"The Skinny on Obesity" :: An EllipticalTrainers.org Infographic

I've reiterated throughout my blog, the costs and detrimental data resulting from our diets and sedentary lifestyles, as a society. Well, Ellipticaltrainers.org has created a colorful and comprehensive infographic on many of those findings, surrounding American health and the obesity "crisis." Informational sources follow the illustrations. Many thanks to them for putting this together and sharing! ~PC

 Click here or on graphic for enlarged version:


Source: EllipticalTrainers.org

Mme's Links | Jillian to Sue L.A. Times, Fit Travel Tips, Kelly Osbourne Wants Her Size 14's Back + The Cash Diet


Jillian Michaels, allegedly displaying
incorrect form during a kettlebell
instruction. Illustrations are not of my
doing, lol.
1. J.M. told me to tell y'all that she ain't gon' be too many more of your "unqualified trainers!" After a trenchant L.A. Times article written by health expert, James S. Fell hit the web - the 'Biggest Loser' trainer quickly fired back. Questioning her certification credentials and fitness techniques in the piece, Fell deduced her to "an actress playing the role of fitness trainer." Ouch.

Claiming the article was shameful, Michaels is threatening suit for libel and defamation. Hey, if she pursues and wins, maybe it'll counterbalance the lawsuits still emerging against her for those 'fat burner' pills she pushes.


2. Whether you travel minimally or jet-set, there's no reason to put your healthy habits on vacation too! Check out these awesome tips on enjoying the trip and staying fit (I totally didn't mean to make that rhyme, but when you're a dope emcee like me - things just flow, lol.) | Eunice's How-To's: Fit Traveling (Food for Fit)

3. After an astounding weight loss and a media interview blitz sharing her story and tips, the former 'Dancing With the Stars' contestant, is over it. Fearful of gaining weight in the public light, paranoia over missing workouts and a disdain for counting calories - has the left Osbourne feeling like being a size 8 is "too much pressure." | "Kelly Osbourne: I want to be a size 14 again" (Now Magazine)


4. Recent studies suggest that if you grocery shop with cash in hand, as opposed to credit or debit cards, you're likely to spend less mindlessly. Noting that the mental factor of seeing your money deplete in real-time and not on a statement, pushes people to make healthier choices. My BFF (in my head), Suze Orman would approve of this! #TeamBackToCashMovement |  "Try the Ca$h Diet" (IOL Lifestyle)


~PC

Radio + TV Host, Steve Harvey to 'Lose 21 Pounds in 21 Days'


'Family Feud' host and 'Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man' author, Steve Harvey, recently announced on his radio show that he's on a mission to lose 21 pounds in 21 days. His method? Forgoing the consumption of solid food, to follow the "Martha's Vineyard Detox Diet" program. Which is in my opinion, another glorified starvation diet. One that has no scientific backing and is devoid of protein, essential fats, fiber and adequate calories.

Tapped as the new spokesperson for the '21 in 21' program, Harvey will be counseled by the plan's creator, Roni DeLuz. Both encouraging his radio and television fans to "join in," by purchasing associated materials, meal shakes and you guessed it - supplements! With a special section dedicated to his journey on the company's website and a FaceBook page, Harvey will routinely weigh in, to remain accountable during the effort. Fans and followers of the program are also able to report their progress. Umm, that's after they fork over that estimated $250-$300 in complete costs.

I take issue with this, as it's another nutritionally unsound program that sets participants up to fail and sends the wrong message. Food and chewing are not enemies in our weight loss efforts! It's our warped perceptions of food. Until we learn how to eat healthier choices and in ideal proportions ... no temporary cleanse or starvation diet is going to hold much promise, long-term.

I'll admit, I'm a cynic when it comes to what's marketed to those in pursuit of weight loss and I know Steve's getting a check for this ... but is it worth it? Many wouldn't take relationship advice from Steve Harvey and I certainly wouldn't follow his lead on this, either.


~PC
8 and they had said...

Saturday ...

To the delight of all, this will be the last round of pics of this quality, as my shamefully dated cell phone met an unfortunate fate - after finding itself at the bottom of a puddle today. I guess it was the Universe's way of telling me to join the rest of mankind by getting a 'smart' phone. Eh, pass the Kool-aid.

I should actually be asleep at this moment, as in less than 5 hours ... I will be taking on the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Half Marathon! I suppose the adrenaline and nerves are what have me up, watching "My Wife and Kids." Oh, and my anticipation of whether Diddy will respond to my Twitter request for a lock of his hair, for good luck tomorrow. I swear that man is going to block me one day, or issue a restraining order.

"Feel The Whole City Behind You" I'd prefer, "Watch my duuust, I say, watch my duuust!" #Martin
Breakfast | Cheerios in Almond Milk, Banana
Lunch | Eggplant Pizzanis w/ Basil Feta Crumbles, Steamed String Beans
Dinner | Sweet Potato, Brussel Sprouts Seasoned w/ Butter + Pepper
Snack | Baked Cinnamon Apples, Crushed Almonds, Cottage Cheese
Snack | Pear

Calories | 1,237
Water | 116oz
Workouts | AM 30mins Resistance Training & Core Focus PM Run (3mi / 31:09)

~PC
9 and they had said...

Marie Claire "The Hunger Diaries" | Health Blogger + Reader Responsibility

PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHEN LEWIS
Over the last week or so it's highly likely that you've heard about the controversial Marie Claire article, entitled, "The Hunger Diaries: How Health Writers Could Be Putting You at Risk."

The author, Katie Drummond, took a seemingly mean-spirited (in my opinion) approach to chronicling the habits of 6 well-known health bloggers. Scrutinizing their choice to share meal pictures (who doesn't do that these days?) and their workout reports. Speaking on instances when one was in training for a marathon and powered through with blistered feet. And another's method of food sabotage (doing something unsavory to a "bad" food as to not eat it all). Even through these infrequent, yet questionable instances, the author was short of calling them anorexic. She likened a few to being "emaciated." I read 3 of them regularly and never drew either conclusion.

I don't wish to combat the author's views on the genre of health blogging or disordered eating. I think you'll find beau-coup responses in that respect. They're actually still rolling in on my Google reader! People were and remain heavily offended, rightfully so. The piece didn't just strike a chord with "The Big 6," it hit home to the rest of us 'little' health / fitness / foodie / weight loss bloggers too. I do think it however, opened up an opportunity for dialogue, to the state of our communities; the credibility and corporate interests in them. Oh yeah, blogging is big business now - if you hadn't noticed.

If you have access to the internet and an opinion, you can become an "expert," on anything. I know people who have donned themselves "fitness gurus" after working out for a few months. No technical training, education or certification in any qualifying fields - but they lost weight, so they obviously know what they're talking about, right?

In lieu of summoning costly doctors, trainers or nutritionists, people are taking to the web for free guidance and support. I think it's wonderful that there is another venue to seeking insight on better health. Although, those seeking out information must hold some form of responsibility in what they digest (pun FTW).

The health blogging community, is just that. A community. A platform for people from different backgrounds, to share and learn. Granted, some have good intentions, others, not so much. You can't expect to be able to take the word of a random person on the street, this community is built the same way. It's not perfect, but it's up to the reader to assess and discern how someone else's experiences could be beneficial to them.

If you do happen to run across a blog of a woman with an admired figure who only eats carrots and pebbles, of course there may be one who'll try it too. But, I don't believe that we are all so naive, that we can't comprehend what's safe and what's not. Those who willingly endanger themselves, by example of another, have deeper issues than any blog is able to address.

Now this isn't removing all responsibility from the blogger. We have the freedom to speak as we wish. We throw our struggles our hits and misses to the web. Whether it's medically-advised or not. I've gone under the 1,200 calorie-a-day rule myself, when posting food entries on some days. I've trained ridiculously hard, during MS exacerbations - which is usually frowned upon. But it was my reality, so in keeping with all the times I've reported something good, I reported the ugly too. I have a right to do that, but it doesn't mean that I'm advocating for others to do the same.

When I receive queries about my weight loss journey (on and offline), I'm quick to say, I'm not in the business of "advice." I even recently acquired my certification in personal training and am still reluctant to inform people of what they should or shouldn't be doing. We are all unique in spirit and in form. WE have to essentially discover what works best for us, no matter what ANYONE says.

The author also made a point in the article to talk about how companies are marketing products under the guise of health events and activities. In efforts to discredit the intentions of the sponsored Healthy Living Summit's recent conference, I think. It's in the same realm as Fitbloggin' (which, I'll be attending next May). I guess if you're against commercialization, this would be off-putting. I'm not. I do follow money trails however and practice discretion in what I choose to participate in. This also goes in line with all of us who are routinely approached to be brand ambassadors. If you genuinely believe in something, why not? But keep in mind, there's no perk worth losing your voice or your personal brand over.

So, all that to say ... we ALL have a sense of responsibility in this impressionable and delicate in nature, health blogging community. We all have a duty to keep it real, fact check everything and remain true - to ourselves.

~PC
9 and they had said...

U.S.S.G. Regina Benjamin's 'Health at Every Size' Stance


It's known, I've had my quorums with some "Health At Every Size" (HAES) advocates. A movement that pushes to debunk the stigma and prejudices surrounding people of size. Due in part by my admitted ignorance and personal experiences in witnessing how too much "size" (attributed to poor standards of nutrition and inactivity) was detrimental to my health and to the health of those in my community.

But, United States Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin stated earlier in the year, that she wished to,
"... change the National conversation about obesity and illness, to a positive conversation about being healthy and fit."
I can respect that and am willing to listen. It was certainly a bold step, coming from someone who was once ridiculed and deemed an inappropriate choice to be the voice of American health. Primarily because, she is by most standards considered "overweight."

Now, my question is, do think this approach will be effective? We know we're all fat. It's drilled into our minds in the media, by the First Lady ... we get it. Do you think it's time to turn the tide on the weight aspect of the average American ... and begin focusing on merely being a healthy individual? Is pointing out someone's weight, repeatedly, working? I mean, it works/ed for those us who set out to purposely lose weight, but what about the rest of our country ...

~PC
3 and they had said...

Giveaway | $50 CSNStores.com Gift


::: Congrats to the Winner! :::




I don't like coming up off of money too much. I mean I got "'ends," but I like to spend as little of them as possible, lol. That's why, when it comes to lifestyle needs (and wants), I turn to CSNStores.com. A pretty cool multi-faceted online retailer, where you can find great deals from affordable elliptical machines to trendy console tables!
J Fit J Fit Total Upper Body Bar
My most recent home gym purchase. Now I just need a step stool to reach it :o/
So, I'm super excited to be able to offer another $50.00 giveaway to any CSNStores.com affiliate. This includes vendors like Cookware.com, FitnessEquipmentandMore.com and much more.

If you're interested, just enter your details in the below widget, through Friday, October 15th by 11:59pm EST. At this time, a winner will be randomly selected by the contest manager.








Thanks!

~PC

They Don't Look Like Me: The Color Complex in FITNESS

There's a silent theme in the fitness world - a rarity of people of color. I can't begin to recall how many times I've heard, "I'm the only Black person at my gym." Or, the amount of times I've nearly broken my neck trying to maneuver through a crowd to greet a sistah at a health conference or fitness expo. Yes, I've gotten my 'stalk' on a few times - no charges have ever been brought, luckily.

The thought crossed my mind, when I first walked into my gym. Nobody at the reception desk looked like me. Nobody in the pool, locker room or sauna did either. This is not at all coming from a derogatory racial standpoint, rather - a natural feeling of uneasiness, regarding atmospheric acceptance. We're already given the lovely title of "minority." Once you really get into fitness ... you'll discover that you're now a superexpialidocious minority! Let's be real, this can be intimidating. When most are introduced to new surroundings - they seek out people and things that they can relate to. I never saw any other chubby, short, Black girls. However, I ultimately couldn't let that factor keep me away. I can't say the same for a few other people, I've spoken to.

With painstaking obesity rates among Blacks, to many it seems like a given that we aren't in droves, getting it in at a local Y. I think these statistics bare reasons beyond our inability to give up fried foods, though. While I think the causation stems from a multitude of obstacles (primarily, socioeconomic), I also think another inhibitor is the discomfort when trying to make that transition to healthier living. Especially, when the road in that transition is devoid of diversity (from the park trail to the farmers' market).

I grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood, church and school system. So, throughout much of my life, I attributed Black people to being "my people." Yet, as I've matured, the face of whom I consider "my people," is evolving. Granted, I have a sincere adoration for culturally-sound programs that start within our communities, that address needs specific to what ails us (financial illiteracy and wellness). It's my desire to build up an organization, to do just that, one day. But, I think we have a lot to gain by reaching out to other minority and majority groups in pursuit of healthiness (see what I just did there?).

And, I get it, when you don't think you're in the best shape - you most likely want to be in the company of people who may better understand you. You're at a point of vulnerability and kin-like surroundings are ideal. But, don't let that aspect limit your possibilities of enjoying a gym or class that may assist you in meeting personal goals. Think about it, there's probably many more who share your thought process. And while you're all sitting at home (shoutout that Everest dude), instead of trying out that spin or Bikram yoga session because "nobody there looks like me," or "we don't do that kind of stuff," realize it's because YOU'RE not there! I know that example was a stretch, but you know what I'm trying to say. Give it a try and who knows ... more may have the courage to do the same.

While we're on the subject. Don't think that just because someone at your gym or in your training event, is Black, that they'll even like you. We all know people who are territorial. They like being the "only one." I've run across chicks whom I've politely spoken to and they gave me the Prince-to-Trey Songz side-eye.

I know this type of push isn't always well-received by those within the Black community. Opposers like to toss out terms like, 'wanna-be' or 'sell-out." So freaking what!? The thought of a self-serving and exclusive race, isn't always the best route. The moment we realize this and branch out and begin to share best practices ... I think is when we'll be able to turn some of these dreadful health statistics around. So, I'd encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and culture zone, when it relates to getting active. At the end of the day, we are all just people ... on a mission to get and stay fit.

*cue "We Are The World"*

~PC
17 and they had said...
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