Finding a Path to a Healthy Lifestyle
Finding the Right Path
About two weeks ago, I went to Hilton Head Health Institute (H3I) in South Carolina. After a 10 day stay, the sherpas at H3I had me on a path to a healthier way of living. At H3I, you spend a good portion of your day exercising. From aerobics to zumba, they have it all. I greatly enjoyed the cardio boxing and kayaking. When not exercising, you are in class learning about nutrition, stress management, fitness and health issues. There are no gimmicks here — straightforward advice on weight management, nutrition and living a healthier life.
Oh yes, you do get to eat. The quantity is cant (~1200 calories/day) but the quality is excellent. With 3 meals and 3 snacks a day, I rarely felt hungry, even after a full day of exercise.
While there, you live in a bubble. Your exercise, meals and much of your social activities are planned for you. Of course, you could go awol if you wanted but the impact would be diminished.
Making Friends
Though I was only there 10 days, I met some truly inspiring people. Nicki started blogging about her experience at H3I. I started commenting on her blog 8 Headed Hydra. I found I liked writing about food, fitness and seeing how others struggle with some of the same demons as I. So you can credit her with the existence of this blog.
I met some other great people there as well. People that I hope to see again, hopefully in a much slimmer form. Robert was a real inspiration. Every morning you could find him on the beach for 2 mile sunrise walk – even after he’d punished his legs the day before with 45 minutes of treading water.
Cooking and Eating
I love to cook.  Over the years my culinary skills have improved significantly. I do try to make original recipes and will try to include some of the more tasty experiments here. One thing I learned is not to be timid. There are nights when the dish went into the trash after one bite. Probably more times than I care to remember.
I love to eat. From fine dining at swanky places like Per Se to dives like Louis Lunch, I love good food. That’s an issue when you are trying to lose pounds, but it is something you have to learn to manage. I’m still learning.
Exercise
H3I re-ignited my passion for being outdoors. In the week since I returned, I’ve logged about 30 miles on my bike. Now that’s not a lot until you consider I probably only rode 10 miles over the past 6 months. I’m getting into the routine to start the day with a good ride.
huck on July 31st 2009 in Fitness, Recipes, Weight Loss
Nicki responded on 01 Aug 2009 at 3:17 pm #
I wish I liked to cook more, but the 3 small kids are a major distraction! Thank you for being my food guru, Jeff. You will inspire me to try and cook ever now and then. I need the encouragement.
huck responded on 03 Aug 2009 at 9:07 am #
I read a lot of cooking related items, and some do mention kids. One thing is to get the kids involved. Have them help you wash vegetables, measure ingredients, time things. They can even help you measure and plate the food. Now, I don’t have kids. Just passing on tips I see. The reality may be far different. My only challenge is keeping the cat off the counter.