Appreciating Life

By Jane Sylvestre, RD - 7/10/2012

I am sitting here on the 4th of July with my family and friends by my side. This is a day of celebration. I couldn't be more appreciative of what I have in my life. I had quite the experience a couple days ago. My husband and I went kayaking with each of my kids (ages 9 and 11) in their own kids' kayaks down the narrow river which is a channel between the open ocean and a brackish inlet in Narraganasett, RI. We were far down the channel when big black storm came upon us with lightening, loud thunder and down pouring rains. We tried to kayak back to our starting point, but we were going against the current and it was hopeless with the kids. We kayaked to marshland with tall grass, ditched our boats and ran as fast as we could towards a bridge we saw in the distance. We were swimming across rivers and climbing rocks until we came to some fallen trees which we hid under for about 20 minutes. My daughter was petrified and crying, but my husband and son were very brave. With a break in the storm we made it the bridge where we felt safe. Eventually the storm cleared, the sun shone and a beautiful rainbow came out. This experience felt like nothing less than man versus wild. We were so happy to be alive and thankful we all made it through this ordeal.

The following day we were at the beach appreciating life. I couldn't help but notice the majority of people on the beach who were obese or at least overweight. I thought about how many would not have been able to make it through what we did the previous day. I also thought about the poor health of many of these people. I wanted to hand out some business cards, but I knew that would not be appropriate. The sad thing is that you can see poor habits starting in the young. I wish I could explain to all the young kids how hard it is to take the weight off once it is gained. You can see the poor eating habits, inactivity and future of many of these teens who are on the path to poor health. As you get older, the weight loss does become more challenging. Metabolism decreases 1% per year which is understandable with the typical 5-10 pound weight gain per year. Although it is a challenge to lose weight once you are too heavy, it is not impossible. Lifestyle change is essential. The band is a great tool for helping to keep your portions down, but it doesn't do everything.

I was very aware of what people were eating at the beach. Most people overweight or not were eating chicken fingers, hot dogs, French fries, potato chips and junk, junk, junk. I know when you go to the beach, most people pack the typical "beach food" which is all the above or buy from the snack shack, but it does not have to be that way. Eating healthy is not just about achieving a healthier weight. It is about being good to yourself and respecting yourself.

The way to eat healthier at the beach or anywhere you go is to plan ahead and pack your own food. Make sure you have a healthy protein like eggs, peanut butter, cottage cheese, tuna, hummus, chicken, turkey… to name a few. Pack a salad or any vegetables because they can help you feel full with little calories. Pack some fruit. Don't pack any drinks that are going to add calories. One more thing; take advantage of being on a beach and go for a walk. Play with your kids if you have them. Digging in the sand, filling buckets of water…are a great form of physical activity.

You owe it to yourself and your family to take care of yourself. It could save your life someday.

Pack a healthy lunch and snacks with protein, fruits and vegetables

Walk the beach or play with your kids

Make good nutrition and exercise your lifestyle to save your life!

Look for many nutrition programs to start in the fall. I will be having an afternoon and evening all new Back on Track class. Details to follow. We are also planning to finish up the cook book and have it available in the fall. We are still accepting recipes. If you have a healthy recipe, please send it along to me at janesylvestre@massweightloss.com We are also planning on taking part in the Norwood Hospital 4 mile walk/run in September. See you all soon. Enjoy your summer. Jane

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