Keeping with this topic of obesity, I was listening to a podcast the other day about a book called Waistland by Deidre Barrett, a Harvard psychologist in their behavioral medicine department. I have not read the book yet, but only listened to an interview of her about the book. The book looks at the obesity problem from an evolutionary standpoint with scientific research. She also talks about how to "reprogram" your body/mind in terms of biologically. I didn't agree with everything she said in the interview. For example, she believes that there is only a grain of truth in genetics and becoming fat and some others that I can't think off the top of my head. However, there were a few interesting things she did say which I think are in fact true.
One thing she mentioned was that people really need to do more of a radical approach in order to stop their "food addiction." This is in the sense of what they are eating in terms of sugary, fattening foods. Her theory is that if you let's say eliminate a certain food that is high in sugar and fat, essentially over time, your body is going to stop craving it. This is completely opposite of what many health professionals tell you, ie. make small changes. Barrett's thinking is that 1) those small changes are not enough to truly make a difference, 2) that by continuing to "feed" your body this way only throws your body off. An example would be glucose levels or cortisol. I think in some ways this can work for some people. The problem is that many people have a hard time with continuance over time which can lead to the yo-yo dieting.
Her approach is more about breaking the pattern and developing good habits. Supposedly, it takes what 21 days to develop a habit. I decided to try to take on this type of approach and see what happens.
See, even though I've had an eating disorder for many years, mostly eat all natural and organic foods, my one "refined" substance is crackers, mainly wheat thins and animal crackers. They are my addiction. I've always considered them "safe" foods, and I can eat quite a lot of them. I think it's due to never really feeling "full." I also think besides the psychological value of them, I think there is something biologically driven as well. Even when I was in the hospital for non-epileptic seizures (long story), I remember asking my parents to bring me wheat thins. One thing I can say about wheat thins is that by eating so many of them, it probably kept my iron levels at bay since there is some fortification in them.
I know there could be worse things in life to eat, but I don't know, I guess maybe it just feels really "unbalanced" or something. Literally, if I don't eat them, my caloric intake is drastically reduced. In a sense, it's a good challenge for me to try to eat other things.
I've tried many ways to reduce my cracker consumption--putting them in servings, only buying the small bags, always telling myself this was the last time, etc., you get my drift. The last time I completely eliminated wheat things, it was like three weeks without eating them. That was like a record for me. My parents think it is funny how these crackers have basically become another food group to me and often times when they come, they bring me a whole bunch.
Anyway, what I do notice after eating so many is that my blood sugar takes a nosedive, and I'm often tired in the late afternoon. So I'm trying hard not to buy any crackers even though I know Wal-Mart currently has the 14 oz box of reduced fat wheat thins (I really prefer the low sodium ones) for 2/$5 and the 2 lb. bag of animals crackers priced at 2/$3. Since Sunday, I have not eaten any and actually there is a difference in terms of blood sugar level. I still get a little tired but not the same as before. I know I could easily just add a protein source to the crackers, but then that just messes with my head in terms of calories and fat. I'm hoping to make 21 days and see if I have really developed a "habit" from it. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Can we confuse people anymore?
Recently, new research came out about the causes of mortality at different BMIs and weight. According to Katherine Flegal, the lead researcher of this study, if you're underweight, there is a significant increase in non-cancer and non-cardiovascular related mortality. If you're obese, there is a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality. However, if you're overweight, then you're okay because there could be some extra nutritional reserves. Hmm, okay, whatever.
However, then this article comes out from Reuters rebutting the above study. I think this could just confuse the public at large even more. I get really tired of using the BMI to gauge your perceived health. There are a lot more factors than weight and height that determine your lifespan. Lifestyle activity is such a big one, as well as what you eat. We really are what we eat.
However, then this article comes out from Reuters rebutting the above study. I think this could just confuse the public at large even more. I get really tired of using the BMI to gauge your perceived health. There are a lot more factors than weight and height that determine your lifespan. Lifestyle activity is such a big one, as well as what you eat. We really are what we eat.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
More on running
In keeping with the running theme, I'm also very aware of running and eating disorders in general. I did not grow up running but rather a gymnast for many years. In my sophomore year of high school, I retired from competitive gymnastics due to some bad injuries. At that time, I did not have an eating disorder. That didn't happen until after I stopped gymnastics. Then I got into running, actually I think forcing myself, especially since I hated to run. For the rest of my high school and early college years, I consistently ran almost everyday along side of cheerleading and track activities. In the end, there was a lot of toll on my body, and it left me pretty exhausted.
I came across this article yesterday in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on eating disorder run rampant in girls cross country. I knew a number of cross country individuals in high school. Some of them were star runners, others just did it for fun. What sticks out to me were the girls who posted stellar times as freshman and sophomores, and then declined as their body changed in weight. I can only imagine how some of them felt to try to reach that best PR time again and feeling like their body betrayed them. It's similar to the gymnast who grows five inches in a year. It's only nature taking its course, but to female adolescents who are athletes, it can feel like torture.
What came across to me in this article was something that could be very controversial for high school athletics. Similar to the ban of the underweight models in Madrid, BMI would be screened for athletes involved in cross country. Currently, any BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight. Runners who are underweight and malnourished are at some serious health risks like osteoporosis, amenorrhea, anemia, and many others.
Apparently this proposal is divided with coaches. Some are for it, while others feel like it would place a lot of emphasis on weight. In my opinion, I think this could backfire. It is well intentioned of course, but at the same time, who's to say such and such isn't naturally thin or a girl with a normal BMI doesn't have an eating disorder? Obviously, outward symptoms of lanugo, emaciation, etc. could be evident, but what about electrolyte imbalances which you can't see unless someone goes into cardiac arrest, blacks out, etc. just for that reason. Even amenorrhea can't be considered a reliable symptom as many with eating disorders continue to have normal or irregular menstrual cycles but still some evidence of a menstrual cycle.
It'll be interesting to see where this goes and whether other high schools will implement something similar. According to the linked article above, a revised weight management program will be instituted this year for the school's wrestling program. I guess only time will tell. I'm reminded of this postcard published at postsecret a little over a year ago. It's my hope we have less of this, so individuals can get the help they need.
image: postsecret.com
I came across this article yesterday in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on eating disorder run rampant in girls cross country. I knew a number of cross country individuals in high school. Some of them were star runners, others just did it for fun. What sticks out to me were the girls who posted stellar times as freshman and sophomores, and then declined as their body changed in weight. I can only imagine how some of them felt to try to reach that best PR time again and feeling like their body betrayed them. It's similar to the gymnast who grows five inches in a year. It's only nature taking its course, but to female adolescents who are athletes, it can feel like torture.
What came across to me in this article was something that could be very controversial for high school athletics. Similar to the ban of the underweight models in Madrid, BMI would be screened for athletes involved in cross country. Currently, any BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight. Runners who are underweight and malnourished are at some serious health risks like osteoporosis, amenorrhea, anemia, and many others.
Apparently this proposal is divided with coaches. Some are for it, while others feel like it would place a lot of emphasis on weight. In my opinion, I think this could backfire. It is well intentioned of course, but at the same time, who's to say such and such isn't naturally thin or a girl with a normal BMI doesn't have an eating disorder? Obviously, outward symptoms of lanugo, emaciation, etc. could be evident, but what about electrolyte imbalances which you can't see unless someone goes into cardiac arrest, blacks out, etc. just for that reason. Even amenorrhea can't be considered a reliable symptom as many with eating disorders continue to have normal or irregular menstrual cycles but still some evidence of a menstrual cycle.
It'll be interesting to see where this goes and whether other high schools will implement something similar. According to the linked article above, a revised weight management program will be instituted this year for the school's wrestling program. I guess only time will tell. I'm reminded of this postcard published at postsecret a little over a year ago. It's my hope we have less of this, so individuals can get the help they need.
image: postsecret.com
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Marathon news and "Wannabe ultramarathoner"
Normally, I do not follow marathon news or anything of the sort even though I do run. Apparently, the NYC Marathon was bittersweet. From the NYRR website, Ryan Shay, a hopeful young runner for the Olympics, collapsed and died. It was known that he had enlarged heart but was given clearance to run by medical doctors. It's quite sad, and my condolences go out to his family.
On the brighter side of things, the British female runner, Paula Radcliffe, won after a birth of a child this year, injuries, and a two year absence from the sport. It really reminds you that even after pregnancy, you can be top notch with good training and keeping yourself healthy.
So with reading all about the NYC marathon, I'm wondering why I am even interested. I think in the back of my mind I'm a "wannebe marathoner" or better yet "ultramarathoner." After reading Dean Karnaze's book, Ultramarathon Man: confessions of an all night runner, it peaked my interest in the ability to defy your body's odds and tests its limits. I learned a bit of the inside scoop from JW, another ultramarathoner. Since then, it's kind of goal of mine one day to be able to do one. So what stops me from pursuing his goal?
Firstly, well, in order to run anything like that, you must eat. You have to be able to sustain your body for that amount of energy. Studies show the majority of people do not fuel enough before runs or other endurance activities. I'm in that category unfortunately, although I do eat more in general most days than let's say five years ago.
Secondly, commitment. Do I have what it takes to do that? My therapist tells me I'm afraid of commitment which affects my life daily. Is it commitment or determination? People have always told me I am determined, but since high school, that determination has just dwindled into fears that seem to plague me. How do I tell myself or better yet convince myself that I could really do this?
Thirdly, there is the issue of competitiveness. It's not even about coming in first but rather having a stunning time on the first go around. I think that comes from feeling like I work hard (and I do have a good work ethic) and feeling like it never pays off. Well, I would have to precede that with "at least to my standards."
So for now, it's all up in the air. Maybe it'll be my New Year's Resolution?
On the brighter side of things, the British female runner, Paula Radcliffe, won after a birth of a child this year, injuries, and a two year absence from the sport. It really reminds you that even after pregnancy, you can be top notch with good training and keeping yourself healthy.
So with reading all about the NYC marathon, I'm wondering why I am even interested. I think in the back of my mind I'm a "wannebe marathoner" or better yet "ultramarathoner." After reading Dean Karnaze's book, Ultramarathon Man: confessions of an all night runner, it peaked my interest in the ability to defy your body's odds and tests its limits. I learned a bit of the inside scoop from JW, another ultramarathoner. Since then, it's kind of goal of mine one day to be able to do one. So what stops me from pursuing his goal?
Firstly, well, in order to run anything like that, you must eat. You have to be able to sustain your body for that amount of energy. Studies show the majority of people do not fuel enough before runs or other endurance activities. I'm in that category unfortunately, although I do eat more in general most days than let's say five years ago.
Secondly, commitment. Do I have what it takes to do that? My therapist tells me I'm afraid of commitment which affects my life daily. Is it commitment or determination? People have always told me I am determined, but since high school, that determination has just dwindled into fears that seem to plague me. How do I tell myself or better yet convince myself that I could really do this?
Thirdly, there is the issue of competitiveness. It's not even about coming in first but rather having a stunning time on the first go around. I think that comes from feeling like I work hard (and I do have a good work ethic) and feeling like it never pays off. Well, I would have to precede that with "at least to my standards."
So for now, it's all up in the air. Maybe it'll be my New Year's Resolution?
Cell phone update
Well, I got my phone from ebay yesterday and got it activated today. I have to admit I really like this other phone better than the Samsung one. It sounds shallow, but this one has way better ringtones. My only issue with this phone is the charge. i'm not sure whether it's battery or the charger, but the charge is not lasting long. I'm hoping the ebay seller can give me answer to this. Ultimately, I may have to get a new battery. Since the unfortunate happening with my original phone, I decided to be on the safe side and pay for the extra warranty.
Hopefully, this will be the last of my cell phone issues. I'm sure the cell phone reps are tired of seeing me especially since I went against their advice of buying one on ebay. Oh well, sometimes you have to take a chance and have faith. That or be incredibly lucky!
Hopefully, this will be the last of my cell phone issues. I'm sure the cell phone reps are tired of seeing me especially since I went against their advice of buying one on ebay. Oh well, sometimes you have to take a chance and have faith. That or be incredibly lucky!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Music and Marathons
I was watching part of the "Today show" before I left for work. There was a clip on there about the music ban on marathons. US Track and field apparently made that rule this year to ensure safety. While some marathons did follow the rule and disqualify any runner using such devices, others did not. The NYC marathon this weekend has decided not to follow suit as there are 38,000 runners. Policing that many runners would be very difficult indeed, especially since devices keep getting smaller and smaller.
As a runner, I sit on the fence on this one. When I got my ipod back last March, I originally found it very helpful on my long runs. Since discovering podcasts, I mostly listen to that these days. Although the issue is safety and communication between runner, I've found there is capability of doing both. For me, even though I listen to music on my runs, I still remain very vigilant of my environment. I think for the majority of people, running is for recreation, so if a little pick me up helps, then why not? Ultimately, those who are very competitive will likely not use any music devices and focus more on their bodies, breathing, time, etc. In the end, however, everyone wants to get to the finish line whether its with or without music.
As a runner, I sit on the fence on this one. When I got my ipod back last March, I originally found it very helpful on my long runs. Since discovering podcasts, I mostly listen to that these days. Although the issue is safety and communication between runner, I've found there is capability of doing both. For me, even though I listen to music on my runs, I still remain very vigilant of my environment. I think for the majority of people, running is for recreation, so if a little pick me up helps, then why not? Ultimately, those who are very competitive will likely not use any music devices and focus more on their bodies, breathing, time, etc. In the end, however, everyone wants to get to the finish line whether its with or without music.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
My bad luck with cell phones
Last Thursday, I managed to destroy my cell phone. Nope, I didn't drop it despite the many times that's happened. I somehow managed to flip my phone into the remnants of my bowl of noodles I'd had for dinner that night. By this point, there was only the liquid portion left. I immediately got the phone, tried cleaning and wiping it off. It looked okay, but about 30 minutes later when I checked my phone, there was a voice mail from my father. I tried to check it but heard nothing. I tried all those things like taking the battery out, turning it on/off, etc. Nope, nothing. Then the phone began to read carkit. Hmm, I really didn't know what that meant other than something to do with the car. Then I began hearing crinkly noise which kind of suggested it probably short circuited.
The next day, I turned it on and got about 10 seconds of audio, but then it went back to silence. I took it into the verizon store where they cleaned it, but again to no avail. I was pretty bummed as I really liked that phone. I was ineligible for a new phone since I'd only had that one since June and no insurance. I ended up purchasing a Samsung phone from one of the reps' personal stock. I wasn't happy paying the $115 but knew I needed something. I could just imagine Murphy's Law happening to me since my cell is the only phone access I have.
I've had the new phone since then and hate it. It's perfectly workable, but I miss my speaker phone. Yeah, kind of shallow I know. Who knew I'd be so devoted to my other phone. So against the advice of the reps, I went on ebay yesterday to check out phones. I was amazed at how many there were. I found one I wanted to bid on. There were 0 bids 4 hours before the auction ended. 20 minutes before the auction was over, there were 17 bids! I couldn't believe it. Everyone waited until the last minute. At the end, after 22 bids, someone won the auction with a price of $56 not including s/h. I surfed some more and found a different phone. It wasn't the exact same model or brand new, but looks to be good. I checked the feedback ratings which was overall positive.. I purchased that phone for $26 plus s/h and insurance. I'm hoping it gets here on Thurs., because that's the last day I can return the other phone. I'm taking a gamble here, but I'm hoping luck will be in my favor for once with cell phones. The last 4 years, I've just had crappy luck with them. Everything from dropped calls/bad reception to messages I couldn't erase to corrosion.
So things I've learned from this:
Never have your cell phone near any water or liquid substance.
On the up side of things, I still have the now defunct old phone and can use it as a "dummy" phone to train my dogs to get the phone. No wait a minute, Baxter already does that!
The next day, I turned it on and got about 10 seconds of audio, but then it went back to silence. I took it into the verizon store where they cleaned it, but again to no avail. I was pretty bummed as I really liked that phone. I was ineligible for a new phone since I'd only had that one since June and no insurance. I ended up purchasing a Samsung phone from one of the reps' personal stock. I wasn't happy paying the $115 but knew I needed something. I could just imagine Murphy's Law happening to me since my cell is the only phone access I have.
I've had the new phone since then and hate it. It's perfectly workable, but I miss my speaker phone. Yeah, kind of shallow I know. Who knew I'd be so devoted to my other phone. So against the advice of the reps, I went on ebay yesterday to check out phones. I was amazed at how many there were. I found one I wanted to bid on. There were 0 bids 4 hours before the auction ended. 20 minutes before the auction was over, there were 17 bids! I couldn't believe it. Everyone waited until the last minute. At the end, after 22 bids, someone won the auction with a price of $56 not including s/h. I surfed some more and found a different phone. It wasn't the exact same model or brand new, but looks to be good. I checked the feedback ratings which was overall positive.. I purchased that phone for $26 plus s/h and insurance. I'm hoping it gets here on Thurs., because that's the last day I can return the other phone. I'm taking a gamble here, but I'm hoping luck will be in my favor for once with cell phones. The last 4 years, I've just had crappy luck with them. Everything from dropped calls/bad reception to messages I couldn't erase to corrosion.
So things I've learned from this:
Never have your cell phone near any water or liquid substance.
On the up side of things, I still have the now defunct old phone and can use it as a "dummy" phone to train my dogs to get the phone. No wait a minute, Baxter already does that!
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