As If There Aren't Enough Reasons...

*Sigh*

As if there weren't enough reasons already to lose weight, I have now read about another one.
I started getting Weight Watchers magazine, and as I was flipping through and reading, I found an article about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Guess what?! Being overweight can exacerbate CTS.

Here's what the magazine article says:

A strong link between excess pounds and the onset of CTS was found in a review of several studies. CTS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing burning, tingling, or numbness in the fingers and hand or pain radiating from the wrist. The weight link is probably due to the anatomy of the carpal tunnel, a tight space in the wrist that houses the median nerve and nine tendons. "If extra fluid or tissue, such as fat, is added to this space, the pressure is increased and the nerve may be compressed," explains David M. Rempel, M.D., a professor of occupational medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

Prevention Pointers Suggested:

Go easy - Grasping objects - such as pens or tools - tightly can increase pressure on the carpal tunnel nerve.

Break it up - Take frequent breaks and switch activities regularly (go from typing to filing for example)

Watch your form - Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down when typing or using hand tools.

Act fast - Suspect CTS? See a physician - the sooner you're treated, the better your chances of avoiding extreme measures, like surgery.

Ugh! So, I'll chalk this on my list of yet another reason to drop my weight. I hope a lot of these are inspiring others to shed their excess pounds as well!

Chinese Food.....

Okay, I did it. I ate chinese food tonight. However, I chose a healthier dish than I would normally order. I usually get General's or Sesame chicken. Tonight? Chicken with garlic sauce. Yum :) It wasn't deep fat fried, and wasn't coated in some fattening sauce... it was refreshingly delicious! And, since I had so many points left for today... I cheated :) I ate a couple of the crab ragoons! So delicious :)

But you know what, I was proud of myself. I'm not good at trying new things. I like sticking with things that I know I'll like. I have anxiety over having to try something completely new... it makes me nervous! So... it was a REALLY big step for me to try that tonight :) Go me!

Maybe next time I'll get adventurous and try something else ;)

Ranch Dressing

Who doesn't love ranch dressing? Who doesn't love dipping EVERYTHING in it? I know I do. A LOT. Ranch dressing and I have had a wonderful love affair, and unfortunately, I think it's got a heavy hand in why I've gained so much weight in the last few years. Which is sad. It's so good!

So, I was incredibly thankful when my mother reminded me that we had a Weight Watchers point friendly recipe for it! I was so excited :) I went right for the recipes, and discovered that we actually have 2. So, if you have an aversion towards one, you might find the other appealing! I'm going to share both with you, and hope you all find a new love with one of these :)

1-Point Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

*2 cups buttermilk
*1 Tablespoon light mayo
*1 Packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Flavor

Mix together, and voila!

1/2 cup = 1 point


Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

*1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Flavor
*1/4 cup Hellman's Light Mayonnaise
*3/4 cup Kraft Fat Free Mayonnaise

Mix together, and serve.

4 Tablespoons = 1 point

Weekend Success

Well, I had a great weekend. My food choices were great (other than the few Hershey's Kisses I had this afternoon lol), I was more active than usual, and my water intake was wonderful. I'm telling you... I feel like a new person :)

Thank you to those of you who decided to take a quick peek at my blog. I'll try to keep it as interesting as possible for you ;)

Anyway, I want to go back to Oprah's magazine. For those of you who have never picked one up, the sections she does on weight, beauty, health, etc. are wonderful. And who doesn't get hooked on Dr. Oz and what he has to say? I know I do! He's always got so many insightful things to say, and so with that being said, I'll leave you with an article that was published in this month's magazine. Hopefully it'll leave you with a short list of helpful tips!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and I look forward to starting yet another successful week! :)

Dr. Oz's 5 Secrets of "Waist Loss"