A few days ago, well maybe more like a week or two. I listed the main things that can be done to naturally lower one’s blood pressure, and improve over all health. It so happens, that as of January 4th, 2010, I received a pretty high Blood Pressure reading, and decided it was high time to take my health to the next level.
I also got a needed reminder from a friend who commented on the connection that health has to the spiritual journey. I’d really like to continue to share how I’m doing regarding this area of my life, with the hopes to learn and share with others who are learning to live a healthier life.
Ok, so here’s “The Plan”
Lose weight
Over the past 6 months, I have successfully lowered my weight from 205 pounds to 195 pounds. But that’s just a start. The plan is now to move that number to 185 within the next 6 months.
Regular Exercise
Since ending the p90x program in November, 2009, I haven’t exercised consistently. One thing I’ve noticed about myself, is that challenges motivate me to action. I’ve also realized that being outside, while doing something physical, and interesting, is more enjoyable to me. For this reason, I’ve decided to begin training for a 10k race. I mentioned it to someone I know, and they didn’t seem to think I could do it. That well intentioned, but minor display of disbelief, was all I needed to push me over the edge. I’ve been walking/jogging for 45 minutes each day for the last few weeks, to warm up to actually running again.
Eating a healthy diet
This is the area of truth. Over the last two to three years, I’ve made progress, but have much to still change. I’ve cut out fast food, soda, and most sweets(except for some rare indiscretions at 5 guys, and oh, a slice of pizza every now and again). I’ve flirted with becoming a vegetarian in times past, but never did more than to cut back on certain meats. But with the need to respond more drastically to my high blood pressure, I’ve started to explore more than just a gradual and relaxed approach to my health. These circumstances have led me to look into the Raw Food Diet.
Reducing Salt
From what I’ve read so far, you want to keep your sodium intake below 1500mg. I’m shooting for below 1000mg.
Reducing alcohol consumption
This shouldn’t be a problem, because I can count on one hand how many times I drink in a year.
Don’t smoke
I don’t smoke.
Watch caffeine intake
I drank coffee fairly irregularly, but have since quit entirely. Those ice mocha frappuccino’s at the Barnes & Noble’s Crack/Star Bucks still tempt me…but for now. No.
Regularly monitor your pressure
I will check this weekly and record results.
So in Review….February’s Basic Plan is:
- Continue my Walk/Run combination for another 30 days, in order to ease me into running.
- Yesterday I began a diet of 80% Raw Foods (minus all meats and dairy of course, although some do eat some meats raw. I’m not sure how they figure that one..but…) I’ve committed for this month, 28 days, and then review.
On a side note, I finally made it to my local Farmers Market, and was kicking myself for not buying produce here before. I picked up 10 oranges, 1 papaya, 1 cantaloupe, 1 pineapple, 1 bag of grapes, 3 limes, 4 tomatoes, 1 head of lettuce, 3 cucumbers, a bunch of asparagus, 5lb bag of potatoes, 1lb of lentil beans, and 1 avocado. All for less than $26?!
Any advice from my health experts out there? Have you tried some version of a Raw Food Diet? What tips do you recommend?
Written by Veron Graham
Topics: Blog