University of California, San Francisco has a program, "UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public", with lectures available online. Knowing it's not some fly-by-night institution, but rather a solid school, I figured I'd check it out. It's eye-opening in areas, for sure, and in some cases absolutely fascinating (to me, at least). The latest lecture that really caught my attention was by Dr. Robert Lustig, professor of Pediatrics in Endocrinology, on the subject of Sugar. I'll warn you, it's somewhat lengthy (an hour and a half), but interesting, especially if you've had issues with diabetes (Type 2) and/or weight loss.
I'm not one to follow the latest fads, and consider as many (reputable) sources as possible. I don't follow a single be-all, end-all diet. I've been trying to eat foods as whole as possible for several years now, though strictness levels have varied. This does provide much more incentive to keep up what I've been doing in more recent months and maybe even step it up a bit. Of course, I'm far from perfect, but I like to think I'm pretty strong-willed. By no means have I eliminated fructose from my diet, nor am I completely demonizing a single factor. I eat a lot of whole fruits, especially when in season, but this is definitely incentive to think twice about HFCS and other fructose additives. Thankfully, I don't eat a ton of agave nectar (I use it sparingly), but in thinking about it, it's pretty concentrated fructose, as well. I may use even more moderation there and use more of a variety of sweeteners than that just being my "safe" go-to. I can tell I'll be spending some more time on NutritionData for a bit.
Showing posts with label recommendation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recommendation. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
With a Little Bit, With a Little Bit
I've had enough time with my Fitbit now to really properly review this handy little gadget.
Since I lost my last one to poor clipping on my waistband, I've been carrying it in my pocket throughout the day (when I have pockets). Surprisingly, it seems to pick up my steps just as accurately. I've done step counts in my head then verified against my Fitbit and they were spot on. Even in my pocket, since it's such a small, light device, I reach down several times a day to make sure it's still there.
Another positive is the silent encouragement and on-the-fly stats. There are several readouts on the small LED display, where you can view steps taken, miles accumulated and calories burned thus far (including just by breathing). One of the screens is a simple daisy. It grows and shrinks with movement and movement intensity. I love seeing how many leaves I can accumulate. Such a small thing, but I'll take any incentive I can get! I also have to wonder if the 11-leaf maximum is a Spinal Tap reference (another in the "plus" column).
I like their related support site, for the most part. This is where you manually log anything the Fitbit doesn't capture, as well as review the charts and graphs of what it does gather. It's easy to use and their food library grows as their user base does. Adding new food is also simple, and you have the option of just logging straight calories or add more in-depth nutritional info. You can save favorites for both food and activities, speeding up the process.
Keeping a sleep log has been very interesting. I like seeing my sleep patterns over time, as well as keeping an eye on nights where I seem to be particularly still or active. Having a long history of insomnia (which I tend to have more under control these days), it's nice to know. Also, in dealing with chronic pain, I get to see how that affects my slumber, as well.
My only real complaint about the site is in logging activities (other than walking/running, which are automatic). They do need to be entered manually, since it would be difficult for any one gadget to record multiple types of activity. That doesn't bother me in the least, but there isn't a Search function for activities (like there is for food). Their existing exercise list is limited, though slowly growing, and it can take some doing to guess under what category something like yoga would be listed (by the way, if you're looking on the site, it's with "stretching").
There are a few items on my "nice to have" list, though not deal breakers in the least. I love that I can keep everything in one place (foods, movement, weight), but would love to be able to export the data for other uses (such as perhaps sharing on my blog to avoid double duty).
So, for just the device itself, I give it an A+. Overall, though, when weighing the complete package, support site included, I give it an A-.
Since I lost my last one to poor clipping on my waistband, I've been carrying it in my pocket throughout the day (when I have pockets). Surprisingly, it seems to pick up my steps just as accurately. I've done step counts in my head then verified against my Fitbit and they were spot on. Even in my pocket, since it's such a small, light device, I reach down several times a day to make sure it's still there.
Another positive is the silent encouragement and on-the-fly stats. There are several readouts on the small LED display, where you can view steps taken, miles accumulated and calories burned thus far (including just by breathing). One of the screens is a simple daisy. It grows and shrinks with movement and movement intensity. I love seeing how many leaves I can accumulate. Such a small thing, but I'll take any incentive I can get! I also have to wonder if the 11-leaf maximum is a Spinal Tap reference (another in the "plus" column).
I like their related support site, for the most part. This is where you manually log anything the Fitbit doesn't capture, as well as review the charts and graphs of what it does gather. It's easy to use and their food library grows as their user base does. Adding new food is also simple, and you have the option of just logging straight calories or add more in-depth nutritional info. You can save favorites for both food and activities, speeding up the process.
Keeping a sleep log has been very interesting. I like seeing my sleep patterns over time, as well as keeping an eye on nights where I seem to be particularly still or active. Having a long history of insomnia (which I tend to have more under control these days), it's nice to know. Also, in dealing with chronic pain, I get to see how that affects my slumber, as well.
My only real complaint about the site is in logging activities (other than walking/running, which are automatic). They do need to be entered manually, since it would be difficult for any one gadget to record multiple types of activity. That doesn't bother me in the least, but there isn't a Search function for activities (like there is for food). Their existing exercise list is limited, though slowly growing, and it can take some doing to guess under what category something like yoga would be listed (by the way, if you're looking on the site, it's with "stretching").
There are a few items on my "nice to have" list, though not deal breakers in the least. I love that I can keep everything in one place (foods, movement, weight), but would love to be able to export the data for other uses (such as perhaps sharing on my blog to avoid double duty).
So, for just the device itself, I give it an A+. Overall, though, when weighing the complete package, support site included, I give it an A-.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Fitbit!
I finally got my Fitbit in the mail today! This is my second one, having lost my first one down a subway grate less than a week after receiving it, so I've been anxiously awaiting the new one. Apparently, there were some production issues along the way, so it's taken 4 months. Anyway, I've got it now and will do my best to hang on to this one.
Ironically, today wasn't especially active. I did some cleaning and laundry, but didn't get in very much of a walk (which was while my Fitbit was charging, so I didn't even have it with me).
My cold is still hanging on, which wasn't especially convenient for an evening at the theatre. Thankfully, there were enough applause breaks during which I could cough.
Ironically, today wasn't especially active. I did some cleaning and laundry, but didn't get in very much of a walk (which was while my Fitbit was charging, so I didn't even have it with me).
My cold is still hanging on, which wasn't especially convenient for an evening at the theatre. Thankfully, there were enough applause breaks during which I could cough.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Storage
\Before I get started with the first meal of the day, I'd like to give a shout out to this neat container I found at The Container Store. It's not only a way to store your cereal (or other dry goods) for optimal freshness, but it has a nifty 1-cup top in which to pour the cereal. No-fuss portioning.
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