Month: March 2024

Getting Set ~ A Poem by Grantland Rice

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Getting Set

Grantland Rice

WHEN morning brings the end of sleep
I say, “This is my toughest day
I’ll find the shadows dark and deep,
With raw Fate on the right of way
So when Misfortune stops and hails
I do not meet him with a curse ;
I’m propped against the roughest gales,
Since I had figured something worse,

I underwrite the loudest crash
That may befall the erring soul,
And if by chance things go to smash,
I’ve been in training for the role.
But if my path escapes the muck
And I come on a kinder fate,
Or get an even break in luck
I say, “What, ho i But this is great !”

It’s all in how the mind is set,
And so it’s well enough to know
Most days are rainy, dark and wet
Or wind-swept, with a hint of snow;
And if by chance the sun breaks through
To dance among the fading vines
From just one narrow slit of blue,
It’s all the brighter when it shines.

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Today’s Inspiring Quote: Want a Rainbow?

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If you want rainbow, you have to deal with the rain. ~ Augustus

Get Healthy: Are Red Meat and a Healthy Diet Incompatible?

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Incorporating red meat into a diet while managing cholesterol levels can be done cautiously, focusing on lean cuts and moderation. While red meats are often higher in saturated fats, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, choosing the right types and amounts can complement a heart-healthy diet. Here are some options and tips for including red meat in a way that aligns with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels:

  1. Choose Lean Cuts: Opt for lean cuts of red meat, which contain less saturated fat. Look for terms like “loin” or “round” in the name, such as sirloin or eye of round beef. Trimming any visible fat before cooking can also reduce fat intake.
  2. Limit Portions: The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 5 to 6 ounces of cooked meat (from all sources, not just red meat) per day. Keeping portion sizes in check can help manage saturated fat intake.
  3. Grass-Fed Options: Grass-fed beef is often higher in omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef, which can be beneficial for heart health. While it still contains saturated fat, choosing grass-fed beef can offer a healthier fat profile.
  4. Preparation Matters: How you prepare red meat can affect its healthfulness. Grilling, broiling, roasting, or baking meat without adding extra fat are healthier cooking methods. Avoid frying or cooking meat with excessive amounts of butter or oil.
  5. Balance with Plant-Based Foods: Complement red meat dishes with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Including these high-fiber foods in your meals can help manage cholesterol levels by binding cholesterol in the digestive system and preventing its absorption.
  6. Frequency of Consumption: Incorporating red meat into your diet doesn’t mean it needs to be on the menu every day. Aim to have red meat occasionally, balancing your diet with poultry (without the skin), fish, especially fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein sources.
  7. Watch for Processed Meats: Limit intake of processed meats like sausages, bacon, and deli meats, as they are often high in saturated fats and sodium, which are not conducive to a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Remember, the key to a cholesterol-friendly diet is balance and moderation. Including a variety of protein sources in your diet, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, and paying attention to portion sizes can help you manage cholesterol levels while still enjoying red meat occasionally. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to tailor dietary choices to your specific health needs and goals.

Source: ChatGPT

Today’s Joke: Joe’s Buddy Died

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Joe: “My friend Mike died and they dug a grave a 100 feet deep for him.”

Pete: “Why dig a grave so deep?”

Joe: “His wife said, deep down, he was a good guy.”

Today’s Thought: Turn Your Attention from the Past

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Don’t stumble over something behind you. ~ Seneca the Younger

NOTE: Dwelling on past hurts gets one nowhere. Dwelling on what used to be gets one nowhere. Dwelling on what could have been is another time waster. Time spent dwelling on the past detracts from living and enjoying the present moment. When we adhere to the myth, “It’s the way we’ve always done it,” we’re adhering to the past, refusing to consider newer and more effective options. Don’t get hung up on the past. It’s over. Life is lived now. Do what is important today so tomorrow will be even better than today.

It’s Time to Exercise Your Brain – Take the Anagram Challenge  

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Today’s mind sharpening anagram is a two or three word phrase. Can you unscramble the anagram to discover the two or three word phrase? It’s time to exercise your brain! 

Today’s Anagram:  

QUIZ START

Today’s Inspiring Quote: Focus On What You Can Control

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You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. ~ Marcus Aurelius

In The Beginning ~ A Poem by Dylan Thomas

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In The Beginning

Dylan Thomas

In the beginning was the three-pointed star,
One smile of light across the empty face,
One bough of bone across the rooting air,
The substance forked that marrowed the first sun,
And, burning ciphers on the round of space,
Heaven and hell mixed as they spun.

In the beginning was the pale signature,
Three-syllabled and starry as the smile,
And after came the imprints on the water,
Stamp of the minted face upon the moon;
The blood that touched the crosstree and the grail
Touched the first cloud and left a sign.

In the beginning was the mounting fire
That set alight the weathers from a spark,
A three-eyed, red-eyed spark, blunt as a flower,
Life rose and spouted from the rolling seas,
Burst in the roots, pumped from the earth and rock
The secret oils that drive the grass.

In the beginning was the word, the word
That from the solid bases of the light
Abstracted all the letters of the void;
And from the cloudy bases of the breath
The word flowed up, translating to the heart
First characters of birth and death.

In the beginning was the secret brain.
The brain was celled and soldered in the thought
Before the pitch was forking to a sun;
Before the veins were shaking in their sieve,
Blood shot and scattered to the winds of light
The ribbed original of love.

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Get Healthy: 10 Tips to Help Reduce Belly Fat

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Reducing belly fat is a common goal for many people, as it’s not only a matter of appearance but also important for health reasons. Excess belly fat, particularly the visceral fat that surrounds your organs, can increase the risk of various health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Here are scientifically backed ways to reduce belly fat:

  1. Eat a High-Protein Diet: Protein is crucial for weight control because it helps you feel full and increases your metabolic rate after eating. Include lean meats, fish, dairy, eggs, and plant-based protein sources in your diet.
  2. Reduce Your Sugar Intake: High sugar intake is linked to increased abdominal fat. Try to minimize the amount of sugar in your diet and consider eliminating sugary drinks entirely.
  3. Increase Your Fiber Intake: Specifically, aim for high amounts of viscous fiber, which binds water and forms a thick gel that “sits” in the gut, slowing down the movement of food through your digestive system. This can lead to reduced appetite and a decreased calorie intake. Foods rich in this type of fiber include legumes, oat cereals, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, oranges, and flax seeds.
  4. Engage in Physical Activity: Aerobic exercises (cardio) are very effective at reducing belly fat. This includes activities like walking, running, swimming, and cycling. Strength training (lifting weights) can also be effective, as it builds muscle mass and increases metabolism.
  5. Reduce Carbohydrate Intake: Low-carb diets help reduce appetite, leading to weight loss. Studies show that people on low-carb diets lose more weight, and specifically more fat from the abdominal cavity.
  6. Avoid Trans Fats: Trans fats are created by pumping hydrogen into unsaturated fats, such as soybean oil, and are linked to inflammation, heart disease, insulin resistance, and abdominal fat gain. Read labels carefully and avoid products that contain trans fats.
  7. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can have health benefits in small amounts, but it’s seriously harmful if you drink too much. Research suggests too much alcohol can also make you gain belly fat.
  8. Manage Stress Levels: Stress can make you gain belly fat by triggering the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, known as the stress hormone. High cortisol levels increase appetite and drive abdominal fat storage. Consider practices like yoga or meditation to relieve stress.
  9. Get Plenty of Restful Sleep: Sleep is important for many aspects of your health, including weight. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep tend to gain more weight, which may include belly fat.
  10. Track Your Food Intake and Exercise: Most people know that what you eat is important, but many don’t know specifically what they’re eating. A food diary or an app can help you understand your eating habits and increase your awareness of the calories you’re consuming.

Remember, there’s no magic solution for weight loss. It requires a change in lifestyle habits over time. Combining these strategies can significantly help in reducing belly fat, improving your health, and enhancing your overall well-being.

Source: ChatGPT

Today’s Joke: Joe Gets a Lesson from His Girlfriend

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Joe: “My girlfriend is religious, she asked me what God said after he created man. I didn’t know.”

Pete: “What did she say?”

Joe: “She said, “God said, ‘I can do better,'”

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