Questions about SP food

[razzle]

Hi all! I've read the last half of SP now, think it is terrific, and still have a couple questions (Maybe I didn't read carefully enough or maybe she didn't address these ????)

How does Dr. P feel about:

Stevia?

Sparkling Water?

Vinegar? (She says olives are okay, so does that imply vinegar is?)

She says to exercise but not excessively, but I haven't yet seen a definition of what she'd consider excessive, except "listen to your body."

As I say, I love the book, and having accepted than I'm apparently not going to lose a whole lot more weight, I may well join your camp for maintenance (though it's not a huge switch from PPLP) but still avoid most grains.

[rosarugosa]

I have never read in her books anything precise on amount of exercise but I do know what she means by "listening to your body" thru experience. I have in my 'dieting ' history gone overboard on exercise and then either strained a muscle,stressed a joint, or just plain exhausted myself, to the point of not being able to engage in exercise until it healed. Taking two steps forward then two back~ going nowhere in other words.

Now I try to be consistent ~ I walk for about 30 minutes at least 5 days per wk. ( I have two dogs so this is a must) do light weights about 3 days , a 12 min ab. routine up to 4 days, and a beginners yoga or stretching when I can work it in for body alignment and stress reduction. It sounds time consuming in print but really is not long and very little time compared to the time spent in just 'vegging' watching tv, computer time, sitting in a car etc. I find it well worth the effort to fit it in consistently!

I think it is wise to try to follow suggestions I have heard elsewhere to park far away from destination in a parking lot, take the stairs when possible,I mow my small lawn with a reel type mower, walk small distances instead of driving, etc.

Concerning Stevia the Dr. sells it on her web site and mentions it in an interview that I posted and will 'bump' up the link so you can listen to it if you like.

I think with sparkling water it would depend on any added ingredients ~ does it have sugar or bad for you artificial sweeteners.

I do not know anything that would make vinegar an item to not use.

Keep us informed on how it goes for you.

I 'bumped' the post and edited this to give you the above mentioned link and Dr. S's web site in case you do not have it:

http://www.lauralee.com/archives/index.htm
scroll to her interview, there are others besides hers

http://www.schwarzbeinprinciple.com/

[razzle]

thank you so much, rosa. I know that it's a hassle to come back and put a bunch of links into a post, and I really appreciate your taking the time to do so. this is all excellent info. :)

[mmoranmic]

Hi Razzle,
I've read her book and like Atkins she never really suggests a set amount of exercise. She does have the table that outlines suggested daily carbohydrate consumption based on amount of activity. I like that and use it according to my activity level.
I think any amount of activity is great as long as it's done in moderation and carefully to allow the body to adjust. I've seen many people injured early on trying to do too much too soon.
One thing I learned from this forum is the importance of weight training. I finally do a small amount of weight training (dumbells only) and exercise and it really helps! I also learned to perform my aerobic activity on an EMPTY stomach! You wouldn't believe how many years I spent eating my little snack right before a run! I may as well have stayed in bed! Oh well, better late than never.
Take Care,
Maureen

[TheBetty]

Maureen, you are such an inspiration! I want some dumbells, too! And not just for doorstops, either. :lol

I am beginning to swim daily now that the weather is cooperating. I can do a few laps in a row, but then have to stop for air. ;)

I'm glad Dr. S doesn't focus on excercise. And I think I have naturally gravitated toward it anyway! Maybe she understands that this will happen to us and therefore doesn't feel the need to push it on us? Whatever the case, I feel myself becoming one of those "active" people I used to envy.

I'm also inspired by DebPenny's hike the other day! She went like 8 miles or more I think. WOW! Can you believe that?! I think it's just awesome.

You are all so wonderful to chat with and such an inspiration to me, really. Thank you.

On vinegars: I avoid the ones with sugar in them, like some balsalmic vinegars include sugar. Costco sells a giant bottle for a little of nothing, and there is no sugar in it. The best thing about balsalmic vinegar--in moderation--is that it lends a very sweet flavor to anything you use it on. Makes a WONDERFUL marinade, and makes a great BBQ sauce mixed with little tomato paste and spices.

Sparkling water with flavors/essences, NO SUGAR or ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: We drink it with dinner. Crystal Geyser have some great flavors, including very berry. Another good one is the black cherry from Calistoga. Trader Joes has the best price on the CG brand, 85 cents a large bottle. Otherwise, I think Costco may sell them, too, in the small bottles.

As for stevia or any other artificial sweetener (AS): I have never had the desire to use these. I eat a good variety of fresh fruit, rather than getting my carbs from potatoes or rice often. I opt for the "fancier" varieties of fruits, rather than the more ordinary apples, oranges and bananas. Berries are wonderfully sweet! Cantelope is a good one, too. cherries are in season now and extremely sweet! There are many ways to sweeten up your diet, other than AS. My suggestion (take it for what it's worth :lol:) is to avoid the AS altogether.

Hope this helps. Thanks for all your inspiration to ME! --Betty