How interesting that I sit down on this Vegan Thursday, flip the page of my MOM calendar from Kyle and Nicole and find this “Mom-ism” —
“PUT A BAG OF FROZEN PEAS ON THAT BRUISE”
Why it’s true: Old folklore advocated putting raw steak on a black eye or other bruise, but today’s mom knows that doing so can contaminate the area with E. coli. A bag of frozen peas applied to a new injury will constrict the blood vessels and may minimize the bruise. (Peas are nice because the bag is so bendy.)
I, for one, used exactly that, a bag of frozen peas, when I pulled my hamstring back in September. Since there were other areas of the leg injured, the peas moved nicely from one site to another, easily adjusting itself to wrap around the wounded areas. I highly recommend keeping a bag in your freezer as part of your first aid kit.
On another very interesting note, I learned, just last night, that our very own Bob Harper, of Biggest Loser fame, has taken his vegetarian lifestyle to the next level and has become a vegan. Not really surprised knowing what a “Yogi” he is. I have mentioned before that many athletes and body builders (and personal trainers) have been announcing their vegan lifestyles to the world. Whether its for health, ecological reasons or just an ethical choice, these people are helping to show others that you can eat a plant-based diet and still have a fantastic physique. If you think my opinion is biased just google it!
As if to prove to me that we are really all compassionate, loving creatures, my bigreddog Blaze, has found a whole new reason to live. The next door neighbors, who sadly put their 9 year old dog down recently, (cancer) adopted a puppy from the Humane Society, this past weekend. My dog, also 9 years old, has never been a dog fan–just a people lover. Then again, I guess he never met a puppy before. He now passes every moment waiting for the puppy to come out and do her business so he can get outside and just be near her. While we are still letting the new friends get to know one another through the fence, he whimpers and whines and makes noises I have never heard from him before as he sniffs, gets sniffed and just wants to be close to her. He can now hear their door open and he alerts us EVERY time she is outside. I see a bounce in his step and a new light in his eyes. THIS is what they call “puppy love.” Witnessing their interaction reinforces everything I believe about animals, their instincts, their ability to love and nurture and so much more. I have NO reason to think these feelings are limited to dogs and cats.
Thanks to those of you who sent links (and filled me in verbally) I basically got to catch up with Jillian’s home visit to the May family, this week. I agree with Carol, regarding the “magic” Jillian seems to bring to people in just ONE week. Since she is big on “jump starts” (aka supplements) and who knows what we DON’T know, I am guessing there are some tricks in her bag that we just don’t see on TV. This week the mom lost 74 pounds in 8 weeks. Carol, I understand the frustration. I also agree that just KNOWING is not enough. Most of us that haven’t just come out from under a rock, know what to do to lose weight. IT IS THE DOING IT THAT IS SO CHALLENGING! It’s the “stick-to-it-ness” that is such a struggle for most of us. Again, I feel that having a “carrot” at the end (on Losing It I think one of those carrots is clearly a fat check!) is the surest way to reach any goal. We need to dig really deep and find our own carrots.
Time to take Blaze out for our Thursday morning walk where he always plays the trainer. It’s the day he decides which way and how far we are going. He knows it and he loves it. I love it, too, because he always pushes me harder than I push him. Looking to lose some weight and get physically fit? Turn to your dog or borrow one! They are THE most faithful training partners a person can have as they NEVER want to opt out.
Have a happy day. Since it is Thursday, I always use this day to take the liberty of gently nudging you all to add a little more plant food in place of the alternative. Your body will thank you and so will the world around you. Never forget we are ALL connected. Be happy and spread the kindness. Much love…
I loved the little story about Blaze’s new romantic interest. Yes…..it is amazing how animals can get that little bounce in their step and twinkle in their eye when they are “smitten.” Blaze, definitely, sounds like he is in love!!
I just wanted everyone out there to know how “on target” Bonni is with her “cool down” stretches. I went to my first physical therapy session today and what did the therapist have me perform???? Pulling your bent legs to the chest, “the bridge” and side to side rotations….everything that Bonni does in our workouts. So………cheers to Bonni……..you are totally amazing!!
Enjoy your family night.oxoxoxoxox
Rita…i was tempted to delete the last part of your message…i have done that with others—i appreciate but really dont want “kudos” — it’s just part of what i do—
the reason i didnt delete it is because people NEED to understand how important stretching is as part of their overall WELLNESS! be extra careful with the bridge…when my back is bothering me, that sometimes makes it worse….you want to keep things from getting stiff, but at the same time you want to be extra gentle with the back going into that position—the side to side with knees stretch is one of the single best ones i know for getting some pressure off the sciatic nerve…sometimes finding which side feels better and just staying there for a long time is the best relief there is……..
By the way…..Dr. Oz has stated, many times, the importance of daily stretching (and meditating). He is my hero!!
That is just so sweet that Blaze has met someone special. The little puppy next door is very lucky to have a neighbor like your bigreddog.
The bag of peas trick is very time appropriate for me – I forgot to put my icepack in the freezer last night!
Rita – Good luck with your therapy.
PT certainly helped me a lot last year and I’ve started doing the stretching exercises my Ortho suggested on my broken arm.
Happy VFT all !
Congrats teacher! Love your website and blogs! Great writing; it has “Bonni” all over it. It flows smoothly with your sense of peace and your knowledge of fitness. It’s like we are chatting at the Gym. What a privilege to read everything, but “Puppy Love” won my heart! Congrats also on the 30th…and keep counting! Love ya
Sylna xoxoxo