"Yes, reader questions have built up and it is time to answer
some of the more compelling ones!”
– The Uphill Skater –

So fall is in the air, the weather is turning crisp, and leaves are starting to come down. Also falling down around me are reader questions. I get many questions either in person, at my email address, or on my Skating Uphill blog. Here are just a few that I have answered individually and thought might also be of interest to you:

What is a hidden handicap? I see people all the time pull into handicapped parking spaces, get out of their cars, and jog up to the grocery store; or perfectly healthy-looking people using the handicapped restroom. What the hey?

“November is Gratitude Time!”
– The Uphill Skater –

The late, and might I say great, Joan Rivers once was rumored to have said, “Gratitude sucks. Give me plastic surgery every time!” Albeit extreme, I grant you, think about it for a minute: That humble, grateful, “Thank you so much, I could not have done it with out you” may be worn a bit thin lately. I do NOT mean that one should not have the generosity of heart to acknowledge when one has been helped. God forbid! What I mean is that we, and by we I mean women in general, might want to take a look at where we are in our struggle for equality, and maybe just take a deep breath and not be afraid to look victory in the eye.

I like to take genuine quiet and alone time around my birthday to take a look at where I’ve been, and even more importantly, where I think I might be going next. As you know, Skating Uphill often comes with bumps in the road that can make forward progress difficult. This year is no exception, so I thought I would share to see if I am alone in the dark, or standing in the daylight with friends. I have four things I would like to put out there to think about this month.

Weight Gain: My first speed bump is my 10-pound weight gain. I have gradually pushed it down to a net a six-pound gain, but that is the best I can do, which is not good because it means I have to take a good look at things like snacks, eating out, lack of exercise, and a ton (no pun intended) of other things I am, or am not, doing to keep these six pounds hanging around. I may just look this one in the face and move on. It is not good to be a slave to a few pounds, so I am not going to worry. I will try to do little things a little better. I recommend this approach; it is much easier on the nerves.

Indeed it is hot, muggy, buggy, and a bunch of other not too pleasant things. Just remember though, how you longed for this when it was so cold last winter. I remember it, and I love it. Heat is good for lots of things. It is good for my bones and joints, good for the ocean temperature, good for ice cream eating, among many other things. There are a few things though, and wouldn’t you just know it, that we need to look to for self-protection this summer.

When I say self-protection, I do not mean that you need to carry a gun, but I do mean you need your kit at the ready for those hot days that turn out to be ever hotter than expected. It is difficult to know what 88 degrees may feel like at the beach at 4:00 p.m. after you have been there since 11:00 that morning. So, here’s some beach and hot weather stuff you should know.

“All right, I know I have said that no diets work, but I have been sucked in yet again (sigh). Just give this a chance.”

– The Uphill Skater –

I can’t count the times that I have said that all diets work and conversely, no diets work, and I am sticking by that, but—because it is the lazy, hazy days of summer—I let myself give the diet scenario one more try. I read about this diet/book/plan in a magazine, and somehow it caught my eye, and the book was not expensive, so I sent for it. I get that this is like believing that boyfriend you know is a liar and a cheater, or buying that pair of jeans one size too small promising yourself you can wear them next week, but I did it, so here goes: I am going to share!

Okay, so your jeans are actually loose and your bathing suit looks great. No? Well, me neither. Let’s sit down and talk about this in a reasonable and non-hysterical way. What can we do in just a few short days, or weeks, to actually be able to feel good and face the world?

This is a hard question, but never fear, I have an easy answer. Simply stop worrying about it.

Have you seen Internet posts about involving fat shaming, ugly shaming, or the numerous ways people are able to anonymously say unkind things about others? I often wonder if these “posters” are not sitting in a basement dressed in a Mumu, weighing 400 pounds, and shooting hurtful darts about others just for something to do between donuts. Do you ever wonder that? I mean honestly, anyone who would tell Duchess Kate she is wearing ugly shoes that did not match her dress must have some real problems.

I often think the guy who wrote “June is Bustin’ Out All Over” made a mistake. It is really May that busts out. My daffodils are up and shaking their little yellow heads, the leaves are out on the trees and the weather has taken a decided turn for the better. The good eats opportunities have also taken a turn for the better, and the chances of fresh produce are looking very good.

There has been so much pesticide information out there lately, I am going to skip rehashing it. We all know to wash fruits with skins, and peel fruits with clean hands. One of my favorites is grapes. I love the seedless green ones, and I think they are finally getting sweeter like they used to be. You may notice the skins are thicker and that is because most are now picked by machine, and they have been genetically modified to develop thicker skins so they will not bruise. This kind of GMO is harmless. I cut the big green grapes in half when I give them to my grandson. I think he might not be able to chew a big grape, and I know this is a bit paranoid, but I am a granny, so I can do it if I want to!

I love to get questions from Pink readers. Before I answer questions, I spend a lot of time and care looking in to findings and new thinking coming out of the world of what I like to call “life health” research. I look at life health as the entire package that is the totality of each one of us, so broad questions are my favorites because answers so frequently interweave.

Here are some of the things readers have been asking/talking about lately:
First, there is a new idea about weight loss. I found some interesting information in the March 2018 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. The article stated the new best practices for weighing-in is once a week on the same day each week and same time, too. Weighing everyday is too volatile, and the old thinking of “I never weigh. I just go by how my clothes feel” is a sure way to get out of control before you know it. A few pounds may not show in your elastic waistband yoga pants or baggy Tee. Weighing weekly allows for necessary adjustments. If you gain two or three pounds for the week, go ahead and get them off. The weekly weigh in is a barometer that will keep you from incessant weight gain. In addition, the article discussed positive food thoughts, which are far better than negative ones. In other words, don’t think of what you can’t eat, or dwell on unsatisfied cravings. Instead, eat all you want of good things, and a full tummy will more than likely not still crave that cookie. I like that. I am a positive person, and things like this work for me.

I have been betrayed by February yet again. Not by a person; I’m pretty lucky in the friend department. Like you, perhaps, I have been betrayed by broken New Year’s resolutions, Valentine candy disguised as love, cherry pie disguised as patriotism, and just wanting something carb loaded because I ate the candy and pie—a vicious cycle that makes me crave a chunk of bread slathered with butter. Honestly, I thought February was going to be much better than it was.

So, March is here, and we are going to hit the “second chance” button on our lives and get ready for spring. I mean it. Let’s talk about new foods, new outfits, and most of all, a new healthy lifestyle. Get ready for some great food ideas and yes, maybe something besides jeans and a black sweater!

“February is cold and ugly, but to make up for it we have Valentine’s Day and a
long President’s Day weekend. Yay!”
– The Uphill Skater –

Although we are deep into winter and we’ve had some cold, shivering days and nights, the good news is we’re on the home stretch of the winter blahs being behind us. There are some fun things to look forward to in February, and I have a few suggestions for you, as always.

“Okay, now for something really different this New Year. We are not going to make positive resolutions, we are going to make ‘not’ Resolutions!  Hmmmmmm...”
– The Uphill Skater –

Well, I have finally had a thought for making those pesky and guilt producing New Year’s Resolutions work. No more sappy attempts or broken promises on January 2. I am done. In fact, am overdone. I refuse to be stuck in place any longer. In fact, I am as overdone and stuck in one place as Donald Trump’s hairdo.

Merry Christmas: Whatever That Means to YOU!”
– Alternate Church Christmas Carol –

It is actually true dear friends. Several years ago, my husband and I were invited to an alternate church service around Christmas time and we accepted. It was a most interesting experience. And yes, the lead off carol was a tune entitled, “Merry Christmas: Whatever That Means To You,” and was played on a big keyboard by a woman in a pirate costume. Most of the congregation, not us mind you, were dressed in some outrageous stuff.

“Put down that turkey leg, girl, and step away from the buffet.
You know you can’t eat that, you just dipped it in gravy!”
­- The Uphill Skater ­-

The holidays are no longer coming up; they are here. Party time is upon us. We all like to bring our favorite, most fabulous recipe when it is a potluck or covered dish, and when everybody does this, it usually turns into a feasting disaster. Dinner with friends can turn ugly pretty fast when you add a couple of glasses of wine and dessert. I mean ugly in the calories sense, of course.  I am sure you know the drill.  Gathering means eating, and eating means splurging. It’s a tradition, and in all honesty, it is a tradition everyone loves and enjoys.

As I watched all of the recent storms, earthquakes and floods destroying people’s lives and property it was so horrible, it almost did not register after a while. Places I had been and things I had enjoyed seeing were simply gone. Images of those just standing in wonder looking at where their property used to be were haunting accounts of uncontrollable events. If we think the loss of a home or tree or bridge is so devastating, imagine those who have lost loved ones. 

“New Year’s Resolutions in January are so over done.
Let’s start the real New Year, the “School New Year”
right with some REAL resolutions!”
­- The Uphill Skater ­-

Everyone makes those same old resolutions every year, and we have talked about this before, dear friends. Don’t say you will call your mother, write thank you notes and lose 20 pounds EVER again. Promise me? As school starts, let’s pretend this new start for so many young people can actually be a new start for us, too. It is never too late to be early!

“Plan to Fail.”
­- The Uphill Skater ­-

As much as this column has told you to always be positive over the years, I am now telling you to plan to fail.  As shocking as this may seem, I recently read as book about successful goal achievement, which devoted a chapter to how to cope with failure and still maintain your goal intention, self-esteem and conviction. Living a healthy lifestyle, the tagline for this column, has frequently discussed the topics of both goal achievement and self-esteem, but in the context of success, not failure.

“Honestly, if I read another article about exercise
I think I will just sit here and be ill. No, I guess I better not just
‘sit here’ to be ill. I need to walk around-right?”
­- The Uphill Skater ­-

I know, I know. Exercise is good for you. I have often said, though, it is not really a weight loss tool. You cannot possibly exercise off all the calories you consume. Well, just as everyone is convinced, more information has emerged showing how important exercise, even mild exercise, can be for a huge variety of reasons. Who knew?

“Environment is the totality of what surrounds you, so for an optimum healthy lifestyle, only surround yourself with things that are good, happy, and productive.”
­- The Uphill Skater ­-

Yes, I am actually the Uphill Skater, and yes, I often quote myself. So, what? As an advocate for living a healthy lifestyle, I would be a pretty poor example if I did not believe what I tell you. I also admit to subscribing to many, some say too many, magazines. I try to keep up with food trends, health updates and new surveys. Some would find this quite a chore, but actually I love it. It gives me great pleasure to share what I learn.

We have all heard beauty is only skin deep and stuff like never judge a book by its cover and looking beyond the surface. I am very much in favor of any and all of these types of sentiments. As we carry on our ongoing discussion of how to live a totally healthy lifestyle, insights like this are important not only to our own sense of self-image, but also to the quality of our interactions with others. If you don’t believe me, just ask Mama June. No, just kidding, but she really has undergone a huge transformation, right?

We know not to say the “F-word” but the new word NEVER to say is the dreaded “D-word”
Yes, friends, we must not ever say the word DIET.

Okay, I am exaggerating just a bit, but you and I both know that dieting, or even saying you are on a diet, is so very OUT that you simply must not do it. Going on a diet is bad, bad, bad. We never say it or do it. You know I am right. To prove it, I will just ask you to stop for a second and think of all of the synonyms you can think of for the word DIET.

Taking care of yourself is not a new concept, but it is a hard one to grasp. Please allow me to bring something different to the table—let’s talk about who you are in the great scheme of things.

All right, I guess we all know that love is not really all you need. I mean food, clothing, a house, a car, friends, a glass of wine all are pretty important and I could go on and on. Honestly though, love is not a bad place to start, especially in February with Valentine’s Day and all. They say love conquers all, and I think there is a lot to that. However, I would like to dedicate some thoughts to not just love, but also to a few related things that make life better.

All right, no falling asleep now.  No nodding off either. This is a very important column and you really should read every word very carefully. Who is that snoring out there?  It better not be you or you will miss out on some very valuable information about—you guessed it—sleep.

Last month I shared a couple of lifestyle tips, and interestingly enough, I had several email questions about the little piece I shared dealing with sleep as a health issue. I will expand on that since there is interest, and also since there is a variety of new research about the benefits and drawbacks of sleep. Yes, believe it or not, there are actually as many drawbacks and health issues surrounding the concept of too much sleep, as there is about too little.

Yes, your mother used to say it, and so did mine. In general, this is good advice, but in my case, not so much. I grew up on a farm with everything from cows, sheep, pigs and horses to chickens and guinea fowl. It was not all that safe to play outside if you know what I mean. You really had to watch your footing. The air was not all that fresh either. Again, you catch my drift?

So, dear ladies, this is how you know the resolution business has taken a real downward turn: you dig out your notebook to make your resolutions and see that you have had the same ones five years in a row. How many times can you promise to lose 10 pounds, call your friends more often, eat a healthy diet, and be nicer to people? Well, I finally got on to the fact that these sorts of things were not only not working for me, but were actually making me quite depressed. What, you say? Never any better even with all of this resolving and reevaluation? Well, no more. I am about to share the secret of how to actually keep some resolutions and do it easily.

So, dear ladies, this is how you know the resolution business has taken a real downward turn: you dig out your notebook to make your resolutions and see that you have had the same ones five years in a row. How many times can you promise to lose 10 pounds, call your friends more often, eat a healthy diet, and be nicer to people? Well, I finally got on to the fact that these sorts of things were not only not working for me, but were actually making me quite depressed. What, you say? Never any better even with all of this resolving and reevaluation? Well, no more. I am about to share the secret of how to actually keep some resolutions and do it easily.

When I read this wonderful quote by Winston Churchill, I was so inspired I sent it to one of my old weight loss fatty buddies in California to let her be inspired, too. We have been doing the diet ballet together for many years, and even now that I live in the Lowcountry and she is still there, we email each other food journal entries, share recipes, and lament over those pounds that always seem to hang on to your hips, no matter what you do.

Dumbing down has become such a big catch phrase lately, I thought we, as responsible readers of Pink and “Skating Uphill” should look at what this means. Not only for us as smart, cool ladies, but as (OMG!) people who might be doing it to ourselves. By this I mean, girls, how actually awful is it to be that little 20 lbs over weight, or to make up a phony excuse for being late or not doing something we said we would do? I honestly think that this sort of thinking has invaded many aspects of our lives. I also am going to go out on a limb here and say that I do not think this is always a bad thing—so there. Yes, I have joined the Dumbing Down Hummers!

Every month at the bottom of this column I ask for reader questions and feedback and I actually get quite a bit. I have some nice compliments that really make me feel as if I am doing something to help sisters along the path of life. I also get a few (very few, thank God, because I get my feelings hurt very easily) that are negative. All in all, I love to get feedback. This month, I will address some of the comments I have received.

It is July now, and we’ve all had on our bathing suits and gasped in shock. Most of us have toughed it out at the beach or sandbar, anyway. July is peak season for getting motivated, but what exactly does it take to get us off the sofa and out of the air-conditioned house to actually get moving and burn off those wine coolers and ice cream? (Perhaps, you can tell, by the previous sentence, that I’ve been indulging in wine coolers and ice cream.)