Healthy Ageing, Uncategorized

A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime

I have been waiting for a day like this. It is the start of summer, but just about everywhere on the planet is too warm. This day is a little cool but I have finished a 2.5-mile walk in the countryside of my daughters’ Colorado home, I’m ready to share some adventures and information.

This is on my regular walk in Pierce, CO.

If you know why the country roads are labeled like some mystical place in a “Harry Potter” adventure, let me know. This road sign is on my regular route in Pierce, Colorado.

The week before school went out for summer break, I stepped into a hole on the field and tore my gastrocnemius (calf muscle). I called it an occupational hazard for a 76-year-old High School P.E. teacher. The problem was this was not a fast-healing injury. I did my research for healing and set a plan for the quickest I could get it ready for summer. I did the work needed and headed to Bonaire in the Caribbean for a snorkel trip with my son, Trever. My calf wasn’t healed fully but it got me through a fabulous adventure. We snorkeled twice a day every day. Bonaire is a waterman’s paradise.

These photos were taken by Trever with a waterproof case on my iPhone.

The week was a great adventure. We had a great time. I can not help but be grateful for the recent summers I’ve had. Four years ago was Lake Tahoe for granddaughter #1’s High school graduation, and Colorado the next year for granddaughter #2’s High school graduation. Then last year’s London trip to see daughter #2 and her town, this year’s Bonaire trip with #4, my son to cap off a cycle. Each trip was followed by time in Colorado with daughter #3’s hospitality. I have been able to do these things as a benefit to life and a healthy lifestyle.

Granddaughter #1 with Daughter #1

Grandaughter #2 with Daughter #3

Daughter #2 in London last summer.

#4 A selfie in Bonaire this summer.

Healthy Ageing: Rebuild and Repair

Now, I have time to repair my worn body parts. I am doing this physical repair with regular workouts which include distance walking and interval walking. Also included are stretching and strength training on alternate days. My diet continues to be Plant-based or Plant-forward (there is a lot of terminology new around this style of eating) with only the occasional supplement of meat. If you would like to know more about truly healthy eating. It seems to have morphed out of The Mediterranean Diet and that is a good place to begin to find healthy food habits. Here is a link to explain The Mediterranean diet: https://lavandamichelle.com/2024/06/30/what-is-the-mediterranean-diet/. This lady has done her research.

As for my spiritual practice, it seems to focus a longevity, that is to say, I must remember that this life is impermanent and finite but the spirit is infinite. Focusing my attention there is the key.

There is a lot of high-country activity in my daily plan to be completed before my return to my Las Vegas friends and another year of teaching. Those friends in my life are a key to longevity. Remember the Blue Zones Power 9: Lifestyle Habits of the World’s Healthiest, Longest-Lived People. Here is a link to review my past blog on this topic of looking into The Blue Zone research: https://healthyat120.com/2022/09/26/exercise-nutrition-and-spirit-opening-door-number-3/.

So where is Road 88 3/4? It is where I travel.

in the spirit, be healthy,

Coach Brown

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Uncategorized

HOLIDAY CHEER

I’m enjoying the holidays. My warmest wishes for you.

I am with the family, in a place of gratitude, Colorado.

View from the house

According to Forks over Knives, the average American gains 5 to 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Please remember to get your walk daily and eat vegetables first.

Goose on a moose

Live well, I am in the middle of 3 health topic books, and I will share science-based information with you In January.

In the spirit, be healthy,

Coach Brown

Healthy Ageing, Uncategorized

WHAT IS HEALTHY EATING?

I asked ChatGPT the question, “What is healthy eating?”

The “AI” Answers: 8 tips for healthy eating

“Healthy eating refers to consuming a variety of foods that provide the nutrients your body needs to maintain overall health, feel good, and have energy. It involves making informed choices about what and how much you eat, with an emphasis on:

  1. Balanced Diet: a healthy diet includes a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of lean proteins and healthy fats.
  2. Portion Control: Being mindful of portion sizes helps prevent overeating and allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without consuming excess calories.
  3. Nutrient-Rich Foods: Choose foods that are rich in nutrients but lower in calories. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. There foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without contributing to excessive caloric intake.
  4. Limiting Processed Foods: Processed foods, especially those high in sugars, salts and unhealthy fats, should be limited. These often contain calories and additives that are not beneficial for your health.
  5. Moderation in Sugars and Salt: Too much sugar and salt in the diet can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Try to limit the intake of sugary drinks, sweets, and high-sodium foods.
  6. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health. It helps in digestion, regulating body temperature, and transporting nutrients in the body.
  7. Variety: Eating a wide variety of foods ensures that you get different nutrients from different sources. This reduces the risk of deficiencies and promotes overall health.
  8. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what you eat and savor each bite. Mindful eating helps you recognize when you’re hungry and when you’re full, preventing overeating.”

This sounds great but it does not tell you what to eat. “AI”, while correct, seems very generic with its answer. I’m not sharing a plan either because each person needs to go through the process of building an eating plan for themselves at each stage of life. In another blog I read, the author tells us that he eats 80 to 90 percent vegetables. Then he goes on to list his no-nos and his go-to’s. What are you eating and when are you eating it? What are your no-nos and go-tos? We know our nutrition needs change as we age, so our eating habits need to change with us.

October Fun Hiking

I didn’t get in any golf this month. I hiked 4 trails: Le Madre Springs Trail, Kraft Trail, Kyle Road Path, and White Owl Canyon. I saw the springs of Le Madre, it is beautiful this time of year. I saw the beautiful dry gulch of the Calico Basin area. On the Kyle Road Path, among the desert terrain, I saw wild burros. Traveling to White Owl Canyon with a friend, I saw a Big-horn sheep. This is outdoor time. Golf will be later, my friends are hard at it. Here are some pictures from the hikes:

There are 3 burros in the photo above. Enlarge to find them.

Kraft area

At the Springs

Enjoying White Owl Canyon

From “Aging as a Spiritual Practice”:

As each of us grows older, may we be kind to ourselves;

As each of us grows older, may we accept joy and sorrow;

As each of us grows older, may we be happy and at peace.

In the spirit, be healthy,

Coach Brown