your day will go much better, you’ll feel good about yourself, and you’ll enjoy the fun stuff more.

Another Fabulous Fall Meal (Gluten-Free)

Oct 25th, 2009

I’m having a lot of fun cookin’ up new ideas for fall produce–and sharing them in videos like this one.  Here’s what I had tonight.  The color is washed out because it loses resolution from the video conversion process.  But, trust me, the colors of the real thing were bright and appealing!

So………….I want to have more healthy dinner ideas from you!  At the comment link below, describe your healthy meals and how to make them.  And if you send me the embed code for a video, I’ll plunk it in so everyone can see it. 

Night After Night – What's for Dinner?

Oct 24th, 2009

Now I’m on a roll with the fall harvest.  On my stovetop right now I’m steaming spaghetti squash.  When it’s fully cooked you can scrape it away from the shell in spaghetti-like strands.  Here’s a preview…

I’m not an expert on spaghetti squash.  I think I’ve had it once maybe.  So I’m channeling the universe again, and the universe says, top it with a spaghetti sauce with sauteed garlic, fresh mushrooms, and add several handfuls of fresh spinach at the end.  Next, I christened it with a few shakes of red pepper flakes.  But for the more delicate pallets, you can skip the heat.

I don’t know what the etiquette is for complimenting your own cooking, but since nobody was here to eat it with me, I went on and on about how great it was.  And it was great.  It satisfied me on so many levels. 

You can’t see how beautiful it looked because this video washes out all the colors.  You also can’t smell it and see the swirls of heat coming off of it.  It was slurpy-good and I mean that in the best sense of the word.  You can see all the juice this little number created.  Even Toby wanted to lick the plate!  But I beat him to it!

Share your ideas for healthy fall meals at the comment link below.  And include your “recipes.”  I don’t really use recipes but describe the basic ingredients.  Would love to hear what you’re cooking! 

What’s For Dinner

Oct 23rd, 2009

Here’s what I’ve got baking in the oven. I’m working on going gluten- and dairy-free and I’m trying to wrap my mind around how to make things taste good. So tonight I cut open an acorn squash from the farmers’ market and started channeling the universe for ways to make it taste like heaven.  After a long work week, I want food that tastes great and satisfies all of my senses.

Note:  When I cook intuitively, each step becomes clear as I move through the processes of washing and chopping and scanning the row of spices. 

Here’s what came to me while tuning in.  I mixed the following fruits and nuts together adding a small amount of olive oil for moisture, flavor, and health benefits:

• One apple (chopped)
• Small handful of dried cranberries
• Small handful of organic raisins
• A tablespoon each of raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds
• 5-7 walnuts
• A sprinkle of dried onions
• A dash of ground cloves
• A smidgen of ginger
• Several shakes of cinnamon
• Several shakes of sea salt

After mixing these ingredients together, I filled the two halves of the acorn squash and popped them in the convection oven on 375 for an hour.  I did not peel the acorn squash.  I just cut it in half and scooped out the seeds.  I’ll keep checking it in case it doesn’t take that long. It smells divine. 

I think hearty fall foods help compensate for the sometimes cold, wet, and dark days of fall and winter. Flannel sheets help too!  It also helps that it’s the weekend and tonight I get to do whatever I want!  I hope you set aside times during the week to do whatever YOU want.  It’s critical to health and happiness.  And I’m not just saying that.  It’s critical.

Just checked and it’s not done yet so I’m snacking on celery dipped in red pepper humus. 

Anybody have ideas for some healthy, hearty fall foods? Tell us at the comment link below. 

Body Mind Wisdom

Aug 16th, 2009

I’ve recently listened to two audio series by Drs. Christiane Northrup and Mona Lisa Schulz:  Igniting Intuition and Intuitive Listening.  If you’ve ever wondered if your body is trying to tell you something, but are not sure what the message is, these audio programs are a must for you.  Now, I’m preparing to listen a second time…..and eventually a third and fourth time.  If we listen, our bodies can unlock the key to our health, serenity, success, and happiness. 

Success Strategies to Help You Stick with Fitness

Jun 6th, 2009

a 30-Day chronicle about getting back in shape

Wanted to let you know that the longer I stick with my fitness routine, the more committed I get to healthy eating.  That’s a bonus.  In my next post I’m going to open my fridge and kitchen cabinets and tell you about what I’ve been eating.

Success Tactics

Here are some of the things I’m doing to help me stick with my decision to get fit again:

1. Before I started my program, I did a personal assessment:  weight, measurements (calf, thigh, hip, waist, bust, biceps).  I’ve been keeping these measurements for years and have watched them steadily grow along with me.  Now I’m watching them steadily decrease.  Very motivating.
2. I’m keeping a food and fitness journal.  It’s nothing fancy, just a place to regularly record my daily food and fitness choices.  Research is clear that people who record their daily food intake, lose weight.
3. I went public with my story in order to add a bit more interest and challenge.  As I share my story in this blog, I’m forced to think about what to say.  That makes me take a closer look at what I’m experiencing every day.  I’m becoming more aware and that’s always a good thing.  
4. I’ve invited you to share your story.  Other people’s stories are always inspiring.  So please share your comments, questions, and favorite resources at the comment link below.

Should you see a physician before starting an exercise program?

Medical Disclaimer: Any information you obtain from this blog series is not
intended and should not be construed as medical advice and is for the sole purpose of providing information derived from the experience of the author. Diet, exercise or other lifestyle changes should be made only after consulting with your own intuition, common sense, and health care practitioner.

We Adapt Quickly to Exercise

Jun 4th, 2009

a daily chronicle about getting back in shape

When stuff happens, you just get back on track.  That’s what happened to me on Wednesday.  I had every intention of going straight to the gym from the office.  I won’t bore you with the details, but it didn’t work out.

So with renewed determination I went to the gym today.  I’m really happy when I do what I say I’m going to do.  Life is so much better on all levels when I know I can trust myself to follow through.  For me, it’s really important.  And I’ll bet it’s important to you too.

Today’s Workout

• Elliptical machine (5 min. warm up)
• Lower Body Weights (35 min.)
• Crunches on an incline board (2 sets of 25)
• Sauna (15 min.)
• Then I went home, answered a few emails, and walked Toby – our regular 60-min. walk.

Today’s Healthy Dinner (you can copy it!)

In just minutes you can have this wonderful, healthy meal on the table:  Sauteed garlic, green onions, sliced carrots, asparagus, pea pods, spinach and about 3 ounces of sliced organic beef.  I added a little salt and pepper and a dash of hot pepper flakes.  I don’t want to brag, but it was so fabulous.  Simple, fast, and fabulous.  I had a little left over and will have it with an egg in the morning (mixed in).  Have you heard there’s a trend to have dinner for breakfast.  Guess I’m trendy.

The Really Good News (you’ll like this!)

Even though this was just my second lower body weight lifting session, I was already stronger, more acclimated, and less clumsy (and shaky) moving from machine to machine.  The first day I felt like a beached walrus flopping from machine to machine.  Awkward and embarrassed.  The 5 minutes on the elliptical machine was a lot easier to do too.  And remember how I said the 5 minute rowing session felt like 15?  Well today it felt like 5 minutes.  All in all, I’m much less tired at the end of the day than I was that first day when I zonked out really early-couldn’t move a muscle or do much of anything.

I am amazed at how quickly my body is adapting to these increased demands.  Amazed.  Of course, I have an aerobic base of walking about an hour a day most days for many years, so that has helped.  But I don’t have any strength training base and that piece is coming together fast!  So if you are starting a new fitness program, take heart – your body will adapt to it fairly quickly.  Maybe not at the same speed as others, but pretty quickly.

When instituting a new habit, it’s important to acknowledge any gains.  Successful businesses focus on ROI (Return on Investment)and so should we!  It’s motivating and satisfying to see improvements. 

Your Turn:  How’s your fitness routine going?  And your healthy eating plan?  Any other comments, resources, or suggestions.  Do tell at the comment link below.

Should you see a physician before starting an exercise program?

Medical Disclaimer: Any information you obtain from this blog series is not
intended and should not be construed as medical advice and is for the sole purpose of providing information derived from the experience of the author. Diet, exercise or other lifestyle changes should be made only after consulting with your own intuition, common sense, and health care practitioner.

Leave a comment

The Most Inspirational Fitness Book . . .

Jun 3rd, 2009

Actually, my favorite fitness book ever isn’t purely a fitness book because it contains chapters on nutrition, staying connected, and menopause.  I’ve been on the fence about instituting a more serious fitness regime and this book knocked me off the fence.  I couldn’t put it down–a real page turner. 

When I finish it, I’m going to start on page 1 again–I like it that much!  You have to know that I actively dislike reading a book more than once–there are too many good books out there to waste time reading the same one again…until this book!

So what’s the book?   It’s ……. drum roll ……. Younger Next Year for Women.  I mentioned it to my 88 year old mother (the one who just had a stroke) and she said “Oh yes, I have that book somewhere.  I liked the title.”  She’s an avid reader, but when it comes to fitness, she just likes to read about it.  I inherited a bit of her tendency to prefer reading over taking action.  But I fight it on a regular basis and often win.  This book is lifting me out of the fitness slump I was in for the past decade.

There’s another version for men too.   You can buy either one at Amazon.com for about $6 plus shipping.  I highly recommend that you buy one for yourself, your family members, and all your friends.  

So what do I like so much about this book?  As an exercise physiologist, I love the science behind their writing.  One of the authors, Henry Lodge, is an MD and an exceptional writer.  He takes plain, complicated science and makes it interesting and highly motivating.  You can’t wait to get out there and saddle up on a bike,  hoist some heavy weights or join a yoga class. 

Just when you think you’ve read enough science, Chris Crowley, a fun loving, irreverent fitness enthusiast in his 70’s takes over and writes the next chapter.  He pokes you in the ribs about your sloth and makes fun of himself as well.  You can take the ribbing because it’s clear that he’s a good guy.  And if you’re like me, you’ll laugh out loud at regular intervals.  At some point I started making smiley faces in the margins when he made me laugh.  I should probably count them just for fun. 

I designed my current fitness program around the principles outlined in this book.  I’ll share more about this book in future posts.  Now it’s time for me to hit the hay and read another chapter of this fabulous book.

Your Turn:  Have you heard of this book?  Do you have a fitness book to recommend?  If so, tell us what you like so much about the book.  Comment at the link below.

How to start a wellness program today

May 20th, 2009

As a member of SparkPeople I get interesting articles on a regular basis.  I thought you’d enjoy this one about how to start a wellness program right now – today.

What Did YOU Have for Dinner Today?

May 1st, 2009

May Day – Healthy Eating Alert!!

Some days I just think, “Man I have to think about what to have for dinner again?!?!”  After a long day…it’s not always easy to think about what to have for dinner – I just want it served!

While walking Toby along the Kansas River this evening, I thought long and hard about what to do about dinner.  Oddly enough, I couldn’t come up with anything.  Sometimes that happens if I’ve eaten out too much – nothing sounds good.

So I did what I always do when I’ve been eating out too much – I made a salad (romaine lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, pumpkin seeds and walnuts with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing).  It was a pretty simple salad but satisfying.  I had more things I could have prepped to put in it, but I just didn’t want to bother.  A little tired after a week of projects.  Then I had a great idea…..

My great idea about healthy eating…for the month of May

I have a very talented, smart, healthy, eager list of subscribers.  You can help me decide what to have for dinner so I can create my Top 10 List of Dinners–and so can you!  Many of my subscribers are wellness experts or health nuts….so hey, we’re just a few comments away from having a ton of new ideas.

Here’s what I’d like to do for the month of May if you’re willing.  I’ll post regularly about healthy eating and ask for your contributions.  You can tell us what you had for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.  You can review of your favorite cookbook/s.  You can share simple, healthy recipes.  You can tell us how to make your favorite dressing.  I’m loving this idea.

If you haven’t already subscribed via the RSS feed or the big red button at the top right for email alerts when I post…I recommend you do that you’ll be on top of it as soon as a new healthy eating post goes up.  Sound good?

Let’s start by  telling us what you had for dinner today? Even if it was a #1 at McDs or a Crunch Wrap Supreme at Taco Bell….do tell!  We’re going to feel free to be real here about what we eat.  And we won’t be food cops. 

What did YOU have for dinner today?

And … what are your typical favorite dinners–especially things that you make fast–maybe even without a recipe?  We’re looking for dinner ideas!