Lesson One - the Basics
These are good, but general, guidelines for eating a healthy diet based on the pyramidal food group plan from the USDA. We have been taught this pyramid for many years: 6-11 servings of grains, 5-6 servings of fruit or vegetables, 2-3 servings (3 oz.) of protein, and a minimal amount of fat (less than 60 grams per day.) Salt is frowned upon, while the admonishment to drink plenty of water is repeated more than once.
The author is a vegetarian, but allows that small amounts of turkey or skinless chicken can be added to some menus. While this provides some variety in her sample menu, the student should look for other ways to provide some animal protein if he/she isn't a vegetarian.
Jump-starting one's metabolism is always a good recommendation. The author suggests either running before breakfast, doing yoga or sit-ups, and of course, taking the stairs instead of elevators.
I'm a middle-aged, overweight female with arthritis, and some of these suggestions don't appeal to me or are almost impossible to do. I'm looking forward to seeing what other suggestions the author gives in later lessons.
Lesson Two - "Structured" Exercise options
This lesson is broken down into four sections: Running, Swimming, Bicycling and Aerobics. Of course there are all kinds of other fitness exercise methods, including walking, martial arts, yoga, pilates, weight lifting, etc. These four, however, require little expenditure for equipment or clothing except perhaps for membership in a gym with a pool if you don't have your own.
Running for anyone under the age of 50 is a very good choice. Those of us with a sedentary life, who are overweight, and who have such problems as heel spurs or arthritic joints, and who live in a region with heavy winters, will want to choose something else, I think. I would have liked, in this lesson, to see a good program of walking suggested. There are alternatives, of course, to running outside, such as at a gym with a track, or on a treadmill in one's home.
Swimming is not an option for those of us who don't have a pool, a YMCA or local fitness center that has one. Bicycling is also difficult in winter, or in areas where there isn't a safe public area to use. Some cities are now developing secure and challenging bike paths, however. The author did not mention these drawbacks. Alternatively, she might have discussed the option of a stationary bike for one's home.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Barbara Bell's Decorating How-to topic, please visit the Discussions page.