However, that’s not the point. The important question is whether you are just staying still or whether you are gaining? For far too long, I’ve just been staying still. I haven’t been pushing myself for gains.

Part of the reason why I’m not pushing myself for gains, is that I’m Lazy. I haven’t been putting in the work. I have to start changing that… However if I fail, at the very least, I can eat right for the day. This last Thursday, I didn’t get a chance to get a full workout in… I was too busy trying to write, making airport trips for my wife, and other stuff. So when it came for dinner, I looked to throw a couple of pieces of boneless skinless chicken with a little BBQ sauce on the Foreman Grill. I grabbed myself some V8 Fusion Acai Berry, tossed it into a blender with 5 oz. of red wine (Two-Buck Chuck Shaws from Trader Joe’s) and some frozen berries (also from Trader Joe’s). In hindsight, I probably could have added some vanilla whey protein. Nonetheless, it took me only about 90 seconds - including clean-up. I added a little dark chocolate for desert (goes great with my speedy sangria).

I had a nice high-protein, high-antioxidant meal. I could probably add more veggies, though the V8-Fusion has some. It’s not a perfect meal. However, I felt like I had done as much to get healthy as going to the gym… and I could do it the Lazy way. It’s not good to substitute eating for exercise all the time, but when it’s necessary, it’s better than nothing. For that day, eating well “was my gain.”

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Guide to Hypothermia

All of you ice-fishers, skiers, and snow-mobilers out there, listen up: if you’re going to be enjoying your favorite winter sports as much as possible, it will help to learn about the possible risks and dangers to the wintry outdoors. Having more knowledge will only help you feel more confident, relaxed, and prepared when you finally head out into the cold.

One fundamental aspect of knowing the risks of being out in the cold is knowing about hypothermia. Hypothermia, simply put, is the condition your body enters when it loses too much heat to your environment and can’t replace the heat. Here are some much-needed facts to keep in mind:

First, know your stages. There are three stages to hypothermia, and being aware of the symptoms will help you know when it’s time to head back inside.

• Stage 1 - Your body drops a degree or two Celsius below its normal temperature. You’ll notice Stage 1 when you start shivering and your hands, numb, won’t be able to perform the tasks they normally would. Your blood vessels are starting to constrict, limiting the use of your extremities, and goose bumps might form.
• Stage 2 - You’ll know when you’re entering Stage 2 because of a “warming” feeling (as if you’re warming back up but are still in the cold) and cannot touch your thumb to your little finger. In Stage 2, your body temperature has dropped 2-4 degrees Celsius from your normal temperature and your extremities might start turning blue.
• Stage 3 - If you haven’t gotten inside at the first signs of Stage 1, your body will be less able to move you around. Someone in Stage 3 Hypothermia is now at their limits, and more of their body might turn blue as cellular functions shut down, eventually leading to organ failure.

Hypothermia is not a pretty thing, but being educated about the changes your body goes through will help you to keep “warm” strategies when you’re outdoors. Always be on the lookout for signs of Stage 1, and once you experience them, find warm shelter immediately. This is one reason you’ll want to stay close to the indoors as much as possible - the deeper you go into Hypothermia, the less you’ll be able to move yourself.

Don’t let the fear of Hypothermia ruin your fun. Just know the symptoms so that you can make adjustments, keep yourself warmer, and make sure not to stray far from a source of heat that will warm your entire body - like a heated building. If you can stay warm enough to avoid shivering and not experience any numbness in your fingers in toes, you should feel free to enjoy the winter.

Photo Credit: ap.

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So while I’ve been sitting on the couch, I’ve been thinking about how handy it is to have this sick bag beside me. It’s small purse-like thing, about 5″x7″ and 1″ deep. We usually use it to bring on vacation, so we know we don’t have to pay full price for just a couple of pills.

So what’s in my sick bag? Glad you asked… (Of course, I buy the generics of everything, because it’s cheaper, but I’ll include the most recognizable brand name.)

• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) - 24 pills takes up almost no space. And unlike phenylephrine it actually works.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - Good for allergies, runny noses, and falling asleep. This a staple for whenever I travel.
• Ibuprofen (Motrin) - Good all around pain killer, good for muscles.
• Loratadine (Claritin) - I’m really allergic to cats. With this in my system, I can play with cats all day. It’s different than the Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) because I can actually stay awake to play with them.
• Simethicone (Gas-X) - Gas isn’t much fun. This will help take care of that.
• Ranitidine (Zantac) - Reduce the acid in your stomach with this.
• Calcium Carbonate (Tums) - Surprisingly pairs well with Ranitidine above. It works almost instantly. Plus extra calcium - what’s gotta be wrong with that?!?!
• Loperamide (Imodium) - Good for those times that things aren’t just coming out right.
• Docusate Sodium (Colace) - See Loperamide - but just the opposite. Don’t take both and let them fight it out… I imagine it would be fun.
• Lozenges - A good combination of Cepracol and menthol lozenges
• Neosporin - Good for any cuts that arise.
• Bandages - A no-brainer for any kind of sick kit.

That’s about all that I have in my

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Here are the two new foods I’ve fallen for:

• Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame - Weight Loss Journal pointed me to these gems available at Costco (and Amazon obviously). For those not familiar with dry roasted edamame. It’s a high protein, low carb food. It has 70% less fat peanuts and 40% more protein. One serving gives you 14g of protein and only 2g of net carbs (due to the 8g of fiber). In Silicon Valley, you can pick up 29oz (27 servings) at Costco for around $7, making it very recession friendly.
• Fage Greek Yogurt - Greek Yogurt should not be called yogurt. It tastes more like a sour cream. I use it as I would sour cream too… It goes in dips, on nachos, in burritos, and of course in tzatziki sauce. It has no fat, 9 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of protein. That protein is not a mistype. I first found it at Costco for $7 - bring it to about $1.75 for a 120 calorie serving. That’s too pricey for me and I can only see it as a base for mixing with other cheaper, but still healthy ingredients (mixed berries and Kashi GoLean Crunch?). However, I found that Trader Joe’s has their own brand of Greek Yogurt. I can’t tell the difference in taste, but my wife says it’s slightly more tart, but still much better than regular yogurt. The Trader Joe’s version is $2.79 for half the Costco size (or $1.40 per serving). It has 2 more grams of protein bringing it up to 22 grams. More protein for less money, that makes it a decent value. I just wish I could buy it in more bulk from Trader Joe’s and get a larger discount. Maybe I can cut a deal with the store manager. I’ve heard that works in rare cases.

A year ago, I didn’t know these two foods existed. Now I’m plotting how to chop up the edamame and add it to the greek yogurt to make a superfood.

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• How To Be Successful in the New Year (20 Tips Inside)
• Make a New Year’s Resolution for SMARTER Goals This Year

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I’m trying to motivate myself to do my own workout on Mondays, but as of now I always seem to have a pile of writing to do. I’m sure it’s just a matter of re-prioritizing things. Even if that doesn’t work I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since I tried the 100 Pushup Challenge. Maybe I should give that another go in a few weeks to compare my strength from then until now.

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That is not to say that there are not medications or medical problems that do lead to weight gain. That is another problem entirely. For this article, I’m focusing rather on the mindset that weight gain is inevitable at certain stages of our lives. Once you get past this mindset it is much easier to start developing a solution and when you have a heads up about the potential to gain weight, you will have all the tools you need to avoid it.

Why not start with the freshman 15? It is quite common for students to put on weight once they leave home and have to make their own food choices. Many students are suddenly presented with numerous fast food options at the cafeteria and when they are pressed for time or stressed it is all too easy to make a bad food decision. Instead of reaching for that piece of pizza, it is important to recognize this behavior and take steps prevent it. While much of this is dependent on the emphasis that is placed on healthy food at home, students can make their own choices once they realize the damage they can do to their health by eating the wrong kinds of food.

Menopause is another major problem for women and in some cases it is more difficult to avoid gaining weight during this period of your life. However with care and diet adjustment it is possible to avoid gaining weight while you are going through menopause. The key is understanding how many calories your body needs at this point. Many of us do not realize that as we age, our caloric needs decrease. Speak with your doctor about your concerns of menopausal weight gain and determine how many calories you actually do need.

Last up is middle-age spread. If left unchecked, you can easily gain weight during middle-age, especially as you become less active. Once again we are dealing with the fact that our caloric needs change as we age and we may not be getting enough exercise during this stage in our lives. By recognizing those early on you can take steps to prevent middle-age spread and that is a lot easier than trying to fix it once it has occurred.

There is a lot to be said for having a healthy diet plan and exercise plan no matter how old you are. Take the time to listen to your body and learn what it needs. No one needs to be a slave to weight gain, and with proper care and attention it is possible to avoid so-called inevitable weight gain.

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When it came down to it, I realized that the motivation for going to my free gym wasn’t there. The equipment isn’t the best and since it’s always there I don’t go. However, going with my wife is a different story. We’ve got the buddy system working for us. Also, the gym has Body Pump classes which have been fantastic thus far. It’s like having a personal trainer there for me. I wake with more “good soreness” than I’ve had in years of gym workouts on my own.

In the end, the price of $29 a month for a gym in Silicon Valley seems to be worth it. I don’t know if this will transform my stomach into a set of six pack abs, but it seems like a smart move in the right direction - something that I sorely need at this point.

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Failure to stay focused is likely the number one problem with home fitness. A great cardiovascular program consists of nothing other than walking. Other forms of home or office fitness programs include “Isometric or Aerobic Exercises.” Many people opt for the infamous exercise DVDs and videos where they can pop them into the payer and exercise right with the coach. Again, privacy is the main benefit, especially for females, the fact that you can do it whenever you want to without having to travel, being able to save on gas and eventual vehicle maintenance, you won’t be watched, which many fear while they are in the gym wear. Even if you choose a home fitness regimen there will be some type of financial obligation involved, even if it is only a good pair of gym shoes.

Home exercise programs are not dependent on any weather conditions so there are no excuses at all. Deciding on your fitness regimen warrants careful consideration because everyone’s life is different. Maybe finances will help you to decide if it is not a good time for you to pay for a gym membership which can often be costly. Plus if you are working out at the gym you will need a few changes in exercise outfits but at home there is no need to worry about what you are wearing.

For many, going to the gym is a great option because there are various equipments that can be enjoyed, there are usually swimming pools at the gym and swimming is an excellent exercise and great for the cardiovascular system and the overall body. Swimming will work on parts of the body and muscles that you never knew existed - just look at these five reasons to take-up swimming. Gyms offer trainers as well and for some a trainer is just the thing that they need to stay motivated. Trainers will work with you and tell you what to do when many times you don’t know what to do. They can also recommend the best diets to meet your needs too. It can sometimes be hard to decide if you should choose the gym or rather a home fitness regimen but try to base your decision on finances, the available equipment interests, and your own comfort level.

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• The 2001 New England Patriots - In some ways this team had a horseshoe in it’s lower intestine. The team, coming off a disappointing 5-11 record, lost it’s star quarterback and had to go with a 6th round draft pick for most of the season. They started off by losing the first two games of the season. However, they plugged along with no offensive star players and bunch of guys acquired in free agency. Suddenly they had a win streak, score just a little more than their opponents.With 3 games left in the season, I remember plotting with my roommate how they might actually earn a bye in the playoffs. It’s absurd to think of an 8-5 team has the ability to win a bye in any season, but as things unfolded the 1 in million scenario occurred and the Patriots had the second best seeding with an 11-5 record. In one notable game they won against Buffalo, with a play by a literally unconscious player. And in the first round, the famous tuck rule saved the Patriots season (as well as some impossible field goals by Adam Vinatieri). After that, the Patriots won the next two playoff games (including the Super Bowl) despite Vegas having them 14 point underdogs.Moral: If the Patriots can win that Super Bowl, anything is possible.
• Dustin Pedroia: AL MVP - Yep that guy above won the AL MVP this year. He doesn’t even look like a baseball player does he? Well, he worked his hindquarters off all season, earned himself a gold glove at second base and lead the Red Sox to the playoffs. He’s only 5′8″ and obviously not the most muscular person on the planet. Oh and he won the Rookie of the Year last year.
  

  Pedroia also knows how to party

  Moral: If Dustin Pedroia can not only make the major leagues, but win prestigious awards, what is your excuse?

• The 2004 Red Sox - It’s game against the Boston’s biggest rival, the New York Yankees. Things get ugly as the Red Sox lose 19-8. Facing elimination, down 3 games to none (a deficit no one has ever come back from), the Red Sox took the field in game 4. Playing tough, they are down 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth with the best closer in the history on the mound for the Yankees (Mariano Rivera), the Red Sox improbably scrap out a run to tie the game and extend the Red Sox season. In the 12th inning, a home run ensures that the team will play a game 5 in the best of 7 series.In game 5, the Red Sox are down 4-2 in the 8th inning when the Red Sox manage to tie up the game. The game stays tied until the 14th inning when the Red Sox won in the longest postseason game at the time (11 minutes shy of 6 hours). Game 6 brought out the famous Bloody Sock Game. Curt Schilling pitched with the ankle injury that was likely the reason for his horrible game 1 performance. Doctors had experimental sutures to keep it together as long as they could, but by the end the game the sock was a bloody mess. You can find the sock in the Hall of Fame.In game 7 the Red Sox without too much drama. Then they went on to sweep the Cardinals for their first title in some 86 years.

  Moral: If you think things look dark now, you have an easy road compared to the 2004 Red Sox.

• Wes Welker - This is a player who is barely 5′9″ and probably doesn’t weigh an ounce over 180 (yes he’s listed at 185). He wasn’t drafted out of college and his first team cut him. Add that his goofy New Kids on the Block Right Stuff kicks:
  and you’ve got a player set up to be the laughing stock of a physical game like the NFL. You would be wrong to assume such things.

  Last year he finished with a league-high 112 receptions, setting the a Patriots’ team record. This year he became the first player to catch a ball for each of his first 9 games. The streak is still at 11 games and counting.

  Moral: If you didn’t get motivated by Pedroia, Wes Welker should seal the deal.

I’m pretty sure not everyone can relate to Boston sports like I can, but that’s not the point. It’s not important where you find your motivation - just that you find it.

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