Summary

It has been quite a while since I last blogged.  I have actually had a blog written for months but have simply sat on it.  Now is the time to start my blog again.  The focus as you will see is one of my newest dreams which is to climb the Seven Summits, http://7summits.com/ of the world.  I would like to invite you to join me as I blog about my training, thoughts, impressions, victories and some challenges that will accompany me along this journey.  Welcome to my first blog.  Again, note that I wrote this blog several months ago.  This will be followed by another blog shortly afterwards.

Movement

I believe that as human beings we need to be moving forward in life.  Newton sums it up with saying that a body at rest remains at rest.  A body in motion stays remains in motion.  I believe that for us to achieve our God given potential we need to set and achieve goals.  Stretch.  Much like a muscle, we must exercise our dreams.  Not just dream, but to act on those dreams.  Dreams without action are like a wish.  For this reason I push myself.  I do Ironmans, endurance events in biking and running, extreme skiing and rock climbing.  

Action

Recently I decided to dust off a dream I have had for years.  That is to climb the 7 Summits of the world.  This means the highest summit on each continent.  Kilimanjaro in Africa, McKinley in North America, Acancagua in South America, Elbrus in Europe, Vinson in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in the Australia region and the mother of all mountain tops, Everest in Asia, the highest point to stand on this earth.  Why you may ask?  This will give me years of goal setting and goal achieving.  A dream to work at.  Staying in motion.  Pushing my human limits.  Leaving no regrets.  

Overcoming

 It is at moments where we want to give up and quit where we grow the most.  These moments define who we are - if we let them.  The key is, "allowing them" to help define us.  I believe life is not meant to be easy.  I am not against modern conveniences.  I love them as much as the next.  But it seems like we want a luxury for everything in life.  As a society we seem to be looking to make life easier.  We want a remote for everything,  Some new gadget to...well make like easier.  The truth is, life is not easy.  It can be tough.  I think it is meant to be tough.  Greatness is forged through adversity.  I did not make these rules.  Through the journey, we become who we are meant to become.  All too often we attempt to skip the journey.  I welcome the journey.  I am not always grateful for that which pops up on the journey but I welcome it.  

Happiness

 It is easy to get caught up in the "bling" of this world.  Thinking we need to constantly have more in order to be happy.   Don't get me wrong.  I am not against material goods.  But does it cause us to be happy?  I think we will all agree that it does not.  When pushing my human spirit I am reminded that it is truly the simple things in life that create lasting memories and bring happiness.  Something about being in the lonely moment at mile 16 in an Ironman having already accomplished 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles of biking and now knowing there is still 10.2 miles to go.  You have time to reach within yourself and think.  Contemplate this journey we call life.  What is most important?  At these moments I am drawn to thoughts of my wife, my children, my faith in God, friends, my parents etc...  Interesting that at these moments in time, material possessions do not occupy my mind.

Why? 

 One could argue that I can do this without climbing the 7 Summits of the world.  I will not doubt there are other ways.  But I have learned in my life that when I have a dream building inside of me, I need to act.  It is in the "acting upon my dreams" that growth happens.  It is in the space between exhaustion and feeling of defeat that we have breakthroughs and once again help define who we are.  So I take on challenges that will truly do just that - challenge me.  I have done 8 Ironmans, Century bike races, a 206 mile bike race, Relay foot races, soon to enter the world of Ultra Marathons and obstacle course events.  Next - the 7 Summits.  

So here I embark on this quest.  A quest that will take years.  Years of goal setting and goal achieving.  Trial.  Growth.  Gratitude.  Defeat.  Reflection.  I will stay in touch along the way.  Giddy Up 7 Summits.

Update

As I mentioned, I wrote this several months back.  Since then, I am humbled to announced that one summit has been conquered.  Kilimanjarao - the highest point on the African continent.  1 down 6 to go.  I can't wait to blog about it.  I felt this blog needed to go in order so you will hear shortly about this experience with my 16 year old son Cayden and my good friend Lance Schiffman.  Lance will be joining me on this awesome 7 Summits journey.  Wooohoooo.    

One Christmas present is free - Time

A few days ago I was racing out the door for the airport.  This is not uncommon for me.  However, our 2 year old daughter wanted to show me her doll.  She was chatting with me only as a 2 year old can.  So sweet.  But I was too busy for her.  She kept following me as I was finalizing my suitcase all the while chatting away.  The time came for me to leave the room and go to my car.  I'll never forget as I walked out the room and as I glanced over my shoulder I saw our little Principessa sitting on the floor, doll in hand looking at me as I walked away.  My heart dropped.  She just wanted to spend a few moments with me and I was walking away.  I got to the stairs and I felt I needed to turn around.  The flight will be there.  I will make it.  But I can't miss this opportunity.  I went back and picked up my daughter and had her show me her doll.  Although brief, we had some daddy/daughter time and then I went to the airport.  To think I almost missed that wonderful moment in time.  

I am all for presents at Christmas time.  I think it is a wonderful way to express our gratitude to our friends and loved ones.  However, I think in many cases, giving the gift of time may be just what is needed.  And it is free.  Going for  a walk.  Talking about the day.  Playing a board game or a video game.  Or simply talking about a little doll.  So during this wonderful Christmas season I propose we try to find ways to give of our time.  It is so rewarding for all involved.  Merry Christmas!

Random act of kindness

My triathlon coach did the St. George marathon this past weekend.  After the race he told me that he got a PR, (personal record).  I was so happy for him.  It wasn't until the next day that I found out from a friend of mine that he also performed a wonderful act of kindness.  With approximately 50 yards left a runner in front of him hit the wall and collapsed.  Without a thought, my coach stopped, helped this stranger to his feet and with his arm around him continued until both of them crossed the finish line.  When I heard my friend had done this, the wise words of Jesus Christ came to my mind, "as I have loved you, love one another."  These words are as true today as they were 2,000 years ago.  I believe in human kind.  I believe it is in all of us to help each other.  And it is random acts of kindness like this that inspire us to be better people.   

The small and simple things in life...

My dear mother turned 75 years of age a few weeks ago.  She was born in Italy and immigrated to Canada around the age of 20. My father decided to through a birthday party for her in her home town in Italy.  We brought the kids for this once in a lifetime experience. It was amazing. We met family, many for the first time.  We went with my mother and visited Venice and ate gelato in Piazza San Marco.  We went to Verona and saw a coliseum that started to be built while Christ walked the earth.  We saw the Romeo and Juliette wall.  One day, due to travel schedules, we had breakfast in France, lunch in Monaco and dinner in Italy.  In France we saw the Louvre, Eiffel tour and the Arc de Triumphe.   And when our 9 year old was asked by a man at the airport on our return what was his favorite memory of the trip?  His answer, "playing with his cousins".

I am not saying that we should not have taken advantage of the amazing sites that Europe has to offer while we were there.  I am not saying there is not value in learning about the history of these great countries.  But, it does make me think that sometimes, just maybe we try to make life more complicated then it needs to be. My experience tells me that it is most often the simple things in life that bring us the most joy, happiness and memories.  For example, it was a warm evening for us in Utah on the eve of our nation's Independence Day.  My boys asked if I would sleep outside with them.  Due to my travel schedule I have not been able to have a camp out with them yet this summer.  Okay, so a tent would not be involved.  A fire would not be had.  No marshmallows.  Simply, a warm summer night sleeping out under the stars.  We had a blast.

I need a lot of work in this department as I am running a million miles a minutes in life.  However, it is nice to be reminded that small and simple things are in most cases that which make a lasting impression.

How our attitudes can change in the snap of a finger - if we allow it.

 A few weeks ago I started my day in St. George Utah knowing that I was going to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and finish with a marathon of 26.2 miles.  

It was a beautiful day.  The sun was rising over the mountains as about 1500 of us started our swim in the Sand Hollow Reservoir.  The swim went about as I planned.  I came out feeling quite good.  I jumped on my bike and started my journey of 112 miles with 6,000 feet of elevation climb.  The temperature started rising and topped out around 92 degrees.  Wow!  I had come from riding my bike in 40-50 degree weather so I certainly was not prepared for this.  The wind picked up and caused a bit of grief.  But it was my stomach that was my problem.  Due to the hot weather my stomach started wreaking havoc.  By the time I dismounted my bike I was not able to process any food.  I made it about 3 miles and my stomach said, “time out”.    I ended up walking quite a lot of the marathon.  It was either that or I would pass out and end up with a trip to the hospital to wake up with an IV in my arm. 

I went through a range of emotions.  My father, mother, mother-in-law, wife, kids, and several friends were in attendance cheering me on which made me embarrassed.  Knowing I could do better,  I was mad at myself.   I was ashamed as I watched people of all ages passing me.  I just walked.  I knew I would finish but with a time that was not pleasing. 

Around mile 9 or 10, I saw a lady coming the other way starting her first lap of the run.  She had a prosthetic leg. Two things happened: a. I was suddenly inspired.  This woman was my new hero.  To accomplish an IRONMAN is tough enough as it is but with one leg?  My hero.  B. I felt selfish with the negative thoughts that had been consuming my every being while walking the marathon.  My negative thoughts then turned to gratitude.  So my time was not what I expected.  So what if I was walking most of the marathon.   I had so much to be thankful for.  Instead of complaining about the heat, I was noticing how beautiful the sun was as it was setting on the red rocks of St. George Utah.  I started noticing and expressing gratitude to the countless volunteers who were giving of their time to make our grueling day the best experience possible.  I soaked in the music played by the band that was on the run route.  I also started talking to the fascinating people who had come from all around the globe to join in what is haled as the toughest IRONMAN competition in the world.  By around mile 23 my stomach improved enough that I ran the remainder of the marathon.  It felt so good to run down the street and cross the finish line.  

To the thousands of people there cheering us on, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  To my family and friends who were there supporting me, I adore you and sure appreciate the sacrifice you made to be there for me.   And to the woman who not only inspired me but everyone who came in contact with you, I say, “God bless you!”   The world is a better place because of people like you who chose not to let life’s challenges stop you.  You reminded me of the great potential that we all have and you helped changed my attitude in an instant.  

Training log

Since my public commitment for the ironman things are going well. I certainly will not have a PR (personal record). In fact it may be my worst one yet. But I am going for it.

I joined a group who did some training. This was nice as I usually train by myself. We swam in a pool on Friday night approximately 3.5 kms. Then Saturday we rode 125 miles and I ran 5 miles. Good long day. It was hot. I got a bit burned but the sun felt good. Rock on! Commitment - it truly is liberating. :)

Commitment

In March I had the opportunity to speak at a distributor run Spring
Forward Event for XANGO. My speech was centered around the theme of
"Commitment", and I myself would even make a very challenging self
commitment from stage. Commitment really is liberating. I believe as humans
we want to commit. We need to commit in order to progress and accomplish
our dreams. I was inspired by the following quote, and shared it with the
audience: 

"The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating - in work, in
Play, in love.  The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal
critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around
as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the
barrier to your life."
     -Anne Morriss

I made the commitment to do an Ironman competition this year, publicly, in
front of a large audience. (So no going back). I was nervous to take on
this challenge, knowing that once I said it, that I would have to follow
through. It would be challenging, my travel and business schedule were not
going to be friendly to me training. All of the "but"s and "if"s started
piling up in my head...mountains of cannot, should not, and will not. For
months I had been training for an Ironman but was not fully committed. My
coach kept asking, "When are you going to officially commit?". I never
gave an answer. was my "out". If I did not officially commit then I could
still back out. How often in life do we take this approach?  I know I do.

But in the end, I threw those voices aside, and took that step. I made my
commitment.

I recently read in the book Aspire by Kevin Hall, and was inspired by the
following quote:

"the moment one definitely commits oneself then Providence moves too.  All
sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have
occurred...unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which
no man could have dreamed would have come his way".
-William Hutchinson Murray.

I found the above quote to be very true, that all sorts of things began to
occur that might not otherwise would have happened. I have been traveling
extensively throughout this past month, and found that I was able to fit
in my swims and workouts. I found that I was able to still train,
regardless of my rigorous schedule. Things are beginning to fall into
place, and I believe it is because I took that step. I took that step, and
made a commitment.

There are obstacles before us all, but if we commit, we will find that
things gradually do begin to fall into place. Having goals keeps us on
track to achieving unbelievable things. But to achieve these goals, we
must very first commit.

You never know

Recently I received a message from my wife about a sad story.  Our son was getting his haircut and the hairdresser explained that a few clients before him a woman was getting her hair done and received some horrific news.  Her husband was traveling overseas and was killed in an accident.  She told her hairdresser that she just lost the love of her life.  My heart goes out to her and her family.  This is tragic.  I can’t help but put myself in her shoes and wonder how I would handle this situation.  It has got me thinking quite a lot about the love I have for my wife and kids and other family members.  Do I live my life in such a way that my family knows of my love and concern for them?  I think it is good for us all to do a check up on ourselves so that there would be no regrets.

A few days ago I was sitting on a plane next to an elderly couple who are clearly still in love.  They were cuddled next to each other gently holding each other’s hands enjoying a conversation.  It was pleasant to watch and experience.  I don’t believe either of these people have any doubt of their love for one another.  We just never know when God will call us home.  So I think we should leave no question in the hearts and minds of our loved ones how we feel about them.  

Get back up

This past Thursday I had the opportunity to go to Sun Valley Idaho with my boys Cayden and Ethan.  Cayden was in his second slope style ski competition.  Ethan joined me and we skied together for the day.  Cayden was so thrilled to be in the event.  In his practice run, he landed wrong and got what is referred to as bad 'shin bang'.  It is basically bruising your shins.  It makes it tough to ski and especially to do any jumps. Although sore, he stayed on the hill supporting his other team members.  

The following day was a half pipe competition and when I asked if he was up for it, he said yes.  He would keep it easy and knew he wouldn't do well but wanted to go through the motions.  It reminds me of the Confucious quote, 

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."  

How true it is.  

Although he did not perform as he would have liked, I am proud of my son for getting back up and entering.  

So what did he learn?  

1. Being his first half pipe competition ever he learned a bit of what the judges are looking for. 

2. He gained experience by just being in it and going through the motions

3. He learned by going the extra mile.

4. He learned to get up after falling. 

Falling is part of life.  But as Confucious reminds us that we must get back up.  Greatness is forged through adversity.  It has always been that way.  It is up to us whether we grow and learn from the adversity that is put in our path in life.  Well done son.  

Sometimes it is the small and simple things...

I am at the airport on my way overseas looking at a Halo action figure.  You may ask, what is that all about?  A 40 year old man with a Halo action figure?  Allow me to explain.  

Yesterday, our 9 year old son handed my wife and I a little 2 inch size Halo action figure.  It was multi colored; red, white and green.  I said, "thanks son" put it down and continued with my day.  He gave one to my wife with red and white colors.  

Last night, we were reading before bed and he asked where my Halo action figure was?  I apologized saying I was not sure.  He then explained that he had taken parts from several of his action figures and put together red, green and white to represent one of his favorite countries, Italy because that is where Grandma Morton is from.  The one he made for Caryn was body parts of Red and White which represented Canada where Caryn and I are from.  I quickly realized that he had not only worked hard on this present for me but had put quite a lot of thought into it.  I asked if he knew where it was.  He brought it to me and told me it was for me trip.  I now am carrying in my pocket my Italian Halo action figure.  Caryn currently has the Canadian Halo action figure.

At first it seemed to me to be a small action figure like the many other toys lining our toy room.  Small in size?  Yes.  But in meaning it was huge.  I am so grateful I had a second chance to be reminded that it is often times the seemingly small and simple things in life and make such a difference.  

So the next time your child, grand child, niece or nephew hands you a toy, there may be more meaning than you expect.   

A new perspective can make all the difference

I showed up at the gym today to go swimming.  As is common there was a water aerobics class going on taking up 2 or the 3 lanes of the pool.  My first impression when this happens is, "darn, not again".  Of course I am focused on myself  and MY workout which causes these thoughts and emotions.  But as I observed this group of people working out, my attitude changed and I thought how great it is that THEY too are working out.  Being active.  Striving to fight gravity that pulls us to a sedentary lifestyle.  Setting goals.  Socializing.  All of the reasons why I enjoy exercise.  It made me happy that we are all doing what we love to do.  The 3rd lane was open so I jumped in and did my swim workout.  

Some times I think we are so focused on ourselves that we overlook others.  I know this is the case with me.  We are all working our way through this crazy thing called life.  We are trying to not be part of the statistics of poor health that plagues our nation.  So, if you have similar emotions, join me as I start the new year with a resolution to share, appreciate others, have more patience, and cheer each other on to greater health.  

What the?

So I was running on my treadmill yesterday and nearing the end of my workout. I needed to keep going...blood was pumping...a little over a mile to go...speed was picking up so I did not want to pause or break it up in any way. Somehow I had clicked on to one of these "following the stars" kind of trashy shows. Basically tabloid type television. Sweet Baby Moses,I want my 10 minutes of life back. They spent 10 minutes on a debate of who is more of a super star and why between Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga. They had a panel of "experts" who debated this very "provacative" issue. How could my day continue without this highly stimulating discussion? They were teasing for after the commercial break on a heated discussion on the Kardashian's Holiday Card. And they are special why? I should have stopped my workout and just changed the channel but again I was in the groove. I would rather have my eye balls tatooed with a ball point pen than to go back to that show. I WANT MY TEN MINUTES BACK!!!!

What is the Spirit of Christmas?

Have you ever wondered about this spirit of Christmas that we speak about at this time of year? I think I discovered it in Taiwan.

Several years ago, right before Christmas I was in Taiwan for business. Taiwan is not a Christian country so I was pleasantly surprised to see symbols of Christmas in the airport, listening to music, stores and hotel. At first I thought, "yet again commercialism takes over the real meaning of Christmas.". But then I noticed symbolism that I did not normally notice. For example: the evergreen tree representing everlasting life of Christ.

Candy canes representing shepherd's crook. 

Lights...the light of Christ. 

Star...the star of Bethlehem. 

Songs with messages of Christ's birth. And so forth. 

Here I was on the other side of the world noticing much of the symbolism that I had forgotten over the years and I was feeling the spirit of Christmas.  While I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a scripture in the bible that reads:

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.". John 1:9. 

If all of us are born with the light of Christ, is it possible that the Spirit of Christmas is the light of Christ burning a little brighter in all of us? Consider this. During the Christmas season we are singing songs about God and Christ. We are giving gifts. We are spending time with friends and family who we don't normally see which in many cases leads to softened hearts and forgiveness. We are looking at the symbols all around us from lights to trees. What is happening? Again, I think it is the light of Christ burning a little brighter within each of us.

So next time we look at the commercial aspect of Christmas, let us remember that even that is still  releasing the Spirit of Christmas.  

Merry Christmas!

Stupid calories take 2

I know it can be obnoxious to always be counting calories. 

However, if we don't who will do it for us? Certainly not the restaurants. We are so conditioned to think a good deal means ginormous amounts of food. 

 Consider this. I have a restaurant calorie counter on my iPhone. (by the way, I highly recommend it. Quite eye opening. Scan through this and there will be no doubt why being over weight and obesity is such an epidemic in our country). Before I dive into this, I am not anti restaurants. I love going to restaurants.  I am simply saying, we live in a land of abundance. We have choices. If we decide to go to Chilis restaurant for our lunch break and we get a burger with fries, here are a few options:

* Ground peppercorn burger with bleu cheese: 1520 Cal, 88g of fat, 120g carb, 55 g of prot, 12g fiber

* Southern Smokehouse Burger: 2080 Cal, 127 g of fat, 141 g carb, 91 g of prot, 10 g of fiber

Want to try a quesadilla?

* Quesadilla-jalapeño steak: 1520 Cal, 102 g of fat, 99 g of carb, 63 g of prot, 7 g of fiber

Let's go with a salad

* Range is from 140 cal for a house salad (i would imagine this is with no dressing) to 1400 Cal for the Quesadilla Explosion salad.

Wow! You get the point.

Stay tuned for other stupid calorie discussions. Remember, it starts with each of us making wise decisions.

What is the Spirit of Christmas?

Have you ever wondered about this spirit of Christmas that we speak about at this time of year? I think I discovered it in Taiwan.

Several years ago, right before Christmas I was in Taiwan for business. Taiwan is not a Christian country so I was pleasantly surprised to see symbols of Christmas in the airport, listening to music, stores and hotel. At first I thought, "yet again commercialism takes over the real meaning of Christmas.". But then I noticed symbolism that I did not normally notice. For example: the evergreen tree representing everlasting life of Christ.

Candy canes representing shepherd's crook. 

Lights...the light of Christ. 

Star...the star of Bethlehem. 

Songs with messages of Christ's birth. And so forth. 

Here I was on the other side of the world noticing much of the symbolism that I had forgotten over the years and I was feeling the spirit of Christmas.  While I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a scripture in the bible that reads:

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.". John 1:9. 

If all of us are born with the light of Christ, is it possible that the Spirit of Christmas is the light of Christ burning a little brighter in all of us? Consider this. During the Christmas season we are singing songs about God and Christ. We are giving gifts. We are spending time with friends and family who we don't normally see which in many cases leads to softened hearts and forgiveness. We are looking at the symbols all around us from lights to trees. What is happening? Again, I think it is the light of Christ burning a little brighter within each of us.

So next time we look at the commercial aspect of Christmas, let us remember that even that is still  releasing the Spirit of Christmas.  

Merry Christmas!

I am thankful for...

My Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ

My best friend and wife Caryn. She is my Queen.

Our 3 wonderful boys Cayden, Ethan, Nathan and our little principessa Kelsey

Whoever invented the garage door opener

My XANGO partners, employees and distributors

Our 2 dogs Odie and Jack Jack

Whoever invented Air conditioning. God bless you

The invention of the car jack. Think about it.

The Wright brothers. Strange to think one can soar through the air in a metal tube from one end of the world to the other.

Toilet paper. 2 ply more specifically. Need I say more?

XM satellite radio.

That our boys have such good friends.

Snow and skiing.

Nail clippers.

Soap, shampoo and conditioner...and deodorant.

Sun screen and SPF lip balm

Sewage systems

People willing to work in sewage.

My favorite season autumn and favorite time of day; late afternoon.

Note: I received a message from an anonomous person question why I put in sewage. Two things: 1. This message is intended to be somewhat random because of how much we truly have in life. The list is remarkably endless. Therapeutic to review. 2. For anyone who may question this: may I propose attending Scout camp for a week and use nasty, dirty porto-potties and I am sure it will be on your list. :):)

This doesn't even scratch the surface but it is a start. Let's all be thankful for Our blessings in life. I believe gratitude is therapeutic.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Is there really a short cut?

I am in a hotel in NYC traveling back from an overseas flight and I am jet lagged.  I can not sleep.  What does that mean?  Informercials a plenty.  

I saw two informercials that seem to sum up how we approach our health here in America which is looking for the easy way out.  The first infomercial was for a way to get the perfect abs.  The message claims to look like the models in the informercial without any real work other than wearing a belt around your waist.  No ab workouts necessary, just wear this belt.  It's so easy.  Is it really that easy?  No.  I am sure they had the actors use the product, but I venture to say that they spent a lot of time at the gym and they were on a very strict diet.  For the vast majority of people we can not look like that without proper diet and exercise.  

The other product I watched was a body contouring product.  You know, the underwear that you wear under your close and claim that they can instantly give the impression of taking 10s of pounds off?  I am not saying that this product will not be helpful to a select group of people.  However, it tells me we are looking for a quick fix rather than getting to the heart of our challenge in America.  What is this?  In a nutshell, 1. How much we put into our mouth. 2. The quality of what we put in our mouths and 3. the level of activity we have on a daily basis.  Simply put, it takes effort on our part.  

Why do we take an elevator?

I had a choice the other day, like I always do of taking the elevator at the office or taking the stairs.  I generally take the stairs but often take the elevator as well.  I thought since I am in a hurry I would take the elevator but then decided no, I will take the stairs and just run up the 3 flights of stairs.  Wooohooo, I was huffn' and puffn' when I reached the top.  I made it quicker than the elevator and I felted better.  

Here is the point, my heart rate was elevated, which meant my metabolism was kicking in and I figured I burned some calories.  So how many?  I googled it and found several sources.  One was a person who tested it and came up with an average 150 pound person will burn approximately 4 calories climbing 1 flight of stairs.  That is just walking.  But what if you run it?  Not sure yet.  Stay tuned and I will eventually figure it out. :)  

So why do we take the elevator?  

Please Note, there are people who are simply not capable due to an injury or physical disability.  Please do not misunderstand this blog entry.  I am simply saying, if we are capable and able then why take the elevator?  More convenient? In many cases.  Easier?  Most definitely.  But we are also not burning calories in the process.  Consider this quote from Cha Cha website: 

"Everything we do burns calories. Modern sedentary lives, combined with high-fat, high sugar diets, have contributed to a situation in which most people take in more calories than they burn, resulting in obesity."  

Interesting.  So what if we simply made decisions each day that will help with regards to our daily habits?  I am not saying don't ever take the elevator but consider this.  Let's say I take the stairs on average 3 times per day.  That is approximately 12 calories per climb equaling 36 calories a day which we would not have burned.  Not much you say.  You are correct, not much.  But that is 60 per week, 240 per month and 2,880 calories per year.  That isn't much you say...but that is one simple decision.  And I did not take into account going down the stairs and that is only 3 times per day.  Stay tuned as I explore other areas that with a simple decision each day will add up.

Again, we tend to look to a pill to cure our ills but we overlook simply starting with ourselves.  The human body and mind is an amazing thing.  Ciao for now.

Stupid Calories

Why do we consume so many stupid calories?

We all know as an adult it is suggested that we should consume approximately 2,000 calories per day.  My brother Gordon refers to many foods around us as "stupid calories".  His point is, if we have approximately 2,000 calories we have to consume, then why waste them on calories that have no value?  Interesting point.

May I propose the following that would fall into this category.  I want to first say, I am not anti-sugar.  I am simply anti TOO much sugar.  Holy Moly, we are out of control with our consumption of sugar.  Consider this, "In the last 20 Years, we have increased sugar consumption in the U.S. 26 pounds to 135 lbs. of sugar per person per year!  Prior to the turn of century (1887-1890), the average consumption was only 5 lbs. per person per year!  Cardiovascular disease and cancer was virtually unknown in the early 1900's"   http://healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm

Before you reach for a soda, energy drink or whatever the functional beverage is, I recommend you take a look at this website.  It will make you think twice.  A little heads up, there are 10 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 oz. can of Coke.  When was the last time you sat down and ate 10 teaspoons of sugar?  There are also 140 calories in this drink.  You may say, "That is not a lot of calories, I still have 1,860 calories left for the day".  You need to ask yourself what you are getting out of those calories.  Enjoy.

www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

If you desire to read further consider the following:

Sugar affects the immune system.  "The bottom line is that sugar upsets the body chemistry and suppresses the immune system.  Once the immune system becomes suppressed, the door is opened to infectious and degenerative diseases.  The stronger the immune system the easier it is for the body to fight infectious and degenerative diseases".  Nancy Appleton Ph.D.

"The average person loses more than 90 percent of their immune system function within 15 minutes of indulging in this poisonous substance.  This deficiency lasts for about 2 hours after the stress occurs".  Dr. Stoll.  Interesting to consider going into flu season.

Again, in today's world, we are shocked at how much obesity, heart disease and diabetes that exists and look to the magic pill.  "Please cure us" is what we are saying.

What we need to do in most cases is look to ourselves for change.
Join me in my quest...

Why do we eat the way we eat?

In my quest for continuing to improve the health of myself and my family, I can't help but ask the questions, "Why do we eat the WAY we eat? Why do we eat WHAT we eat?"  

Obesity is an epidemic in America, obesity causes heart disease which is the number one killer (here) in the states.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.”
http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

Diabetes is rapidly growing in our society which is also largely due to obesity.

“Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death. It is also a leading cause for complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and lower extremity amputations (1). In 2007, the total cost of diabetes in the United States was estimated at $174 billion.”
http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsDiabetesTrends/

Do we ever stop and ask ourselves, why this is happening in a society that has so much? But is it any wonder when we look at how we eat as a society?

I would like to invite you to join me as I seek to understand why we do what we do.  

Example:
Why do WE consume so many calories when we watch a movie at a theater?
Why would THEY allow us to consume so much?

This will be the first issue I address...

Consider this:

1. If you go to a theater and order a SMALL popcorn without butter, these are the nutritional facts; (facts found at livestrong.com, based on AMC Movie Theater Popcorn) :
serving size: 1/2 medium 42 grams
calories: 225
total fat: 11g
carbs: 26g
protein: 5g

Movie Theater Butter Popcorn (now adding butter)
serving size: 1 small / 7 cups
calories: 400
total fat: 27g
carbs: 0g
protein: 0g

2. Now let’s add some other ‘Movie-time-favorites:
*32 Oz Fountain Cola
serving size: 32 oz
calories: 350
total fat: 0g
carbs: 98g
protein: 0g

* Nutrition Information for Junior Mints (most movie theaters sell a 12oz box)
Serving Size 40g
Servings Per Container 8.5
Amount Per Serving Calories 170
Calories from Fat 30
Total Fat 3g 
Saturated Fat 2.5g
Sodium 30mg   
Total Carbohydrate 35g   
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 32 G
   

So add this up: 400 calories for a small buttered popcorn, plus 350 calories for a 32 oz Cola, you are looking at over 750 calories...add on a box of your favorite candies (Theaters mostly carry the medium to large candies, which triple calories) and you might be well over 1000 calories (depening on your combination of food choices) consumed during your favorite feature film. We must remember our RDA of calories is 2,000.

So again, why do many people do this?  I appreciate the attempt to up sell me each time I buy some popcorn at a theater, but I will always get a small or a medium for me and whole family. When they try to up-sell me my answer is,

"No thank you, because then I would eat it."

 True? 

Absolutely.  

And how many people get small sodas anymore?  It is not uncommon to get a 20+ oz fountain drink. Start adding it up.  

In the 1950s, would our parents order that much popcorn or that size of a soda? I venture to say it was not even an option.  And we question why we have the obesity problem that we have? In asking the question Why do we eat the way we do at a theater; although it will vary from person to person, but one of the main reasons is because it is there, cheap, and we are up-sold to think we are getting a deal. We want our money’s worth but in reality we are harming ourselves.


In today's world, we are shocked at how much obesity, heart disease and diabetes that exists and look to the magic pill.  "Please cure us" is what we are saying.

What we need to do in most cases is look to ourselves for change. 

Join me in my quest...