My Personal Weight

'Not taking care of your body is like not paying rent;
you end up with no place to live.' Gayle Olinekova

It's been a while since I've written a weight related post. My Nutritional Medicine studies is not only confirming some of the ideas I've formed while losing weight and becoming healthier but has also introduced me to lots of new ideas to explore. It really is quite fascinating learning about the ins and outs of the body in depth. I can now also see how studying Nutrition, Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology all at the same time are beneficial and fundamental. It's all related and helps explain how food plays its part in the body. Food really is the only energy source for our bodies - chemical energy. How that energy is then used, expended or stored, will depend on how fat we are too. Yes - calories in, calories out and in Australia, we officially should be using kilojoules. I have to learn to convert eg. 1 kilocalorie (kcal) = 4180 kilojoules (kJ).

For the past couple of years, I've successfully maintained my weight at around 72kgs. Since December though, I've become a lot busier and a lot more disorganised so my food choices and exercise hasn't been consistent. I'm now sitting at about 76-77kg. I do feel heavier and generally more agitated but seriously, with the amount of processed and refined sugars I've been eating lately, I shouldn't be surprised. For me, I've just become lazy again.

We've been asked to look at our own diets during the course and as a Nutritionist, we'll hopefully be able to walk the talk. That is certainly my aim. So it's time to start putting the principles I know work for me into action again. For the next week I'll be documenting the food I eat and the exercise I do on my blog or Calorie King (not sure yet).

Last week we also looked at the various tables and formulas for working out our ideal weights and kilojoule intake. For the majority of us, we fit into these tables and then of course there are people that won't. Being a Nutritionist is about being able to apply basic principles of Nutrition and then adjusting them for each individual’s needs (treating the cause rather than the symptom ideally also). I can't wait to get into the Student Clinic and start practicing but that's a few years off and I still need to learn so much more.

So the new goal weight I have calculated for myself is 71kg (Age 29 - Height 1.78m). I don't think it's unreasonable. I was very happy at 72kg and felt my most alert, energetic and comfortable with myself. I'm not really going to apply any pressure but simply focus on eating more wholefoods again and exercise more consistently. I know that works for me because I've done it before.

And to my yoga - I have not forsaken you! I hope to get back into a regular asana practice again and start meditating in the evenings. Meditation helps me feel like everything is connected and yet not at the same time. I can't really explain it yet. Simply, that when I would normally be stressed, I'm finding that I'm just not anymore. Now how wanky does that sound but that’s where my head’s at.

I have so much in my head right now. I can’t believe just how much information I'm taking in while still working full time as well mind. It’s intense but right now I’m really enjoying it so it's making it easier to grasp. I have a Chemistry exam in a weeks time already - yikes!

Choices and Decisions

Going back to study has been fairly intense but I'm really enjoying it. Surprisingly, I'm making more time to catch up with friends in fear of losing all social contact. I caught up with a beautiful friend this morning who has just come back from Vietnam - Tam *waves*. Amazing stories and tailored made clothes! We went to yoga and then had brekky. Always a great way to start the day, then off to lunch a couple of hours later with my man. It kinda felt like a date because we haven't seen too much of each other lately. He's being more social too. Funny how that all works itself out so I can't complain.

I've picked up another unit of study in addition to Chemistry and Nutrition - Anatomy & Physiology. There was a stuff up with the pre-requisites and I was supposed to start with all three from the beginning. I was slightly annoyed but just need to do it so now I have 3 weeks of Anatomy to catch up with. A little pressure but I'm going to try not let it beat me. Fortunately, I did the Yoga Anatomy course last year so I already have some idea of basic anatomy.

Something I came across in my studies was this great quote by Lewis Carroll - it made me think of you Ms Ally Cat! It's about Choices and Decisions and it reminded me of just how much control I do have of my own life. It helps solidify my decision to change careers even when the insecure bug bites - am I too old to be doing this, do I have the stamina etc. I can bite back.

'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
'I don't much care where -' said Alice.
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
'- so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation.
'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.'
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Now back to study or else I'll be wondering about forever!

E for Excellent

Super yogi Nadine voted me in her top 10 blog reads - thanks beautiful *blush*! I don't usually do these things as a general rule but I thought it was about time I give a shout out to some of my faves. It was really REALLY hard to choose 10 from the many top blogs out there that I read but here goes, not in any order really...

1. Down in the Hole (of course)
   
2. The Adventures of Dietgirl
   
3. iDiet
   
4. Kateypie (password)
   
5. Obligatory Porridge
   
6. Living to Feel Good
   
7. Just Breathe - Yogamad
   
8. Cupcakes & Yoga
   
9. The Reluctant Ashtangi
   
10. Total Health Yoga
    

Nutrition Links

STUDY NOTES
Nutrition is the scientific study of how dietary patterns, foods, beverages and food and beverage constituents and supplements influence health and disease. More broadly, nutrition includes the social, economic, cultural and psychological implications of food and eating.

Nutritionists provide advice on how to modify food, beverage and nutritional supplements in order to maintain or restore optimal health, or achieve goals such as weight loss or sports performance.

The following sites are a good place to find current nutritional information at your fingertips. I'll add more as I come across them in my studies.

• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• Australian Consumers' Association
• Diabetes Australia
• Dietitians Association of Australia
  
• FSANZ (Food Standards Australia and New Zealand)
• National Heart Foundation of Australia
• NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council)
• Nutrition Australia
• Nutrition Data (USA)
  
• US Department of Agricuture

Proud Day to be Australian

Finally. Regardless of whether or not one thinks this is right for them as an individual - it is right for the Aboriginal people and for Australia as a whole to move forward as a nation. What a way for PM Kevin Rudd to start his first term in Parliament! I really hope the words are now followed by action. Australia has grown up.

Please visit:
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says "sorry"...
Get Up! The Apology Mythbusters

PART 1



PART 2



PART 3

Thanks for the support!

Back to School

I've enrolled in Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine at Nature Care College which will later become a Bachelor Degree in Health Science, when I can study full-time. I want to do something that helps people and my particular focus will be weight loss and vegetarianism. Ideally, I'd like to eventually have a clinic that incorporates both Nutrition and Yoga - that is while off yet but my goal.

I know I'm doing the right thing when I look at the course recommended reading list and I've already read half the books listed and was already thinking of reading the others. Any doubts about me doing the course and changing careers now has definitely been squashed. I know I'm ready for this.

The classes so far have been great and the lecturers well, I couldn't have asked for better. The admin side of things is a little slack but that seems to be the general complaint with tertiary education. So many students, so many numbers to process. All I need to worry about is doing the work.

My Nutrition lecturer said today that the best way to get through the course and the bits you hate (eg. mathematical calculations and referencing) is by just "doing it". Respect. Just do it - something I continually said to myself right throughout my weight loss. Reminds me of Kate's catchphrase too - DO IT ANYWAY. I still see that photo of Kate's darling Amelia pointing her finger at the camera!

So, I'm studying part-time and still working full-time. I'll also be keeping up with my yoga practice and taking up a beginner's Ashtanga course. I already do Ashtanga based Vinyasa Flow (Jivamukti inspired) which is more free-form but I'd like to find out what all the fuss is about with pure Ashtanga.

So where does that leave me blogging? Not sure yet but I don't want to lose this medium. I've made some great friends and met some wonderful people through this so I'd like to continue writing, sharing and reading. How the hell will I fit everything in? We'll see. My social life with friends and family off the net needs to come first too. It's going to be a big year!

Reconciliation Australia

I'm a first generation Australian in my family. Everyone who came before me were and are from Eastern Europe. They've lived a very different and much harder life to what I'm living now, which I consider to be privileged. We really do live in a lucky country full of opportunities here in Australia, but more so if you are white.

Our current Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is working on uniting both indigineous and non-indigineous Australians starting with a simple apology - sorry. I think this is a really important and positive step for Australia, one I hope will bring ways in which we can all move forward as a united nation.

No matter what colour you are, no matter what language you speak, no matter who you pray to or even who you choose to sleep with, every single person deserves basic human rights, to be treated equally and with respect. It starts in our own backyards. In our own communities, our places of worship and even our schools. It doesn't mean you have to be friends with someone if you don't gel with them, it's simply about respect. Respect for each other and our differences.

Unfortunately, the whole notion of saying sorry has brought on negative reactions from some Australians but at the same time, it has opened up the forum for debate. Most of the arguments for not saying sorry are misinformed and, I think, racist. Racism is ignorance. I've been guilty of having some misinformed ideas about the whole thing too, in relation to monetary compensation and land rights in particular. To be able to make and have an informed opinion, I need to open my eyes, my ears and my heart.

Not all of us will agree on this topic. This is such a sensitive situation and all I hope is that no more suffering is inflicted on anybody. I also think PM Kevin Rudd has got the balls and intelligence to finally do this honestly, with genuine care and sincerity. I truly hope this breaks down some of the barriers and allows us all to move forward.

For more information, please visit:

Get Up! The Apology Mythbusters

Reconcile

Reconciliation Australia

If more people in the world practiced yoga...

Thanks to the gorgeous Kris from Total Health Yoga for the heads up on this video!

FREE Running Clinic

Lululemon in Mosman (Sydney, Australia) is holding a FREE Running Clinic on Monday 11th February with champion distance runner Jen Wickham! They'll cover technique, types of training, programs, how to get faster and much more. The clinic will run for 2 hours from 7 - 9pm at the store. Call them on 02 9960 7652 to register! Unfortunately, I'll be in class but wanted to let everyone know about it, if interested and can make it.

February Yoga Plan

Classes - Samadhi Yoga
Home Practice - DVDs
Hooping Inspiration - Bunny Hoop Star

Fri 1 - 60 min walk

Sat 2 - rest day

Sun 3 - 75 min samadhi yoga

START NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE STUDIES

Mon 4 - rest day

Tue 5 - 30 min yoga

Wed 6 - 30 min yoga, 30 min hooping

Thu 7 - rest day
Fri 8 - 45 min yoga shakti, 30 min hooping
Sat 9 - 30 min yoga

Sun 10 - 75 min samadhi yoga, 30 min hooping

Mon 11 - 60 min walk
Tue 12 - 45 min yoga shakti
Wed 13 - rest day
VALENTINE'S DAY
Thu 14 - 45 min yoga shakti

Fri 15 - rest day

Sat 16 - rest day

Sun 17 - 75 min samadhi yoga, 30 min hooping

Mon 18 - 45 min yoga shakti
Tue 19 - 50 min walk, 30 min hooping

Wed 20 - 45 min yoga shakti, 50 min walk, 30 min hooping

Thu 21 - 30 min yoga shakti, 30 min hooping, 30 min walk

Fri 22 - rest day
Sat 23 - 60 min walk
Sun 24 - 75 min samadhi yoga
Mon 25 - 60 min walk
Tue 26 - rest day
Wed 27 - 60 min walk
Thu 28 - rest day
Fri 29 - rest day