Just to share with you this quote:
The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes and silly people. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Running
These few weeks I have been running often to prepare for a half marathon in Dec. Signed up to encourage myself to exercise regularly.
I have to say I am literally dragging myself out of the door each time to run. Not really a fan of running. Personally I feel running is a pretty lonely and not so interesting. You just run and run and in solitude.
I have probably yet to discover the essence and beauty of running. For now, I am meeting my goal to exercise regularly. The next part is to enjoy the progress.
I have to say I am literally dragging myself out of the door each time to run. Not really a fan of running. Personally I feel running is a pretty lonely and not so interesting. You just run and run and in solitude.
I have probably yet to discover the essence and beauty of running. For now, I am meeting my goal to exercise regularly. The next part is to enjoy the progress.
Fat loss
Excerpts from a Yahoo article I read. A good reminder for me.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/might-sabotaging-fitness-program-part-1-075643621.html
2. Concern with weight loss and not fat loss.
Most clients come in with a "target weight". While being of the correct weight is ok, it is not nearly as important as being of a good level of body fat.
We try to get "regular" people with jobs, families and other commitments down to 10-12 percent fat for men, and 16-19 percent for women. For most people this means a nice flat stomach and probably visible abs.
A lady can be 57kg and 16 percent bodyfat and be in great health, but another lady who weighs 57kg at 35 percent fat is in horrible shape.
They may be the same height and the same weight, but their health markers will be very different. Overall inflammation, brain function, blood fats, etc, will be much improved at a low body fat level.
Women (sorry ladies, its just an observation, nothing personal!) in particular have trouble making the distinction between weight and fat. So the key point I like to teach is that (depending on which studies you read) a kilo of muscle burns an extra 100+ calories per day while you do ... nothing!
It is like investing your money in a sure-fire growth fund. It pays you back while you sleep (literally!). In addition it looks lean, feels firm and is attractive.
So, taking regular body fat readings is critical to success! It is a much more objective indicator than weight which fluctuates with time of day, hydration status (i.e. did you pee?), hormonal fluctuations especially in ladies, water retention from illness or allergy etc.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/might-sabotaging-fitness-program-part-1-075643621.html
2. Concern with weight loss and not fat loss.
Most clients come in with a "target weight". While being of the correct weight is ok, it is not nearly as important as being of a good level of body fat.
We try to get "regular" people with jobs, families and other commitments down to 10-12 percent fat for men, and 16-19 percent for women. For most people this means a nice flat stomach and probably visible abs.
A lady can be 57kg and 16 percent bodyfat and be in great health, but another lady who weighs 57kg at 35 percent fat is in horrible shape.
They may be the same height and the same weight, but their health markers will be very different. Overall inflammation, brain function, blood fats, etc, will be much improved at a low body fat level.
Women (sorry ladies, its just an observation, nothing personal!) in particular have trouble making the distinction between weight and fat. So the key point I like to teach is that (depending on which studies you read) a kilo of muscle burns an extra 100+ calories per day while you do ... nothing!
It is like investing your money in a sure-fire growth fund. It pays you back while you sleep (literally!). In addition it looks lean, feels firm and is attractive.
So, taking regular body fat readings is critical to success! It is a much more objective indicator than weight which fluctuates with time of day, hydration status (i.e. did you pee?), hormonal fluctuations especially in ladies, water retention from illness or allergy etc.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tea
Tea Bone Zen has moved and this time I went to their new place at Middle road. We had a hard time looking for it as the signboard was not that obvious.
However the search was worthwile and again it did not disappoint. This time I had the peach tea and my friend had rose tea. The tea was refreshing!
Like the new place. Ambience is quiet and nice. I heard they are going to start a bubble tea concept at the front of the shop space so I guess next time the ambience may be a bit different next time. Hopefully it will still remain a good place for tea! :)
However the search was worthwile and again it did not disappoint. This time I had the peach tea and my friend had rose tea. The tea was refreshing!
Like the new place. Ambience is quiet and nice. I heard they are going to start a bubble tea concept at the front of the shop space so I guess next time the ambience may be a bit different next time. Hopefully it will still remain a good place for tea! :)
Cakes
I always have difficulties deciding presents for my nieces and nephews. Something special and hopefully they can enjoy and remember.
Saw the groupon deals for cake decoration so bought a few.
Here are the 2 cakes designed by my nieces and nephews. Am glad that they enjoyed themselves.
Saw the groupon deals for cake decoration so bought a few.
Here are the 2 cakes designed by my nieces and nephews. Am glad that they enjoyed themselves.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Half Marathon & Fat Level
I have just registered for the half marathon this week. Will use it as a motivation to exercise more.
The reality is in my latest health checkup, my fat level is still at obese level even though I am underweight. Ever since I have tested for fat level, everytime the nurse or the person conducting the test will tell me that my fat level is too high and I should do something about it.
My good friend did not believe me until once we did the test together. Though she weighs more, she has a much lower fat level than me. I am glad that she finally believes me. One less person to discourage me from losing fat. As often when I mention to people my need to lose fat, they will be astonished and said I am just being silly as I do not look fat so nothing to worry.
Hmmm.... hidden fats can be more dangerous than the fat that people can see. According to the doctor, the goal is to convert fat to muscle, not about losing weight. Thus resistance training for upper body etc and more exercise.
I am looking forward to a healthier me. Just bought my sports shoe today. Tomorrow will be waking up at 6am to run.
Have you tested for your fat level? Do not just believe in what the eyes can see. :)
The reality is in my latest health checkup, my fat level is still at obese level even though I am underweight. Ever since I have tested for fat level, everytime the nurse or the person conducting the test will tell me that my fat level is too high and I should do something about it.
My good friend did not believe me until once we did the test together. Though she weighs more, she has a much lower fat level than me. I am glad that she finally believes me. One less person to discourage me from losing fat. As often when I mention to people my need to lose fat, they will be astonished and said I am just being silly as I do not look fat so nothing to worry.
Hmmm.... hidden fats can be more dangerous than the fat that people can see. According to the doctor, the goal is to convert fat to muscle, not about losing weight. Thus resistance training for upper body etc and more exercise.
I am looking forward to a healthier me. Just bought my sports shoe today. Tomorrow will be waking up at 6am to run.
Have you tested for your fat level? Do not just believe in what the eyes can see. :)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Life is unpredictable
This 2 weeks, I met ex-colleagues who have relocated overseas. One to Hong Kong for a much better work opportunity and another to US with her husband. Both like it very much at their new found land and seem to live very well there too. Their faces beam with happiness and joy at the new directions of their lives. Feel very happy for them.
I always feel a tinge of sadness saying goodbyes and seeing people leaving. I remember reading somewhere we should also celebrate those staying behind. Just like mothers, they stay behind in the house while the children go to different places to work for better living. The children are always reassured that their mum will be there waiting for them at home upon their return.
I guess the below quote sum it all.
“They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer”
--(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882)
But maybe suffer is too strong a word. It takes quiet courage to stay behind too.
On a separate note, I call up another friend today to check up on her. She told me she may have a second relapse of cancer. I am praying that it is not true as the final result is not out yet. From what her doctor is telling her, there is a possibility. Life is really unpredictable. Just when you think you have surmount it and overcome it after suffering so much, nature seems to have another mind of its own.
Is a test of strength and will. I admire her for the strength and she seems to take it in her stride. She did not ask 'why me again'. Probably she has seen much more in life. And at this point in time, her concern is still on the Cambodia little gal that she has helped in one of the homes. Asking me whether I know anyone who is going to Cambodia that can help her check on the gal.
For a while now, i already know bad things do happen to good people. As much as we cannot control the ending, we can decide on our journey. No matter what happens, i guess we can dictate how we want to live it. To live it with a positive attitude and be a positive force to others or to wallow in self pity. Life is really unpredictable, and my hope for myself is to live it well and treasure each day of my life. Will have to constantly remind myself. Life is a gift!
I always feel a tinge of sadness saying goodbyes and seeing people leaving. I remember reading somewhere we should also celebrate those staying behind. Just like mothers, they stay behind in the house while the children go to different places to work for better living. The children are always reassured that their mum will be there waiting for them at home upon their return.
I guess the below quote sum it all.
“They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer”
--(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882)
But maybe suffer is too strong a word. It takes quiet courage to stay behind too.
On a separate note, I call up another friend today to check up on her. She told me she may have a second relapse of cancer. I am praying that it is not true as the final result is not out yet. From what her doctor is telling her, there is a possibility. Life is really unpredictable. Just when you think you have surmount it and overcome it after suffering so much, nature seems to have another mind of its own.
Is a test of strength and will. I admire her for the strength and she seems to take it in her stride. She did not ask 'why me again'. Probably she has seen much more in life. And at this point in time, her concern is still on the Cambodia little gal that she has helped in one of the homes. Asking me whether I know anyone who is going to Cambodia that can help her check on the gal.
For a while now, i already know bad things do happen to good people. As much as we cannot control the ending, we can decide on our journey. No matter what happens, i guess we can dictate how we want to live it. To live it with a positive attitude and be a positive force to others or to wallow in self pity. Life is really unpredictable, and my hope for myself is to live it well and treasure each day of my life. Will have to constantly remind myself. Life is a gift!
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