Your numbers are your friend, That is the overall lesson that I am trying to teach myself during my summer’s journey as an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women BetterU Program. Since I was a child, when someone has said “know your numbers” they have been referring to the numbers on the scale. And most of my life those “numbers” have not felt very friendly, particularly since the birth of my third child. But at age 40, the numbers that I need to be concerned about aren’t just restricted to the scale. As I learned in week 2 of the BetterU program, it’s important to know your cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. These numbers aren’t your enemy. Quite the contrary. They are your friend, even when they are off the mark. Why? Because knowing your numbers helps you be better, live better, and feel better. If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know what you need to work on, or maintain.
When I had my heart screening earlier this month I found out my all-important numbers. (Unfortunately, I also found out my weight, even though I had my eyes closed and asked not to be told. UGH). The news was good regarding my cholesterol and my blood pressure. I’m managing fairly well in those arenas. But my BMI, (Body Mass Index), was a different story. Which wasn’t surprising to me. Even though I closed my eyes on the scale at the doctor’s office, I am well aware that I am carrying around extra “me” that I don’t need to. Which translates into a high BMI. That was one of the principal reasons that I embarked upon this journey to be BETTER. I don’t just want a Body Mass Index. I want a BETTER Mass Index!
In recent weeks of the program I have concentrated on my physical activity. Mainly I have worked hard to add steps to my day. (Not more work, just actual steps!) So what else can I do besides get moving? Why, eat, of course. Ah yes, the numbers. This time we are talking calories. No, you don’t have to count every single one, (though it doesn’t hurt). But you do need to be aware of what you are taking in each day. Then little shavings here and there will make a huge difference to your heart. Week 7 of the Go Red BetterU Program, as do all weeks in the program, started with a quiz. The third question really hit home with me.
C. Which of the following goals would be appropriate for controlling blood cholesterol?
1.By the end of the month, I will cut all cholesterol out of my eating plan.
2.By the end of the month, I will avoid all foods with saturated and trans fat.
3.By the end of the month, I will use soft margarine (low in saturated fat and 0 grams trans fat) or liquid vegetable oil instead of butter.
4.By the end of the month, I will lose 20 pounds.
The answer is 3 of course. Realistic and logical.
One of the things that really attracted me to the BetterU program was the simple, common sense approach to information. We all lead busy lives which is how we allowed our health to get away from us in the first place. So having a program that breaks down the necessary information into palatable morsels is extremely helpful. But the BetterU program is not just about facts, it’s also about ideas. Ideas like recipes. I firmly believe that people, parents in particular, want to eat healthy, but by the end of the day they are quite simply out of ideas (and don’t forget out of energy). Well, the BetterU Program feels our pain and has taken the liberty of providing easy-to-follow recipes to help us shave our numbers, calories, pounds, BMI and cholesterol! (Yah Hoo!) Not only do they have recipes that you can print out, but they also have a shopping list pre-prepared. Now that’s helpful! From Asian Chicken and Vegetable Stew, to Glazed Sweet Potato Cubes, to Strawberry Breakfast Mousse Cream. Sweet! (Well, sweet for your heart, but not too sweet for your waist line!)
This journey is not about making more work for me, it’s about making BETTER use of my time and my energy. Which ultimately makes my numbers BETTER.
SMILE On!
ML
This is a Level 2 post, Miss Lori is a Go Red BetterU Program Ambassador for the Summer of 2010
Miss Lori can be found Musing from her Minivan at MissLori.TV , Wearetherealdeal.com , YoungChicagonista , and ChicagoMomsBlog. She is also the new Chicago Family Entertainment Blogger for Examiner.com and a Discussion Leader for MomsLikeMeChicago. You can also see her Activating to Be Great at Miss Lori’s CAMPUS on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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