Processed foods vs. whole foods

Ha, they are not one and the same in my book. Which do you think is better??

Here is a quote from the book that I am reading that got me to thinking about this subject more.

"The numbers all run in one direction: People who eat the most processed food have more depression and less cognitive ability. Those who eat the most whole food have the least depression and the most brainpower in old age."

I have personally contended for quite a few years now that processed food is not good for us. If that is mostly what a person eats, it isn't good for you. It seems to me that as this nation, and maybe other countries too, eats more and more processed food and the further we get from the food source, the more health issues that seem to popping up. Obesity is a big one as it leads to other health issues. Cancer seems to be on the rise............is it because of processed foods, maybe. I have read that cancer feeds on sugar and lordy only knows how much added sugar there is in processed foods. It just doesn't seem that trying to "live" on all of this processed stuff is good for any of us. I know that I feel better when I eat more fruits, veggies and less "junk" food. I think of most of these junk foods as just fillers. They don't supply your body with the nutrients that it needs and so your body keeps craving more food as it tries to fuel itself. And then a person eats more junk food and the vicious cycle keeps going.

I started my own vegetable garden this past summer and plan on expanding it each year. I have been growing my own tomatoes and peppers for a few years and expanded into beans, zucchini, carrots and squash this past year. Let me tell you, I felt better after eating these veggies and look forward to starting my garden again this spring. (whenever spring decides to come) We also buy our meat locally, not from any large grocery store chain. There is a big difference in flavor. Ground beef that melts in your mouth. Yes, it is true.

Planks will be the death of me.........

Okay, any of you who are into exercising, in particular to strengthen your body core you know what I am talking about. For those of you who aren't, just let me tell you, planks are not easy to start out with. They look easy, but don't let that deceive you. The book I am reading says to start with holding a plank for 60 seconds. HA!! 60 seconds, I barely made 25 seconds. I am told that it will get easier. All I know is that it really does make you use all of your muscles to keep your core in a neutral balanced position. I WILL make it to 60 seconds even if it takes me the whole 3 weeks of the first part of this exercise plan!! Okay, now that I said that where everyone can read this and hold me to it I guess I better do it.

Okay, now I'll back up. The plank is explained this way. Get into a modified push-up position, with your weight resting on your forearms and toes. Your forearms should be aligned with your torso, with your elbows directly beneath your shoulders. Your forearms are on the floor in this exercise. Your body should form a straight line from your neck through your ankles.

Here's the killer: Hold that position for 60 - 90 seconds. You try it, go ahead I'll wait. I say, Ha to 90 seconds..........not now at any rate.

I'll have to report back on this one.

Glad to say

Glad to say that even tho I ended up taking a break because of things that were happening, that I picked up on doing my exercises today and was pretty able to pick up where I left off. I was able to do the same number of reps, if not a few more and I added in a few exercises too. I also went for a spin on the exercise bike. So lots of exercise today. It felt good too. And I should say, I am always more energized after I exercise.

And something else I would like to add is that this whole thing of exercising and getting healthier sure can be a mind game too. I find that in my mind if I tell myself that x amount of food is all I need to eat for supper, then that is all I eat. Hubby was commenting that if I'm not going to eat as much for supper that maybe I should make less food. Less leftovers and less waste. Of course the dogs didn't mind the leftover mashed taters last night.

Life's little unexpected treasures

We were working on our outfits to wear tomorrow for the Memorial Service. I pulled out my mom's old wool coat as Steve was asking what color it is. I noticed a little inside pocket and stuck my hand in there, thinking to myself, I wonder if I'll a dollar bill or something. I think that I found something that is priceless and worth much more than a dollar. I found this little piece of paper all folded up and this is what it said.

On one side it says: "This prayer will be said following each mass in the 12th Armored Division. "

The 12th Armored Division is my Dad's division when he served in WWII.

And here is the prayer:

"PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who in Thy mercy heareth the prayers of sinners, pour forth, we beseech Thee, all grace and blessing upon our country and its citizens. We pray in particular for the President; for our Congress; for all of our soldiers; for all who defend us in ships, whether on the seas or in the skies; for all who are suffering the hardships of war. We pray for all who are in peril or in danger. Bring us all after the troubles of this life into the haven of peace, and reunite us all together forever, O dear Lord, in Thy Glorious heavenly kingdom."

---Adapted from
Cardinal Newman

Lorraine Beatt, 1929 - 2011 RIP

Steve's Mom passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2011. We received the call on Sunday afternoon saying that she was gone. It was kind of a shock. Yes, she had been suffering from dementia. She spent her last couple of years in a nursing home. In her passing she has escaped the grip of dementia/Alzheimer's. It is a horrible disease.

Her obituary is here: http://www.legacy.com/funerals/washburnmcreavy-minneapolis/obituary.aspx?n=lorraine-j-beatt&pid=148279792

Wednesday at the Memorial Service will be the most difficult day for Steve and his family.

RIP Lorraine, you are missed by your family.