Lifestyle Eating Plan- Diets fail but Life (style)will Find a Way June 25, 2018

I got interested in the idea of eating better and fitness when confronted/surprised by a diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation ( A Fib ) and Heart Failure. I was in the hospital and had several days to think this over and made plans to start over with proper food and exercise plan.

The medicine the prescribed did some of the work but ultimately a long and good life would require work on the the road, in the gym and with the refrigerator .

I needed to lose weight and do it quickly but safely. Also needed it to be a sustainable loss with a plan that could be maintained for the long haul. I read several stories and a few books. I decided on the High Carb-Low fat approach noted below. I specifically started with Dr. McDougall and his focus on high starches for the satiety factor they provide. I read the books and the recipe books and looked at others.

I am also looking forward to the continued weight loss and the relief I feel in my legs, knees and feet. Much of what I am trying to eat leads to less inflammation.

My personal focus is eliminating added salt and processed sugar as there is sufficient sodium in the foods I eat and natural sugars in the veggies and fruit I consume.

Forks Over Knives

The Forks over Knives (FOK) plan is a Whole Food Plant Based diet with a focus on whole grains and plants. The foundation is vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans or legumes, and tubers. It eliminates or minimizes animal products including dairy ,eggs as well as refined foods like sugar, oils and bleached flour.

It grew from a movie and now includes books and videos and websites. See below

Forks Over Knives website:

https://www.forksoverknives.com/

Starch Solution ( more than carbs)

Dr John McDougall has written some books and promotes an eating plan that centers on starches. The starches ( whole food sources) are the centerpiece of the diet with greens and fruits and vegetables . Making great meals is a matter of finding great recipes( McDougall has some) and include some appropriate flavorings, sauces and seasonings.

A McDougall info website:

https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/free-mcdougall-program/10-day-meal-plan/

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#diet  #food  #heartfailure  #afib  #WFPB

@martyroddy

Potato Diet…Potato Cleanse June 13, 2018

I read about the potato diet/cleanse and it seemed a little extreme…Until I read a little bit( a lot) more.

The first phase is all potatoes (white/red/yellow and sweet) eaten plain and as many as you want. Most folks eat 5-8 each day. This starch ( plus the fiber)  in the potatoes adds to a feeling of fullness and satiety and the potatoes eaten with no added fat or flavors help reset taste buds and jumpstart the weight loss.

After phase 1 a few flavors can be added but are limited to greens  and veggies. Fruit in moderation can be added next. The longer term diet can add back animal products if you like but a focus on whole foods and plant based selections will produce the greatest results. Good for general health and for dealing with a variety of health issues. My particular concern is weight and  heart failure. I am lucky to not be diabetic but that was just dumb luck considering the weight I put on.

There are lots of blogs and comments and pages supporting and criticizing this diet. The way I look at it potatoes and sweet potatoes are a pretty complete food. Broad collection of vitamins, protein and minerals. Thy are not perfect but for a period of 7-14 days they are a great .

As with any big change a diet like this should be supervised and reviewed with your medical team.

Potato Nutrition – 5 Common Potato Myths Debunked

I have done a mini version of the first phase of the cleanse with good results,  weight loss, energy high, attitude good, stomach full sleep was solid, Now to try a longer cleanse and then add back healthy additions and options.

@martyroddy

 

 

 

 

 

A Workout that is Good for your Butt and the World Around You -PLOGGING

Years ago I read about a group that went walking/jogging and long the way they picked up trash and deposited it in garbage or recycling bins. I led a small group that walked as a workout 2-4 times a week and we carried bags with us once or twice a month and collected a varied amount of refuse from the road and sidewalks.

I forgot about this until recently when I tripped over the attached article about PLOGGING in Sweden. Plogging is a combo-word of Plogga (picking up) and Jogga (jogging) . Seemed like a good idea in the past and is equally valuable today.

https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/plogging-eco-friendly-fitness-zbcz1805?newsletter=1&spot=headline&utm_source=wcemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MEN%20HE%20eNews%2006.11.18&utm_term=MEN_HE_eNewsAll%20Subscribers&_wcsid=FF8327F04D27A18885B8D0E03226DC4ABD72E3C22523C8AA

Now to renew the activity here, grow it  and maybe promoting it in the broader market/world.  Time to post a few ads for walkers, joggers….PLOGGERS and start with an outing.  Take some pics and get everyone to post to social media.

Next outing have more people …..and add people and then let it grow …..

 

@martyroddy

Rower love and Intervals/Tabata Fat Butt burning June 10, 2018

Growing up in the Philadelphia area I was aware of the rowing/ crew pedigree of the area as well as boathouse row along the Schuykill River.

I was approached briefly in high school about being or becoming a rower . I was already a fairly successful athlete in basketball,football as well as track and baseball. At 6’8″ the folks that row saw some chance but I ultimately chose the gridiron and built that strong 6’8 body into a giant football tool and at 315+ pounds I was not built for the boats anymore.

Now,it is my favorite piece of cardio equipment at the gym. Works the total body and is low impact on all of my bad joints….ALL OF MY JOINTS.

Now looking into different ways to,utilize this tool. I can do moderate workouts for times up to an hour or more intense workout for less time or for intervals that add up.

What else can I do with , along with the rower. Push-ups, burgers, barbell/dumbbell moves…maybe even jump rope.

Looking at different combo routines , Tabata/ HIIT/LIIT/??

https://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/cardio-workouts-rowing-machine/

https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/5-rowing-workouts-get-you-ripped/

@martyroddy

Starting Back at the Gym – June 6, 2018

I was going to a local gym but had to take a break for some work and life interruptions, now I rejoined another gym and it is going well. I have been there a week and have lost several pounds so far..

I believe that I eat better as a result of the lifestyle that a workout plan and visits to the gym create. Now I will develop and create my workout.  I have weight loss and health  plans and ultimately I will utilize much more of the equipment at the gym

Step 1- Get up off the couch, push away from the donut counter

Step 2- Start with some basic cardio . I love the rowing machine, step machine , Arc Trainer and elliptical

Step 3- Look at the equipment in the gym and learned how to use it

Step 4 – Find a workout plan- online or get help at the gym or buy a few books

Step 5- Go to the gym 3-6 days a week and HAVE FUN….you will want to come back.

Enjoy this GETTING STARTED VIDEO

 

 

@martyroddy

How and Why to Lead ?

I just listened to a great (short) vlog from Darren Hardy discussing the role of leadership in setting the tone and message for a team or group.

In a few short minutes Darren shared some great stuff and more can be revealed learned from his books and others available.