Weight Control

Sumo is a type of wrestling in the orient. It is steeped in tradition and disciplines ,rituals,which I'm not going to get into here, but reading about the lifestyle and history makes fascinating reading.
My purpose in researching the sumo wrestler, was to see what habits in their lifestyle result in the heavy body style, for which they are known.
I won't use the term "overweight", since they work to meet a certain standard associated with the sport and would'nt be deemed overweight by sumo standards of sumo weight control.

"Wrestlers are not normally allowed to eat breakfast and are expected to
have a nap after a large lunch. The most common type of lunch served is the
traditional "sumo meal" of chankonabe which consists of a simmering stew cooked
at table which contains various fish, meat, and vegetables. It is usually eaten
with rice and washed down with beer. This regimen of no breakfast followed by a
large lunch helps wrestlers put on weight so as to compete more
effectively. A nap after lunch also assists in this process."

"The negative effects of the sumo lifestyle become dangerously apparent
later in life. Sumo wrestlers have a life expectancy of between 60 and 65,
more
than 10 years shorter than the average Japanese male. They often
develop
diabetes and high blood pressure, and are prone to heart attacks.
The excessive
intake of alcohol leads to liver problems and the stress on
their joints causes
arthritis."

Can Calories Tell Time?

Q: Do calories know what time it is?
A: No

Q: Why is it considered bad to consume calories after a certain hour?
A: Because, for the majority of people, that is when their activities wind down for the day, and therefore calories aren't necessary for maintaining energy levels.People need to learn as much about managing their own nutrition and individual body requirements as possible, from a variety of sources. Each diet should be individualized accordingly.Think about a nurse who works third shift,as an example, wouldn't that person be "fueling" while the rest of us sleep?

Q:What do calories do when we sleep?
A: Calories are fuel, that keep you going during active periods,and even when you're sleeping,your body is burning up fuel,but at a resting rate!

Q:Do calories make you fat?
A:No, inactivity does, but the amount of calories needed by an individual varies according to their ability to expend those calories and according to their age,physical activity,job,physical limitations and so forth. We tend to use a one-size fits all approach in this country, to almost everything and everybody, no matter what the issue, but bodies are like snowflakes; no two are alike and we need to continually evaluate, adapt and adjust as we get older.

Q:Does daily caloric intake matter?
A:Yes, but that should not be the only consideration when choosing which foods to eat or serve.What matters is the source of the calories.Is it nutritious or just empty calories?Consider the health benefit of the food and the nutrients your body needs. If an avacado contains the same amout of calories as a piece of chocolate cake, which would you choose? Therein lies a problem for a lot of folks, in not understanding nutrition. We have to learn to eat for health benefits, wellness,wholeness and we will reap the benefit in less doctor's visit,energy,attitude,and enjoyment.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit is a rich source of vitamin C. Its potassium content by weight is slightly less than that of a banana. It also contains vitamins A and E. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants.*Kiwi fruit was originally called Chinese Gooseberries but didn't become popular until a marketing campaign dubbed them Kiwi which is the official bird of New Zealand, now one of the largest producers of Kiwi fruit in the world.Strawberries and blueberries are also excellent sources for antioxidants and a combination of kiwi,strawberries and blueberries is a delicious topping for cereal or a light cheesecake.

Overweight Epidemic

"Overweight and obesity are associated with heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, breathing problems, and psychological disorders, such as depression",according to the Surgeon General.
The numbers are staggering when it comes to the economic cost of obesity(BMI-25) which was $117 billion as of 2000, affecting 61% of the population and traversing all genders, races and age groups, with the most dramatic rise in teens over the last 20 years.
I think it's hard to conceive of the enormity of the problem, when you hear so often in the mainstream media about anorexia and bulimia,it's shocking to realize that so many are affected by obesity in this great nation,while many other nations are facing hunger or starvation.None of these are good problems to have,but it seems to me that $117 billion would go a long way toward solving any of them!
Overweight and obesity is a very serious and it has made me think about what possibly could be at the root of the problem. It did occur to me that the problem seems to have escalated in direct correlation with rise in consumption of fast food by an entire generation,related to the rise in women working outside of the home and having no time to prepare nutritious meals.....however, I don't mean to over simplify. There are many factors that no doubt have attributed to the problem as well., but lose gradually and sensibly.

Well Stocked Pantry

Well, it's Saturday and I'm sure a lot of folks are doing their weekly shopping. It is a good time to completely evaluate what you have on hand, clean out your refrigerator and discard any suspicious looking leftovers.Make sure you go, armed with a list and stick to it!
Today we're focusing on the "dry pantry." If you have an existing one or you're just starting out or starting over,build it over time, taking advantage of sales and coupons.It may take several months of diligence, but once established, will save you money throughout the year.Also you want to accumulate good see-through containers to transfer your goods into once you get them home.Also try to look for simple turntables(dollar store)for spices and small cans or bottles that can "hide".This allows better organization and the ability to tell at a glance if you're running low on something.Kids can be involved in this process which will allow them to participate and gain a life skill, as well.Everyone's tastes and family size is different, but even if you're a single, you'll benefit and take pride in your pantry!
Here is a sample basic list.Make sure you keep a running inventory to shop from.
Sample Basic Dry Goods List to Start:
Coffee
Corn Meal
Flours(unbleached,whole grain)
Oatmeal
Dry milk powder
Sugar
Dry Beans
Lentils
Dry Peas
Rice(brown and white)
Popcorn
Pasta variety
Tea
Biscuit mix
Grits
Baking soda
Vinegar
Syrup

Make Your Own Peanut Butter

Name brand peanut butter is filled with salt, sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oils, artificial flavorings, chemical preservatives and synthetic coal tar dyes to give it a "healthy" color,even though it's unwholesome and addictive.Peanut butter tastes great by itself,and it wouldn't seem necessary to add hydrogenated oil to a legume that is already over 50 % oil.
Anyone with a blender or food processor can make their own peanut butter( or other nut butters)Like anything else homemade, you control the ingredients.You'll need 2 cups of shelled roasted peanuts, a tablespoon of peanut oil and 1/2 tsp. of salt unless the peanuts are already salted.If using a blender, put the oil in first. Add the peanuts and salt next. Blend until desired consistency is reached. In the food processor, use the metal blade to process ingredients continuously for 2 to 3 minutes.Stop the machine to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to process until the desired consistency is obtained. This makes a cup of peanut butter that will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.


Excerpted from an article by Carroll Pellegrinelli

Gradually Change Your Eating Habits

I just wanted to check in for a couple of minutes and share a few thoughts I had regarding diet,weight loss and weight control.During a recent conversation with one of my sons regarding the issue of being overweight,which he is not, but his older brother is.I agreed with his observation that people don't change their eating habits as they get older or as they move into a more sedentary job or lifestyle."Back in the day" a lot of our predecessors,including women and children, expended most of their calories during the day with physical work. The heaviest meals of the day, on the farms anyway, were breakfast, and dinner,with supper being served in the evening and usually the lightest meal of the day.People rose early and went to bed early as well.
Basically we developed a love for all these traditional food from our mothers and grandmothers(comfort food)but we're on the whole not as physically active as they were, and we tend to skip breakfast altogether and eat the heaviest meal at a "fashionably late, European eight."
Maybe gradually, we could somehow retrain ourselves to getting the heavy eating over with by mid-afternoon and just have a light lunch in the evening, followed by a brisk walk.If we get everyone in tune with that maybe we could try cutting down on salt,sugar,saturated fats,white flour...................Every journey starts with the first step.Thoughts?