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Short
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Restaurants |
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March
2008 |
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“Stand
still. The trees ahead and bush beside you are not lost.”
Albert Einstein |
March 28, 2008 Where’s
the Beef? Someone asked
me, “Where does the weight go when it is lost?” Having an explanation in
mind, it is always good to back it with references just to be sure. My
thoughts are this: The Fat
(adipose) tissue is already present in most people. Some folks have less than
others thanks to genetics. Regardless there is some adipose in us all and it’s function(s) are to insulate and protect our
bodies/organs. It also pads our butts. Also, like other animals it serves as
an energy reserve for harder times/seasons. In early human
history, when we were hunter gatherers, adipose tissue would have been
important in keeping us warm in winter as well as subsidizing scarce food
sources much like any other animal living in the environs. As we have evolved
economically, agriculturally and technologically, we have developed external
energy stores (silos, warehouses and Wal-mart). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adipose_tissue The increase in
Fat (therefore weight) is cause by excess in calories (energy) that the body
doesn’t process due to an imbalance of intake and expense. If you take in more
than you burn the body stores it for winter. In order to lose the extra fat
one must take in fewer calorie and/or increase activity. So answering
the question, the adipose tissue in my mind is like a balloon. Once they are
empty they go flat. They are still there and wait to be filled again. As long
as the calorie in are equal to the calories out, they will stay deflated. The
energy is not stored because it is used. Here is a link
with similar views: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=57797 So far I have
only talked of Fat as it occurs in the body which is known as Adipose Tissue.
Fat is also a nutrient that the body needs a long with Carbohydrates and
Protein. I won’t spend a lot of time on this but want to say Fat is necessary
for the normal body operation. Here is a link with more detail on the
Nutrient: Fat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat Protein: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein Carbohydrates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbohydrate I want to add here
that I personally do not advocate any Diet that is void of any of these three
nutrients. Depriving oneself completely of any of these is contradictory to
good health. Moderation with Fat because it is gram for gram harder to burn
(1 gram of fat is equal to 9 calories where as Carbohydrates and Protein are
only 4) is my philosophy but I aim for 20 to 25 percent of my calories to be
from fat. Carbohydrates are the main source of my calories with protein being
second. Individually,
things may work differently for different people. Moderation and Variety will
provide tasteful and nutritious food. Lifestyle is the key to good health. As always, I
hope this is helpful to anyone who wishes to learn about this stuff! Good
Luck! |
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News:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/india.beating/index.html What the? http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/strange/news-article.aspx?storyid=105778 |
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For many are the trees of God that grow John Milton |
March 28, 2008 Grapefruit
and Tangerines I imagine that
if one lived in I had a
conversation with someone the other day who felt inspired to evaluate their
diet and work to make changes for the better. In appreciation for the
inspiration they have brought me a bag full of Grapefruit and Tangerines
brought directly from Florida by their relative who lives there and then
directly to me. I imagine that I will eat everyone as they will be a welcomed
treat. I will tell how they are as soon as I have eaten one. It was 63
Degrees as I left the house this morning. I expect to get wet on the way home
but if temperatures are up I am Ok with that. I couldn’t
wait: The Tangerines are delicious and appreciated! |
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Walk able communities are desirable places to live, work,
learn, worship and play, and therefore a key component of smart growth. |
March 26, 2008 Smart
Fix 40 I wanted to point
out this up and coming closure of I-40 because it will affect everyone who
lives in http://www.knoxnews.com/news/news/traffic/smartfix40/ I suspect that
Hwy 62 ( Riding in today
was fantastic. Temperatures in the high 40s and low 50s make it pleasant. I
still anticipate a few cold spells but for the most part the weather in the
near future is looking pleasant (except for the spring rains). |
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Tens of thousands who could never afford to own, feed and
stable a horse, had by this bright invention enjoyed the swiftness of motion
which is perhaps the most fascinating feature of material life. Frances Willard |
March 25, 2008 Greenways Yesterday I was
so involved in talking about the coyote that I complete failed to mention the
Greenway improvements that are underway. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned
the joint effort between Knox and http://www.cityofknoxville.org/greenways/knoxblount.asp Crossing the
Buck Karnes bridge on Sunday, I was able to get on the mostly complete
pedestrian bridge. In Fact there is already a connection from This coming
weekend, I hope to continue this route as far as the existing Maryville/Alcoa
Greenway. I will update the road conditions to there if this happened. I also
am considering heading down 411 towards |
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For if one link in nature's chain might be lost, another might be
lost, until the whole of things will vanish by piecemeal. Thomas Jefferson |
March 24, 2008 Wildlife I got out yesterday
morning with intentions of riding from my house to the Maryville/Alcoa
Greenway which is about a 17 miles trek. My goal was to get 50 miles in for
the day but that didn’t happen. I had just past
Power Equipment on 129, when I notice something moving off the side of the
road. Upon investigation it turned out to be a coyote that had been clipped
in the rear by a passing car. Being cautious I got as close as I felt was
safe to see the damage. She wasn’t obviously in bad shape but I called animal
control to come out so that they could at least end her suffering. The officer
arrived and went through the procedures of dealing with an injured wild
animal and found that this coyote was not going to put up a fight. With no
trouble at all, she was loaded into the truck and off she went. I intend to
follow up on her but I suspect that she was put down! Though coyotes are
considered a nuisance by most, this was a magnificent creature. Unfortunately
this stuff never happens when I have the camera with me. These were taken
with my cell phone. With this task
complete, I continued on and instead of making the initial route, I hit the
dirt trails at |
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I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in
whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the
greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and
not upon our circumstances. Martha Washington |
March 21, 2008 Spring
Indeed Today is the
first ride of the new season. Though it didn’t feel too much like Spring at all.
It was, in fact, quit cold. Aside from the cold, it was a good ride. With
this being good Friday traffic was light. Ed Wright has
shared an experience he had on a bicycle many years ago and thought it worth
sharing as well. So here it is. This is Title “ http://mtleconte.com/bicycle.html Events worthy
of recognition: JDRF Walk http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=walk.walkeradd&chapterid=4618&eventID=3442 Rebuilding The http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=55839 |
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Finally |
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Everywhere is walking distance if you have the
time. Steven Wright |
March 20, 2008 Picture
Problems Uploading
pictures should not be so much trouble. When I got started, I was prompted to
install Java which failed several times. By the time I finally got them
uploaded, I was a little frustrated so I didn’t get the link to post, I will
get that done tonight. For those of you who work behind Websense
firewall, you will not be able to see the pictures from here. I will gladly
send them in PDF so that you can view them. Those of you
who were on the hike, if I haven’t already got you email address please drop
me a line or two so that I can add you my address book. I have been
looking at future goals, that is, the ambition of completing all 900 miles of
map trails in the GSMNP. I am well on my way but need to sit down and
calculate what I actually have left. Repeated trails don’t get me any closer
and I have not hiked anything new in some time. Needless to say, there will
be plenty of opportunities for you all to join me along the way and I will be
more than happy to have the company. For now, I am
continuing the Re-hikes for the sake of seeing again the things that I have
loved thus far. I was asked to repeat Round Top Trail
which will most definitely end in everyone getting wet. I hope to get this in
the works by mid-April, however; last time was in April and the temperatures
were not as warm as would be desired. Stay tuned for this one! Today is the
first day of Spring and the season is upon us. I have no immediate goals set
but am anxious to get back out there. See you on the trail! |
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Some people hear their own inner voices with great
clearness. And they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy... or
they become legends. Jim Harrison |
March 18, 2008 Great
Hike! Yesterday was
such a great experience! First off, the weather was perfect for a hike to Le
Conte lodge via Alum Cave Trail. It isn’t
everyday you have the opportunity to hike with a legend. Ed Wright (www.mtleconte.com) was in the group I
was invited to join. Ed is 82 years old and has been hiking Alum Cave Trail
since 1982. Check out his site above for more information from Ed first hand.
Ed, it was an honor to meet you and to have the opportunity to share the day
with you. I hope that this is one of many! WVLT’s (http://www.volunteertv.com/) Allen
Williams and camera men were also hiking. Their mission was to document the
Re-supply of the lodge which will be aired in May so keep and eye out for
that. It was also a pleasure talking with you guys and I look forward to
seeing the show. As for the rest
of the Crew I hiked with, it was a pleasure to meet you all. Glen Thanks for
inviting me to tag along. In Summary, the
day was full of great vistas and we hit all of the points of interest: Picture by Larry Wright: http://www.pbase.com/wrightsphoto Pictures by Ron
Metcalfe: http://www.pbase.com/ronmetcalfe/march_2008 |
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I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous
to offer me the position. Mark Twain |
March 13, 2008 Real
Savings I have looked
into some 'Cost and savings' concerning the commute. Parking
reimbursement is: $73/Mo
Fuel savings is
(.67 one way*) $32.16/Mo $105 a month
that I can realistically see! When I park at
a meter, it cost $1.50/Day (about 4 times a month in Spring and Summer) Flats cost
about $3 for a new tube. If I have a flat every day that is $60/mo (20 work
days a month). The real cost of a flat would include my time but that is hard
to calculate because I can fix them fast. Other maintenance cost is minimal
because I have a warranty until August that covers standard things. The YMCA
membership was an added cost but is canceled because I get reimbursed on that
quarterly. *Cost
calculated via Streets and Trips after adjusting for the current cost of Fuel
(3.10/gal) |
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The demand to be loved is the greatest of all arrogant
presumptions. Friedrich Nietzsche |
March 12, 2008 Politics Is anyone else as tired of the election
campaign as I am? I turn
on the TV to check the weather this morning and every channel is this crap
about Hillary vs. Obama. A perfect example to why I
just assume leave the TV off. In The News Bounty on a Cat: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/12/cat.bounty.ap/index.html |
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Mitch Albom |
March 11, 2008 Follow-up I wrote this back
in November 27, 2007: Gray is from
November and Black is the Updates Until the time changes back to longer days, it is
impossible to ride on Tuesday. The new routine is to Ride Monday, Wednesday
and Friday. Tuesday A.M. I get up and hit the Gym. Thursday, I am considering
the Gym after work. The time has
changed and I am back riding 4 days a week! Scheduled classes at the YMCA just don’t work with my
schedule at all (unless I do 8:30 A.M. Saturday). I am attending
Yoga on Wednesday and Thursday in the evenings and The Saturday A.M. Class
when I am not hiking. Today is the first opportunity that I have had to get a
weigh in since last Friday. I had gained some weight Friday but have now it a
new milestone. I am teetering between 197 and 198. I FEEL GREAT! I am at 178 as
of this morning. My goal was 180 but I want to have a buffer zone. Also,
given the knowledge that I have obtained over the course of the past six
months, I believe That I need to set a new goal of about 160. I still have
excess fat over my abdomen that can be lost and I remain healthy. This was
not apparent at the beginning. Right now, I am working on 170 and then I will
re-evaluate my body and health. I STILL FEEL GREAT! I have evolved the routine into more than a ride now. I
am including Yoga everyday. Complimenting both is calisthenics. Most
importantly is Nutrition. We are what we eat after all. Yoga is
calisthenics. I have grown to really enjoy Yoga and recommend it to anyone
looking to make a move into an exercise program or looking for something to
add to a current program. I do yoga at least once a day. I usually do 15 to
30 minutes in the morning before riding and I dedicate an hour in the
evenings to it as well. The classes are a good source of experience and both
of the instructors have been very helpful. Swimming is a
regular part of the routine now, though I haven’t been in a couple of weeks. For anyone interested, I will detail my dietary
regiment now. Realize first and foremost that I do not do with out anything I
want but instead think portions and moderation. When I have meat, I tend to
crowd it off the plate with Vegetables. At this point, beans are primarily
replacing meat as the primary protein. I have not been
eating meat for a while. I have lost my appetite for it, I think, because of
the activity levels. The greasiness and the fat don’t sit well before or
after a ride. I am not opposed to a vegetarian diet anyway and have grown to
enjoy the challenge of making it interesting. I can get a steak anywhere, but
good vegetables take some doing. Without getting into a serious discussion of
nutritional science, I will summarize by saying this: Protein, Vegetable,
Fruit, Grains and Dairy. I have come to
understand a great deal about Nutrition in my research and having consulted a
dietitian. Protein, Vegetable, Fruit, Grain and Dairy remain a necessary part
of thought when planning meals. Now being that I am not a Dietitian, this is something
that I have to learn and develop as I go. Vitamins and Minerals is something
we all hear about everyday but who really understands them? Long story short,
I read a lot. Every free moment I get I try to learn something new. But it
seems that this concept is widely accepted as sufficient. Still not a
dietician but I have a grasp on the concepts. This is an area of continued
growth and has proven quite interesting. The Vitamins and Mineral, though
important, are not something to get caught up worrying about. Eat variety and
the Vitamins and minerals will work themselves out. Keeping in line with the Food Pyramid (http://www.mypyramid.gov/)
I try to mix these up and consider the daily requirements of each. The
easiest way that I have found to get this going with any kind of consistency
is to plan meals in advance. Rather than 3 meals a day, I have 5 or 6 small
meals. This is still
accurate. Meals have actually gotten smaller and the snacks have gotten
bigger but I still eat 5 to 6 times a day and follow the same basic concept
that follows. I have decreased some of the fruit intake but still average 3
to 4 servings a day. In addition to the outline below, I have started
tracking Caloric intake (though I resisted this recommendation for a long
time). I use a spreadsheet to enter the Macronutrients (Protein, Fat, Sodium,
Carbohydrates) and total calories and the percentage of calories from fat.
This has proved a useful tool in meal planning. Meal 1 (Breakfast): My research has concluded that
Breakfast should never be skipped. You should also try to eat within the
first 90 minutes of being awake. Protein
/ Dairy / Grain Meal 2: This is more of a snack than a meal. Ideally,
it is subsidizing Breakfast (Moderation). Fruit
/ Protein Meal 3 (Lunch): Usually my largest meal and if I am
going to actually eat meat, this is when I do so. This allows the entire day
to process the meat before sleeping. Protein
/ 2 to 3 Vegetables Meal 4: Like meal 2, this is more of a snack. I prepare
raw Fruit into a sealable bowl everyday. I occasionally will keep Almonds,
peanuts or pecans handy. 3
to 5 Fruits / Protein Meal 5 (Dinner/Supper): Protein is very important here
because I am reaching the end of a day of exercise and stretching. The Protein
needs to be usable and meat is slow to digest. Beans and Dairy prove useful
here. Protein/
2 to 3 Vegetables Meal 6: Cereal makes for a good low calorie late
evening snack. Grain
/ Dairy Now that you know what and how I am eating, how about
what I avoid: Alcohol: Much research concludes it to hinder
digestion. I am not a prude and will occasionally have a drink, but again
moderation is a factor here. I have had a
couple of drinks since I wrote this, literally, a couple. | |||
