Staying sharp

As we get older, our mental acuity lessens, but just by eating certain foods and staying active, we can keep our brains "younger," according to several studies compiled by the Rush University Medical Center.

Good foods: Vegetables (especially dark, leafy); whole grains; fish (not fried); poultry; nuts and foods such as margarine and salad dressings that contain unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats.

Foods to avoid: High-fat dairy products, fried foods, fatty meats, prepared foods containing trans fats.

Physical activity: Not clear if it helps, but it's good for other reasons since it helps prevent heart disease and cancer.

Mental exercise: One study found that reading books, playing cards, visiting museums and even watching TV reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Here's to hoping we're hopping in our hundreds!

WWIN #...Eh, I lost count...

I figured it was about time I did the first post. I may not be on track right now, but I haven't given up yet. The past two weeks have been trying for me in the food department. Not to mention a few other things. Not to make excuses, but it has been easier for me to not keep track of my intake while dealing with the other stuff.

I am trying to regain my focus, however. I was doing great yesterday, until we had a meeting and one of the corporate people thought it would be great to bring in a giant box of giant cookies. Ugh! Oatmeal and raisin must have a lot of fiber...right?

Anywho...today is a new day and next week is a new weigh in. I am so there!

I would like to know how everyone else is doing, though. So?

How YOU doin'?

After a couple of weeks off my regular schedule, I'm up just a fraction. My scale isn't sophisticated enough to do anything but whole pound -- it looks like I am at 11 pounds off. I think it's about a pound more than I was the last time I checked in.

I tell you what, all these recalls of green leafy veggies is throwing me for a loop. At least it looks like I can have my spinach again.

The weather has turned cooler here in Oklahoma, although it is not yet cold. That means the temptation for denser food is here for me. So is the hibernation stage. I want to make stew today -- it's the perfect day for it. But I'll have to look carefully at my recipes and rebalance them so the concentration is on the good veggies and low in the things I should not have. I'll also have to divide the pot into correctly sized serving portions. Ah, there's the rub! I want the whole pot, not just one bowl!

This is where the freezer becomes my friend. Right after I eat my serving, I will ladle out portions into freezer containers, mark them with the date and put most of them into the freezer to reheat later. I'll keep out one or two for the next couple of days just so I can enjoy it a bit longer.

How are you doing?

WWIN Again

What--no one wants to be first? Some of you are a couple of hours ahead of me. Where are ya'll?

I'm down a big (wait for it) point-2. I think I'll take it even though it's a teeny, weeny number. So, change my total to 6.9--I want every ounce I can claim! :)

So how's everyone else doing?