Pork products, or, is bacon the downfall of the modern world?

Clearly, I am not good at being a blogger, as it has been literally a couple years since my last post, but lately I have been inspired, so I figured, why not add a post? It's my blog I can do what I want. 

Lots of changes in my life since my last post. First, I quit hot yoga for awhile for a number of reasons including keeping up with the cost, and enrolled in school for a Graphic Design Certificate, which I have now graduated from. It was a one year program and in the time I was a full time student, still not gainfully employed full time, you can imagine I gained a bit of weight, partly due to laziness, partly stress. It is amazing how much time you can waste when it is available to you. It is a universal truth, I think, that when you have the free time, you put more things off than when you don't. They say "Busy people get things done" and it is true. Unfortunately I used school as an excuse to be lazy in other aspects of my life and now I am suffering the consequences. So now I am back in action and taking control of my health again!

Just before I enrolled in school I also was a member of a running/triathlon group in hopes I would complete a half marathon and triathlon eventually. I did the half marathon and got over my fear of the open ocean swimming, but unfortunately never got a working bicycle in time to enroll in and complete a triathlon. I did set a PR for my half marathon. (I am slow so I won't post the time, but it was great for ME). And I did a 188 mile relay with 11 other people on my team in the Nevada desert, Ragnar Las Vegas for those who are in the running world. And then I quit running too, so I could focus on school. 

So here I am, finally finished with school and in dire need of a body overhaul. I have joined Weight Watchers which has worked for me in the past. I still dance with a local samba dance group, and plan on getting to more practices, and I also plan on getting back into running and yoga. Although I don't specifically endorse dieting or Weight Watchers, I do agree with its premises. Eat what you want, just in moderation. And try to aim for the things that diet "experts" tell us are good: fiber, lean cuts of meat, LOTS of veggies, fruit, and cut the crap! 

So, recently I had a debate with someone about eating pork products as I was eating a prepackaged breakfast sandwich which contained a small slice of Canadian bacon. I will be the first to say I grew up in an exceptionally healthy household due to my father being a doctor of preventive medicine and a health fanatic mother.  We almost never ate red meat or I don't recall being served any pork. However, even Dad ate an occasional strip of bacon (cooked very crisp to cut the fat content was his way of ordering it) and I believe that on occasion, indulgence in bacon or the occasional pork product really is not going to ruin your health as some people claim. In fact, I am attending vegan cooking classes in an effort to steer myself in the better food direction. For the record, I am not now nor likely will I ever become a full bore vegan. I am an omnivore and I make no apologies. That being said, I do try to limit the amount of meat products I eat. I actually enjoy vegan cuisine and to some degree the vegan lifestyle, however, I see it as a cuisine, like Mexican, Fusion, French etc, not something I have to commit my entire life to. I am sure pork products kill laboratory rats in excessive quantities, but until they prove that bacon and other pork products in moderation causes some rare life threatening disease, or is contributing to the downfall of the modern world, I will continue to eat it, in moderation, of course!

Moving Forward

I think I read a numerology reading that said this year was going to be one of constant changes. I try not not be too superstitious, and considering the whirlwind I survived last year, it's hard to believe this year could be any more inconsistent, but when I stop and take inventory of even just the last couple months, I can definitely see the truth of those words. It amazes me that my first blog posting was now, officially just over a year ago. I am still a huge proponent of the heated yoga classes, and in fact I now attend 3-4 a week in addition to my usual weekend run and weight lifting at the gym. (Ok, I am lazy and just take a lift class.) I officially quit martial arts last May due to financial hardship and plain burnout. After 7 years, I can also attest to the validity in the concept of the "Seven Year Itch".

All of this change has really caused me to take inventory of the big picture, not only of my own life but of what is going on nationally and even internationally. Yoga has saved me mind, body and soul and been a tremendous outlet for all the daily stresses of life. I am still looking for my next career, but my approach has been altered based on the changes around me. I truly believe change is healthy. For example I had difficulties with my last computer and was forced to buy a new one. Going from a desktop PC to a Mac laptop gives you a new perspective by forcing you off auto pilot because you have to rethink your entire process. A small change, it may seem to be, but I truly believe that any shift in activity can actually cause changes of larger proportions in other areas. Trying the hot yoga class was a small step in my overall health and fitness, but over time, I have actually seen great physical changes in my body, because I changed up my routine. Although 7 solid years of martial arts and the gym had a positive effect, the yoga added another level. Karate emphasized strength through aggression and power, yoga allows for relaxation and flexibility within that strength. All have benefits, but the difference is how they manifest.

I hope to continue to add fresh perspectives on my postings. In addition to my own experience, in the future I plan on taking into account health related research findings. Stay tuned...

Yoga Yoga! Yoga!

Having practiced Martial Arts for seven years, and being a gym rat, most of my fitness endeavors have been geared towards some form of rigorous workout, but recent circumstances have led to my need to take a break (for financial reasons, mostly) from my usual routine. One of the wonderful things I have discovered is that many local yoga studios offer an abundance of free classes to entice potential new students. So I decided in an effort to expand my repertoire of workout choices and give it a try. I discovered a local studio, very near to my home that offered a free week of the heated classes. Suffice it to say, I am not built like most of the uber skinny, flexible model types that one thinks of in a yoga class, in spite of my many years of ballet training in my younger years. As mentioned in a previous posting, even when I was a ballet dancer, I was not as flexible or naturally gifted as to become a professional, so my training was only able to take me so far. However, I have newly discovered the heated yoga classes, and am completely hooked! I have literally taken 5 classes in about a 4 day time span, and am enthusiastically in search of more classes...free ones, of course.

What I have discovered is that these workouts truly do inspire the mind-body-spirit approach to fitness I consistently endorse. The heated environment means you always break a good sweat and release toxins from your body, as well as maintaining a consistent body temperature to keep the muscles relaxed enough to go deeper into the poses. The flow and strength aspect gives a feeling that you are truly working out and not just lingering in a pose. And the meditative component calms the mind and allows you to really maximize the workout, in that, similar to the concept of what my Sinsei taught us in karate, you leave your problems at the door and really focus on the workout in the here and now, to reap the greatest benefits. My personal mantra has always been: "There is no problem in your life that does not look a lot easier to deal with at the end of a good workout." It is my personal belief that many issues such as depression (which I have myself suffered from) and other psychological and physiological maladies can be managed in a healthier manner, and without medications, if more people understood that principle of exercise. I do not have a degree in Biology or Psychology (other than that I minored in Physical Education in college) but these principles are widely studied and I can personally attest to the validity of them. I cannot say yoga is the answer to all of life's questions, but for me, for now, it is a very viable path.

New Motivation

It has been a while since I have posted anything and I have also noticed a recent digression from my usual fitness routine. It makes me wonder if my lack of motivation lately to work out (admittedly, I have been going to way too many Happy Hours and not enough classes at the gym!) is a direct correlation to my lack of motivation to blog. I have been doing many other side projects on my computer, so it is not like I have not been at the computer. Maybe it is the principle of "Out of sight, out of mind" ? So it gets me to thinking, if I can re-motivate myself to blog, it can realign my thinking so that I can get back on track with my workout routine.

I have recently become unemployed and have had to quit my regular Martial Arts training to spare the financial expense until I find gainful employment again, so I am theorizing that my lack of routine has been a de-motivator in all aspects of my life. No matter what type of person you are, having some sort of structure or routine will always enhance your motivation, hence the effectiveness of Personal Trainers or organized group instruction classes at the gym. Have you ever noticed that when you set an appointment with a trainer or consciously decide to take a scheduled class, you are more likely to go than if you just tell yourself you will work out more and leave the details to chance? The structured plan always keeps you motivated because it is written out in no uncertain terms. If you do not go at a certain time you either miss the class or have to answer to your trainer. I went 2 or more times a week to my karate class for about 6 years religiously, at the same times on the same days of the week due to the class schedule. And in that time I achieved a Black Belt, simply by knowing that if I missed class, I missed out, and may have dropped out entirely. So now that I am not going, I have noticed that I have gained back some of the weight I had lost and my time at the gym or going on my runs at the beach has lessened. So I am back to blogging, and hopefully back to the gym more often and on track once again!

The Four Components

I have always believed that being healthy as a person, overall, requires the harmony and balance of four essential aspects of oneself. These concepts are nothing new, and in fact I have learned about them through many of the self discovery types of workshops I have attended, but I believe they are fundamental aspects of a human being, and if they are not in balance, it can compromise a persons overall well being, which is the core of fitness. These concepts include Mental, Physical, Spiritual and Emotional. I discuss the concept of the spirit often, but also would like to reiterate that this can be whatever this means to the individual, whether some physical place of worship and an organized religion, or a more organic setting without dogma or restrictions. I favor the latter myself, but it is nonetheless a critical aspect of our makeup as human beings, to be in touch with something outside of us, that makes us connected with the greater good and other beings around us.

Recently, I made a list of each element of the Four Components and how each one was or was not in balance in my own life. I simply wrote down all the things in my life that I participate in, such as my work outs, dance classes, social activities, etc and fit them into one of the four categories. I then evaluated what was important and what may not be something to focus on, at least for now. This visual diagram, so to speak, is like a spring cleaning for your mind, body and spirit. It is a good exercise to do if you are feeling that something is missing or out of sync and your body feels compromised in any way. For example, if you feel like you spend too much time working, that could be overload of the mental aspect and perhaps it is good to take some time off and engage in a physical activity that is fun a helps distract you for a while. Or relax and meditate, go to your place of worship or whatever makes you fully present in your life so that you can be refreshed and continue at your job more focused. And it can certainly work the other way as well. I am in the process of seeking new employment, but when I take visual stock of my current choices, I am noticing that perhaps I have too many personal and social obligations and need to become more serious about my career direction. By taking an inventory of all the different things I am doing, I can see what I want to continue and what I can eliminate to take my life in the direction I really want to go.

My original intent was for this to be a blog about all components of health and fitness. Today's posting is about addressing the fact that there are several elements. The beauty of doing the exercise is that none of the compnenets are set in stone. A good work out contains a variety of exercises, at a variety of intenisty levels and a variety of frequency (times you actually do the activity). Similarly a good nutrition program addresses many components of proper diet. All of these are dynamic. My hope is to convey that it is essential to translate this variety, this balance to all aspects of life. When that is all working, an individual is healthy.

Fitness Instruction, and Following your Passion

Well, after a long hiatus I am back to share some more insights and hopefully motivate and inspire people who are interested in keeping fit - in mind, body and spirit. Today is Easter and I was fortunate enough to spend it with my small immediate family and a friend and we had the good fortune to all be healthy, happy and thriving in spite of the sad state of the economy. This post is to reflect on gratitude and the blessings we all have in our lives not to be taken for granted. Let me share that the Easter holiday was shared with my family, but I am not particularly religious, nor do I feel it necessary to subscribe to a particular group to appreciate the wonderful things life has to offer, and express thanks. I do, however, feel this "attitude of gratitude" (this is a familiar concept to anyone who has watched the movie or read the book "The Secret" but it is really just a universal truth) is absolutely necessary to perpetuate a beneficent cycle of life and achieve balance and therefore good health.

One of the topics of conversation that came about was that recently, people have noticed a change in me as far as my attitude about life and myself, and it has been reflecting in the way people around me perceive me and receive me. My latest endeavor that I am truly excited to have accomplished is that I was recently certified as a Fitness Instructor at my gym. Although the training itself was fairly straight forward, the enthusiasm I have been able to garner from friends and coworkers whom I have shared this with has been tremendous. I truly believe when you pursue something with passion and sincere intention, you can achieve almost anything. For me, it was an unexpected outpouring of support from people who attend the weight training class I attend, as well as those I have casually discussed my intentions with.

Another area where this has been reflected back to me is that I am also a Black Belt in Kempo Karate and am eagerly trying to recruit new students to join the class I take. Although it has been challenging, I am constantly reminded that the joy I receive from following my passions is keeping me healthy and hopefully becoming an example to get others to follow my lead. Lately, I have had entirely new avenues open up that I never had conceived of, due to the great amounts of support I have received, simply by being my authentic self and allowing things to fall into place. This concept came to light when someone to whom I reached out decided it was not the time to join anything new because in the past his family was not supportive. This made it even more clear to me how important it is to resonate positive energy and allow it to flow back to you and propel you forward into your endeavors, whatever they are. At least I know I have given someone the opportunity to do something that will be a benefit to them, and could lead to a lifelong passion. I reached out, and even though this person was not able to commit to joning my class, I know that the idea opened up a new perspective for him. As for the rationale that he lacked support from family, my hope was that he could follow the example of Gandhi when he said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Hopefully my friend can be inspired when he is ready to take that chance. In the meantime, I am going to continue to do what I do and continue to be as enthusiastic as possible in hopes I can motivate those around me to follow their passion in life - whatever it is.

Life is Precious

I was going to post about my newest endeavor, Salsa Dancing, and do a piece about enjoying variety in life, but in light of some tragic circumstances, I will modify the content, and save that one for another day. Without disclosing my exact age, suffice it to say I am old enough to know better and young enough to still have a damn good time in life. Most of my friends are married with children, but not at that point where they are too old to get down and party. But in a tragic turn of events, I have had 2 deaths among my friends my age. Although I do not have all the details at this time, from what I gather, BOTH were suicides! I have read studies that people in their 20's are susceptible to this, due to trying to figure things out, etc, but I will disclose that both individuals were out of their 20's. One was a long time friend whom I met shortly after college. He had a wife and daughter, but did recently lose his job. However, I thought they were well on their way to finding new jobs and moving back to San Diego (which I was excited about since I was looking forward to having new playmates). The other was more of an acquaintance whom, I must confess, I learned more about her recent life on facebook. The scary part is that she had the exact same birth date as me. I am not superstitious, but it most definitely caused me to reflect on my mortality. This woman was a well liked, successful doctor with 2 infant children. What a tragedy!

I have started this blog to discuss healthy living practices, and I must say it has become somewhat of an obsession. I work out at least 5 days a week, even if that work out is Salsa Dance class or a hike with friends. I limit my drinking and try to eat reasonably. But one thing that is crucial for a healthy mind-body-spirit connection, is to find joy in everything you do. I initially stated that I want to incorporate many of my late father's life principles into this blog and he had a saying "Laugh and Live" which I think is a vital component for living the best life possible. Laughter really is the best medicine. I must disclose that my father was 91 when he passed away. Old enough to have been my great grandfather, since I was only 20 at the time. Unusual yes, but also extraordinary. A story I can share that is the most life affirming possible is that when he was in his 80's, he was in a terrible car accident. I remember vividly my mother bringing home his blood stained white undershirt and the fear I felt wondering how my Daddy was. Not many men get the opportunity to have children into their 70's and my father knew he had something to live for. Against incredible odds (remember, the body heals more slowly at an advanced age) my father survived. What was told to me after the fact was that the doctor, in 20 years of practicing medicine, had never seen anyone with such a positive attitude and will to live. And I was equally blessed because my father was with me for 20 great years. But my Dad saw the beauty and joy in everything. He did not take his blessings for granted. He was perhaps the healthiest eater I know, yet never let it hinder his zest for life and having fun. Everything was done in moderation, but like many modern "diet" principles, we never deprived ourselves of any one food or experience. It was a whole body concept. When all you do is in balance you can't help but be healthier. I know this because I lived it. My brother and I were rarely sick, and lived a full, rich childhood. I have both my parents to thank for that. Although I have no children of my own, one day I hope to pass this on to my future children, or to those around me who are open to life and the everyday joys. Peace, love, health and happiness.