How Old Are You?

     That is an interesting question.  If you actually did not know your age, or age was not measured in years, how old would you be?  The answer to that question would most likely be...how old do you feel?
     What is your real age? I have met relatively young people who can't walk a mile without developing shortness of breath or who don't move without complaining of an ache or a pain.  I watch them eat huge hamburgers served between two Krispy Kreme doughnuts and realize that they think they have a lifetime to become healthier.  I noticed a lot of people who are only in their 20's... not eating any vegetables.  Or liking any vegetables.  They think that having a smoothie in the morning will give them the fruit and calcium they need for a day.  Everyone seems to be looking for the fast fix, the get healthy quick bars and the pyramid scheme products to get their daily vitamins, proteins and minerals.  While spending a small fortune doing it.
       I am not saying that smoothies, health drinks, "health products" and power bars are not always good for you.  I would caution you, however, to really read the labels for artificial ingredients, sugar, salt and preservative content.  If you make your own smoothie from natural  yogurt and fruit...that is a good thing!  If you buy a smoothie loaded with sugar and additives, that is not.
      I guess I'm saying that for less money,  you can become healthier and get more nutrition naturally.  If you eat three different vegetables a day and grab an apple or a pear and take a regular, cheap multivitamin in the morning you will feel better, feel fuller and reap the same benefits.  You need to learn to maintain the healthy eating, the healthy feeling and the energy.  When you stop taking the power shake and the meal replacement bar...what will you have left?
      Of course, I'm also going to remind you that taking a walk is great thing now that the weather is getting nicer.  Eating better and moving more are most definitely the keys to longevity in life.  Also, as my wife's Aunt who lived to be 90 would say, have a beer.  There is a lot of grain in beer.  Smart woman.

You are as young as you feel...
     

That's Alotta Colada

     I am drinking a large "Alotta Colada" to celebrate the first day of Spring.  I felt it was the least I could do after the long, cold Winter.  With all of the blogging I do about being active and doing good things for yourself, you may think it's odd that I am drinking this sugar-filled, frozen drink.  It's not that odd at all, really.  I always tell you to have fun in your life and to do everything in moderation.  If you want a drink, have it.
Tomorrow, you can walk an extra block or two or you can do an extra ten minutes on the treadmill.
     My wife blogs about being grateful.  Grateful for the time she has with me(of course she is...LOL), and for time spent with family and friends.
I am always concerned about the quality of that life, the way you spend it, how you feel when you go through your day, if you can get up and down with ease or if you can walk and enjoy your vacations or your "down-time".  If you aim at keeping flexible, at moving with a little more ease, at eating better and making better choices in your daily life, you will maintain a better quality of life.  You have to have fun though.  Life is very short and not doing things that you love, drinking things that you love, or eating things that you love will just make you unhappy.  Everything in moderation...and just keep moving.


Live your life and enjoy it...

Have Fun Keeping Fit

       I am all ready, in this photo, to run in a benefit race in downtown Scranton, prior to marching with the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade.  The weather was rainy and cool, but I made the commitment to run and I always try to honor those commitments.  My wife bought me this special running kilt for my birthday.  I really wanted one and thought that it would add a little "flair" to the events that I sign up for. I also think it's really a great conversation piece and a lot of fun.  This was the first year I decided to march with this particular group, although a member for a little while, and it was a great experience.  As far as the kilt goes, I believe you need to step out of your comfort zone and do new things and have more fun.
      No matter what you decide to do, you should have fun. You should enjoy your walk, your run, your stretching and your exercising.  If music makes you happy, blast it if you can.  If dancing is your thing, dance around the living room while you are running the vacuum.  If you don't want to do an activity alone, get your partner involved or join a club or a gym.  Find people at work with similar interests and walk around the park after work. In the summer, my wife likes Nay Aug Park and we walk around and she will reminisce about the peacocks and "Tillie" the elephant that they had at the zoo.  She is sad about all of the rides that they used to have and aren't there anymore.  But it is nice to walk through and get some exercise.
      The point is to have fun and remain flexible.  Eat a little better now that the weather is getting nicer and get out more.


Life is too short not to wear a kilt.