Wellness- #41: Going Green Part 2

All of the sites were very useful. I am in the process of replacing our light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights and have programmed our thermostat. We have double paned windows and have storm doors but should probably check for air leakage. Yearly A/C tuneups would help and we could be more timely on our 'monthly' air filter replacements. Shopping for electric providers will take some time but sounds like an excellent idea. Thanks for all the websites and great tips!

Wellness # 41: Going Green - Part 1

Wellness#41
After viewing the three carbon footprint calculators I was not surprised of the large carbon footprint my family creates. National Wildlife Federation
Yahoo! GreenThe Green Team. I suspect in my neighborhood there are similar results. It makes sense that if we all did something green it would make a hugh difference.

Houston Farmers MarketLocal HarvestUrban Harvest
Activity 2: I have visited the Houston Farmers Market on and off for at least the last 20 years. Now with gas prices it is harder to justify the extra cost to get to and fro. The veggies/fruits grown locally tastes much fresher and the colors were more vibrant. It is smart to support the local farmers / local economy, and uses less transportation cost. I found the 43 fruit/veggie list of pesticide load very interesting. I did not have any idea 'peaches' were at the top of the list with apples second. Bummer!

Wellness #40: Fitness

Activities:

I love the fitness calculators on ExRx.net. I was not suprised (just disappointed) in my BMI.Oh well! My current calorie requirements are 1850. After answering the questionaire on health age/life expectancy I feel I must seriously set obtainable goals for positive change. The key is 'MOTIVATION'. Without the correct mindset the results just will not be there. To start I must write down my goals which I will begin now privately :). Wish me luck!

Wellness #39: Nutrition

Wellness #39: Nutrition
Activities:

1) The Nutrition Data website has many useful features such as better choices section and calculators for Estimated Glycemic Load™, IF (Inflammation Factor) Ratings™, and omega-3 to omega-6 ratios and their effects on your body which were news to me. Some of the ratings were definite surprises.


2) After trying to enter two recipes into Recipes.Sparkpeople.com,I finally got one that the calculator would accept all the ingredients.

PERFECT PEA SALAD
• Oil, .5 cup
• Granulated Sugar, .75 cup
• Cider Vinegar, .33 cup
• Salt, 1 tsp

• Peas, canned, 1 can
• Onions, raw, 1 cup, chopped
• Green Peppers (bell peppers), 0.5 cup, chopped
• Celery, raw, 4 stalk, chopped
• Water chestnuts, 1 cup sliced, chopped
• Green Beans 1 can
• Pimientos, drained jar 2oz

The nutrition facts were many. 173.9 calories per serving which could be reduced by using less sugar or a sugar substitute. There were a total of 31 nutrition facts.

I will try this website again but am not sure how much I will use it.

#35: Games and Gaming: Games? In the Library?

The hardest part of the exercise was JUST spending 15 minutes on a game. I tried WordSplay and FreeRice. FreeRice was ok. Again, I am spending way too much time on games but also think they can help increase your skills and also help others.
Gaming is sooo addictive.

#34 Maps: Geocoding and Geocaching

Discovery Exercise:

1.HCPL, ADM, 8080 El Rio, Houston,TX 77054
29.688469, -95.387308


2.Jackson's Cache - GC18DVZ- - N 30° 00.814 W 095° 30.461
UTM: 15R E 258133 N 3322937
Cypresswood Park

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=4ceb3da0-7858-4fcd-ada3-7464a50947b0

3.Geocaching could be contagious! It is fun to dream of the possibilities. If I only had more time...