Exercise and Sleep

I had the best sleep ever last night. I think it's due to the fact I have been continuosly going to the gym. Over the course of the year, I have not been very motivated to take care of myself, and last week, while pondering over life changes, I decided it was crucial for me to incorporate exercise into my life. It's a great way to relax, have time for yourself, and at the end of the day it makes hitting the pillow alot easier. I have also decided to be more proactive with what I put in my mouth. Will decrease bad carbohydrates and replace it with fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. By New Years I hope I can come closer to a Healthier me!
"Findings from a recent Stanford University Medical School study may come as no surprise: older and middle-age people reported sleeping better when they added regular exercise to their routine. After 16 weeks in a moderate intensity exercise program, subjects were able to fall asleep about 15 minutes earlier and sleep about 45 minutes longer at night.
Researchers selected 29 women and 14 men with mild sleep complaints for a 16-week controlled study. All participants were age 50 to 74, lived sedentary lives, and suffered no cardiovascular disease, stroke or other clinically diagnosed disorder known to cause sleep disorders. All were non-smokers and moderate drinkers. None were seriously overweight or taking hormone replacement therapy, sleep medications or other medications known to affect sleep.

Participants exercised at least four times a week. Twice a week they participated in an organized aerobics class, which included 30 minutes of endurance training. The other two times they exercised on their own, doing 40 minutes of brisk walking or stationary bike riding. To assess impact on sleep, researchers looked at factors such as how long it takes to fall asleep, total hours of sleep per night, how often one wakes up, how one feels when waking up, and daytime function.

The link between aerobic exercise and sleep may seem obvious, but until this study, there has been very little controlled research to support this "conventional wisdom." Researchers were especially concerned about the overemphasis on sedative hypnotic medications for older adults. Though they are only 20% of the population, older Americans receive almost half the medications prescribed to aid sleep. The potential side effects of these drugs-confusion, falls, extended drowsiness, agitation, and interactions with other medications-can be especially problematic for this age group. Until this study, there have been very few attempts to identify effective non-drug approaches to treating mild sleep disorders.

The study also provides further evidence of the interactions of mind and body. In this case improving physical health shows a positive impact on the mind.

RX: Self-Care Tips
Try exercise to help your sleep. Here are some tips.

A drop in body temperature aids sound sleep. So time your exercise five to six hours before bedtime.
Make your exercise vigorous enough to make you sweat a little. Previous studies have shown that non-aerobic stretching and concentration exercises alone did not impart sleep.
Stick with it! Participants in this study did not report improved sleep until they had been exercising for 16 weeks."
By David S. Sobel M.D.

Anthony Bourdain..the Man the Mission.. Trip to Laos

Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservation" is one of my all time favorite shows to curl up with at night. His travels make me so envious, and his experiences and adventurous spirit with the people and the food customs he encounters amazes me. His travel to Laos, was one that really touched me. He visited a family, who opened their home to him. The father had lost an arm and a leg, and the family faced hard times making money, but they were still able to share what food they had with Tony.
Food to me is not the only way to keep a person alive, but it is a part of a culture, and a part of humanity, a way to expand beyond our borders, and reach out and connect with one another in a human level. I hope you enjoy every bite you take, and that food is shared with friends and love ones!

Picture Slide Show Since Living In Atl

Have been living in Atlanta for 11 months now, and it still feels like I just moved here yesterday, but with all the photos, it does show I have been here for awhile. Have met some great folks. I have wonderful roommates. I have my moments of missing home, and missing the parents back in California, but I am here now.

Food Orgasm

Seafood Stew made by Ifeoma


Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes made by Gretchen O.

Watermelon,radish & prosciutto made by Kit F.

10pm Burger at Holeman & Finch

Friendship and Food

Today a friend and I were able to meet up for some yummy sushi, and enjoy each other's company. It's been awhile since we have met up, and the reason? Well we had some misunderstandings. Due to the stress of life, I and her, were not able to communicate and misunderstandings have occurred. It was as simple as a Gmail Chat, a "sorry I was acting ridiculous", and then next thing you know it, we were across the table eating some deliciously made sushi. My point is, that food and friendships are both very comforting to me. Both of these wonders bring me joy and a happiness that cannot be replaced. No matter where I am, and how far I am from my family, I am fortunate to have found some great people and some wonderful restaurants to not occupy my time, but to share it with great folks that have come to be apart of my life. The sushi at Haru Ichiban in Duluth, GA was delicious, and the folks there were all very nice. The place was cozy, and it created a great and fun environment. We enjoyed our food and each other's company. I have come to realize friendships are a gift, people will always have misunderstandings, no one is perfect, embrace your friends like how you saviour a great meal, a bite at a time.

VP debates.. Still Unsatisfied

Yesterday's Vp Debates between Palin and Biden left me unsatisfied. I guess due to the fact I did not feel much passion in the delivery of both candidates speeches. The speeches failed to me to convey the candidate's own self, it rather made pitches to their Presidential counterparts. I know that at the end of the day, whoever is voted as President, one of these guys (VP running mates) will follow suite into office, but it's hard for me to sit and just hear pitches over and over. Palin sounded like a robot, but hey atleast she did mess up. If I ever hear "Joe 6 pack" I will throw something at the tv, that and "Maverick".
Both candidates at times did not answer the question, and it was a rather "take turns" debate. Biden and Palin were both too poise, and took turns speaking. I was hoping for interruptions, I mean dude, it's a debate ! Did this debate effect some on their decision, why sure. First hand experience, my roommate was unsure of Obama, but now that Biden has a chance to speak, she took a liking to this party more compared to Gov. Palin. I cannot deny, coming into this debate, I had a very Bias view, I already know who I am voting for this Nov. 4, and for the decided, a VP debate will not sway anyone. These debates are used to sway the undecided. For all you "Undecided" I hope you realize how important your decision will be , remember it's 4 years of being in Office. I hope to god it's not 4 more years of decline.
On a good note, I had some friends over to watch it with! The #1 Presidential Debates, I watched it alone, and it felt so lonely, no one to talk to during the aftermath. This time around I had folks over for wine and snacks. These debates can always be a time to eat and drink!

YAY for Gas!

I never thought I would ever have to drive around "hunting" for gas. The gas crisis in ATL has been ongoing for about 3.5 weeks now, and it's been ridiculous. Today somehow I lucked out, didn't have to wait 45 minutes like some, only 15 minutes. The station was down the street from my house, and the price was 3.97. It's strange that 3.97 for unleaded has now become a bargain, I guess everything is relevant, plus you just have to accept it and go with it. Anyhow it's been quite a week, with the economy and the gas crisis here, that it put me in a state of "WHAT THE HELL"! Thursday's VP debates will surely add fuel to the flame!
I normally enjoy riding around town, never minded hopping in a car and meeting up with friends, but now with the whole gas situation, I feel bad for misusing my gas, feels like if I am not using it for a great purpose, I should just sit at home. Hope this whole Gas Crisis will Die Down!