~Learning new things!~

Learning new things!

So over the last couple of months and More importantly over the last few weeks I had been having some issues that had plagued me and hindered my being successful at my Exercise and nutrition I had mentioned that in the last few posts on ideas to cope with some of the worlds Stressors and found some interesting facts that have indeed been very helpful for me.  But also noticed that it was difficult at times for me to follow my own advice sometimes.   

So  this last week I had made an appointment with a counselor to deal with some of those stressors  and Explained to her my concerns with how those stressors had affected my ability to focus and stay on track, I explained that even though I feel really good and full of life when I do exercise and eat well I have been lacking in determination  and Motivation whilst still feeling so blue and she and I discussed those stressors but also discovered that some food choices and nutritional neglect can  play a big role in how it affects whether or not you are able to stay focused and be positive so that you can stay on track.

So she gave me some options…. Now keep in mind I do a fair amount of research with anything that I’m involved in its important to me to know what the cause and effect is for everything,  I believe for every action is a reaction  and I want to make sure that the reaction is something  I’m comfortable  taking on.

So Here it is… the recommendations, First she stated that while I keep track of all the food I eat with the My fitness pal APP She recommended also keeping a personal journal of the day that way if something does get in the way like a emotional issue or something as easy as not getting enough sleep then I can see where Food and Emotions plays a role in my life.  And then go back over it to find a way of correction for that reaction.  

Also she said that the scale can be deadly for reinforcement because that can also put you into an emotional hiatus if the scale went up or down in numbers that you’re not happy about ….. Or sideways as you’re throwing it a wall. LoL Just kidding but in all honesty I have thought about it a couple of times as of the last few weeks.  

And here is the biggie …. With all the Exercise that I already had been doing with my Running and other things …. She mentioned Yoga & Meditation I thought initially to myself is are you crazy???!!! … with everything I already have going and all that I have on my plate Really!??? Are you sure???  I started to tell her that I just didn’t think I have the Flexibility let alone the patience to work out with Yoga 4 times a week but in the interest of being sane and able I did as she asked and hold on to your hats guys and gals... This was it the piece that I have been missing …. I love YOGA and Meditation and I do have to admit at first I hurt in all kinds of muscles and body parts that I didn’t know even existed. And the best part is I’m happy and gaining happiness everyday!   And the Journaling I have been doing also a big plus because now I can see where things have been interfering.  I am still new at this and like my blog says it’s My Journey  and I am My only key to success So now I have added a few other  things to my regimen We  she shall see  where this takes me ….                                                              

Also I have created a New Goal ,for one month starting today there are No More Scale’s I will follow all of the planned eating and Journaling and exercise  and Yoga with meditation But will not step one foot on a scale and see if in the end … it works for me or against me.   So here is My question‘s for all of you…. Post your answers I really want to know what your drive is and ambition where does your inner strength come from? Remember were all in this together!

                                                                                 

                                                                                Bloggers

1.       What do you do for motivation?

2.       Do you Yoga?  And if so what is your favorite method and why?

3.       Do you or have you ever journal your accomplishments?

 I look forward to all your great comments and will happily reply to each of them!!!!

Hugs to all

Gr8gurl J

~Emotions~ How do they affect diet and nutrition

Emotions and their effects on Exercise and Good Nutrition

How many times have you had something happen that is stressful or overwhelming and even though you started with a good game plan you threw it out the window and didn’t really care whether or not what you ate was on the plan …or if you exercised.  The reason that I bring this up is this happens to be something that I have been struggling with and lately and in such I have had what I would consider my fill of and stressful Situations….  and then more keep coming …. I swear I think some of the issues that I have been battling would put anyone on a binge. However when doing such I realized …. A day late and a dollar short that I’m only doing myself the injustice and pushing out my own victory because I let emotions of the trials that I am going through effect how much I eat and whether or not I felt like working out, Now I know that on occasion we all can have those days where you just don’t feel like it ….l can relate and for me it seems I’m having a Marathon of bad events in my life.  And as result I find that I let myself Dwindle ….  And my light of energy is dimming and my self esteem … Non Existent.

Now don’t get me wrong I’m not putting on a Pity party although I will admit that Saturday was rough and I pretty much did just that.  It has been a long time that I was so upset that I Just never left my Bedroom I stayed in bed and Cried all day but Sunday as I was sitting around looking at myself and I said to myself am I crazy I have worked so hard why do I let these things get in the way of my own success?  It was then I decided to sit down and do some research and find a reason why I do this and others may to …. Then I found some interesting facts.

To anyone reading …. No you are not crazy!  You don’t have mental problems but in fact just like anyone else you are human and things do come up and some things are easier than others but keep in mind you are the only key to your own success, And When you allow them to control everything else going on you only hinder yourself more, then when the grieving is completed or you wake up like me the next day you realize you are now behind and for what? Or at least that is what I found myself asking.  So In that lies the research…. 
And what I found is not just our diet, but out thoughts, our emotions, and our behavior all affect body chemistry. For instance, relaxation produces the chemical norepinephrine with which low levels are implicated in depression.

Also, exercise has been shown to produce another chemical known as endorphins, which help with depression, anxiety, sleep, and sexual activity.  So, besides eating certain foods, relaxation, exercise, and are things that we do that can also affect the level and activity of these chemicals. But if you have some everyday stresses or some out the normal stresses the last thing we want to do is  eat … or in some cases all we do is eat and when that happens …. Out goes the game plan.

                                                                
Thomas Jefferson wrote that most people feel about as happy as they make up their minds to be. And indeed, a positive attitude is invaluable.  And also some foods in particular can increase the chemicals or the lack of them may decrease the levels of Serotonin in the body and when that drops so do you. Here’s an example Protein promotes the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, which promote alertness. Protein meals containing essential fatty acids and/or carbohydrates are recommended for increased alertness. Salmon and white fish are good choices. Avoid foods high in saturated fats; consumption of port or fried foods, such as hamburgers and French fries, leads to sluggishness, slow thinking, and fatigue. Fats inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain in that they cause the blood cells to become sticky and to clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain.

And oddly enough some foods themselves can send you into a depression and take you out without even knowing that you had done that to yourself.  Surprised? Ya! So was I and even though I love to go running and I get so excited when I have a good day nutrition wise it is easily done to let yourself slip into a nothing matters downward spiral and before you know it ….. You don’t care….. And that was happening to me, and over the weekend and should say more like the last couple of weeks I had been struggling thinking that I was weak … Or lost determination, So while it may have been the combination of the food choices I made … when I was already down and feeling low that just added to the downward spiral that I was quickly following down, who can know….. But the reason that I brought this whole research up was because that maybe you were feeling great and depending on your food choices and what you ate made a difference in how you felt and that may have been the case for you …. And so many others I thought if that information helped me … and perhaps could help you why not post it!  You are Not alone this really does happen to lots of people….  So the next time you feel blue even if you’re down keep that in mind the next time you eat or drink anything …. It just may make all the difference in the world!  

Just keep in mind we all have the blues sometimes….
Stay Strong!
Gr8gurl J