A New Diet (well, not really) - WWYED

WWYED - Pronounced "Wide"
Watch What You Eat and Drink

I was talking with a good friend, and we both struggle with our weight.  We are married, middle-aged moms who work, and have hectic lives.  Putting ourselves first is sometimes difficult, and we find sometimes the weight creeps up on us.  Losing weight (or maintaining where we are) can be hard, so we wanted to find an easy way to keep on top of things.

We know all the right things to do (we've read all the books, been to all the meetings, tried all the different diet fads).  There's no magical pill or a diet that is easy that works for everyone, unfortunately.  So we figured, all we need is a little encouragement and support to remind us to watch what we eat and drink.

We came up with a new way of approaching it when someone says, "I want to lose some weight" or, "I really need to lose some weight".  Who doesn't want to be healthier and feel and look their best? We all know how to do it (most of us have been successful in the past), so here's how we're going to do it.

It's simply the WWYED (pronounced "Wide") plan - Watch What You Eat and Drink.  Everyone can do it.  All we have to do is encourage each other to remember, WWYED.  We find that supporting each other and giving each other reminders and encouragement really helps.  It also compliments any diet regime or program you are in to help you watch your weight.  If you need a little encouragement, email me and I can include you in our WWYED group.

Cheers!

Angela G. Gentile

Key words:  weight loss, diet, lose weight

Anti-Aging vs. Aging Well

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Enhancing Lotion Moisturizer

I consider myself an opponent of this current media campaign called, "anti-aging".  I believe that the message of "anti" anything presents a hostile attitude.  A fight.  My research on the subject has led me to the conclusion that the term "anti-aging" can usually be replaced with the term, "aging well".   I am also a strong proponent of putting an end to ageism.  If we can remove the "anti-aging" terminology from our vocabulary, I think that would help.  It puts aging in such a negative light, playing on our fears and insecurities.

First off, we can't reverse the process of aging.  I believe we can help keep a healthy, attractive appearance at any age by living a healthy, active, balanced lifestyle.  The term "anti-aging" to me sounds like we are trying to fight something that is impossible to win against.

At age 46, I notice personal signs of aging.  Grey hairs are starting to become more and more noticeable.  Wrinkles are starting to form in new places on my face.  Age spots are becoming darker on my hands.  Gravity is starting to get the best of me in certain spots.  The middle-aged bulge, or muffin top is now harder to avoid.  I consider this a normal part of aging, as we see in nature.  It's the inevitable, and a blessing to experience if we are lucky enough to live a long life.

One of the daily routines that I engage in is using a moisturizer on my face in the morning.  It must also contain SPF 15 to help protect my facial skin from unwanted sun exposure.  The sun has been proven to cause not only skin cancer but speed up signs of aging, like wrinkles and age spots.  I had been spoiled using those small samples sizes of skin cream from Lancome (in the bonus packs), and Renergie was something I really liked.  I have decided to try a new cream, called Olay Regenerist Adanced Anti-Aging Enhancing Lotion.  I had heard a lot of good things about this cream.  Maybe it's the big glossy ads in the magazines I read, or maybe it's the television ads, but either way, I'm going to give it a go.  It's a lot cheaper than the Lancome products - $28.99 vs. $79.00.  Plus, Lancome is discontinuing Renergie - How dare they!

Let me know if you have tried Olay Regenerist, or if you have any other comments or questions on anti-aging creams and lotions.

Have an awesome day and age well my friend!

Angela G. Gentile

Passion Twist: Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt

We had the pleasure of taking a family trip to Fargo, North Dakota.  We stayed two nights, three days.  On our last day, we visited a great self-serve Frozen Yogurt shop at the West Acres Mall, called Passion Twist.

"Passion Twist is home to all the sweet tooth out there. Our flavors are expertly made with the freshest and highest quality to achieve the best tasting menu. With self-serve Frozen Yogurt, you can be creative, fun, and in charge! You're the Fro-Yo Artist, so do whatever you want with your canvas (cup of yogurt). Top it off with fresh cut fruits and variety of yummy candies to choose from! Not only is the Frozen Yogurt good, but it is also healthy as well. It is low in fat and rich in probiotics which are beneficial bacteria that aids in digestion. We also serve slushies, smoothies, coffee, and milk tea! Go with one of our specialty drinks or customize your own by picking 2 flavors!"  Source: http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/passion-twist_1864284026.html

You can choose how much you want, and how many flavours you want, and you also choose your own toppings.  They then weigh it for you and you pay for what you take.  It's fun to serve yourself, it comes out like soft serve ice cream.

I chose three flavours:  chocolate, strawberry and cheesecake.  They were all delicious and refreshing.  It also tasted healthy.

The toppings were also delicious.  I put strawberries and chocolate chips on mine.

My bowl came to just over $4.00.  Well worth the price.

Photo credits, Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Se-sp1tl1ZzRg4LkRCu4Bg?select=Y9VErFfEcNG1Lj50PQLTVQ#f5sH0CQRLOO3Nw_ZV5WMOg

Make sure you check out Passion Twist at the West Acres Mall when you are in Fargo, North Dakota.  They are just inside the north entrance, close to Sears.

Company website:  http://www.passiontwistfargo.com/

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Acupuncture Article Archives

I was searching my name on Google, and I came across an old article, from 1996 called Chinese Medicine Offers Hope for Infertility and Dysmenorrhea.  It's an article I wrote about acupuncture and it appeared in THE AQUARIAN newspaper, Fall 1996 edition.  Dr. Yanli Cao, C. M. D. is a Chinese Medicine Doctor, and I went to her when she worked in Winnipeg.  Now she works in Toronto.  Click on the link below to get to the article.  Hard to believe that this article is still being used 16 years later!  It's a very personal story about how Chinese medicine and acupuncture helped me with my hormone imbalance and two and a half years of infertility.

http://www.chinesehealthway.com/arti.htm

Chinese medicine is a good option to consider when conventional medicine doesn't seem to be helping.  It's a great complementary or alternative therapy that has been around for thousands of years.

It's interesting to see what things we find on the internet when we search our name. Now THE AQUARIAN can be found online, as well.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Hot Date: Couples Massage

Looking for something nice to do with your partner?  Why not consider going for a couples massage?  There are many spas that have rooms large enough to provide a massage to two people at the same time.

My husband and I had an Aromatherapy Couples Massage at the Riverstone Spa, at Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  It was very relaxing and therapeutic.

Riverstone's lounge is very inviting.  It is very nature-orientated, and has running water, a fireplace, comfy reclining chairs, and a lot of healthy snacks.  They serve tea and fresh water with lemon.  The massage tables are very comfy, and they are heated.  They have nice soft sheets and big fluffy comforters.  It's hard not to get comfy and relaxed on their big, warm tables.  The tables are also electric, and maneuver similar to a hospital bed.  The tables can be adjusted to take the weight off your lower back, but raising your legs a bit.

We each had a one hour, full-body massage.  I chose a "Breathe" aroma and my husband chose "Muscles and Joints".  The essential oils contained eucalyptus, which is very earthy and "piney" smelling.  At some points, a hot, damp towel is placed on our backs, feet and around our necks.  They also use a Japanese Mint Oil on our back which feels really warm (much like Rub A535).   A warmed eye pillow was placed over our eyes when we were lying on our backs.  The massage ended with a head massage and a warm, damp towel under our necks.

The best part of this is that we can claim it on our Health Insurance (Manitoba Blue Cross).  Luckily for us, the $199.00 we spent (in total) is reimbursed 80% by Manitoba Blue Cross.

Ahhh...  We both feel rested and rejuvenated.  What a nice way to spend time together while looking after ourselves at the same time.

Check out this article from Mayo Clinic on the health benefits of massage:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082\

You may also like my other post on Massage and Energy Work: http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/08/massage-therapy-and-energy-work.html#comments

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Tea Time with Green Tea

A cup of green tea

I have found my favourite brand of Green Tea.  Green tea has been known to have many health benefits, and I enjoy drinking green tea not only for the flavour, but for the benefits.  Here's an article that I found if you are wanting to get more information on the health benefits of green tea:  http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm

In this post, I'll show you more about green tea and about my favourite brand.  I first learned about this specific brand when I was out for dinner one night at Homer's Restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  I was instantly hooked!

Kirkland Signature 100% Japanese Green Tea

The Green Tea that we buy is purchased at Costco, and it's a Kirkland Signature product, called "Green Tea; Blend of Sencha and Matcha - 100% Japanese Green Tea".  You get 100 packages for $15.99 (Cdn), that's 16 cents each.

Green Tea package

Package with matcha on left, tea bag on right

The small packages are really good, because it keeps each tea bag fresh, and inside each package is also a small amount of matcha as well as the green tea bag with a paper "clip" or "holder" attached by a small string.  They are easy to keep at work, in your purse, or in your lunch bag.  It makes it really easy to give away to friends and family to try, too.

Japanese Green Tea - 100 count (Kirkland Signature)

Steeping

To prepare, put the tea bag in a cup, and add boiling water.  Let steep for about 30 seconds, shake it up and down and then remove.

Pouring in matcha

Add the matcha from the package.  You may have to work at it a bit, because the matcha has a tendency to want to stay in the bottom of the package.  Enjoy!

I also noticed that I have other products in my home that have green tea in them.  I have a facial scrub and a lotion.  I really like the fragrance from the green tea.

St. Ives Natually Clear Green Tea Scrub

deserving Thyme Green Tea Lotion

I was at the cosmetics counter the other day, and I took a sample of a perfume that had green tea in it.  It was called Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden.  I really liked the freshness of it.

You may also like my post on Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, Called "Being Happy in Your Own Skin":  http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/12/being-happy-in-your-own-skin.html

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

I Love Boobies Campaign

My daughter asked me to buy her an "I ♥ Boobies" bracelet the other day.  I went to a store called, "Boathouse", at St. Vital Shopping Centre in Winnipeg, and purchased her one of these colourful rubber bracelets (I am not sure where else they are sold in Winnipeg).  These bracelets are part of an awareness campaign to encourage breast self exams.  It's a creative way to get kids thinking about breast health and the importance of self-care.  Their motto is, "Keep A Breast - Check Your Self".  The trend is to wear 2, 3 or more at a time.  Kids love them!

What a great way to get kids/teenagers thinking about breast health, breast cancer and taking care of ourselves.  Find out where you can buy your bracelet at: http://www.loserkids.com/category-exec/category_id/189

Here's where you can go to find out how to do a breast self exam: Self Breast Exam

Go to this link to get more information on the I Love Boobies bracelets:  http://www.keep-a-breast.org/blog/keep-a-breast-i-love-boobies-bracelets/

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Being Happy in Your Own Skin

"Being happy in your skin, that's what it's all about".  

 -- Koo Stark

As I was getting ready for my day, I noticed that most of my skin care products have something in common.  They all have Vitamin E and/or Aloe Vera.  I find that these two ingredients provide the nourishment that my skin needs, especially in this dry, cold climate.  Have you noticed what makes your skin feel good?  Here are some of the skin care products I use and find them to be quite effective:

• St. Ives Swiss Formula, Vitamin E Advanced Body Moisturizer
• St. Ives Elements Timeless Skin Daily Micro-Dermabrasion with fine mineral crystals, chamomile and vitamin E
• Lever 2000 Fresh Aloe with crisp cucumber and aloe extracts, Refreshing Soap Bars
• Balea Exfoliating Face Mask with Aloe Vera Leaf and Ginseng
• Avon Beauty Soap with Aloe and Vitamin E for Face and Body
• Equate Vitamin E Cream

"Skin creams containing Vitamin E play a critical task in the skin's overall appearance, reducing the development of discolorations, inflammations, irritations, lines, scar tissue, stretch marks, sun/age spots and wrinkles. With vitamin E cream, skin can appear healthy, youthful and undamaged". Read more: Vitamin E Skin Cream Benefits | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5166182_vitamin-skin-cream-benefits.html#ixzz18ZqYos4I

"Skin care products with Aloe Vera increase the availability of oxygen to the skin and thereby aid synthesis and strength of the skin tissues. Aloe Vera lotions are widely used for cleansing the skin. Many of the skin care products containing aloe vera are also fortified with Vitamin E and collagen to maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness and keep the moisture in. You can pick up suntan lotions with aloe vera. The anti-burning properties of Aloe combined with SPF factors make this an excellent skin care product". Read more: http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/benefit-aloe-vera.html

Looking after our biggest organ is very important.  It is the outer expression of who we are and provides protection against all the elements. Drinking lots of water, avoiding the sun, using sunscreen, reducing alcohol intake and not smoking all aid in providing a healthy looking skin (and a healthy lifestyle!).

By the way - I just found a can of Barbasol Thick and Rich Shaving Cream in my bathroom cabinet.  It says "With Aloe".

Healthy skin is happy skin.  Be happy in your own skin.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Great Awakening - Mindfulness Meditation

"Mindfulness is...Paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally." --Jon Kabat-Zinn.

The ancient Buddhist practice of mindfulness is a way to help slow the mind and to reduce stress and anxiety.  I recently attended a 3-hour Mindfulness workshop that was led by an experienced facilitator, Elaine Bergen.  There were 20 participants, most from Pastoral Care and Health Care.  Our morning started off with an "informal" mindfulness exercise where we took a new look at a raisin.  We imagined we were from another world, and that we were taking a look at this raisin for the very first time.  We used all our senses to examine this small, interesting, sweet-smelling and sweet-tasting object.  We were even instructed to "listen" to it!  (not all of us could "hear" it).  Some people were laughing and giggling, and this was interesting to note because some people just couldn't get "into" the mindfulness experience as it was intended. I enjoyed the experience and one of the participants described the raisin as "beautiful".

The second experience was a 15-minute "Whole Body Awareness" meditation.  We were instructed to sit comfortably, (eyes closed or not) and focus our attention on our body, starting at the tips of our toes, all the way to the top of our head.  If thoughts came in (like trying to decide what to do about supper), we were instructed to bring our attention back to our body part.  As our mindfulness shifted to different areas of our body, we soon became aware of our thoughts, and feelings about each body part.  Some said they couldn't "feel" their nose, other's couldn't "feel" their ears.  Others said they felt all the aches and pains and planned to make an appointment with their doctor or chiropractor.

The third experience was a 10-minute "Breathing" meditation.  We were asked again to sit comfortably with both feet planted on the ground.  We focussed on our breathing, both the inhale and the exhale.  We were then told to zone in on the part of breathing that we were most acutely aware of.  For me, it was the rise and fall of my chest as I inhaled.  I imagined my lungs filling up with air.  This was the easiest meditation for most.  It is also easy to do as we always have our "breath" with us wherever we go.

The fourth exercise was a mini 3-minute "Whole Body" meditation, where we were to imagine ourselves like an hourglass.  We focussed on our body from the outside to the inside and honed in on the tight space and breathed into that area.  We then ended by being mindful of our "heart space" and opened up and breathed  deeply into that space.  This meditation went quickly.

The last meditation was one of "Loving Kindness" by way of Christopher Germer. We sat for 10 minutes, silently repeating the phrases, "May I be safe, May I be happy, May I be healthy, May I be at ease".  We also repeated these same phrases with reference to our loved ones.  This was very relaxing as well, and it left me with a sense of well-being.

Overall, I was very grateful for the variety of experiences in mindful meditation.  Being present in the moment is very relaxing, and can help with slowing down life's hectic pace.  Taking a slow, mindful, deep breath or two is really all you need to do sometimes to slow down (this is your cue to do it now!).

Cultivating Mindfulness and Suggestions for Daily Practice by Jon Kabat-Zinn from Oprah.com are great resources. Check out his website at http://www.jonkabat-zinn.com/.

Have a wonderful, mindful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Living Well - Ideal Body Weight

At this time of year it's very difficult to avoid all the food and goodies that come along with all the festivities of the holiday season.  Lunches, dinners, treats, chocolates and other snacks seem to come fast and furious as the year comes to an end.

For some of us, it's quite a challenge to try to avoid all the "extras".  Go too far, and oops, there goes the last hole in that belt, or we may have to pull out the dreaded "fat pants" from the closet. Those pants we were so happy to put in the back of the closet, come in handy once again.

Today I wanted to share a couple of websites that can be used to determine ideal body weight.  The BMI, or Body Mass Index was designed to help people determine what weight is considered underweight, normal, overweight or obese.  It takes into account the height of the person as well as the weight and comes up with a number that is called BMI.

The Body Mass Index Calculator (for adults) can be found at http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/health_tools.asp?t=5&text_id=1855&channel_id=1055&relation_id=17522

Looking for a personalized ideal weight? Check out this website: http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm

For all ages and gender-specific information, go to this site: http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm

For those of us looking for weight loss or maintenance goals, these tools may come in handy.  I know I have a little ways to go to get into the "normal" range, and I know already that this season is going to pose some challenges.  Everything in moderation.  Plus, there is always New Year's Resolutions, right?

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Benefits of a Positive Attitude

A recent article from the Huffington Post describes the benefits of positive thinking and positive attitudes.
The one major benefit is living longer. 

The article, Do Positive People Live Longer, highlights many studies that have concluded the benefits of positive thinking, versus a negative or pessimistic outlook.  The main reason is that positive-thinking people usually have less stress in their lives. They manage stress more effectively, and less stress is good for maintaining a healthy body.  Healthy bodies have a better chance of fighting off disease and infection.  Ways to become more positive are also described in the article, and included are the following suggestions:

- Counting blessings is a simple way to increase positivity in your life. Make a list of five to ten things that you are grateful for that have happened in the last 24 hours, and do this every day for a month. Another ideas would be to challenge yourself to go three weeks without complaining, moaning, or criticizing.

- If you have a tendency to “make mountains out of molehills”,  try out the opposite for one week. Try "making molehills out of mountains".

These simple techniques don’t sound like much, but if they become a habit, they’ll be some of the best habits you’ve ever adopted, because they might just add years to your life.

Do Positive People Live Longer?  Check out the full article here: http://www.allword-news.co.uk/2010/11/02/do-positive-people-live-longer/

Have a wonderful, positive-thinking day!

~ Angela Gentile

Affirmations Bring About Positive Results

Affirmations are statements that you can read to yourself to help you achieve goals and help you keep focused on what's important to you.  I have used Affirmations to help me reach weight loss and fitness goals and I wanted to share with you a list of Affirmative statements that you may want to use in your weight loss or fitness journey.  

It's important to read the statements either to yourself or out loud on a daily basis, at least once (more is better) and to put some enthusiasm into what you're reading so you can start believing what you are reading to be true.  Our thoughts manifest into actions, and it's important to stay positive and focused when you have goals.  Trying to keep those negative, self-defeating thoughts out of our heads can be difficult, and this is our best line of defense.  It's okay to have those negative thoughts (we all do), but in order to rise above, we have to acknowledge them, then counteract with positive and productive thoughts and beliefs.  

Affirmations can be used for all types of things, but here I am focusing on weight management and fitness.  Please feel free to copy and adapt these affirmations to suit your situation, and look forward to moving towards achieving your healthy weight and physical fitness.  It's a good idea to print off your list, and post it in a place where you can see it regularly.  I put mine in the bathroom. 

 Affirmations ♥

I am getting to my perfect weight effortlessly and easily.

I picture myself at my perfect weight.

My body burns fat like a furnace.

My body is getting stronger, slimmer, and healthier every day.

I choose to be healthy, fit and full of energy.

I picture myself as a fit, happy, healthy person.

I love feeling this good.

Losing weight is fun.

I love challenges and embrace them.

I do everything I need to do to achieve my healthy weight.

I am encouraged by every success.

I fill all physical appetites in physically healthy ways.

I respect my body and treat it with respect.

Fitness:

I exercise because it makes me feel fit and fantastic.

I love going to the gym and moving my body and keeping my heart and muscles strong.

I am fit.

I choose to exercise regularly.

I am building lean muscle and losing unwanted fat.

I exercise because it makes me feel good.

I like long walks.

Nutrition:

I take my vitamins daily.

I love the foods that makes me thin. 

I eat moderately and pay attention to what I put in my mouth.

I drink lots of pure, fresh water.

Healthy foods taste delicious.

My appetite (and body) requires only a small amount of food to stay healthy.

I am in control of the foods I choose to eat.

I choose nourishing, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.

I think before eating.

Healthy foods taste better.

Developing healthy eating habits is becoming easier each day.

I am willing to change my eating habits and I do so easily.

I am aware of my eating habits and how they affect my weight.

I have a positive attitude about what I eat, how I eat, and when I eat.

Ideal Weight:

I am feeling thinner today.
I'm losing weight now.
I look and feel lighter today.

Losing weight is effortless.
I am going to fit into the next size smaller any minute.

My clothes fit comfortably.

I look good in my new clothes because I am the perfect weight for me.

I am the perfect weight for me.

Whenever I step on the scale, I see I have lost some weight.

I have the willpower to persevere with my goal until I have reached my target weight.

I am closer to achieving my weight loss goals.

I easily shed all my excess weight.

Losing weight comes naturally to me.

I will lose weight systematically and keep it off permanently.

I am enjoying the process of reaching a healthy weight.

I see myself achieving my healthy weight.

I have non-stop daily determination to reach my healthy weight.

It is easy for me to stay on my plan to obtain my healthy weight.

Mental Health:
I'm enjoying how I'm feeling now.
I love the feeling of making progress.
I'm making things easy for myself now.
I choose to be respectful and gentle with myself.

I accept and love my body as it is, and work to make it better

I love myself and want to take care of my body and be proud of it.

Physical Health:
I enjoy being healthy.
I choose to make positive healthy choices for myself.

I choose to live a long and healthy life.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Hot Water With Lemon

When I go out to restaurants and I am not in the mood for a carbonated or alcoholic drink, I ask for "hot water with lemon, please."  It is customary for restaurants to serve complimentary ice water, and oftentimes I am not in the mood for a glass of icy, cold water.  Instead, I ask that they serve my water hot, with lemon. 

Usually the server brings me back something like shown above, but sometimes it comes in all kinds of different presentations.  Sometimes I get the water in a small shiny tea pot, with a cup and lemon on the side.  Sometimes I get the lemon in the hot water, in a "glass" (how do I hold a regular water glass that is boiling hot?).  Usually I don't get a spoon, so I can't stir the lemon juice after I squeeze it into the cup, and I can't fish out the lemon piece if it's already in the cup or glass.  This request appears to be a bit unusual for them, but it's simple, and free.  I make the best of what I get and it's amusing to me.  I enjoy the warm, healthy drink, too.

Lemon in water is good for you, and celebrity Ashley Judd has been known to say that her weight loss regime starts each day with hot water and lemon to get her metabolism going.  Water and lemon juice have a good track record as far as I can see.  If you want to get fancy, you can even add honey or sugar to make it more tasty.  Next time you go out to a restaurant, ask for "hot water with lemon" and see what you get.

Have a happy day!

~ Angela Gentile

BODIES...The Exhibition - A Review

Where on earth can you go to hold a human brain in your hands?  Where can you see the intricate parts of the human body (including the "private" parts)? 

I attended the BODIES Exhibition with my family and another couple and their teenage daughter.  We were all quite impressed with the abundance of displays.  It took only a little while to get used to the fact that we were in a building full of bodies. The bodies on display were actual living human beings at one time and their body parts have been carefully preserved.  What a great opportunity for our learning and curious exploration.  There were kids and people of all ages there.  We also rented an Audio Guide to listen to the recorded explanations of some of the more complex displays. 

My hilite by far was holding a human brain in my hands.  The brain was much heavier than I thought, and the division between left and right side is much more defined than I had imagined.  Coming a close second was the display of all the blood vessels of a human lung. The circulatory system looked like a beautiful piece of art, like a piece of colourful coral.  There was also a set of tar-blackened lungs, to inform those about the dangers of smoking.  If that sight made you think about quitting smoking, there was a large clear plastic display box that you could throw your cigarettes into.  If you ever thought about what you looked like before you were born, there was a section devoted to fetuses and you could see how small you were at one time.  It was fascinating to see. 

It makes us stop to think about how complex, intricate and systematic our bodies are.  It was an honour and privilege to see the human body in a way that I'll probably never see again.  Muscles, bones, nerves, ligaments, intestines, and so much more make up who we are.  We are all  miraculous, moving, thinking, loving beings. 

If you get a chance to check out BODIES, please consider going.  There are medical students available to answer questions, and it is presented in a very scientific, respectable environment.  Yes, some of us did have a bit of a nauseated, creeped-out feeling but it was too interesting to not continue. The interest and curiosity over-rided the feeling of the weirdness of it all. This Exhibition is travelling the world and may be coming to you. So far more than 15 million people world wide have seen BODIES.  If you think you'll be scared or upset by the bodies, please check out this link to help you decide if this is for you or not:  http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/

Cheers!

~ Angela Gentile

Enjoy Your Best Weight

I found an article in the September 2010 edition of Canada's FLARE magazine that I thought was very interesting.  The article was called, "Best Weight" and Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, Director of the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa was giving some of his thoughts on weight management.  Freedhoff "apreciates the fact that indeed there can be people healthy at any size". 

Now I've heard of the "Set Point" theory, where we all have a given weight that our bodies tend to stay at (much like our height) but I like what Freedhoff says about "Best Weight": 

"Your best weight is whatever you reach when you're living the healthiest life you can honestly ENJOY.  That's when you are eating the least amount of calories you need to enjoy your day, and when your working out as much as you can enjoy.  Because if you can't happily eat any less, you won't eat any less.  If you can't happily exercise any more, you won't exercise any more.  That's the number you can realistically sustain even if it's not your dream goal of squeezing into a size zero". (Freedhoff).

The article refers to the fact that carrying around an extra 10 pounds is just "small potatoes".  That's when we start thinking about the way we look and self-esteem rather than our health.  Most women would say they want to lose 10 pounds because of how they look (I'm one of them).  When it's cause for concern is when the excess amount is 35-40 pounds (or more).  This is when cholesterol and blood pressure and other health ailments become a concern.

Eating better and getting active will ultimately result in a healthier and leaner body.  The good news is that as we get older (over 65 years of age), it is a good thing to have some extra weight on us.  This additional weight offers a "metabolic cushion, an energy reserve to weather a storm medically" (Freedhoff). 

It's all good!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile


You may also like:

Celebrities with Curves:
http://www.flare.com/curvy?p=7

A Case for Those Extra 10 pounds:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704464704575208082569868428.html

Dr. Yoni Freedhoff:  http://www.weightymatters.ca/

How to Live to 100 (and Beyond) - Part 2

Continuing on the topic of longevity, I wanted to share a post I found on Aol Health.  This article was called, "Live to 100: 20 Ways" by Vicki Salemi (Nov. 16, 2009).  I like how the 20 ways are backed up with research and expert advice.  It's nothing new really, just more of a reinforcement of how we can live our best life and give us a chance to enjoy our golden years.

Live to 100:  20 Ways

Get Married, Share a Hug, Buy a Pet

Laugh Out Loud, Stay Positive, Manage Stress

Exercise More, Visit the Doctor Regularly, Go to the Dentist

Quit Smoking, Limit Alcohol, Limit Sun Exposure

Give Your Brain a Workout, Go Back to School

Consume a Low Fat Diet, Eat Fish, Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Take Vitamins, Drink Tea

Get Your Zzz's

Go to this link to check out "Live to 100: 20 Ways":  http://www.aolhealth.com/2009/11/16/longevity-aging-long-life/.  There's some really good information and it's very encouraging.

Have a great, healthy, happy day!

~ Angela Gentile

How to Live to 100 (and Beyond) - Part 1

Photo by Karen DiPietro

I saw a large poster in an office I was visiting the other day.  It was called, "100 Ways to Live to 100".  It got me thinking about how we can incorporate all the advice that we get on a daily basis about longevity, and how we can improve our chances of living a long, healthy life. 

My friend told me her daughter went to her boyfriend's, great-grandfather's "Celebration of Life" the other day.  He lived to be 105 years old and they were celebrating his life, rather than "going to his funeral".  People are living longer now, and there is more and more research out there that provides evidence of how to achieve our centennial milestone.  Take a few minutes to read this, and hopefully it will inspire you to continue doing what you're doing and it may also provide you with some new ideas.

100 Ways to Live to 100

1. Enjoy yourself.
2. Stay young at heart.
3. Be honest and open.
4. Look for rainbows.
5. Walk to work.
6. Take the stairs.
7. Keep your curiosity.
8. Stop smoking.
9. Listen to your body.
10. Watch what you eat.

11. Watch what you say.
12. Make time for your children.
13. Don’t rest on your laurels.
14. Drink lots of water.
15. Have faith in others.
16. Walk in the park.
17. Forgive.
18. Be an optimist.
19. Make love.
20. Cross-country ski.

21. Discover romance.
22. Exercise regularly.
23. Do Tai Chi.
24. Try Yoga.
25. Plant a garden.
26. Eat plenty of fruit.
27. Golf.
28. Adopt a pet.
29. Laugh often.
30. Be positive.

31. Give, don’t take.
32. Marry your sweetheart.
33. Celebrate your marriage.
34. Enjoy being single.
35. Relax.
36. Eat your greens.
37. Take up lawn bowling.
38. Do nothing in excess.
39. Do everything in excess.
40. Serve chicken noodle soup.

41. Practice what you preach.
42. Look before you leap.
43. Make time for your friends.
44. Reduce your cholesterol.
45. Early to bed, early to rise.
46. Don’t mope.
47. Try new things.
48. Skinny dip.
49. Write to a friend.
50. Play tennis.

51. Commune with nature.
52. Sing in the car.
53. Write a poem.
54. Whistle while you work.
55. Read a book.
56. Take your medicine as prescribed.
57. Challenge yourself.
58. Count your blessings.
59. Indulge yourself.
60. “Carpe diem” (Seize the day).

61. Take setbacks in stride.
62. If you want to stop taking a medication, ask your doctor.
63. Cuddle.
64. Use olive oil.
65. Eat your Brussel sprouts.
66. Lighten up.
67. Choose a career you love.
68. Be active in your community.
69. Read the paper every day.
70. Sit up straight.

71. Keep your mind active.
72. Travel.
73. Soak in the tub.
74. Don’t be jealous.
75. Eat an apple a day.
76. Be generous with hugs.
77. Make time for your partner.
78. Keep in touch with family.
79. Bake a pie.
80. Eat plenty of fish.

81. Get plenty of fresh air.
82. Be yourself.
83. Swim.
84. Make time for your grandchildren.
85. Control your temper.
86. Share.
87. Take nothing for granted.
88. Ask questions when your doctor gives you new medications.
89. Power walk at the mall.
90. Don’t procrastinate.

91. Accept those things which you cannot change.
92. Don’t drink and drive.
93. Create solutions, not problems.
94. Be sociable.
95. Feed the birds.
96. Pamper yourself once a day.
97. Go fishing.
98. Smile.
99. Smell the flowers.
100. Listen to your doctor.

-- Author Unknown

Have a great, long, healthy life!

~ Angela Gentile

Taking Care of Ourselves

Do you take care of yourself the way you take care of others?  It wasn't until  university when I started learning the concepts of self-esteem and self-image.  It was in my course work that I learned the importance of self-care.  There is a fine balance between being selfish or egotistical, and being able to take care of one's self in a healthy way. 

Paying attention to your diet, exercising, avoiding addictive behaviours and spending pleasurable time with others is a recipe for a healthy sense of self.  We get all kinds of messages from the media about what a healthy diet is and the main thing I want to say here, is "everything in moderation".  I have a book called, "Healthy Pleasures" by Robert Ornstein and David Sobel (1989), and the authors state there are things we can do for pleasure that are healthy.  "The key is the Pleasure Principle.  Nature's way of alerting us that what we enjoy is likely to be good for us." Feel good activities like a hug, watching your favourite sports team play well, or a touching movie or video clip can have a positive effect on our ability to ward of disease.  The authors state that "healthy" pleasures can help us to be healthier in the long run.

Taking care of ourselves also means taking care of others.  Helping others, taking care of our environment or joining a worthy cause makes us feel responsible, and helps us live a life of purpose.  What good is a life with no purpose?  Our lives are actually lengthened by engaging in philanthropy (active effort to promote human welfare).  What do you do to help others feel good?

Take care of yourself as best you can.  You are the owner and operator of a magnificient miracle - you.  You are awesome!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Exercise - A Family Affair

The other evening, my entire family made plans to go to our local gym (GoodLife Fitness).  My husband and I have been a member for a couple years.  My son, being 14, was able to get a free membership for the summer. This offer is available to teens aged 14-17 years.  There is a form you have to complete online, and you make an appointment so that your teen can go through an orientation.  My daughter, being 12, is not eligible for this membership.  For $10, she can go as a guest with a paying member (me). 

We used the elliptical, the treadmill, the resistance training weights, the mats, the medicine balls, the bosu balls, the exercise balls and the stretching machine.  I also saw my husband and son go over to the free weights section.  My daughter was able to enjoy the electric massage chair.

I brought my earbuds, and while I was doing my cardio workout, I watched an interesting program on the television.  I was able to watch my kids "compete" on the treadmill.  When does sibling rivalry ever end?

All-in-all, it was a great hour spent with my family, while we were being active and taking care of ourselves.    What does your family do for family fun and exercise?

Have a good day!

~ Angela Gentile

Super Size Me - A Refresher

The kids and I recently watched Super Size Me (2004 rated PG-13) for the second time.  The first time we watched it was quite a few years ago, when it first came out.  This documentary is so fascinating, that it actually changed the way my family views fast food. 

Here's a description of the movie:

"Super Size Me" is one man's journey into the world of weight gain, health problems and fast food. It's an examination of the American way of life and how we are eating ourselves to death. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unravels the American obesity epidemic by interviewing experts nationwide and by subjecting himself to a 'McDonald's only' diet for thirty days straight. His Sundance award-winning feature is as entertaining as it horrifying as it dives into corporate responsibility, nutritional education, school lunch programs and how we as a nation are eating ourselves to death."

I believe that in terms of food, everything is okay, as long as it's in moderation.  In terms of a healthy diet, the Canada Food Guide recommends that we eat a balanced diet, and you can create your own food guide on the website, Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide.  I live with two teenagers, and they have both learned a lot about healthy eating at school, and have helped us learn about healthier choices at home and when we go out.  My son is known as the "trans fat" police at our home, and both my son and daughter are reading food labels whenever they can. 

Healthy eating is a lifestyle choice.  Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy potato chips (low salt) and ice cream every once in awhile.  My husband likes to cook, and he is mindful of healthier choices as well.  We have been forced into it, because our kids wouldn't have it any other way.  We limit our visits to fast food places (like Subway, Wendy's and Tim Horton's) once weekly.

If you want to see Super Size Me for the first time, or want a refresher, you can rent it from the movie store, or you can download it for free, here.

Have a healthy day!

~ Angela Gentile