Lately my husband and I have spent a lot more timing watching what we eat and working out in an effort to be healthier, but also for that better bathing suit body.
One of the most common suggestions in most weight loss articles is increasing the amount of fiber in our diet. Apparently, the average American doesn't consume the recommended amount of fiber per day.
It dawned on me as I was spending 5 minutes cleaning up after Hugo's waste, that our chinchilla definitely has no fiber consumption problems.
Chinchilla's diet mostly consists of a lot of fiber from their pellets and hay. Add to that their rambunctious nature during play time, which burns plenty of calories, and you would be hard pressed to find a bloated chinchilla - once you get past all the hair which makes them look like a little ball of fur.
While I am impressed with my chinchilla's natural inclination towards a "healthy" chin lifestyle of a diet of high fiber and regular exercise, I might add, that I am pretty sure chinchillas, like us humans, do have a lack of will power.
If it were not for our regular monitoring Hugo's intake of sugary and higher fat content foods, he would surely have to do more then a few laps around the living room to work it all off. If you have ever seen a chinchilla practically jump into a can of treats, then you know what I mean.
There is a similar reaction when a carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream is placed in front of my husband.
So, as we work toward our perfect body goals, I'll remember, that like Hugo, we need someone else to help monitor the amount of treats we consume each day, and I need to incorporate more whole grains and good stuff into our meals.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Muscle Weighs More Than Fat
I was reading a women's magazine the other day. They have a section in each magazine that has quick fitness tips which are supposed to help keep you motivated and separate facts from myths.
Usually there are a lot of good tidbits, however, this particular month, one of the statements was geared towards not worrying about getting on the scale and actually losing pounds, but instead use things like measurements to gage your progress.
I agree with that statement. You should either use a body fat test or just measure yourself with a tape measure to get a more accurate reading of how much you are losing.
It was their reasoning for why you should use measurement instead of a scale that I disagreed with. They said you should do this because "muscle weighs more than fat".
Really?
No it does not. At least not when you word it that way. One pound of muscle is exactly equal to one pound of fat, as far as how much they weigh. What is true is that muscle is less dense, so per volume muscle weighs more than fat.
This magazine is not the only source that has used this saying incorrectly. Most people who are "somewhat" fitness educated will agree that muscle does weigh more.
I understand where the comparison is coming from. In generally people just look at themselves, and then look at the scale and wonder, why do I look better yet weigh more?
I know it is just a little detail, those couple extra words. In general I would hope, no matter which way it is worded, people understand what is being said. But then again, those also might be the same people who think a one pound brick is heavier than a one pound sack of feathers.
Usually there are a lot of good tidbits, however, this particular month, one of the statements was geared towards not worrying about getting on the scale and actually losing pounds, but instead use things like measurements to gage your progress.
I agree with that statement. You should either use a body fat test or just measure yourself with a tape measure to get a more accurate reading of how much you are losing.
It was their reasoning for why you should use measurement instead of a scale that I disagreed with. They said you should do this because "muscle weighs more than fat".
Really?
No it does not. At least not when you word it that way. One pound of muscle is exactly equal to one pound of fat, as far as how much they weigh. What is true is that muscle is less dense, so per volume muscle weighs more than fat.
This magazine is not the only source that has used this saying incorrectly. Most people who are "somewhat" fitness educated will agree that muscle does weigh more.
I understand where the comparison is coming from. In generally people just look at themselves, and then look at the scale and wonder, why do I look better yet weigh more?
I know it is just a little detail, those couple extra words. In general I would hope, no matter which way it is worded, people understand what is being said. But then again, those also might be the same people who think a one pound brick is heavier than a one pound sack of feathers.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Yeah For Friday!
Thank goodness for long weekends!
The occasional extra day off work just has a nice festive feel to it. Although for us, the weather this weekend will leave something to be desired. The good news is, with crummy weather my husband and I will be more likely to actually get some to-dos knocked off our lists instead of being tempted by the beautiful sunny weather that has assisted our procrastination the last few weeks.
So, yeah for getting stuff done! Yeah for half-day Friday! Yeah for no work on Monday!
Note: Yes, this is one of my sillier posts, but what the hey - it's my blog and I can do what I want.
The occasional extra day off work just has a nice festive feel to it. Although for us, the weather this weekend will leave something to be desired. The good news is, with crummy weather my husband and I will be more likely to actually get some to-dos knocked off our lists instead of being tempted by the beautiful sunny weather that has assisted our procrastination the last few weeks.
So, yeah for getting stuff done! Yeah for half-day Friday! Yeah for no work on Monday!
Note: Yes, this is one of my sillier posts, but what the hey - it's my blog and I can do what I want.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Click for a Cause
It's been a growing trend to have sites where someone is paid by someone else clicking on ad links or by sponsor ads based on the number of hits to their site each day.
What's come to my attention in the last couple years is there are now numerous sites out there where the links you click on will benefit a worthy cause as opposed to just another entrepreneurial individual. Not that I have anything against aspiring entrepreneurial's and the many creative ways to make money, but it is nice on occassion to know some little thing you are doing is helping someone beyond increasing their bank account.
Most recently I heard about a site called RCause.org. You can click as often as you want on the link to support the current month's cause, and as an added benefit, you qualify each day for a drawing to win money. However, if you don't want to submit your e-mail address, it is not required that you enter the drawing for your clicks to benefit the charity.
Another good site is the Breast Cancer Site. When I first started visiting this site they were only sponsoring free mammograms. Now they have separate tabs to end hunger, support literacy, child health, the rain forests and animal rescue.
To be honest, I don't really know exactly how much goes to the charities or causes, but it doesn't take more then a couple minutes to go to the sites. It is not required to give them any information, cash or any other sort of donations, so I figured if it helps out even a little, why not?
If anyone has any other good links that do this, please comment and let me know.
Other sites:
GreaterGood.com
Click for a Cause
PS - There is another site called ServeNation which also supports the fight against breast cancer, however you do need to purchase gift cards to fund this. They will donate 8% of every dollar spent. If you are planning on ordering gift cards online anyway, it would be worth seeing if this site has the store you want first and purchasing from them. (get more details on their site)
What's come to my attention in the last couple years is there are now numerous sites out there where the links you click on will benefit a worthy cause as opposed to just another entrepreneurial individual. Not that I have anything against aspiring entrepreneurial's and the many creative ways to make money, but it is nice on occassion to know some little thing you are doing is helping someone beyond increasing their bank account.
Most recently I heard about a site called RCause.org. You can click as often as you want on the link to support the current month's cause, and as an added benefit, you qualify each day for a drawing to win money. However, if you don't want to submit your e-mail address, it is not required that you enter the drawing for your clicks to benefit the charity.
Another good site is the Breast Cancer Site. When I first started visiting this site they were only sponsoring free mammograms. Now they have separate tabs to end hunger, support literacy, child health, the rain forests and animal rescue.
To be honest, I don't really know exactly how much goes to the charities or causes, but it doesn't take more then a couple minutes to go to the sites. It is not required to give them any information, cash or any other sort of donations, so I figured if it helps out even a little, why not?
If anyone has any other good links that do this, please comment and let me know.
Other sites:
GreaterGood.com
Click for a Cause
PS - There is another site called ServeNation which also supports the fight against breast cancer, however you do need to purchase gift cards to fund this. They will donate 8% of every dollar spent. If you are planning on ordering gift cards online anyway, it would be worth seeing if this site has the store you want first and purchasing from them. (get more details on their site)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Which Weekend?
My husband and I debate often about what exactly "next weekend" means.
His way of thinking is, if I say something is happening next weekend, it is this very next weekend coming up. He is not the only one who thinks this way. I have had other people confused as to what I was talking about in reference to events happening on certain weekends.
My way of thinking is, if I say something is happening next weekend, it is not this weekend coming up but the next weekend coming up. I am also not the only one who thinks this way.
I wonder if the difference is in the way we were brought up and how our parents phrased things, or if it has to do with the area you were raised. I have yet to find a common thread to tie together those people who think next weekend means the next weekend coming and those thinking next weekend means not this weekend.
In defense of my logic, this weekend is the weekend attached to the end of this week. Next weekend is the weekend attached to the end of next week.
On the other hand, I can also see my husband's logic in that the weekend coming up is the next weekend coming up.
It might just be one of those things we are never quite going to agree on.
His way of thinking is, if I say something is happening next weekend, it is this very next weekend coming up. He is not the only one who thinks this way. I have had other people confused as to what I was talking about in reference to events happening on certain weekends.
My way of thinking is, if I say something is happening next weekend, it is not this weekend coming up but the next weekend coming up. I am also not the only one who thinks this way.
I wonder if the difference is in the way we were brought up and how our parents phrased things, or if it has to do with the area you were raised. I have yet to find a common thread to tie together those people who think next weekend means the next weekend coming and those thinking next weekend means not this weekend.
In defense of my logic, this weekend is the weekend attached to the end of this week. Next weekend is the weekend attached to the end of next week.
On the other hand, I can also see my husband's logic in that the weekend coming up is the next weekend coming up.
It might just be one of those things we are never quite going to agree on.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Must Bring Cash
With summer, one of the biggest travel time of the year coming up, I thought this topic was appropriate.
Airlines are going a little fee crazy in an attempt to boost revenue. It used to be expected you would be charged extra for just alcoholic beverages and perhaps headsets aboard flights.
Now they nickle-and-dime every little thing possible. I think by now, all airlines charge you for any in-flight meals. Instead of getting the usual less then healthy and unappetizing airline food for free with your ticket, you get to hand over an additional $5-$12 for the delicacy.
Also pretty standard are the new weight restrictions. Along with them come heavy fees for going over the limit. As it is, even the light-weight luggage weighs anywhere from 10-15 lbs empty.
If you have ever tried to pack clothes for a week vacation (especially if you are going to a cold weather climate which necessitates packing heavy jackets, sweaters and boots) you know that you often need to be very creative with your packing or take more luggage then might really be necessary.
Think twice before doing even that. It looks like this solution might not be the smartest now that airlines are starting to charge for checking in more then one bag per person. If for some reason you need three bags, the fees are anywhere from $80 to $100 for each additional bag.
In a day when so many people carry credit and debit cards more then cash, it would behoove the airlines to be more customer-friendly and creative with their approaches at increasing their revenue.
I understand airlines are trying to stay price competitive with the ticket prices. Between the rising cost of gas and employee demands, it is also understandable for the airline business to want to find ways to earn more money. However, springing fees at every turn is a big turn off to most people, who all too often will pay whatever fees are necessary, but get a bad taste in their mouth when it is sprung on them.
A better option might be offering the choice when the customer pays for their ticket. Airline websites offer a lot of different online options now including the ability for customers to choose their seats or add on travel insurance. It would be beneficial for an airline to offer "additional services" to customers that they can purchase up until the day of their trip and can be printed as redeemable coupons the same way everyone prints their boarding passes - both online or at the airport. These coupons could include all additional expenses; meals, drink coupons and headsets.
I would also suggest, as an additional customer service bonus, that coupons not have a restrictive use for which flight they can be redeemed on, but instead have a 6 month or year time frame.
Heck, once you start charging for additional services, there is a whole slew of options you could offer customers. As long as they were offered before the trip, airlines might find a whole new revenue pool to dip into.
Other things some airlines are charging for:
Curbside check-in from $2 per bag
Seat assignments
Flying standby (in addition to the cost of the ticket)
Pillow & blanket
Redeeming reward miles for "free" flights or "free" upgrades
Airlines are going a little fee crazy in an attempt to boost revenue. It used to be expected you would be charged extra for just alcoholic beverages and perhaps headsets aboard flights.
Now they nickle-and-dime every little thing possible. I think by now, all airlines charge you for any in-flight meals. Instead of getting the usual less then healthy and unappetizing airline food for free with your ticket, you get to hand over an additional $5-$12 for the delicacy.
Also pretty standard are the new weight restrictions. Along with them come heavy fees for going over the limit. As it is, even the light-weight luggage weighs anywhere from 10-15 lbs empty.
If you have ever tried to pack clothes for a week vacation (especially if you are going to a cold weather climate which necessitates packing heavy jackets, sweaters and boots) you know that you often need to be very creative with your packing or take more luggage then might really be necessary.
Think twice before doing even that. It looks like this solution might not be the smartest now that airlines are starting to charge for checking in more then one bag per person. If for some reason you need three bags, the fees are anywhere from $80 to $100 for each additional bag.
In a day when so many people carry credit and debit cards more then cash, it would behoove the airlines to be more customer-friendly and creative with their approaches at increasing their revenue.
I understand airlines are trying to stay price competitive with the ticket prices. Between the rising cost of gas and employee demands, it is also understandable for the airline business to want to find ways to earn more money. However, springing fees at every turn is a big turn off to most people, who all too often will pay whatever fees are necessary, but get a bad taste in their mouth when it is sprung on them.
A better option might be offering the choice when the customer pays for their ticket. Airline websites offer a lot of different online options now including the ability for customers to choose their seats or add on travel insurance. It would be beneficial for an airline to offer "additional services" to customers that they can purchase up until the day of their trip and can be printed as redeemable coupons the same way everyone prints their boarding passes - both online or at the airport. These coupons could include all additional expenses; meals, drink coupons and headsets.
I would also suggest, as an additional customer service bonus, that coupons not have a restrictive use for which flight they can be redeemed on, but instead have a 6 month or year time frame.
Heck, once you start charging for additional services, there is a whole slew of options you could offer customers. As long as they were offered before the trip, airlines might find a whole new revenue pool to dip into.
Other things some airlines are charging for:
Curbside check-in from $2 per bag
Seat assignments
Flying standby (in addition to the cost of the ticket)
Pillow & blanket
Redeeming reward miles for "free" flights or "free" upgrades
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Senseless Survey #1
Senseless Survey Rules:
1. Answer the survey question
2. Visit the blog of the person who posted just before you and leave a nice comment on their blog. If that person does not have a blog then go to the blog of the person before them.
(some of you will be very familiar with this concept from other blogs)
If I could be anywhere else in the world right now, it would be...
1. Answer the survey question
2. Visit the blog of the person who posted just before you and leave a nice comment on their blog. If that person does not have a blog then go to the blog of the person before them.
(some of you will be very familiar with this concept from other blogs)
If I could be anywhere else in the world right now, it would be...
Monday, May 12, 2008
Lesson's From a Chinchilla - 2
Playing hard to get is sometimes the best way to get the attention you want. If you are an animal lover and have ever been to someone's house who has an overly affectionate pet you know how tiring that can get in a short period of time.
On the other hand, the slightly shy cat or, in our case cautious chinchilla, usually has people trying to earn the animal's trust the minute they come in the door. Although that cute face and very soft little body helps to intice as well.
Even when it is just my husband or me, if we pay too much attention to Hugo he will go running off and hide or not come out of his little house. However, if we aren't paying any attention to him at all, or if one of us is in another room, then all of a sudden he wants to be near us.
Hugo's not that different from humans. If you have ever had a friend or significant other who is available and needy all the time, you know that after a while it gets smothering. A little time doing your own thing is essential in every relationship. It helps to keep things interesting.
Just make sure not to play too hard to get. No one wants to keep trying to gain someone's affection who never reciprocates.
On the other hand, the slightly shy cat or, in our case cautious chinchilla, usually has people trying to earn the animal's trust the minute they come in the door. Although that cute face and very soft little body helps to intice as well.
Even when it is just my husband or me, if we pay too much attention to Hugo he will go running off and hide or not come out of his little house. However, if we aren't paying any attention to him at all, or if one of us is in another room, then all of a sudden he wants to be near us.
Hugo's not that different from humans. If you have ever had a friend or significant other who is available and needy all the time, you know that after a while it gets smothering. A little time doing your own thing is essential in every relationship. It helps to keep things interesting.
Just make sure not to play too hard to get. No one wants to keep trying to gain someone's affection who never reciprocates.
Time Flies
I remember when I was much younger it always felt like time was moving to slowly. The school years felt like they dragged by, and the day when I would be old enough to drive, or move out of the house seemed light years away.
I also remember people used to tell me that when you get older, it feels like time moves faster - but what did they know - just because they had years more life experience then me didn't mean a thing.
Now I find myself amazed at just how quick life does seem to fly by the older you get. I can't believe we are in mid-May already. Some days I wish there was a way to hit pause and gain a few extra hours in the day.
Instead, we all have to try to remember to appreciate moments as they happen and not waste too much of the time we do get each day.
I also remember people used to tell me that when you get older, it feels like time moves faster - but what did they know - just because they had years more life experience then me didn't mean a thing.
Now I find myself amazed at just how quick life does seem to fly by the older you get. I can't believe we are in mid-May already. Some days I wish there was a way to hit pause and gain a few extra hours in the day.
Instead, we all have to try to remember to appreciate moments as they happen and not waste too much of the time we do get each day.
Monday, May 5, 2008
The P Word
Clearly I have been slacking on my blog posts in the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately that's not the only thing I have been procrastinating on.
The first couple of days there is that lingering guilt for not getting something done. After enough time has passed you start thinking, I've waited this long, what's one more day? However, those days manage to add up pretty fast and before you know it, that task that could probably have been finished in a relatively short amount of time, has now sat on the back burner for months.
Sadly my husband and I are both very good at procrastinating. Ironically, when we first started dating he had a book on how to stop procrastinating. He never got around to reading past the intro section.
We are on a new mission though. We've made a list of things to get done, and vowed to take on at least one task every day. We are determined to make progress with some of the goals we made a long time ago. I am sure we will still have some days where we put things off, but hopefully we will get on enough of a roll that we only procrastinate a day or two instead of months.
The first couple of days there is that lingering guilt for not getting something done. After enough time has passed you start thinking, I've waited this long, what's one more day? However, those days manage to add up pretty fast and before you know it, that task that could probably have been finished in a relatively short amount of time, has now sat on the back burner for months.
Sadly my husband and I are both very good at procrastinating. Ironically, when we first started dating he had a book on how to stop procrastinating. He never got around to reading past the intro section.
We are on a new mission though. We've made a list of things to get done, and vowed to take on at least one task every day. We are determined to make progress with some of the goals we made a long time ago. I am sure we will still have some days where we put things off, but hopefully we will get on enough of a roll that we only procrastinate a day or two instead of months.
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