What does healthy mean to me?
I am really excited to announce that over the next 10 weeks, I along with many of my fellow food bloggers spanning the globe, are taking part in Ten in 2010. #10in10 is the brainchild of Lori from Recipe Girl. I think it is a great idea for those who want support in getting a jump on their health and fitness goals this year, whatever they are. If you are already on your way, or just starting, this is a great group to join!
I have really been working on “getting healthy” over the past year. For those of you who follow me on Twitter and Facebook, you know I talk about my fitness goals a lot. It never used to be that way. I used to be “allergic to exercise”, and try to find any other route to look the way I wanted to, that didn’t involve exercise. But when we decided we wanted to move back to VT, and raise animals and garden, I knew I had to get some strength. It started out as my New Year’s Resolution for 2009 – this would give myself over a year to get there. But what I found, was a new passion! Now, my day just isn’t right if I don’t sweat a little 😉 But you will never find me in a gym (unless I am doing martial arts). I have been hunting for regular exercise and strength training that I can do with as little equipment as possible and that I truly enjoy. If possible, ones that teach me a skill while getting exercise in at the same time- factors I know will keep me on track, personally. One of my goals is to get into a fitness routine – that doesn’t feel like a fitness routine, but is FUN!
But what does “getting healthy” mean? And how does one get there? And what does this have to do with food blogging?
First, “getting healthy” means different things to different people. For me, it means building endurance. It means having an increased measure and reserve of energy (I tend to be a low-energy person) so I can do the things I love without being tired. It means being balanced emotionally. It means having the ability to lift heavy things without hurting myself. It means being able to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and possibly snowshoeing without extremely taxing myself or holding back fellow participants. It means, conditioning my body to be able to handle the manual labor that comes with farm work. It also means giving my body the best chance I can to live to 100 years old, staying off prescription drugs and staying away from the doctor as much as possible. It also means having arms like Sarah Connor and being able to outrun the Terminators 😉
How you get there, is by doing a lot of research, making a very specific plan for yourself based on what you want to achieve, and sticking to it. It also means having the right fuel for your body. That is where the connection to food blogging comes in. This year I am freeing myself of buzzwords. Finding a new set of rules that works for me and my body – beyond low-fat, low-carb, sugar-free, protein packed, and all this terminology that is supposed to get you to optimal health and fitness, which never worked for me anyway. Besides humans were fit and healthy before any of this stuff was imagined into existence. So we have the capability to do that again!
I am not a big fan of protein bars/shakes as an everyday thing. I don’t like the word “diet”, I like “lifestyle change”. I will never eat a diet meal plan that come out of a box, jar, or plastic square, and I certainly don’t like low-fat, low-sugar foods, which are generally a key word for “full of chemicals”. So my diet is not likely to change from the kinds of foods I have been blogging about over the past several months. It is important for me to continue to make foods from scratch, using whole foods that make me feel good and give me the energy to go on. Since this is a large part of what being healthy means to me, I won’t sacrifice real, nourishing foods, for the sake of “getting healthy”. To me, it is an oxymoron.
This summer I tried the low-fat, 1300 calories/day avenue and it did not work for me. I was tracking my caloric intake and calculating grams of protein, fat, and carbs. I was trying to lose about 5-8 lbs of fat, while at the same time gaining muscle. I went to a personal trainer and followed their diet and exercise plan, which required eliminating 20 grams of fat per day from my diet. After 2 weeks I started getting really clumsy, I was bruising easier, I lost productivity with my work. I was losing things. My digestion was bad. I was also very emotional and mentally exhausted. This is the very opposite of my definition of “healthy”. It was then that I realized how much my brain needed fat – good fat – things like nuts, fish oil, olive oil, avocados, eggs, cheese, yogurt and kefir –items which cannot be consumed in regular amounts while trying to stay under 30 grams of fat per day (since those calculators don’t differentiate between good and bad fats). My body also thrives on protein, but gets bogged down with a lot of grains – which is not the same thing as carbs.
I am not a doctor, nor am I certified to tell people how they should pursue their own health goals. I am speaking from my own experience when I say everyone’s body is individual and responds differently to exercise and food. So sometimes it takes a while to reach your goals – because first you have to figure out how to get there. So don’t get frustrated! You can get there! Sometimes it is easier, and sometimes you gotta work for it a little harder!
So here marks the second year on my journey to health. I will continue with weight lifting, calisthenics and cardio. I will also continue with archery. However, I will let go of Martial Arts (for now), as we just don’t have time for everything, something has to give, and this year, it will not be my sanity! I will add kettle bells to my routine and some outdoor activities, especially once we move to Vermont in April.
My goals for this 10 week challenge are:
* Bicep curl sets (3 sets of 10) w/ 20 lb free weights (one 20 lb. dumb bell per arm) – currently I am at 15 lbs.
* One unassisted pull-up – Currently I can do 7 assisted (with a chair under me)
*Turn upper/ inner leg flab to muscle – my biggest problem area
* Lose one pant size
How am I going to do this?
* I will continue my healthy eating plan – but instead of almost daily ice cream treats, I will enjoy a smoothie from my Vitamix 80 % of the time, instead.
* I will not succumb to bread, pasta and grain ladened foods. Instead choosing to eat exclusively veggie pastas like corn, or jerusalem artichoke, and enjoy my grasses like buckwheat and quinoa.
* I will exercise 4-5x/wk, for 30-45 minutes per session – either doing weight lifting, kettle bells, a cardio routine, outdoor activities, practicing martial arts at home, or a combination thereof.
* I will go to range 3x/month to continue with archery training.
Thank you Lori for putting this together for everyone! It is a great way to start the new year and get the support of others!
To read more about the challenge and see how is participating, check out this link!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is - January 4, 2010 at 11:03 am
Good luck on your goals girl! They all sound very attainable! 🙂
Divina - January 4, 2010 at 11:09 am
Lovely post. I so agree with all the things that you’ve mentioned. Everyone is different. Speaking of Ten in 2010, how come I’m not participating? 😀
Maria - January 4, 2010 at 11:11 am
Great post and goals! I am so glad we are in this challenge together:)
Estela @ Weekly Bite - January 4, 2010 at 11:15 am
What great goals! I have a strength training goal as well. I do yoga, but need get more weights in 🙂
kat - January 4, 2010 at 11:16 am
Looks like some good goals! I didn’t join the 10 for 10 but Matt & I have getting in shape goals too. Mainly working out 4 times a week, weights & cardio & eating smaller portions…hope it works
dawn - January 4, 2010 at 11:24 am
I wish I had only one pant size to go, I don’t, but I’m getting there. I hope to be just about done by summer. And yes, I want the buff, strong arms too. Best part right?
Three years ago I used to be allergic to exercise too, and used to drink 4 sodas a day. Imagine that?
Good for you Jenn…I’ll be right there with you lifting those weights. ^5
Happy Cook - January 4, 2010 at 11:25 am
I love the choice of your word lifestyle change than diet.
Oh yeah i would also would love to go one size smaller.
I do wish i can keep of the sweet stuff which is y biggest enemy.
The Local Cook - January 4, 2010 at 11:46 am
Good luck! I’m trying to eat at home as much as possible, as the food I make at home is very clean, from scratch, good for me. It’s just the going out to eat and takeout that’s my downfall.
I’m focusing on healthy eating habits this week, next week I’ll be starting a class at my gym.
Jerry (CBSOP) - January 4, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I have to admit that my goals are much simpler. Eat breakfast at least twice a week, less super saturated foods, less beer, no cigarettes by end of year. should be easy but that last one is a killer
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie - January 4, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Good luck with your goals! I definitely need to set some for myself to have a healthy year. Will check the challenge out.
Jenn - January 4, 2010 at 3:18 pm
You can do it Jenn!! I think year is the year of “healthy living” for a lot of us. I’ve done good so far and it’s only the 4th day of the year. hehehe.
lisaiscooking - January 4, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Your healthy approach to eating sounds a lot like mine. I completely avoid packaged food as much as possible. Unfortunately, I also bake a lot of cookies. My goal for this year is to reduce my average time per mile for running. And, archery training sounds great! I’ve always thought I’d enjoy archery but have never given it a try.
Esi - January 4, 2010 at 5:53 pm
I love your goals. They’re so specific! Good luck with the challenge. I am sure you will do great.
Ivy - January 4, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Good luck with your goals.
Patricia Eddy - January 4, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Great post and your goals sound very achievable. I agree that most diet programs don’t do well with a local and natural lifestyle. I know I used to struggle with entering the beef I eat. I eat only grass-fed beef, which has healthier fat than the corn-fed stuff. But ever time I had beef I’d go way over my fat allotment.
So yeah, out with the calorie counters. I’m trying to break my workout goals down into 4 week groups. Any longer than that and I lose focus.
Anyway, babbling now. Good luck with your goals!
kat - January 4, 2010 at 7:02 pm
sounds challenging but you can do it! good luck!
Peter G - January 4, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I’m glad you wrote this. Each person has different requirements when it comes to healthy eating and exercise. I’m trying to eliminate bloating foods and increase my exercise schedule. You’ve really provided great inspiration with this post! Good luck!
Bren - January 4, 2010 at 8:12 pm
good for you, Jen! Good luck with your goals and methods. I hope and know you’ll accomplish! How about that fiddle!?!? are you still on that?! 🙂
Happy New Year!
Joan Nova - January 4, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Very interesting post (as usual) and inspirational. I seem to be stuck. I know I need to rev up the activity but it’s tough to close the laptop and get off the lounge. But I will!
patsy - January 4, 2010 at 8:56 pm
I’m happy we are both in this challenge! Looking forward to reading what you cook up in the new year as well!
Michelle - January 4, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Great Goals! I started my workout routine today. I was not sure I was going to make it because I got about 10 phone calls before noon and all needed attention! But I finally made it to the gym at 2:30. I’ll be asleep by 9pm…LOL!
Good luck with 10in10!
Michelle - January 4, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Sounds great, but you really want to lose a pants size? Really? Last time I saw you, you were already lookin pretty fine! 😉
justcooknyc - January 4, 2010 at 9:35 pm
good luck… i could never give up ice cream though
Adam - January 4, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Good for you for writing down your goals for all to see. I know already that you’ll reach them in good time 🙂
I’m so happy that you are on the lifestyle change wagon for real. These are exactly the thing I’m going to tout in my classes over the next few week, and as long the participants have 10% of your outlook and enthusiasm, I’ll be all set.
And thanks for the strength training support… we need to stick together 🙂
Erica - January 4, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Good luck! I should join a group like that one 😉
DebinHawaii - January 5, 2010 at 5:02 am
Great goals–very specific and achievable. I am going to look into the 10 in 2010–looks like a fun way to have support and accountability. 😉
Pam - January 5, 2010 at 9:59 am
I can see it now Jenn…..you running after all those little goats and chicks…being fit, beautiful, and trim…..you go girl!
Your post rings so true….wonderful!
Congrats on your progress now and in the future!
Enjoy!
Natashya - January 5, 2010 at 11:00 am
Woohoo! You are an inspiration. 🙂
Kate/Kajal - January 5, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Hey Jen, this is a great post. I’m not the only one thinking healthy at this time of the year. I specially need to get rid of all those preggo punds which have been sitting around, and hell its not easy ! Specially if you have a sweet tooth and you’re used to eating for two for a year ! Everyone has what works for them … i’m hope i can cut out on the sugar and breads.
Banu B Bingor - January 5, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I would love to participate. Though my primary goal is to have daily excercise (to lose about 22 lbs).
A simple way to me: walking daily… and maybe some more to have stronger muscles.
I’m already trying to keep a healthy nourishing program. More Mediterranean (from where I am) and less bad fats! But the area I live now is not suitable for walking as an excercise. (The very center of Istanbul! All high towers w/out parks or coast!)
Fortunatelly I’ll move back to my hometown of Istanbul (to Bostanci) where there is a very long coast (more than 25 km.s!) to walk as I like in two or three months.
So when the move is finished I may start my own 10 week challange myself
Till that time I’ll keep an eye on here
Arlene (MOM) - January 5, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Nothing like the beginning of a new year to help refocus. Thankfully, with you posting good, healthy food options during the year, I have already tweaked my eating habits to refect more healthy choices. And, while I am not as aggressive as you are in what I can do in the exercise department, I have set up a more moderate fitness approach now on day 5 of 5 to try to achieve some of your own long range strength goals. This is an excellent and motivating post. I will return to it for tips and inspiration as the 10 weeks go by and am anxious to click on the link you have provided. Thanks.
Johanna - January 5, 2010 at 5:33 pm
interesting post – healthy is different to different people – we have advertisements on tv for a diet where the company deliver meals to your door and it annoys me because it is just not a sustainable way to diet – I believe in lots of veggies and fruit and good food so I love your discussion on healthy as a way of life rather than a restrictive short term diet
lo - January 5, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Definitely inspired goals, Jenn! What a great way to kick off the new year.
“Healthy” is definitely a concept that differs from person to person — though I found myself nodding right along with you while you were laying out your goals.
All the best to you in 2010 — and I look forward to following along on your journey!
Wendi - January 6, 2010 at 9:51 am
Good luck reaching your goals. And thank you for sharing a perspective that healthy living is about more than the diet fad of the moment. It is definitely a lifestyle commitment.
Thas - January 11, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Good luck Jenn, I am sure your are definitely going to achieve this. Believe in yourself and do the best!