05/15/11- Paula's Eating/Exercise Journal : Sunday

Pain relievers can be God-sent when your muscles are sore, or if you have  headaches or arthritis, but there are risks. 

Also known as NSAIDS, pain relievers can be taken too much, and too often, with negative side-effects.  According to the May issue of Consumer Reports on Health, a 2005 study found that one in four people took NSAIDS every day routinely or took more than the recommended dose.  This practice can cause kidney problems, stomach ulcers and bleeding.  Except for aspirin, NSAIDS can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, if taken regularly.

  Acetaminophen can be a reasonable alternative if you have acid reflux, ulcers, or stomach bleeding.  Unfortunately, some people just don’t find them as effective for pain as NSAIDS.  If you take NSAIDS occasionally, they should not be a problem.

The Consumer Reports, May issue, evaluated 8 types of prescription NSAIDS based on generic availability, comments on side effects and cost per month.  There two ‘best buy’ choices were for the over-the-counter Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and Naprelan).  http://www.cincinnati.md/oh/cincinnati/topic-tv8531/NSAIDS/nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drugs_nsaids .

With NSAIDS, they recommend that you start with generic ibuprofen and see what works for you.  But, really, be careful and see what works for you.  Don’t exceed the recommended doses and don’t take over a long period of time without meeting with your doctor. Go to the home page for doctor’s names in your area.

Sunday 05/15/11 Workout Diary:

Spinning tape- 55 minutes

Sunday 05/15/11 Food Diary:

Breakfast-

1 cup egg whites, with spinach, asparagus- (135 cal.)

Ezekial bread toast (2), butter flavored spray( 160 cal.)

A.M. Snack-

protein shake (125 cal.)

Lunch-(restaurant)

Portello burger with no top bun,  tomato, lettuce- (300 cal.)

Salad bar- spinach, garbanzo beans, beets, zucchini, sunflower seeds, carrots, oil/vinegar (2 tbls)( 250 cal.)

P.M. Snack-

12 almonds, roasted, no salt ( 125 cal.)

Dinner-

3 ozbeef pot roast, caroots, onion, garlic (250 cal.)

1/2 cup brocolli (22 cal.)

1 cup whole wheat rotini, mushrooms, brocolli, onion, garlic, balsamic glaze ( 210 cal.)

Dessert-

1/2 cup raspberries, 1/8 cup high fiberbreakfast cereal, 8 oz 0% Greek  yogurt (147 cal.)

Homemade popcorn ( 90 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES- 1694