So, here's my theory

Waist measurement is down one inch!!  I am starting to feel thinner and certainly feel much healthier.  My daughter came over this week to go on a bike ride with me;  she hadn't seen me for a few months and her first exclamation was, "Are you losing weight??"  Finally, someone's noticed.

Two weeks ago I was over at a friend's place who has a blood pressure cuff.  Around Christmas I had her take my BP;  it was high.  My last medical also showed that the BP was high normal.  I was quite concerned because I have always had very low blood pressure and also a slow heart rate.  The aviation doctor suggested that perhaps I should see my family doctor and maybe he would start me on some kind of medication.  NO WAY!!  I asked about alternatives and he suggested that exercise be completed daily, just like a prescription.  His 'prescription' was one of the final catalysts for my decision to live in a smaller (healthier) body and thus, this blog.  Thank you Dr. Willowby!  A few weeks ago at my friend's place we did our BP readings.  Hers was as normal for her, mine.... she tried 3 times.  "I think you're dead!", she said.  "Your BP is so low it practically doesn't register!".  Maybe???  Just maybe, my health has taken a turn for the better.

The real test is in 7 days - the official 6 month medical.  I'll have a weight, and a blood pressure reading to post.

So here's my off-the-wall theory...  If  you're into weight loss solutions you've more than likely read that shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is recommended.  The perimeter of the store provides the healthiest food choices.  Closer to the heart of the retail space you find more processed foods.  It makes sense for efficiency in the store to stock fresh produce and items with frequent expiry dates around the perimeter so staff can easily access.  Items on the perimeter usually require more time to prepare.  Items on the internal shelves are often quick options and are usually heavily packaged.  For example, canned carrots - open, heat, eat;  outer ailse - remove greens, wash, chop, boil, eat.  First option you end up with a can to dispose of, second option - compost.  The first option usually contains high levels of salt or worse, sugar, the second, just nature's fare.  Without going on too much, I am sure you catch my drift, in that getting back to preparing and eating foods that have the least amount of processing the better.

I'm taking this theory one step further.  Suppose your goal is solely to reduce your personal carbon footprint, to be a caretaker of our planet.  Here are some of the things you may change:
1.  Grocery shop for items with little or NO packaging.  Make it your mission as you choose that what doesn't go in your stomach will go into  compost bin, or an accepted recycling program.
2.  Walk, ride a bike instead of driving a car for shorter missions.  Find shopping locations close to you that will allow you to do this.  Or, if not possible... plan your little missions to all happen at once to save time and fuel... don't just fire up the car on a whim... plan plan.
3.   Choose any option that uses human power.  Here are some examples:  take the stairs, walk over to see someone rather than text, turn OFF the tv.
4.  Dig up some earth, plant a garden, weed, spend time and care for your fresh, flavourful, sunripened bounty!
My thinking is when you prioritize reducing your carbon footprint you will naturally reduce eating unhealthy foods that pack on the pounds, you will increase energy spent, and being closer to nature, you will reduce stress as well.

This ah ha moment came to me when our city changed its garbage/recycling program plus they started charging for taking away trash that isn't recyclable.  The city is allowing us to recycle more items.  Also, we have a local area where we can dump our garden and kitchen compost items.  I noticed that I only put out garbage maybe once every two months, but I recycle more because of my purchasing choices.

Without going on forever, I found that when you concentrate on reducing your carbon footprint, you will eat healthier, reduce the glycemic index of the food you eat, reduce sugar and salt intake, increase exercise which will reduce risk of chronic desease.