What Works?

[Anne Westlund]

On a more positive note, here we can share what has worked for us in the past.

In terms of feeling good and having a happy tummy (no acid reflux) I stay away from caffeine, spicy foods like pepperoni, and greasy foods. Not always, I have a weakness for Thai Curry and Mexican food.

As far as losing weight, a couple times I have walked for 3 miles (round trip to the library) every other day for 2 weeks and have lost weight.

I was on an exchange diet for a year after I was diagnosed with diabetes and learned some about nutrition and eating every 3 or 4 hours to keep my sugars level.

Anne

[Valerie]

Here is an article with lots of good tips on how to stay healthy during the holidays.

http://nutrition.about.com/od/calories/qt/overeatholidays.htm

[Anne Westlund]

Thanks for the article, Valerie. I like the idea of savoring food (and family and friends), rather than gulping down huge portions just because that's how everyone else is eating.

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

Water really works for me. It's true that often that feeling of hunger is actually thirst. I'm glad we have great tasting water right out of the tap ... all I have to do is to make the choice to drink water instead of reaching for a mocha frappuccino!

[Lin Neiswender]

Speaking of acid reflux, I learned my triggers: milk, chocolate, tomato based foods, salty foods, caffeinated drinks, spicy food, garlic or onions, eating too close to bedtime, not lying on my left side, not having the head of the bed elevated.

[Dan Goodwin]

Interesting concept Lin, of having "triggers". I think I would benefit from experimenting a bit more wioth food and identifying the stuff that leaves me feeling bloated and over full...

[Lin Neiswender]

Some foods are naturally like that Dan like legumes, rice, and breads/pasta. Fried food can give that sensation too. Maybe you can keep a food diary to see what bothers you.

[Hannah]

I'm putting this in this section because for me the type of exercise is a very individual thing, but I felt like I should say, I LOVE MY DVDs! I've really picked them to be there for what I feel like doing. The ballet is slow, the yoga is stimulating, and the one with the medicine ball works my muscles hard. They all do great things for my mind, too (mainly getting me out of it). But yesterday I did the full hip hop dance one and I feel like a whole new person! It brings me such joy! I've also lost the three pounds I put back on a couple of weeks back. My recommendation on exercise is that it can't be too hard, and it can't be too easy. This is almost impossible to gauge for a while since one has no point of reference.

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

Kewl that you're getting into action, Hannah! Hoping to be inspired too ... there's a Yoga class and a meditation class starting at our community college soon. I may have to commit and pay in order to get myself going!

[Camille]

A recent health study determined that there are 3 primary reasons people can't cope in life:

They have a low self-esteem
They live in the past
They don't laugh enough
In fact, the same study concluded that we need a minimum of 12 laughs a day just to stay healthy!

That's all folks! Love Dabs

[Lin Neiswender]

Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha!

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

right on, Lin :)

[Lin Neiswender]

Those are great precepts Denise! I should engrave "Respect your fullness" on my forehead!