Food for Thought: Don't Feed Negative Emotions

I believe that things happen in life for a reason. The people we meet, the experiences we have, the books we read, they all teach us something, if we're willing to pause and take notice.

While on vacation, I finished reading a book that had a tremendous effect on me: "Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears," by Pema Chodron, the American Buddhist nun and spiritual teacher.

Each of the 10 chapters was a poignant lesson for me, and I can and will write more about how these simple yet profound words affected me. This book was exactly what I needed to read at exactly the appropriate time. Today, I want to share with you a quick lesson that has been infinitely useful to me even in the few days since I read it.

Citing Jill Bolte Taylor's "My Stroke of Insight" (another excellent read), Chodron says:

"A person does something that brings up unwanted feelings, and what happens? Do we open or close? Usually we involuntarily shut down, yet without a storyline to escalate our discomfort we still have easy access to our genuine heart. Right at this point we can recognize that we are closing, allow a gap, and leave room for change to happen. In Jill Bolte Taylor's book 'My Stroke of Insight,' she points to scientific evidence showing that the life span of any particular emotion is only one and a half minutes. After that we have to revive the emotions and get it going again.

Our usual process is that we automatically do revive it by feeding it with an internal conversation about how another person is the source of our discomfort. Maybe we strike out at them or at someone else--all because we don't want to go near the unpleasantness of what we're feeling."

Meet Elle, An Author Who Rewrote Her Dreams with SparkPeople

When Chris "SparkGuy" Downie founded SparkPeople 10 years ago, weight loss wasn't the only thing on his mind. He wanted to help people be healthier, sure, but he also wanted to show them that setting small goals en route to larger ones could help them achieve success in all areas of their lives.

SparkPeople grew into the country's largest diet website and helped millions become healthier along the way. But most of you didn't stop there, including Elle Newmark, whom you'll meet today.

As Chris wrote in his NYT best-selling book, "The Spark":

"At the convention, I also met Elle Newmark, the member who landed a major book deal as part of her SparkPeople adventure and embarked on an exciting trip to Italy, the setting of her book. But she didn’t stop there, as she told us:

I just spent a month in India, researching my next book. That little hill in California near my home is laughable compared to the Himalayas where life is entirely vertical. I spent almost two weeks at altitudes between 6,000 and 8,000, and was able to see and do everything. This enhanced physical ability creates a sense of well-being, self-sufficiency, and plain old power that is priceless. I am 62 years old and I feel like the world is mine for the taking. I can go places and do things that would have been unthinkable 3 years ago. My SparkPeople experience wasn’t a dream come true, I never even dreamed this. All that happened to me was beyond what I ever dreamed."

That second book, "The Sandalwood Tree," has been published, and we're thrilled that Elle has been able to achieve such success. She took some time recently to answer some questions via email. As a fellow writer, I was truly inspired by her tale. I hope you will be too. She is as eloquent in email as she is in her prose, so I urge you to keep reading!

Inspire Active and Healthy Living: Together Counts!

This is a sponsored post from Together Counts, a group we're thrilled to have as a partner! As part of our collaboration, they set me up with WNBA star Marie Ferdinand-Harris, now with the Phoenix Mercury. Marie is such an inspiration! Raised in a single-parent household, she credits basketball for teaching her many valuable life lessons, including the importance of eating right and staying healthy. Now married with a young son, she is passing along those healthy habits, and helping others along the way. During the years she was with the San Antonio Silver Stars, she was quite active in making that city--one of the nation's heaviest--a healthier one. (More on that in my interview with Marie, below.) That's why she partnered with Together Counts, because she knows what a difference one person, one family, and even one meal can make. Keep reading to learn more about Marie, but first, some more info on Together Counts:

Together Counts is a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living. The principle behind our program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn. Calories in, calories out. It’s that simple. Together Counts was started by The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a CEO–led organization, that is a national, multi-year effort designed to help reduce obesity–especially childhood obesity–by 2015.

It’s a first-of-its kind coalition that brings together more than 160 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional sports organizations.

The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation promotes ways to help people achieve a healthy weight through energy balance–calories in and calories out. It focuses on three critical areas–the marketplace, the workplace and schools.

Proposed Guidelines for Marketing Food to Kids: What Do You Think?

Last month the US government released new guidelines that crack down on how the food industry can market products to children. The new, voluntary guidelines ask for healthier alternatives to be touted, while halting marketing of sugary cereals and other unhealthy snacks. If instituted, the guidelines would be phased in over five years. They are meant to encourage parents' efforts to get kids to eat better, rather than undermine them by promoting unhealthy foods.

What this could mean is no more Count Chocula, Toucan Sam or Tony the Tiger--if food companies voluntarily follow the guidelines--and no more advertising junk foods to kids unless companies reduce the amount of unhealthy ingredients.

So just what are they recommending? Good question. Let's take a look at the recommendations:

VIDEO: SparkPeople Medical Expert Birdie on Oprah's Weight-Loss Show

Yesterday we told you that a SparkPeople member was going to be featured on "Oprah." Did you watch Birdie (DR_BIRDIE) on Oprah's weight-loss episode yesterday? If you didn't, or if you want to watch again, here's your chance. Birdie told Oprah all about her 144-pound weight loss, breaking through a plateau, and more.

Watch SparkPeople Medical Expert Birdie on Oprah's Weight Loss Show Today!

After losing more than 140 pounds, SparkPeople member (and resident medical expert) Birdie Varnedore appeared in People magazine in a size-8 bikini, then on "Good Morning, America." The mom of five from Florida was also featured in Chris "SparkGuy" Downie's New York Times best-selling first book, "The Spark."

What motivated this busy mom and doctor to lose the weight? Birdie wanted to live a long and healthy life for her five children, and so did her husband, Nick, who lost 115 pounds on SparkPeople. A neurologist, she has referred hundreds of patients to SparkPeople and spreads the Spark whenever she can. We're thrilled that she has another opportunity to share her story with others.

Today, she's appearing on Oprah's Ultimate Weight Loss Finale. (If you watch closely, you can see a before photo and after video of Birdie in the promo video!)

Birdie (DR_BIRDIE) tells us that she delves into the personal side of weight loss, so we're certain that this is a can't-miss show. Check local listings for time and channels.

Meet Anne and Bob, Our BIGGEST Success Story Ever

I'm proud of each and every SparkPeople member, and I'm thrilled each time we're mentioned in the press. However, a recent SparkPeople Success Story, which is featured in the current issue of Woman's Day magazine (on sale now--go get it!), is especially touching for me to see.

Anne (MIAMIA7) and her husband Bob (BOBBYD31) are very special to me. In addition to having lost more than 140 pounds (combined) using SparkPeople, they're among the first members I met in real life. Bob ran alongside me as I finished my first 5K, and Anne was there (with Nancy) with hugs and praise after I crossed the finish line. They spoke at the SparkPeople Convention in Cincinnati, and I got to know them later that night, when some members and employees hung out after dinner. They are two of SparkPeople's biggest supporters, and they give just as much as they get from the site. They've each provided tremendous support to me personally, and I'm not alone. They are kind and generous with all they meet on SparkPeople. They truly are inspiring--and incredibly humble.

I don't want to share too many details of their story (pick up a copy of Woman's Day to learn more), but I did want to highlight their success here on the dailySpark. I asked them to share with us what it was like to be featured in a major magazine, and their best tips and tricks for succeeding using SparkPeople. It's only fitting that Woman's Day devoted a whopping FOUR pages to this amazing couple!



dailySpark: What was it like to see yourselves in Woman's Day?

Bob:That was pretty cool, but really we are no different than anybody else, we just got lucky and they liked our story.

Anne:Quite exciting! We had no idea how large the feature would be and were quite surprised with it! We are hoping it helps others to change their lives toward a healthier living.

Yoga Stretches for the Feet and Ankles

In January, I started teaching a new yoga class. Many of my students are athletes, particularly runners and cyclists. My boyfriend, who co-founded a local competitive cycling team, is also a yoga teacher, and the two of us firmly believe that athletes should integrate yoga into their fitness routine. When I teach yoga classes for runners, I like to focus on the hips and hamstrings, which tend to be tight for runners. We also work on building strength. For cyclists, who spend a great deal of time leaning over the handlebars, we also focus on opening the chest and shoulders, undoing all those hours of being hunched over. Both groups of athletes rely on their feet and ankles to perform, but these areas of the body are often overlooked when it comes to stretching. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite stretches for the feet and ankles. Add these to your post-workout repertoire. These stretches can feel quite intense at first, and that's normal. Take your time, use props when needed, and remember to BREATHE!

Confession: I Didn't Run a Marathon

Early this year, I shared a goal with you: I would run my first marathon on May 1.

Guess what? I didn't run it.

My training went well until I hit the double digits. I read up about marathon training, selected a plan for beginners and rose early several mornings a week to run. I did everything right, or so I thought.

I struggled to keep myself hydrated and fed properly while dealing with stomach issues on long runs. I fell 10 miles in to a 15-mile run, scraping and bruising my knees. I bonked during my 16-mile run, which is when I talked to Nancy about fueling and pace. (I was running too fast to sustain my pace over long distances, and I wasn't eating enough during my runs.)

I rebounded, had a wonderful 15-mile run, followed by a half-marathon in D.C. There, I pulled my hamstring and couldn't walk properly for three days. A sharp pain in my left tibia, which had been diagnosed a year ago as tendonosis, returned and worsened. After a few days of rest, in the midst of moving, I caught a sinus infection, which left me unable to run for a week. When I finally got back out there, my leg wasn't fully healed.

That day, as I hobbled home, I made the decision to drop from the full to the half marathon, and later, to defer my entry until next year. Friends who had also run marathons encouraged me through the tough times. One said she had only run as far as 16 miles before race day; another said he couldn't walk up stairs for two weeks after his first marathon.

Truth be told, I still could have run, but I likely wouldn't feel great today. There will always be another race, and I am accountable only to myself.

Enter to Win 1 of 5 Copies of 'Tired and Wired'

Today we're giving away five copies of a fascinating new book: Are You Tired and Wired?

We featured this book in our "must-read" roundup earlier this month, and we were thrilled when the author offered to give away five copies of the book to lucky readers.

About the book:
There is an epidemic of fatigue running rampant in our society. Every morning, hundreds of thousands of women wake up to find themselves exhausted, overwhelmed, and overstressed. Groggily turning off the alarm, they reach for coffee, soda, or some other promise of energy. They suffer through the day—irritable, on edge, forgetful, depressed, and craving sweets. And then, at night, they have trouble sleeping. Diet and exercise don’t seem to change things—if they even have the energy to follow these programs. So what on earth is going on?

What We're Reading This Month

Are You Tired and Wired? Your Proven 30-Day Program for Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue and Feeling Fantastic Again by Marcelle Pick MSN OB/GYN NP

Co-founder of Women to Women—one of the first clinics in the country devoted to providing health care for women by women—and the author of The Core Balance Diet, Pick focuses on the root cause of these symptoms: adrenal dysfunction. (Psst... we're giving away five copies of this book on Friday evening.)

10 Yoga Poses to Strengthen and Stretch

This series of yoga poses will help you open your hips, stretch your hamstrings and energize your body. Designed for someone with a basic knowledge of yoga, use these poses to strengthen and lengthen.

You'll need a yoga mat for this practice, along with a block, if you use one. The photos here show the sequence on the left side of the body. Hold each pose for at least five breaths, and repeat on the other side.

Be sure to warm up, either with some cardio or a few sun salutations.

Before you begin, remember these precautions:

• Do not start a yoga routine or any other workout without clearance from your doctor.
   
• These poses are not suitable for pregnant women.
   
• Each pose should be done in a slow and controlled manner, without bouncing or forcing, which can cause your muscles to tighten, increasing your risk of injury. Stretch in a slow, steady motion to the point of “mild discomfort.” If you are stretching to the point of pain, you have stretched too far. Learn to "respect your edge"--never go beyond it.
   
• A breath is one full inhalation and one full exhalation through the nose. Hold each pose for five breaths, or longer if you'd like.

Our Exclusive Interview with Olympic Swimmer Natalie Coughlin

The dailySpark recently had the opportunity to ask Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin a few questions, thanks to the California Dried Plum Board.

Natalie Coughlin, who was the most decorated female athlete of both the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games, is currently training for the 2012 Summer Games, but she took some time to answer our questions:

dailySpark: How important is goal setting to your training? What is your proudest moment as an athlete?

Natalie Coughlin: Goal setting is one of the biggest components of training for the Olympics. Without goals, training has no direction. There's no one moment... I'm proud of my consistency and longevity in the sport.

dailySpark: When you have an “off” day when motivation seems to elude you, how do you push through it?

Natalie Coughlin: Knowing that I'm lucky enough to have one of the greatest jobs; being a professional athlete is a blessing.

My 7 Best Green Beauty Tips

When I was younger, I loved makeup. I had eyeshadows in every color, dozens of bottles of nail polish, and an overflowing toiletries case. These days, I am trying to accumulate less stuff in this life, and I also pay more attention what's in the products I put on my skin and in my body. Plus, I just don't like wearing makeup and painting my nails as much as I once did.

With Earth Day just around the corner, I thought I would share my favorite green beauty tips with you!

My skin is very forgiving, and I have been able to switch to more natural, vegetable-based soaps instead of fancy face wash. (I love the tea tree oil and peppermint soap from Orange Fuzz.)

Baking soda: Mix a pinch into your face wash or soap and scrub away. It's quite gentle and leaves my skin feeling great.

Win 1 of 10 Camelbak Groove Bottles

The winners are: JEFFB62, CBONARRIGO, NANCYBRUMIT, BARBARAJ73, JANETJ, JDKJ49, PLMING, ACHIEVECHI, LOVEUNDERLINED, and APRILLSCOTT.



If you've spent any time at all on SparkPeople, you know that we like water. A lot. We drink upwards of 8 cups a day and encourage members to do the same. Water is an important of a healthy body--after all, our bodies are mostly water. (Read why we encourage people to drink up.)

So when Camelbak asked us to host a giveaway, we said yes! During long or hot runs, my Camelbak is my best friend. I can store my keys, ID, and cash in the convenient packet, and I don't have to worry about dehydration.

In addition to their super-cool water "backpacks," Camelbak has a new product: a reusable BPA-free water bottle with a built-in filter. The Groove, which costs $25, is, well, GROOVY! We love it!