Saturday, January 8, 2011

"Pretty Healthy"

I read a book that really helped me define my thoughts on living a healthy lifestyle.....

"Live a Little" by Susan M. Love, M D and Alice D. Domar PhD

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I never had a problem with my weight until I was almost 50 years old! I was always painfully THIN! SKINNY! heehee!

But things change and even I found myself gaining weight! I had never even weighed myself over the years. At 40 years old.....5 ft 4....I weighed 105 !!! So here I was a little older and at the same 5 ft 4.....weighing 'WAY' more!

I lost some weight using the Atkins plan a few years ago and didn't gain it back until last year! I got comfortable and was not paying attention and guess what? I gained weight!

So before it got too much out of hand, I decided to change my 'diet' and get back into some regular exercise. I set my goal to lose 22 pounds and I DID IT! YAY! It took me about 4 months to really have the 22 pounds off (and a little more).

So I am starting the year feeling great and having the energy to do the things I want to do!  I am NOWHERE nearly as thin as I was at 40 but that's OK, too!

I checked this book out of the library and before I returned it, I wrote down some quotes that helped me! So this is not really a 'book review', just quotes that helped me! Here they are....

"You can trade in your illusion of becoming perfectly healthy for something much more fun : being pretty healthy. Pretty healthy means that your health habits contribute to, not distract from, your enjoyment of life."

In the chapter on exercise, this quote from Mim Nelson sounded like something I would write!

"Why do you exercise?"  "Because it improves my quality of life. I'm happier when I'm active, I sleep better, I can eat more good food, I'm less stressed and I feel that I am doing something good for myself. And because I want to live for a long time and enjoy life to it's fullest. Sounds corny, but it's all genuine!"

More quotes from the book....

"Let's say it again : fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, fish, nuts, low fat dairy and moderate amounts of wine."

"If you're going to be Pretty Healthy, you have to find a way to stand confidently in front of our culture's massive smorgasbord and select foods that will truly nourish you.  If you want to follow a moderate, reasonable, enjoyable eating plan, you will need the strength to resist temptation and you will also need to know when to give into it and have a treat."

"Let only the good stuff into your home - make the home a healthy environment."

"If you want to maintain your positive changes - whether you are trying to lose weight or simply eat more healthfully, you will need to find ways to continue the positive reinforcements. You'll have to find a way to applaud yourself for performing a really hard job well. Think of ways to applaud yourself on a long term, continual basis, maybe with inexpensive but attractive clothes or extra time for yourself."

I keep a journal and write in it every day of my life! So I really enjoyed keeping a log of my weight, exercise, the vitamins I took, and what I ate. I think this helps keep you on track when you are seriously trying to make changes. (my quote)

The last quote from the book is this one......

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and shouting, "Holy smokes.....what a ride!"

Enjoy your life! Enjoy being 'Pretty Healthy" and celebrate each and every day!

Do you think this would be a good goal for the new year? Please give me your thoughts!

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21 comments:

Donnie said...

Those are definitely some words to take to heart. You did a great job. Have a wonderful day.

Freckled Hen said...

You inspire me so much! I love the way you look at life and each of those quotes are profound...especially the last one. Though I have never met you I feel so proud of you...it is a difficult thing to step back and look at your life and make positive changes. Cheers to 2011 and your happiness!

Cyndi said...

Hi Diane! Thank you for this post! This is the year that I have determined to eat more healthfully, exercise more, and lose weight. I really do want to be "pretty healthy"...I want to go into my senior years with both a healthy body and mind! You have inspired me along the way with the changes you've made in your eating habits, your weight loss success, and your positive outlook on life in general. You are one of my HEROES!

XOXO,

Cyndi

PatC - All is Bright said...

Love reading this post. I'm trying to be on a new healthy way of eating and exercising. So far so good. This post just gave me a little more inspiration.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Those are some wonderful quotes! Congrats on your 22 pound loss...I want to lose 15...
Hugs,
Penny

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Yes, congrat's on losing the weight...it's my goal to eat healthier this year and appreciate this post.
Warmly,
deb :)

Stacey said...

Way to go girl! Now I have to tell you, I'm 5'4" and haven't weighed 105 since....high school. But at 127 I'm very happy.

Love the quotes you selected! Sounds like a great book with wise ideas.

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

oh yes, a goal of 'pretty healthy' instead of 'perfectly healthy' sounds good to me!
I live with the man who is the picture of health, runs, eats very healthy and has no issues with 'straying' from any of it...you'd think I'd be inspired but noooooo...well, maybe this year I should set my goal down a little notch!
Congrats to you for reaching your goal weight!

Completely Coastal said...

I seem to be naturally drawn to healthy foods, lots of vegis, no meat, no sweets with the only (big) exception of Ben and Jerry ice creme -definitely eat too much of that. But as long as my weight is fine I let myself indulge, haha. Oh, and my husband and I started to really power walk three times a week..., up and down the hill right across the road from our house for 30 minutes. It's very convenient which I think is crucial.

Toyin O. said...

Love the last quote, very interesting thought and I somewhat agree.

Betty said...

I think I will look for that book Diane. I have been fighting this battle for a long, long time. I have no problem with exercise. I am one of those weird people that like to exercise. Food is my problem and now that I am 50 it is even harder. I like the idea of being pretty healthy. Thanks for sharing some wisdom from the book!

Terry said...

Howdy
Oh this was such a wonderful post .
I really needed to read this today . Thank you for sharing all the great quotes and an inspiring book to read .
Congratulations to you for reaching your goals for a happy healthy you :)
Blessings of joy to you for the rest of the weekend.
Until next time
Happy Trails

It's Just Dottie said...

You are so wise. I eat healthy and looking after my little grandbabies I get maybe sometime to much exercise. I have not always done this but now it is a way of life. A few years ago I changed the way I see and live my life . I started finding the beauty in each day and letting God take care of tomorrow .
I also wish we lived closer together so we could have tea and share the night skys together...
Hugs,
Dottie

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Great post, especially for the beginning of a new year. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sherry@Back2Vintage

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Diane,
Wonderful post and I loved the quotes, Pretty Healthy, I like that:) Congrats on your weight loss:)

Rondell

Anneliese said...

Pretty healthy is a good goal. I like that. Some people get so serious about their helath goals that you cannot ever enjoy even a muffin with them. Thanks for sharing some great quotes and congratulations on losing that weight. That is commitment.

Kitty said...

Happy Birthday month, Dearie.
I hope your special month is magical and full of wishmaking.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

Anonymous said...

Good for you! And I love the quotes!
Hugs, Diane

bj said...

Good for you, sweet lady.
We try to eat more healthy, too. More veggies, a LOT less meats, nothing (much) fried.
I, too, weight more than I did when I was younger. In fact, it was around 65 that I started my weight gain. I just have to walk and watch my diet closer. :)

Debbiedoos said...

Such words of wisdom. I do believe as women our hormones play a huge roll in our weight. I see it myself now in my mid 40's. It is difficult to maintain a healthy weight, however it can be done most of the time if we eat right and exercise. Thanks for the info, and of course a huge congrats to you for your hard work and success!

Debbiedoos said...

Well that explains that, you were not on my blog roll? I am certain you were, but anyhow you are now, I have to give blogger a day to set and then I can add it.....