A Very Veggie New Year's Resolution

Today the natural tendency is to look back over the past year to see what happened and what changes took place. For me, this year was mild compared to some years, but there was one big change--I became a vegetarian and in the process lost 25 lbs.

I became vegetarian mainly for health reasons. No health problems--just wanted to avoid them. Relatives all had heart diseases so I decided it was time to take a serious look at where I was health-wise. So I bought a tape measure.

I read up on how to determine if I was overweight. I took measurements and the middle section was a problem to say the least. Checking my blood tests was next. Cholesterol, blood sugar, LDL, HDL, triglycerides and homocysteine levels were looked at. Needed improvement there also. One of my daughters is a vegan and I'll admit she had a lot to do with my success because it's not an easy transition, especially when you love meat as much as I do. Everyone knows about Bill Clinton becoming vegan and also cutting out oil. Well, that is the same regimen I am on. No meat plus no oil. And lately, no dairy.

With each subtraction from my diet, I would drop down 5 pounds more. Yes I had a goal--a dream number to get to. I reached that number and then set one lower and I am now a few pounds from that. So now I know what my new resolution for next year will be. I have much more energy and feel better. When I take a walk, it is much more pleasurable because I am not out of breath anymore. My only exercise was light walking. It was all about the food I was eating.

I'll admit there is a lot of sacrificing going on since I still love meat, but it's well worth it when I see improved blood test results. Once again I look good in more stylish clothes--and people notice. I feel like those TV commercials some days. I proved to myself with determination it can be done.

A vegetarian diet isn't for everyone, of course, but If you are looking to try a vegan or vegetarian diet, these things helped me: Dr. Esselystyn's "How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease," Pritikin Online Membership, and the 3-month online program from DASH Diet. They are very reasonably priced and well worth it. For continued superb motivation, I enjoy a free website: Healthy-Happy-Life.com. Will this be your year to make your dreams come true for retirement and for health. Happy New Year 2012--and thank you for visiting.

Before beginning any new diets or health programs, it is important to consult with your physician. We do not make recommendations or give advice. The above is for your information only. Make your own decisions about diets or health programs and in consult with your doctor or other health professionals.

WalkFriendly's Most Walkable Cities Awards list!

Some cities are designed to be walking communities. I have discovered that I will get out and walk more if there are interesting sights along the way and walking is encouraged. Now cities seem to be catching on and realizing that people will walk their streets (patronize their stores, too) if they can be more walk friendly. There is even an organization that is awarding certain communities that meet their stringent requirements.

The awards are Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honorable Mention. My last two posts were from a walk friendly city which was given the Gold award. One of Arlington's innovative programs is "Walk Arlington," which may have been one thing that helped them receive the award. I have been doing the walks designed by them and find it is great exercise and also enjoyable.

As seniors, we know we need to walk more so check out these cities that were given awards (some cities have not applied yet so that does not mean it is not walkable.) A city needs to have a focus on being more walkable to win these awards.

Platinum Award (the highest):
Seattle, WA
Chapel Hill, NC Gold Award: Ann Arbor, MI
Arlington, VA
Chicago, Ill.
Hoboken, NJ
Minneapolis, MN
San Francisco, CA
Santa Barbara

Silver Award: Alexandria, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Decatur, GA
Philadelphia, PA
Santa Monica, CA

Bronze Award: Austin, TX
Cary, NC
Charlotte, NC
Corvallis, OR
Davidson, NC
Flagstaff, AZ
Lee's Summit, MO
Wilsonville, OR

There is also an Honorable Mention category: Cedarburg WI; Coeur d'Alene; Concord NH; Dayton; Franklin, TN; Juneau, AK; Louisville; Omaha; Rancho Cordova; Sparks and Temple Terrace, Fl.

To read more about Walk Friendly: Complete Communities list at Walk Friendly Because one of my criteria for a best place to retire is that there are opportunities to exercise, and walking being one of the best and easiest exercises, these cities would probably make list.

Wellness Lessons from Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart is 70 years old and she says she has time during her workday for yoga, exercise and naps.   She sets a fine example on what can be done in your down time.  See the video. 

She says the secret is to be organized.  When asked to take a walk, I know I often shake my head and say "I don't have time."  But this video makes me realize anyone can find the time if well-known business tycoon Martha can. 

I always say whether you are still working or full-time retired, you can still have your cake and eat it too--work and play.  Just include the things retirees do in your work day--exercise, yoga, eating healthy--all good things to do in retirement.

And, of course, at a retirement community you will have time for these things and more with the abundance of activities available and someone else doing your yard work.

Martha's down time video:

Walk Arlington's Homes Tour

Today we continued our tour of architectural homes. As it turned out we had a wonderful treat in store: Ahead was this magnificient pale lemon yellow magnolia at the peak of Spring perfection. Lemon yellow magnolia:

The first home we saw as we continued our walk from yesterday (see previous blog entry) was this

Dutch Colonial built l926:

Then this adorable Cape Cod style with the sun hitting the distinctive shape.

And the front view:


To complete the tour was this lovely Tudor circa 1937.

Thanks to Walk Arlington for designing this educational walk. We enjoyed it and hope you did too.

Check out virginia retirement communities here!