Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

I first became aware of Dr. Fuhrman about three and a half years ago, when he made an appearance on the Dr. Oz Show. I had already lost a lot of weight but hadn't reached my goal yet.

I was searching for foods that would promote good health as I wanted to lower my blood pressure without prescription drugs. Dr. Fuhrman's nutritional plan provided foods that I incorporated in my diet everyday.

First, I'd like to get away from the word "diet". I think of a diet as a temporary fix, never a permanent solution to maintain a healthy weight. In order to sustain healthy weight loss, without risk of gaining it all back, you have to have a lifestyle change. For me, that meant giving up overly processed, sugary foods and replacing them with healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

The push-up challenge I'm doing is helping me a lot. Not only have my push-ups improved, but I'm noticing how much stronger my triceps have become. This challenge has been a great opportunity to improve something that I was never able to do for years, the dreaded push-up.

I'm amazed when I think of how far I came since college. I never could do push-ups and I remember people laughing at me that I couldn't do them. I just had no strength in my arms back then.

I keep striving to improve my fitness level. After just completing another 8 week walking challenge at my work, I began a push-up challenge at the beginning of December.

Push-ups are an essential part of a workout routine. It builds strength for your arms, chest and core. Nearly every muscle group can be involved in this exercise. You also don't need to use any equipment, they can be performed just as easily from home as the gym!

I know so many people get stressed this time of year about overeating. There are so many opportunities to overeat during the holidays, that it's easy to binge on the wrong foods. I thought I would offer some tips on what has worked for me when I'm in a setting with lots of junk food.

If it were four years ago, I would think nothing of downing a plate of Christmas cookies in one sitting. I have a big appetite and I had difficulty stopping at just one cookie. So what's changed for me that I'm able to have better control? Healthy eating.

I haven't had my body fat checked since the beginning of October. My trainer suggested I wait two months before I have it tested again. The last time it was checked, it was at 13.24 percent. I'm hoping it will be lower when I have it checked again in the first week of December.

I've been continuing my strength training, working out five times a week. My weight was expected to drop a few pounds, in order to get to a lower percentage. My waist size has gone down to around 32, which means I've achieved the same weight as high school. I tried on a few pairs of 32 pants, one fit but the other one didn't. I still fit into size 34 so I don't have to buy new clothes.  I can't believe that I could fit into size 44, it just amazes me when I look at those pants! I keep them as a reminder of how far I've come.