The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do?

Subject: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:55 am

Its all about taking care of yourself, physically, emotionally and spiritually. After the divorce seven years ago, I decided there was more than just my personal relationships that needed changing. I quit smoking, started regular exercise and paid more attention to what I ate. I'd gotten anorexic during the divorce process so I needed to get healthy again.

Since then I've gained weight (about 10 lbs more than I'd like, but I don't obsess about it. Damn the declining hormones), been smoke-free, changed careers from office work to training as an aromatherapist, moved to a foreign country and remarried.

I've recently started core strengthening. Feels a bit weird but the results come fairly quickly. My sides are a bit sore from the workout yesterday. I'm pleased though.

I'm a yoga and walking gal and recently got a set of handweights for some resistance training. I live in fear of developing the sort of menopausal figure you used to see so much at one time ie: barrel shaped body and bingo wing arms!
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Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:20 pm

I used to dance, ballet and do pilates quite seriously (about an hour or more a day), I walked everywhere plus I used to not eat carsbs...just vegetables, fruit, meat and fish...

i was healthy and skinny and felt fantastic...after years of anorexia and bulimia I was finally fit and healthy

Now it has all gone out of the window...but for a good cause...i am lucky if I can walk the 15 mins to the train and back plus make it up the stairs!!!
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Ouissi x
http://ajournalofdreams.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:13 pm

Well, I've gained about 20 pounds in the past 5 years. It has just sort of crept up on me, plus the hormones don't help either.

But this year I joined a gym and pay for membership for myself and my two girls too. I've sort of dilly-dallyed for a few months but have been trying to get into a routine of going a few times a week to start with. I do weight training and cardio (usually treadmill or elliptical) but not on the same days.

I've been trying to move to a healthier menu but the hard part for me is cutting back on breads and desserts - especially chocolate.

My goals for March are to work up to faithfully going to the gym and drinking at least half the recommended amount of water per day, to build up to where I need to be.

I'm going to the doctor in the next few months for a physical as I have concerns about heart issues, due to high cholesterol and family history and I seem to be winded and tired a lot anymore. I'm sure some of it is the extra weight I'm carrying around.

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:12 pm

Well, I used to be very anorexic (and bulimic eventually) in my teens (can't believe I put that 'out loud' as hardly anyone knows, and I never discuss it) but have been very healthy since I met my husband (14 years). It had nothing to do with food strangely, it was more of a control thing and being in a bad place at that time in my life.

In fact, I have a real passion for food and cooking and healthy balanced eating, so I have therefore maintained a size 8 figure since my daughter was born, and pretty much eat what I like (I am only 5'3" I hasten to add, and very petite, and size 8 is my natural state - I don't ever weigh myself). I have noticed it showing more as I get older if I pig out too much though - metabolism's must slow down with age. It doesn't bother me though, it all evens out. I never deny myself any food - if I want cake for breakfast, I'll have it - and I do beleive in listening to you body - it usually craves what it needs.

I buy almost exclusively organic and cook most meals and snacks, cookies, cakes etc myself from scratch. It helps that I don't have a particularly sweet tooth and naturally 'crave' crunchy veg or savoury snacks. I don't smoke, I drink only moderately, and I am quite a 'hyper' sort of person always up and down and doing something. This has been my long running excuse for doing no form of actual excercise, but I sense my luck could soon be running out! The old tummy isn't as firm as it once was, and I do also worry about getting those bingo wings Ali! Carrying my daughter around everywhere gave me biceps an athlete would be proud of, but now she pretty much walks by herself at aged erm....11!!! (hee hee) so the arms aren't quite so firm now ( I can still carry her up and down stairs though if she asks!).

I did do Yoga/Pilates which is the only sort of 'formal' excercise I really enjoyed, and it really worked and showed! However, the teacher left to have a baby, they couldn't find a replacement teacher and I didn't bother to find an alternate class - so no six pack stomach any more for me! I really should make the effort to find a class and go back. I am just lazy about being that organised.

I am thinking about having one of those 'well woman' overall health checks, just out of curiosity really. Osteoperosis runs in the female side of my family, and with my history I may have compramised my bone density, so that would be worth working on, especially as I don't really eat much dairy or take a calcium suppliment. I'm not overly concerned yet though.

I guess, overall I would say I'm pretty healthy, but could try harder - especially with toning and excercise. Off to order a take-away for dinner now............

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:47 am

I used to do yoga on a daily basis, but I got abit fed up with that. My regular exercise is taking the doggies out for a long walk with John. I cant say I eat very healthy, but I do try. I like to look after my skin, exfoliate and face mask, and I love to take long, relaxing baths, and then smoother my skin in wonderful moisturiser.

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:01 am

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:10 am

I suppose so, my mam is always saying the same, lol.

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:57 am

I just hope I have my mum's skin genes...at 60 she looks 40, has always washed her face with soap and uses astral...!!
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Ouissi x
http://ajournalofdreams.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:39 am

I agree that when it comes to youthful skin, it's in your genes and not an ounce of miracle face cream can really make a difference to how wrinkly etc you are going to be eventually.

My Mum has hardly any wrinkles and good skin, and she's nearly 60 too and has never used anything other than soap, water and Nivea face cream (in a pot). My Mother in-law on the other hand has quite deep wrinkles on her face (so has her Mother, so it is obviously genetic - although she's doing fine at 93!!) and has tried just about every cosmetic cream and lotion and potion, and even non-surgical face lifts etc - to no avail. She has spent an absolute fortune to look no different.

It's the luck of the draw I feel!

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:59 am

My gran had beautiful skin, and my mam too, so hopefully I will take after them.

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:34 pm

You look as if you have wonderful skin in your avatar/photo Melanie, so I'm sure you have!

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:04 pm

Thank you Sasha, I just use soap and water and moisturiser on a daily basis, but about once a week I exfoliate and have a face mask.

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:29 pm

My mom has LOTS of wrinkles too. At almost 66 I think she looks much older than she is but she thinks she looks much younger. Most of her wrinkles have come from not caring for herself and worrying to excess.

I use cleanser, an eye lotion and moisturizer but I have very hard to buy for skin, just like everything else on my body. Too much moisture makes me too oily, too little moisture makes me too oily too. LOL It's a vicious cycle. But I think I've found a moisturizer that works great for me. I also can't stand feeling like anything is on my face, it must sink in quickly and leave my face feeling silky, not sticky or greasy.

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:34 pm

I have not been good to my body over the years. Yo-yo diets since childhood, depression, gout and low self-esteem (image).

That is all changing now....three cheers!!! I began a positive plan of action last November when a chance remark by my hubby on a rare day out from our shop. We were out for a drive (one of those magical mystery tours we both love) and had been walking around a little town when I commented how nice it was to get out together, away from shop duties and how I looked forward to our looming retirement when we could get out and about, take a walk or whatever. Hubby replied "if you can still walk." It may sound a cruel, pointed comment for him to make but it was said casually and landed on my spirit with thankfulness! Yep, thankfulness! My body had been letting me down badly as I suffered from stiffened joints, constant pain (Tylex painkillers were the norm) and tiredness to the point of exhaustion. Hubby was stating what should have been obvious to me.....if I didn't take positive action now, my body would be totally unfit for anything but a rocking chair on retirement! That was the spur I needed.

I made an appointment with my doctor and asked her to refer me to the local health authority's "Weight Management Programme". She did this and I've never looked back. I am feeling much healthier, eating balanced meals (NOT on a diet), completely stopped comfort eating and have a much improved self-image. I also credit Sarah Ban Breathnach with helping me through her books to live abundantly.

Being pro-active on these issues has changed my life...is changing my life. So much so that today when I had my monthly review with the dietician who conducted my "Weight Managment" classes she asked if I would be willing to interview and have photos taken to record for encouragement and endorsement of the NHS Weight Management Programme, my story. I am so wlling and will gladly share what is no secret any longer to me. Events, conversations, distress at at the end of my tether feelings, and the helpful doctor all have linked with me to bring these results. I want to shout it to the world....you guys get the scoop first! (lol)

Here's to a healthy lifestyle for all who are ready for change. It's "my" time now/"my" season to blossom. Is it yours?

Oh....and no makeup for bozo....just water (shower daily) and I give in to a bit of styling wax for my hair. And my all time favourite scent "Clinique "Elexir" araomatics." Scrubbed and washed is my motto. And since loosing some weight my attention to my appearance improves daily. I like the emerging me...can't you tell?

Blessings!

Jacquie x

Subject: Re: The Healthy Homemaker - What Do You Do? Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:30 pm

Oh yes! And very good on you too Jacquie - you should indeed be very pleased with yourself, and no wonder they want to use you as a shining example of the NHS Weight Management programme - you are sure to be a huge inspiration to others. This is absolutely YOUR time - live it to the max! BTW - my Mum wears Aromatics Elixir too - lovely!

Karla, I have very tricky skin too which makes it impossible to try all these 'wonder' potions and lotions to make me beautiful (ha ha) even if I wanted to. I suffer from Eczema in patches on my face (managed with low dose steroid cream, so thankfully not very visible) which makes it sensitive and prone to irritation or allergic reactions to some products.

Then I also seem to have belated teenage skin in my adulthood, where I never had hardly any spots at all as a teen (very lucky), I now get a blemish somewhere or other all the time! What's that about??! Again, some face products exacerbate this. I seem to have hit the nail on the head with Clinique though, who do a whole 'anti-blemish solutions' range so every day I use it's foaming face wash, clarifying lotion and moisturiser, which seems to have stabilised the condition of my skin more consistantly than anything else. Shame a nice cheap and cheerful tub of Nivea doesn't suit - never mind! For the whole of the rest of my body I use a great big £1.99 tub of plain old Aqeaous cream, all over every day when I get out of the shower and then maybe a body lotion to match my perfume, if I'm feeling really decadent! My signature scent is Coco by Chanel - it really is the smell that everyone associates with me and I LOVE it. First fell in love with a bottle of my poor Mum's as a young girl and I kept sneaking splashes of it until there was nothing left! She didn't seem to mind though?! I also wear - more so in winter - Opium by Yves St Laurent. I might try lighter fragrances in the summer, like White Musk from the body shop (another long time favourite).

What are your signature scents?