A recent study looked at subjects on the weight-loss drug, orlistat, coupled with a low-fat diet, and others on a low-carb diet. While both lost 10% of their body fat after a year, the low-carb diet folks also lowered their blood pressure (BP) significantly compared to the other group. This study was recently published in The Archives of Internal Medicine. Carbs from fruits and veges and whole grains were included, but refined carbs like white breads and pastas, white rice, and simple sugars of all types. The nugget to take from this: a low-carb diet trumps drugs once again, and, you can still enjoy a little of the good fats in life-yeah…..
Tomorrow I am going to mountain bike with my son, Alexander. The desert is so beautiful now, with all the rain we got last week. The mountains, usually brown, look like Ireland. Mountain biking is one of my favorite things to do, especially with my son-we get such little time together this time of year as my business is booming. I am so glad that I stay in shape with my exercise routine, because this year I have passed the baton to Alex. In years past, when we biked, Alex would always lag behind. Several times during our ride, I would hear, “Wait up Dad.” But no longer. Now it is I who say that. However, if I didn’t have exercise in my life, I wouldn’t be able to ride with him at all. The point is, exercise enables me to keep doing the things in life that I love to do, period. The next time you are struggling with staying the course, remember that.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.