Holiday Binge is a Family Thing

Overeating during the holiday season seems to be a norm and is expected by almost everyone. I'd hear people say "I have to get some exercise before I eat", "My resolution is going to the gym; so, I don't need to worry what I gain over the holidays" or "This is food for my soul". Well, this short-term overeating may lead to longer weight gain. I think it is the mindset of eating that leads to this possible conclusion. For instance, a person who thinks that he/she can eat more on a special day will likely eat  the same on any other special day. In addition, it is more likely this person has more special days than the average. 

Furthermore, holiday season brings out the fatty and sugary goodies. Eating these foodstuff rewires your brain. Eating that chocolate bar or that sugar-sprinkled oatmeal cookie can make you crave more food and more sugar. Consequently, eating releases hormones/chemicals in your brain that relieves your stress or gives you  more "happiness". Food becomes addictive. The fast food industry calls it cravability; they know food can become addictive to anyone.

Then, why is overeating or binge eating part of family dynamics?

Food is an external entity or force. Science tells us food can change our DNA which, in turn, affects our descendants' DNA. It means that the nutrition of our ancestors is affecting us right now. Our parents' diet and nutrition can be seen in how we live today. There was an account that a grandmother's nutrition affected her grandchildren's health. 

So, what can you do today that can change the rest of your life and the rest of the lives after you? Eat the right amount and the right kind of food. It is not wrong to indulge your favorite candy bar or the occasional soda; just be aware that what you eat is what you are and what your children could be.

Eat in moderation.

2016 Resolutions + Rebirth

Greetings, everyone!

I haven't posted for a really long while - but time is relative. Right now, my main computer is dead; so, when my new one comes, I will change the graphics/design/layout of this blog.

For now, here are my 2016 resolutions:

1. Restart on writing

I found out I really love to write. I thought I would hold it off and enjoy it as a hobby when I'm old or something.. But after writing some stuff a few weeks back - I felt alive.

I'm still making up my mind if I should start again in this blog, or transfer to another blogsite or do wordpress.

By the way, I have a number of notes that I keep my thoughts and I want to share them slowly - maybe not from my journal; more likely my poems and some shorts. The bulk of my poems is in a box in a faraway place (airplane and bus -kind of distance).

Anyway, I'll try to promote this site again - twitter, more images and better colors. The more readers I have, that's you - the more I can get (constructive) criticism/comments - and the more I develop myself.

2. Be more proactive

If my mind is a car, I'd say I've been a passenger for a while. It's time for me to be the driver. If I don't change, I would cease to exist. To set some realistic goals, I'm aiming to be a leader rather thane a follower. I know I won't lead from the start as I am more of a listener than a talker but, in my own way, leading is also organizing.

3. Continue on last year's resolutions

I wasn't able to finish my 2015 resolutions - like run in a 21k marathon or bike at least 100 km (on road and trails; road all the way is boring). I'm no triathlete but I love the rush of endurance and energy seems to be  always on my side. Right now, I feel I'm around 20 to 22 years old - energy and everything else.

I'm 6ish years ongoing cigarette-free but I broke my 2-year soda-free record. I have to lessen my soda intake again.

4. Be more healthy and fit.

I've been drinking Kombucha and Kefir from my cousin, and I think I will also sustain making them. So, I think the habit will remove my tooth for soda and sweets. I'll go back to gym/weights because I think it would help me perform better; for the record, the last time I went was 4.5 years ago. Why? Right now, I have 4.5 years of endurance and cardio. My lowest RHR (resting heart rate) is 39 but my average is 42. This year, I need to prioritize sprinting and jumping because I have acquired enough mental focus to keep going with the current conditions; just not fast enough.

5. Love myself more.

I might have some tendencies that make me feel down. I should believe in myself more. I'll look for a better job. I love my current job; just not the environment. I need something fresh and new to instill in me a new outlook in life. I have to change my lifestyle to develop as a better person. I want to be surrounded with the people I care and love.

I will act more of myself - sometimes, I'm misunderstood. Sometimes, others would think I'm different. Well, those others are also different to me. It's a matter of perspective; reality is relative.

I've set up a few mantras that I can say to myself to keep me looking at the positive side and to uplift me into doing better.

I want another person in my life but I think I'd be able to keep loving her if I am able to love myself completely, a lifestyle check and more development. I want to make more friends this year to have more choices in love in the future.

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Well, these are my resolutions so far. I'll add more as the year goes along. Usually, I start my resolutions before the year starts to create a habit of doing them. Statistics say that it takes 29 times (or 29 days) to make an action into a habit.

So, how's my writing? Is it different from my old style? Please comment below. This site will remain my personal blog.