Healthy Brain

I give up. I can’t focus on my weight any more. I have gained, did you hear me gained two pounds this week!! I walked more, mowed more, and generally ate less. However, I also ate one meal at a restaurant and ate homemade ice cream three times. If that is what made the difference then I had better throw away my scale right now and work on something else. I will be on the road next week and I’ll probably gain ten pounds!

I wrote that before I went on my walk. I was definitely in a bad mood- a foreign feeling for me. I talked to myself all the way down the hill and back. “I am tired of feeling like a failure because of a number on a stupid piece of metal!” “I am tired of being conscious of every bite I take!” “I’m tired of being in pain every waking moment and then feeling guilty because I don’t do more!” Of course by the time I had stopped to admire a tiny wildflower no bigger than my little finger, watched a funny little dragonfly, and said good morning to the hummingbird and the bunny, I felt calmer and more in control again. I reminded myself that I feel better and sleep better now that I’m eating less salt and sugar. Even if nothing else changes, that is a good thing!

I helped Gary mow half of the lawn, watered the garden, and started some laundry before sitting down to write. I needed some time to think.  Reading my email and watching TV gave me some answers…and a new plan. 

Rather than be discouraged, rather than feel like a failure, rather than pout, I’m going to work on improving my brain! I know this is a good plan because I got an email from Everyday Health this morning that listed some great foods for your brain, and then the Today show had a segment on breakfast from Elizabeth Somer, author of Eat Your Way to Happiness . She talked about waking up your brain and staying motivated. I don’t have to be hit on the head! I can take a hint! I will work on my brain for a few weeks and hope that my body behaves better when I get home from vacation.

Foods for your brain:

Carbohydrates: whole grains, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, fruits, vegetables

Fats: salmon, walnuts, canola, flaxseed oil, avocados. Look for omega-3s and monounsaturated fats.

Antioxidants: berries, nuts, seeds, fortified foods

Iron: lean meat, soy products, beans, vegetables

B vitamins: green leafy vegetables, whole grains, fortified foods, vitamin supplement

I’m already eating most of these and that made me feel good! I must admit that I still don’t eat enough fruit and Ms. Somer makes the point that you should always put fruit on your cereal, which I forgot to do this morning. I have blueberries in the freezer, so it was just forgetfulness.

I think right now I just need to be a little more mindful of balancing each meal. Healthy brain. That's my focus for the week!

Note to all my animal fans. The raccoon came as usual last night, but without the babies. I don’t know why…I will watch again tonight. Surely one night I will get photos of babies! Interesting that shortly after the raccoon left the opossum showed up to finish off a few pieces of dog food that were overlooked. I still can’t bring myself to photograph that big rat!!

Enjoy your day! Tell someone that you appreciate them. I sure appreciate YOU!

 

Comments

[Megan]

Sorry to hear about the battle with the scale. I'm trying not to care about the numbers, but it's really hard. I like numbers. I like to chart progress. So I ask you if you've been measuring yourself in terms of inches lost. I've never done it, but people swear by it--muscle weighs more than fat AND the more muscle you build, the sooner you will be able to reach your goal weight.

Can't wait to see the baby pictures!