ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Jacksons, That's All Folks! We're Ready, So Bring on Tomorrowhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/the-jacksons-thats-all-folks-were-ready-so-bring-on-tomorro/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/the-jacksons-thats-all-folks-were-ready-so-bring-on-tomorro/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/the-jacksons-thats-all-folks-were-ready-so-bring-on-tomorro/#commentsFiled under:

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I'm craving roasted-garlic hummus with toasted pita chips right now.

I mean, I really want some. Longing for pulverized garbanzo beans, lemon juice and various spices is a far cry from some of the more horrifically calorific foods I used to yearn for -- and later succumb to. Not too long ago I would have been wanting kettle-cooked barbecue potato chips, sweet tea, chocolate-chip cookies crumbled in natural vanilla bean ice cream, rib-eye steaks, pepperoni pizzas, double cheeseburgers, etc., etc., etc.

But eight months ago was then, and this is now.

My son, Jackson, and I are a better family, a better team and better people -- physically and emotionally -- for having taken on the Healthy Families Challenge.

The HFC promised to provide the experts who would volunteer their time and services to help us four families achieve our health and fitness goals; in turn, we agreed to document our journey through words and video. Back then, we Jacksons were game, but a bit unsure of what we'd really be able to pull off. At the very least, we said our main goals were to lose some weight (me), and gain some muscle (Jack).

Well, we both reached our goals and then some.

The numbers tell us we did well. Both Jack and I took turns last week sitting in the egg-shaped Bod Pod, which measured our body compositions. Housed in the University of Mississippi's Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, the machine confirmed my weight lost (a total of 20 pounds) and Jack's weight gain (17 pounds), but it also told us more: Both of us had indeed increased our lean muscle, meaning that, in my case, some of the weight that did not fall off had actually converted from unwanted fat to desired muscle mass.

jackson family picture

Eight months later, we've never felt better. Thank you, Healthy Families Challenge. Credit: Deidra Jackson

In addition, I learned that I improved my resting metabolic rate -- the percentage of calories that I burn at rest. In other words, I burn more calories now -- doing nothing -- than I did eight months ago. Blame it on the muscles I gained and the weight I lost slowly, which, in the end, helps speed metabolism. That keeps the fat off longer, the experts tell me. More important than BMI (which I did decrease by more than two points) or what you weigh is body composition.

Quite simply, mentally and physically, Jack and I feel better. Taking this journey together has been a tremendous test and a huge boost for us both. We won't look at rutabagas or Slim Jims, or approach cross-court lunges or parry-ripostes, in quite the same way again.

Today, without even having to think about it much, we both eat healthier, exercise more often than we used to, and think twice before we make certain food and drink selections.

Representing the South, I began this blog on Oct. 5, 2010, by writing, The last time I checked, Mississippi was still the fattest state in the nation .... Sadly, the same continues to be true. If a recent NPR news story is to be believed, "Mississippi is losing the war with obesity." If our home state is still losing this tough battle, it's not because people and influential forces in this state aren't trying. Turning these numbers around is going to take undoing a historical mindset that has lasted -- and has been claiming victims -- for generations.

We want to thank our phenomenal health and fitness experts who were so giving of their time and expertise in helping us reach our goals. They include:
* Jenn Hall, personal trainer, UM Department of Campus Recreation
* Emmy Parkes, instructor, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, UM Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management
* Melinda Valliant, UM assistant professor of nutrition
* Mary Amanda Haskins, certified health-education specialist, UM employee health program project coordinator
* Doc Matthews, Sean and Marguerite of the Oxford Fencers Club
* Dan O'Sullivan, Tai Chi instructor, UM

To Carole, Susan, Damon, Paige and the other talented HFC facilitators, you were quite literally our lifesavers. Thank you, forever.

Although we're saying our goodbyes, Jackson and I aren't nervous about tomorrow or the day after as we continue our journey. As a matter of fact, I'll be meeting Jenn tomorrow to resume my workouts. And I'll continue to chronicle our journey on my own website at http://www.deidrajackson.com. Please join me!

When it comes to our health, I think Jack and I will be more accountable to each other. Now, when we go out to eat, we've agreed that at any point necessary, one of us may randomly say, "...Healthy Families Challenge!" -- which is code for "Do you really think you should eat/drink that?" That usually means no luscious chocolate or cream-filled dessert for us, this time.

To our dear followers, including those of you who also are struggling with weight or routine fitness -- you've got this. Here's what I learned:

* I urge you to stay committed to a plan. If you fall, get back up, but don't give up.

* Keep healthy foods in your cupboards and refrigerator to avoid last-minute unhealthy runs to restaurants. Before you say there's nothing to eat at home, think about whether you can throw together something that's nutritionally better for you; keep that money in your wallet for something you really need.

* And, most importantly (if you can remember to do this, I will, too): Always love yourself even when you don't always feel passionate about whom you see in the mirror.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 31 May 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 33: Mother and Son, 2.0http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/24/the-jacksons-week-33-mother-and-son-2-0/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/24/the-jacksons-week-33-mother-and-son-2-0/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/24/the-jacksons-week-33-mother-and-son-2-0/#commentsFiled under:

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A Japanese steakhouse chef has a grilled egg to throw? Jackson's there to catch it. He enjoyed a friends' wild dinner birthday party at Kabuki' Sushi Bar and Steak House in Oxford, Miss. recently. Credit: Deidra Jackson

I like to tell people who see the new me that I'm an upgrade of my former self.

I've shed more than 20 pounds, shaved some 10 inches from my waist, minimized my dreadful body mass index (stay tuned for the new BMI next week!), and increased my stamina and strength. Thanks to the Healthy Families Challenge, all these landmarks were possible -- with a good measure of personal determination and commitment, along with the guidance of University of Mississippi health and fitness experts who volunteered their services to help Jackson and me reach our goals and improve our physical and mental wellness.

But as I've achieved some grand milestones, Jackson, my 12-year-old son, has undergone his own transformation.

It seems that when we began this journey last October, he was just 11, a child. Now, he'll be 13 in December. I may be a changed woman, but Jackson is a young man.

As he inches toward adolescence, I've stepped back and noticed how he's changed since we began this very public voyage. He's visibly taller (I've still got a couple of inches on him, though, as I like to remind him); his voice is significantly deeper (you can hear it for yourself; compare our older videos with our newer ones); and he's more mature.

My boy still needs his mom nearby for guidance, no doubt; but as I continue to take care of him and steer him along the right paths, he also leads me. We have thought-provoking discussions, and now they come with a real give-and-take.

I love that.

How is the Jackson family doing? Check in on their progress!


Deep in the throes of trying to slim down, I only recently considered how my own self-image might be affecting him, and, most importantly, his impression of himself. You remember at the beginning stages of this Challenge, how I brazenly affirmed those times when I still dodged my eyes in bathroom mirrors because "I hate whom I see"?

When -- or if -- I project those feelings around my son, how must he feel about himself?

Honestly, he rarely reads these online musings, and would rather catch the videos each month. But I wonder what he thinks about me making such judgments about myself.

"Mom, stop being so hard on yourself," Jack responded recently when I talked negatively about my appearance. "It doesn't matter how you look, Mom. . .," he's said during my mad scrambles to apply makeup before we head out the door.

How can I make sure that Jackson has a good body image, even if I struggle with my own?
That was one question addressed in the "Weight Watchers Eat! Move! Play!," a parental guidebook I've raved about that encourages nutritious eating habits and active lifestyles among children and youth. In a chat with WeightWatchers.com, Dr. Lisa Thornton, a pediatrician and Lifetime member of Weight Watchers, says one strategy is to stop the self-hate.

Immediately.

"If you're constantly complaining about your weight or your love handles, you're communicating a world of negative information to your child," she says. "We really need to change our language when we're talking about our bodies. An accusatory tone doesn't work..."

Instead, talk to your son about how you can promote healthier living, Dr. Thornton would tell me.

Thankfully, during these past several months, Jackson and I have done much more of just that.

Ever growing, Jack's gained additional weight -- 17 pounds -- as he's shot up in height during these months. I'd like to think that he's put on more muscle, which was his primary goal from the start. So far, I don't see any reasons to be worried about Jack having any poor body- or self-image issues. Even as a youngster, he's always been instinctively personable and self-assured, holding his head up, looking people in the eye and exuding self-confidence, as you can see from my photo of him taken on a night out with his friends.

I know that along the way to adolescence, Jack will feel the inevitable bumps in the road. But -- if he'll let me -- I'll be there to help him persevere and press on.

Physically and mentally, already, we're both different people, new and improved.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 24 May 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 32: Spinning Poultry, Waiting Familyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/the-jacksons-week-32-spinning-poultry-waiting-family/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/the-jacksons-week-32-spinning-poultry-waiting-family/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/the-jacksons-week-32-spinning-poultry-waiting-family/#commentsFiled under:

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Jackson: Maybe if I stare at them they'll cook faster! Credit: Deidra Jackson

Go ahead and say something negative about rotisserie bird. I dare you.

Is it really possible to utter a hurtful word about honest-to-goodness, juicy domesticated fowl that's not -- dare I say it -- breaded, floured or fried? In the worlds of health, fitness and vegetarianism, I'm sure it is denigrated in more than a few circles. But today, right here? Nein.

More to the point, we, the Jacksons, spent a Saturday mesmerized by five rotating skinless Cornish hens-on-a-spit on the patio at my parents' house. My son, Jack, and I drove two hours to see those other Jacksons, in reality, so that I could enjoy a lazy Mother's Day weekend filled with pampering and relaxation. Dad decided to break out his tabletop rotisserie to roast the hens that I had marinated several hours before. My signature seasonings for these birdies were simple: a little Kraft Light Asian Toasted Sesame Reduced Fat salad dressing and assorted spices -- salt and black pepper, garlic and onion powder, celery seed and parsley.

The dressing added a delightful zing of flavors to the mix: toasted sesame seeds, roasted garlic and ginger. It's also my new favorite dressing on an actual salad. At 50 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per two-tablespoon serving, it's no rich, fat-laden sauce, nutritionally speaking, especially in comparison to other dressings, like spicy ranch, which weighs in at a hefty 150 calories and 16 fat grams.

How is the Jackson family doing? Check in on their progress!


Yes, I know that depending on how you prepare certain "healthy" foods, you can add insult to injury by adding too much butter, oil or other fats. Remember, our hens were skinless and I purposely held back on the dressing; instead, I seasoned the meat liberally with the spices.

Our hearts were set on enjoying something a little different and simpler this weekend, a nourishing and delicious meal that wouldn't leave our Healthy Families Challenge followers shaking their heads in shame.

chicken rotisserie picture

Skinless, juicy and good! Credit: Deidra Jackson

After dad made sure the temperature inside the meat was near 180 degrees, he pried them off the spit and transferred them into a nearby roasting pan. To accompany the ultimately bronzed Cornish hens, my mom (who was unable to totally escape the kitchen) steamed some Brussels sprouts and baked some yeast rolls.

We enjoyed a nice dinner. It was delicious. And it was healthful -- all things considered.

I can already hear some of our more involved and nutritionally astute HFC devotees. Yes, you're right, it's been proven that rotisserie chicken can have as many calories as fried chicken. Some damning evidence based on one person's journey from husky to fit can be found on his "chicken nutrition" page, which includes the following quote: "Rotisserie chicken is perhaps the most dangerous of all. . . rotisserie chicken is cooked using oil, and the fat from the chicken itself continuously bastes the lean chicken meat as it turns on the spit."

Ouch.

I say, the dripping juices seal the deal. Isn't that the point of watching those bad boys get all-succulent?

Look at the numbers: Three ounces of rotisserie Cornish hen or rotisserie chicken have the same calorie count, 160, according to the LiveStrong.com blog, a site featuring content pertaining to fitness and healthy lifestyles. But when it comes to the other figures, including fat grams (8 vs. 12, respectively), protein (21 vs. 16), and sodium (40 vs. 280), the numbers vary, in favor of the hens.

For variation, maybe I'll try Bobby Flay's recipe for Tandoori Marinated Cornish Hens on the Rotisserie, which, of course, calls for a whole host of ingredients, including several I've never kept in my pantry. Saffron threads? That's a pricey item.

So, in light of the alternative belt-busting meal we could have eaten on this day, I think the tender hens that I marinated and that my father cooked outside on the patio, along with fresh vegetables and baked rolls, were a good choice. And that's a positive note.

They tasted great, too.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.


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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 17 May 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 31: Running for My Lifehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/10/the-jacksons-week-31-running-for-my-life/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/10/the-jacksons-week-31-running-for-my-life/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/10/the-jacksons-week-31-running-for-my-life/#commentsFiled under:

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I have arrived. Credit: Deidra Jackson

What makes me think I can run a 10k?

I mean, I just finished my first-ever race, a 5k, a little more than two months ago. My personal trainer, Jenn Hall of the University of Mississippi campus rec department, was the first to urge me to go for it. After months of working out with her, she said she knew I was up for it.

So, slowly, I began to believe that I really could do it. And soon I was telling my family and a few friends that I was going to tackle the 10k, one of the featured events in the Double Decker Spring Run, in Oxford, Miss.

So, now it was public. It was on record. I had to run it.

In the days leading up to the big event, I began to feel insecure about my ability to pull this off, but I knew, eventually, that I had to push myself to conquer this big feat.

But... run 6.2 miles?

Done! Hello, 10k victory!

I pushed myself and won the race -- metaphorically speaking, that is. I crossed the pad, standing erect (well, maybe a little hunched over from exhaustion) and on both feet. That peeps, is a major win for me! Thinking back to the days before the Healthy Families Challenge -- me, running in the first two races of my life within months of each other?

Are you kidding me?


On race day, I actually felt lithe. I'm not exactly a picture of agility and nimbleness, but when most of my doubts cleared, I was ready to conquer the awaiting hills and growing exhaustion that would test my will. We would run through Oxford neighborhoods, downtown, the UM campus, and past Rowan Oak, novelist William Faulkner's childhood home.

It was ethereal.

Quite the throng of racers was poised at the start as we all waited for the go-ahead. Next to me and other runners and walkers stood a small squad of local firefighters in full gear, including some with oxygen tanks strapped to their backs, also waiting to begin what would be an even greater challenge for them. Showoffs!

Among this relatively fast group of runners, I finished near the bottom bunch of my age group, which was comprised of more than 350 runners. But I wasn't last, an achievement my ego enjoys.

I discovered how you can tell when you're rounding out the bend during a race:

* When volunteers posted along the path ask you if, "You know if there's anyone else behind you?" Ummm, no. I'm not keeping track of their times, sirs.

* If random homeowners and residents stand at curbs to cheer you on, saying things like, "You're keeping a good pace. You're almost there." What a very nice and supportive touch.

* When the tables that presumably used to hold cups of water and Gatorade along the way now are devoid of refreshments. Random homeowner, can I have a glass of water, please?

If a late runner crosses the pad and hardly anyone is around to see it, did she really finish the race? It's an age-old question. Hours later, it was a relief finally to see my name among the race results.

The thought of stopping -- but not ever quitting -- did permeate my thoughts. About halfway through the race, it was the extended version of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" filtering through my ear buds, courtesy of Pandora, that gave me the extra push I needed to drive my body up the hills and soldier on along the endless pavement.

What made me think I could run a 10k? My body is a much better version of itself now than it was before the HFC, thanks to better eating habits, increased rigorous fitness and a renewed commitment to health.

Once the body's about there, the heart and mind will follow.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.


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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 10 May 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 30: Knowledge Is Blisshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/03/the-jacksons-week-30-knowledge-is-bliss/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/03/the-jacksons-week-30-knowledge-is-bliss/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/03/the-jacksons-week-30-knowledge-is-bliss/#commentsFiled under:

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Look at how happy I am in my healthy state! Credit: Jenn Hall

How do I know I've reached a sort of health and fitness nirvana? I have absolutely no regrets about eating, period.

I mean, I no longer have misgivings about eating right -- worrying that consuming too much healthy food will cause me to put on weight; or eating wrong -- fretting that devouring too much unhealthy food will cause me to put on weight.

The opportunity to kick into gear new goals -- smarter and more reachable ones, that is -- thanks to the Healthy Families Challenge, has taught me that, yes, I can make mistakes, and then make corrections and get back on track if I have to.

If I eat an extra chocolate-chip cookie one day, the day after can be the time to atone. Tomorrow, I have learned to calmly tell myself, I'll eat healthier, resume my exercise regimen and choose not to splurge for awhile.

Revelations such as this figure into all the steps forward that Jack and I have made during this journey. We're still making good progress and are taking to heart the effective health-and-fitness tips we're learning from the personal trainer, dietician and other counselors who have been advising us throughout this trip.

Maybe I've been worn down enough by years of occasional yo-yo dieting, intermittent fasting, binge eating and other bad eating habits, to reach the point where I've finally had enough. It's a pleasure to arrive at this stage of the challenge, or any worthwhile journey for that matter. I have yet to reach my goal weight, but I know I'm getting there, and tomorrow, in this case, too, is another day.

I touched base this week with Mary-Amanda Haskins, the project coordinator of "New Beginnings," the University of Mississippi employee health-and-fitness program of which I'm a participant. She was pleased with my progress and said that I was on the right track. We agreed -- and many of you know -- that the real challenge comes in trying to incorporate all this health and fitness into your regular lifestyle; I mean, really making it a routine part of life, instead of doing it in fits and starts.

For instance, those temporary weight-loss plans, such as two-week, grapefruit, high-carb, fasting and other crash diets, -- I could go on -- don't work in the long run. Mary-Amanda gave me a few of the reasons why in the form of a pamphlet provided by Nutritious Ways, a company created to help people overcome food problems and to prevent the development of eating disorders:

* You go on a diet only to go off it later -- this doesn't teach you how to live for life.
* You don't learn how to include your favorite foods into your everyday existence -- you don't learn balance and moderation.
* You lose muscle, not fat, when you severely limit your calories.

But here are some examples of what does work:

* Strength training -- lifting weights at least twice a week -- will toughen your muscles and bones, and boost your metabolism, helping weight to fall off your frame naturally.
* Actually eating! Regularly consume, and enjoy, an adequate amount of food.
* Switch to lower-fat and whole-grain foods and prepare more high-fiber home-cooked meals at home.
* Moving! Get physical with a cardio-friendly activity several times a week: walk, play tennis, go for a bike ride, etc.
* Ever hold a soccer ball above your head and bring it down to make contact with alternating raised knees across your driveway, yard or living room? Try that for several reps. Why not? Encourage new activities to prevent exercise boredom and burnout.

I'm going to tell you the same thing I tell myself: Come on, you can do this, and stay committed to it.

That's what it will actually take to achieve our goals. And to experience that feeling of pure satisfaction? That's bliss.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 03 May 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 29: The Scale Does Not Tell Allhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/26/the-jacksons-week-29-the-scale-does-not-tell-all/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/26/the-jacksons-week-29-the-scale-does-not-tell-all/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/26/the-jacksons-week-29-the-scale-does-not-tell-all/#commentsFiled under:

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I'm still losing it.

Weight, that is. And it feels good.

For a brief moment, I also shed a little baggage, albeit temporarily, when I let go of a longtime source of anxiety: namely, the scale, my longtime arch nemesis, which I faced recently during a routine doctor's visit. Despite the angst that was building in me, I even forced myself to keep my eyes open as the nurse recorded my weight. I still didn't look at the scales, actually, but instead asked my doctor about the reading a few minutes later.

Yes, it sounds silly, but you all know how I hate the scales.

The verdict? So far I've lost about 20 pounds since the beginning of the Healthy Families Challenge in September. I'm so very proud of that. And I intend to drop more pounds before the end of this ambitious adventure in May.

But if you're going to judge my "success," I'd ditch the scale -- blecchhh -- for a tape measure, instead. I'll expand and contract that flexible ribbon all day long, if I can continue to gauge my smaller waistline, arm circumference and the other reduced measurements I feel.

deidra jackson lunges picture

I would have enjoyed playing tennis with my trainer, but instead, she had lunges, squats and other circuit-training exercises waiting for me on the courts. Credit: Jenn Hall

All the pants I've worn lately are baggy and I've had to tie a knot in the waistband of my pajamas just to keep them from falling down. I'm not as easily winded when climbing stairs, and I can endure more reps, lift more weight and add more challenges to my rigorous workout routines. My stamina has boosted tremendously, and I'm definitely feeling the benefits. More staying power and increased energy means I can do more and for a greater length of time.

Wow, I feel like the Bionic Woman.

It's a 1970s pop culture reference that probably would be lost on today's young folks, like my son, Jackson, but I try to fill him in on such important historical details when I can. It reminds me of the time I told him about the late fitness and exercise expert and bodybuilder Jack LaLanne, who died in January at age 96. I still remember watching his popular fitness TV show as a child.

These days, Jack knows I'm not a pushover, physically. Jack and I probably play rough-house more than the average 40-ish-year-old mother and 12-year-old son; I'm no spry pre-teen, but he'd agree that I can give him a run for his money in our mock kickboxing matches.

I felt so full of pep one day that I immediately told my personal trainer, Jenn Hall of the University of Mississippi Department of Campus Recreation. She responded in-kind, with an intense indoor and outdoor circuit-training activity. Out on the tennis courts, she set up three different stations, where I would perform several sessions of cardio exercises, such as running, jumping jacks and lunges, in between consecutive rounds of resistance and strength training with elastic bands, free weights and the existing tennis spectator bench for stepping. I ran through each of the stations four times, not focusing on speed, but rather power, at her direction.

Enhancing cardio workouts with strength training (weights and resistance) performed in a repetitive fashion, is key to burning calories, Jenn said.

When I know I'm pushing my body and mind to work hard and outlast these sessions, that's success to me. Even without a scale at home, I know that these consistent fat-burning exercises and a healthy diet are helping me to slowly chisel my body.

Still, I'd hate to have my good spirits dashed by stepping on a scale and discovering that, despite my best efforts, I haven't melted away any measurable weight. And, yes, it seems absurd as I write it, to put so much stock in those numbers. However, that's primarily how I've measured my success the past months -- the telltale weight-loss figures.

It's the less subtle things I notice with regard to my weight loss. It's a joy to see evidence that my clavicle, or collarbone, does, indeed, exist. It doesn't jut dramatically from below my neck like [name your Hollywood starlet du jour here], but it's much more pronounced than it was before this amazing health-and-fitness regimen took over my life.

Incidentally, I'm gearing up for another competitive walk/run in less than two weeks. This time, a 10k. Am I pushing it?

I hope so.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 26 Apr 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 28: Walk This Wayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/the-jacksons-week-28-walk-this-way/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/the-jacksons-week-28-walk-this-way/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/19/the-jacksons-week-28-walk-this-way/#commentsFiled under:

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Mississippi has the country's highest heart disease death rate. I joined a campus walk as part of a national initiative sponsored by the American Heart Association. Credit: Deidra Jackson

A gorgeous clear, blue sky and the promise of burned calories was enough to lure me out of my office for a short spell -- and for a great national cause.

On a sunny day just cool enough for a light jacket, I put on my workout gear and joined other University of Mississippi employees who came out to the Circle to walk for good health. We faculty and staff engaged in a ceremonial march as part of a campus-wide walking challenge to help kick off National Start! Walking Day 2011. The American Heart Association bills it as a "movement" -- not a program -- to put a dent in this country's risk of heart disease.

Led by Chancellor Dan Jones, I and about 40 of my fellow Ole Miss employees launched the local leg of this ambitious national effort, and walked a lap in front of the Lyceum, the University's historic administration building.

On this day, UM was singled out as a Platinum-level recipient of the Fit-Friendly Award from the AHA, the highest level of recognition. Winning companies are those that encourage good health and fitness habits by providing foot paths and routes, promoting walking programs and the use of online tracking tools (these allow employees to log their times and distances traveled, plot routes, and even record daily meals and snacks), and allowing staff to wear athletic shoes on designated days, according to the association.



Jones thanked everyone "who's taking their health seriously." He acknowledged that Mississippi has among the highest cardiovascular disease death rates in the country. Need proof? The illustrative map published on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a sad sight to see.

Jones, a physician, former dean of the UM Medical School and past AHA national president, said Ole Miss needs to take the lead in ending the terrible trend.

"... The flagship university in this state needs to be providing leadership for the rest of the state about doing the right thing, and here's the evidence for it," Jones told UM faculty and staff, while holding up the Fit-Friendly Award.

In observance of the initiative, which targets community residents and workplace employees, Start! Walking Paths are sprouting up around the country. Organizers hope folks will either find or start walking trails in their own residential, corporate and campus communities.

While checking out their website, I identified at least nine paths that are located within 20 miles of my ZIP code. That's a good thing, for a change of scenery. You can click here to see which walking paths are located near you.

With Jones at the front of the pack during the walk on the Ole Miss campus, I had a chance to chat with him about the event, and what he sees as UM's responsibility to curb Mississippi's obscene numbers of deaths from heart disease.

Stay tuned for next month's video to hear what he has to say.

In the meantime, I recommend that all of us recognize AHA's recommendations for physical activity, including:

* Making time for at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activities, five days a week
* Remembering that physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day -- three 10-minute sessions is the same as one 30-minute stint!
* Working up to at least 60 to 90 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day if you're looking to lose weight or maintain your current weight.

The CDC says heart disease and stroke are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing our nation today; but get this -- they also are among the most preventable.

I felt fantastic after the day's short walk and even better knowing that I was doing my heart good. Man, I wished Jack, my son, could have joined in on this. Anyway, I'm excited about us hitting some of those new trails one weekend soon.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 19 Apr 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 27: Much Respect Due -- to Fruits and Veggieshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/12/the-jacksons-week-27-much-respect-due-to-fruits-and-veggies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/12/the-jacksons-week-27-much-respect-due-to-fruits-and-veggies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/12/the-jacksons-week-27-much-respect-due-to-fruits-and-veggies/#commentsFiled under:

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It was a pleasure to dig into all this leafy freshness at dinner the other day. Jack's is the one without the carrots. Credit: Deidra Jackson

With the apples, oranges and peaches piled high, gleaming and arched toward the ceiling, and the broccoli crowns and string beans looking fresh and crisp, Jack and I couldn't resist heading in their direction.

Instead of sidestepping the squash and the salads after we'd entered the supermarket superstore recently, we headed toward the fruits and vegetables. It seemed the natural thing to do.

We'll crack open a can if we have to, but we've been spoiled by the bright taste of fresh vegetables. And when we had run out of some of our favorite just-picked staples recently, we knew it was time to hit the store. We were pretty decent vegetable eaters before we joined the Healthy Families Challenge, but ever since, we go for edible greens and other fresh produce more often than not.

Wheeling our cart, I grabbed some of those green string beans and broccoli, spring mix and romaine lettuces, oranges and peaches, and -- I couldn't resist -- a rutabaga, which was calling my name. I've probably exceeded my limit as a human being for mentioning the turnip-like veggie by name within such a limited span, but as I first shared with you all four weeks ago, I absolutely love the stuff.

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My version of roasted teriyaki chicken accompanied our veggies. Credit: Deidra Jackson

Our shopping, lately, has been focused. We scooted past the candy, just a few lunges beyond the fruits and vegetables, and then headed toward the back of the store, where we grabbed some two-percent milk, orange and grapefruit juices, and sports drinks. I'll be meeting with my nutritionist next week and I'd like to tell her that we've been good. In the past, she's told us to avoid shopping when we're hungry, to have a targeted grocery list to follow, and, of course, to choose fresh -- not processed -- foods that are low-sugar and low-fat.

The fluids were largely for Jackson, my son, who isn't operating at 100 percent these days as he battles tree and grass allergies. Lately, his diet has been supplemented by courses of antihistamine, antibiotics, Sudafed and Robitussin.

He told me yesterday that he felt "like a piece of paper."

That really hurt me. He said he felt weak and wobbly and just plain terrible. And from time to time, he'll lose his sense of taste. I'll be glad when Jack can get rid of this round of seasonal allergies.

I forced him outside briefly one beautiful, clear day to do a few exercises with me on the driveway and in the backyard. We both shared some moves we've routinely performed in our respective fitness programs; he demonstrated "windmills," which are his favorite arm stretching exercises from fencing class, and I guided him in a light abdominal workout, similar to the one my personal trainer takes me through.



It's funny, though, how we both ended the brief home-training session doing jumping jacks and lunges, familiar moves we know all so well.

Aside from Jack being under the weather, we had a good week, which I ended by baking sweet potatoes (for him), cooking diced rutabagas (for me), roasting teriyaki chicken wings, and preparing crisp spring salads.

Jack is down, but he's not out, and luckily, his appetite hasn't lost any steam.

Me? I'm soon to get back on those bleeping scales and see where I stand, numbers-wise. I know my body is changing and I'm losing weight (I can tell by my baggy clothes), but honestly, it'll be a kick in my gut to see that I've either gained weight or that I haven't lost any. I know muscle mass is heavier than fat, but still, people.

I have definite commitment issues when it comes to the scale. By next week, I vow to suck it up and see how my progress registers among those little lines.

I'm building up my nerve now ...

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 12 Apr 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 26: The Season of Sacrificehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/the-jacksons-week-26-the-season-of-sacrifice/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/the-jacksons-week-26-the-season-of-sacrifice/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/the-jacksons-week-26-the-season-of-sacrifice/#commentsFiled under:

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The family that does push-ups together stays healthy together. Credit: Deidra Jackson

Jack and I both are giving up chocolate for Lent. No, we've never gorged ourselves on it, but boy, did we find pleasure in eating it.

So, in preparation for this next month or so of going without, we're also continuing our efforts in the Healthy Families Challenge and practicing more discipline and self-control. I've pushed to the back of our refrigerator the half-eaten pouch of dark chocolate-covered raisins, and Jack has ditched part of a chocolate-and-almond candy bar he had stowed in the freezer.

Soon after we agreed to not give in to temptation -- our cravings for chocolate in observance of the religious season -- we, of course, yearned for it briefly. It's funny how that works. But it's a small sacrifice, and we've learned to turn off those appetite flashes for all things cocoa, and have refocused our attentions on becoming fitter together.

I'm glad Jackson and I are experiencing together foregoing something we both enjoy. We challenge and remind one another of our goals, especially if we get sidetracked and need extra motivation. The threat of getting it on tape -- one of us capturing less-than-stellar moments of the other on the Flip cam -- always looms. (And there's a bit of Chick-fil-A ugliness on our latest video to prove it.)

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"Come on, Jack, let's do our pushups."

I was trying to motivate myself to get on our living-room floor as much as I was instructing my son to join me there.

As a team, we've also begun doing daily pushups and situps. Full-body, toe-to-ground pushups are not my strong suit. Unlike the modified pushups when your knees touch the ground, I struggle with the harder ones I do during workout sessions with my personal trainer, Jenn Hall, a graduate assistant with the University of Mississippi Department of Campus Recreation. However, Jack can pull off a few more than I can, since his fencing instructors at the Oxford Fencers Club take him and the other youth through full-strength pushups as part of their regular workout regimen. And, maybe he has youth and vitality on his side, too.

So each day, we both complete at least 30 of them, complementing the exercises with additional tricep and bicep work on the couch and loveseat as I mentioned in an earlier post.

Jack is still battling seasonal allergies this week as we power through what already looks to be a run of record pollen counts around the country. Luckily, rains have minimized much of the dust here, and the wetness has made it bearable to be outdoors for limited amounts of time. However, coughing and congestion have sidelined Jack from at least one fencing session and a couple of opportunities to improve on our pushups at home.

As his allergy meds run their course, I'm sure he'll soon be back up to full speed. And the elimination of another sugar from our diets -- even temporarily -- will do our bodies good.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 25: Revving Up the Lawnmower -- The Blood, Sweat and Tearshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/the-jacksons-week-25-revving-up-the-lawnmower-the-blood-sw/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/the-jacksons-week-25-revving-up-the-lawnmower-the-blood-sw/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/the-jacksons-week-25-revving-up-the-lawnmower-the-blood-sw/#commentsFiled under:

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It took long enough, but spring is finally here.

And, thankfully, with it comes more chances for us to exercise and to tell the fat, "You're not wanted here no more."

I thought about this recently as I watched my son, Jackson, mow my parents' lawn during spring break. It was a good cardio workout for him, he would tell me later. Pointing to his abs, triceps and biceps, he said he could feel the [muscle] burn (one of his favorite phrases) and was glad that his heart, too, benefited from the exercise.

Most yardwork chores are instant calorie-burners, due to the rigorous exertion; but for Jackson, this day, it also was a trial by fire, as my dad showed him the "proper" way to mow the lawn. His delivery style was part drill sergeant, part doting grandfather. In his gruff and stern -- but knowledgeable and wise -- manner, my dad made sure Jackson was correctly handling the self-propelled lawn mower and cutting those weeds and overgrown blades of grass by the book ... or his book, anyway.

So after Jackson had revved up the motor and got the mower moving forward, he found himself retracing paths he had already passed over, at my dad's direction.

The scene provided me flashbacks to the times when Dad taught me something new. In particular, under his tutelage, when I was about Jack's age, I remember nerve-wracking moments spent learning how to play the card game gin rummy, which usually ended with me in tears. I haven't played gin rummy in years, but I remember the blood, sweat and tears that came along with learning how to play that darned game.

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Jack gets in a cardio workout while his grandfather keeps him in line. Credit: Deidra Jackson

That much is forever burned onto my brain. And it looks like I'll never have a penchant to play gin rummy again.

Comparing notes as mother and son, Jackson and I agreed that his grandfather isn't really that harsh or insensitive; he's far from it. He's a good instructor. And Jack knows this since, among other things, dad has taught him how to golf, fish and ride a bike, in that order.

Jack reminded me of a talk that my dad had with him recently. The moral was: You don't judge a man by his tone, but by his words. It's not necessarily how he says something, but what he says that's important.

Jack plowed through the rest of the lawn as summer snow -- infrequent billows of yellow pollen -- rolled down my parents' street in a golden haze and permeated the air we breathed. Here, in North Mississippi, tree pollen is already wreaking havoc on the environment in "what could be one of the worst allergy seasons in recent years," say some meteorologists.

Watching Jack mow, my thoughts turned to wondering how severe this allergy season would be compared to the last, and how that might restrict our outdoor activities and impact our momentum in the Healthy Families Challenge. Our carefree plans to run, walk, skateboard and bike ride may be curtailed this time of the year as we flee the allergens and seek refuge in safe fitness environments indoors.

When my Jack was a toddler, chronic seasonal tree and grass allergies had him down and out for months at a time. But now that he's older, visits to specialists, changes to his diet, medications and a stronger immune system have lessened his more serious bouts with pollen sensitivities. A brief spell last November left him battling sinus and chest congestion, but it was, thankfully, short-lived.

In passing, I, too, occasionally, suffer from the coughing, the sneezing, and the red, itchy, watery eyes when pollen is in the air. It's frustrating when that yellow stuff can virtually hold you hostage indoors.

However, this time, allergens or not, we vow to find ways to keep moving.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 29 Mar 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 24: Relative Models of Healthhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/22/the-jacksons-week-24-relative-models-of-health/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/22/the-jacksons-week-24-relative-models-of-health/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/22/the-jacksons-week-24-relative-models-of-health/#commentsFiled under:

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Nana gives Jack, then 5, a defensive challenge on the basketball court in 2003. Credit: Deidra Jackson

Jackson and I don't have far to look when it comes to robust health and fitness role models.

Our favorite mentors -- my mom and dad -- are ideal examples of how taking care of oneself can lead to well-being.

Both in their early 70s, James and Emily Jackson -- Jack's "Nana" and "Poppy" -- really are pictures of good health. Compared to others their age, they look at least 15 years younger. They're always on the move, exercising regularly. Mom, a mad gardener, speed-walks around an outdoor fitness track several times each week, and Dad, an avid golfer, hits the gym just about every day, favoring weights and the Nautilus equipment. They also maintain strict controls of what they eat and drink.

People always say they think my parents are in their late 50s or 60s, and can't believe they're in their 70s. Or, as Jackson likes to put it: "I don't mean to be offensive, but some 70-year-olds aren't active, and my grandparents are really active for their age."

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Jack lets Nana test her chops on Nintendo's Rock Band for Wii. Credit: Deidra Jackson

However, they weren't always energetic folks. It was the diagnosed health scares and frank discussions from their physicians that eventually compelled them to start exercising more and eating better for their health's sake.

Mom and Dad were a huge impetus for both Jackson and I agreeing to play a part in the Healthy Families Challenge. Both of them warn us frequently about eating too many fats and sugars, not drinking enough water and being sedentary for long stretches. In reality, they've been pleading with us for years about the dangers associated with diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.

During the five years or so that they've been active and in control of their diets, my parents have lost some 40 pounds between them and have kept diseases at bay; Mom controls her cholesterol and blood pressure levels through diet and exercise, and Dad avoids major complications from his diabetes and high cholesterol through the same natural preventions.

I admit that when I was younger, I believed I could still live a long time before my luck would run out and I'd have to pay the consequences of my bad health and fitness behaviors. But when your physician tells you that you're "borderline" for a chronic illness or two, it's the wake-up call before the wake-up call. For me, being told two years ago by my University of Mississippi Employee Health Center doctor that I had an elevated blood sugar level was too much to ignore for too much longer.

My mother and father make their own homemade trail mixes and healthy soups, pack their diets with fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods, and make fitness a key part of their lifestyle.

I love the fact that they indeed practice what they preach. Although I'm all grown up, I still strive to be just like them.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 23: A Rutabaga Saves the Dayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/15/the-jacksons-week-23-a-rutabaga-saves-the-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/15/the-jacksons-week-23-a-rutabaga-saves-the-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/15/the-jacksons-week-23-a-rutabaga-saves-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

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There are few things better than the lush, orange flesh of a rutabaga served up just right on a plate. Credit: Deidra Jackson

When it comes to losing weight, some of us really don't stand a chance.

And I know some of our most ardent Healthy Families Challenge followers will lambaste me in a New York minute for saying so. They'll tell me that it's simply about being strong and having basic willpower. "Why don't you have some self-discipline about yourself?" they'll scold me in the comments section. "Just say no. It's easy," several might even contend.

Well, perhaps for some. But, as we know, for others it's not a cakewalk.

This week in the Jackson household, temptations unexpectedly were abound, and yes, I gave in. While I maintained my rigorous workouts and know that I didn't completely ruin my progress to date, sheer mental fatigue helped derail my efforts at minimizing my intake of sweets and other high-caloric foods.

In other words, some of the strands gave way on my self-restraint.

After a series of long, taxing days at work, who feels like cooking when you get home? Restaurants, with your tasty and cheap food, here we come.

My son Jackson received his shipments of food items that friends and family ordered for his school and church youth fundraisers. You could compare them to placing Girl Scout cookie orders, except there's much more variety and a bit more expense involved. We goofed. After Jack turned in his confirmed orders, we thought the company would mail them to the recipients. But no, we found ourselves responsible for sending the goods. With several pounds of refrigerated goods to send, it became too costly to mail the perishables out of town. The orders that were left over -- glazed donuts, frozen pizzas, tubs of refrigerated cookie dough and chilled boxes of cheesecakes -- let's just say that we didn't give all the food away.

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Temptation squared. Credit: Deidra Jackson

And then, I'm rolling through a big box retail store and see something in the frozen foods section that gives me pause -- boxes of large frozen pizzas that also conveniently include one dozen bake-and-eat chocolate chip cookies. Really? This is what led to my "some of us don't stand a chance" motif.

No, I didn't snatch one of those cartons and throw it into my cart this day, but I wondered if I might have, in a different moment of weakness. I told Jack about the sinful pizza/cookies combo and he immediately asked me if I had taken a picture of it. Why, yes, I did, Son.

Amid my despair over my wicked lapses of sound food judgment, I'm almost forgetting to make part of the public record the times this week we were chaste. One word: rutabaga!

I bought a nice firm, waxy one, along with crisp green beans and fresh broccoli, when I was at the store that day. So at least one day, I cooked vegetables that we could feel proud about eating. Jackson can throw down when it comes to steamed broccoli with a bit of fat-free margarine. The rutabaga? I dice it into 1-inch chunks, boil them in lightly salted water for 25 minutes or so, drain, and then season with pepper, olive oil and bacon crumbles. I could eat its lush, orange, starchy turnip-like flesh every day. Jack? Not so much.

Though surrounded and tempted by sweet treats and convenience food, for me, a rutabaga saved the day.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 15 Mar 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 22: What's Better Than Meeting Goals? Beating Them!http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/08/the-jacksons-week-22-whats-better-than-meeting-goals-beating/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/08/the-jacksons-week-22-whats-better-than-meeting-goals-beating/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/08/the-jacksons-week-22-whats-better-than-meeting-goals-beating/#commentsFiled under:

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A steady stream of electronica through my ear buds and a boost of self-confidence helped quell my pre-race jitters before the start of my first 5K. Credit: Deidra Jackson

I aimed to finish the race in 48 minutes; however, I crossed the goal of my first 5K competition in about 43.

And, in my mind, because of that, I won, even if I was far from nabbing first place.

I was worried that I wouldn't even be able to finish the Oxford Run for Hope Half Marathon and 5K, the much-ballyhooed race I first began writing about a few weeks ago. I've run 3.1 miles and many more on treadmills before, but I knew it would be different pounding the pavement outdoors in the elements, alongside other runners and with an audience of spectators along the way.

And adding a bit to my anxiety was thinking about the Healthy Families Challenge followers whom I had promised in this space that I would compete. There could be no backing out.

After some minor hand-wringing, I was pleased with my results. Amid a field of about 255 5K runners (more than 300 other competitors registered for the half-marathon, which occurred simultaneously), I finished ninth out of 18 runners in my age group, and in 204th place overall. Not bad for an amateur. And, I beat some 20-year-old runner/walkers, which was most satisfying to me, I have to admit.

Is it wrong for that to be a reason for pumping my fist in the air?


With my parents in town that morning, I let my son sleep in. He deserved it. He had endured a challenging week, spent at school and participating in a slew of various other activities in which we're a part. Admittedly, I think I was relieved that none of my family would be present at the run; I wasn't 100 percent sure how things would turn out.

That morning, I ate my usual breakfast -- finally, I've found a yogurt I like, Kroger's low-calorie Carbmaster carrot cake. (If there are hidden fat calories in those 60 calories, I don't think I want to know. Here's a yogurt that doesn't have that cloying, sour creamy taste I detest.) I popped my daily multivitamin, a fish oil capsule and my Achilles tendon meds for insurance, and downed a bottle of water. I avoided eating or drinking too much, but wanted to ensure that I was hydrated and energized enough to power through the race.

I drove to the starting location, said a little prayer, and headed to a registration table to collect my numbered bib (#79) and the microchip that would officially record the time of my photo finish. I inserted my ear buds, trained my cell phone on Pandora, and programmed the radio to play thumping instrumental music from Kraftwerk, that German electronic music group I remember from the early 1980s. I haven't really listened to them in years, but Kraftwerk was the first group that came to my mind when I considered music with steady, entrancing and uptempo beats. Better for me to get lost in the music than to avoid thinking about how many more miles I have to run. On this chilly but sunny morning, I milled with the other participants at the start of the race, and got into my zone.

I was ready to go.

I think sheer adrenaline -- and my personal trainer's diligent work in recent weeks -- helped me maintain a steady run through the first mile or so. And then those famous North Mississippi hills came into view. When the inclines hit, I slowed, but strengthened my pace, and shifted to a fast walk. However, I kept it balanced and resumed running as soon as I overcame those ascents.

Before I knew it, I saw a cheering crowd ahead and eyed the finish line. This wasn't bad at all. Those of you who don't think you can do this, I bet you can.

I'm planning to run another local 5K in late April. Jenn, my personal trainer, thinks I'll soon be ready to go for the 10K.

I think I could get used to this.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 08 Mar 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 21: A Health and Fitness Code of Ethicshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/01/the-jacksons-week-21-a-health-and-fitness-code-of-ethics/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/01/the-jacksons-week-21-a-health-and-fitness-code-of-ethics/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/01/the-jacksons-week-21-a-health-and-fitness-code-of-ethics/#commentsFiled under:

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If practice makes perfect, Jackson is well on his way to being the next Shaun White -- at some point. Credit: Deidra Jackson

I was thrilled when my son, Jackson, asked me to take him to the Oxford Skate Park.

No lazy Saturday spent parked in front of the TV; this day, he opted instead to grab his board and try to ride the ramps, rails and half-pipes.

While he's no Shaun White -- yet -- Jackson is learning how to maneuver his boards, which include a RipStik and a traditional skateboard. At 12 years old, he still enjoys going outside and being active; and to a parent who's a news junkie, that's a good report.

It's hard to ignore the dismal details of rising childhood obesity. Educators, physicians, parents, child care workers and other professionals are revamping youths' nutrition and exercise requirements; the first lady is giving the issue a prominent platform in her ambitious "Let's Move" campaign to combat childhood obesity.

So all the moments Jackson spends outside and active -- by his own initiative -- are big reassurance that he, too, is making the connection between lifestyle and good health. And it helps that we know our Healthy Families Challenge followers are checking in on us. That extra accountability, I think, helps keep us centered, and from straying too far outside the bubble.

But they're not the only ones. As most parents do, I make demands of my child. When it comes to health and nutrition, Jackson knows the following rules to be true, and to be firmly enforced by Mom:

* That I will drink water, with most all meals, and the majority of meals I eat in restaurants

* That I will have a salad and/or vegetables with most meals several times a week

* That I will eat breakfast every morning

* That I will perform some form of exercise every day

* That I will strive to "shoot the outside J" on a daily basis

That last point speaks to mental fitness more than anything else. Originally a basketball term, shooting the outside J (short for jump-shot), figuratively, means to challenge oneself and go for the harder undertaking. I encourage Jack to think of ways to accomplish this feat every day in some way.

For many of us, it's a Herculean choice, maintaining the commitment to stay on the path of good health and fitness. It's gratifying to know Jackson is getting a firm start. This is behavior I hope he internalizes and continues throughout his life.

Back at the Oxford Skate Park, I watch Jackson as he glides among the other skaters. He's probably in good company, since the special park, which opened in 2006, has gotten kudos nationally (thanks, largely, to the park being the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation), and on such skate blogs as ConcreteDisciples.com and Skaters for Public Skateparks.

The park is reportedly 10,000 square feet, "with about half of that being the bowl," which sends skaters up and down a large dip that "empties into a huge bowl area that is about eight to nine feet deep with one section containing a wall around it that extends the height to about 11 feet," according to the SPS blog.

Imagine a big empty swimming pool with rounded edges.

Jackson didn't glide down the bowl on this visit; he sat on the edge and watched the other more experienced skaters take the plunge. At one point, he started to let himself go down the steep decline, but changed his mind.

With a bit more opportunity to build confidence, next time, I know he'll willingly launch himself and "shoot the outside J" on his board.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 01 Mar 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 20: The Awaiting Racehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/22/the-jacksons-week-20-the-awaiting-race/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/22/the-jacksons-week-20-the-awaiting-race/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/22/the-jacksons-week-20-the-awaiting-race/#commentsFiled under:

Don't look for the Jacksons' health-and-fitness behavior last week to be on any highlights reel. Not many shining moments were had this last go 'round.

Cheeseburgers, pepperoni pizza, chicken strips and assorted snacks ruled more days than I care to admit. Between lackadaisical and frequent snow days, illness, intense work demands, volunteer labor and all the official duties that come with parenting, I've simply been too tired to cook as healthily as I'd like. It seemed impossible to eat right and stay on course.

So, as I slinked back into the Turner Center this week for a late-morning workout session, I had to ask myself, would my personal trainer be mad at me? Was she on to my junk food misadventures? Did she think my passing diet deviation will be my Waterloo? I had to wonder why she was giving me such a thrashing. This was a pure beat-down. And it was being delivered with a smile.

She battered me with across-the-floor lunges, punished me with up- and downstairs sprints, and trounced me with multiple tricep lifts and shoulder presses.

But, really, this was just like any other day at the gym; it was business-as-usual for my girl, Jenn, the personal trainer who has guided my fitness regimen since Day One of this Healthy Families Challenge. After a week off from training due to snowy weather and illness, and a brief return to some of that (good) bad food that got me here, it just seemed like she was beating my posterior especially enthusiastically this day.

Following my body thumping, tomorrow we'll speed-walk around campus. I'm preparing for my first 5K run coming up in -- yikes! -- four days. I can't say I'm "competing," because I'm really not challenging anybody, except myself. I'm hoping to at least finish the darn thing, but not be the last to pull her body across the finish line. I and the other participants in this event can choose to run either the 5K, which is roughly 3.1 miles, or the half-marathon, which is about 13.1 miles. I'm going for the 5K, a more realistic jaunt for me.

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In a few days, I'll be pounding part of this pavement in my first 5K run. Credit: Deidra Jackson


My friend Eric, a poet and devoted family man, who's run marathons before and is training for one this spring, put things into perspective for me when considering marathons. "Imagine trying to run the length of a soccer field 10 times. That's just 1K," he says.

Eric says he averaged about six minutes a kilometer, and ran an entire 5K in 29 minutes after training for about one month. His advice to me? Switch between running and walking, one minute each for 30 minutes, and do that for a week. Then run for five minutes, walk for a few, run for another five, etc.

And stretching numerous times before and after is a must.

He said a "real" marathoner told him that.

My son Jackson told me he thinks I'm "going to be great" in my upcoming 5K walk/run. I hope so. And based on my fitness level, Jenn thinks the smaller run will be a piece of cake for me. If I survive it and, maybe others, I'd like to go all in and maybe try running a half-marathon.

As I've said before, getting my mind to buy into my health-and-fitness goals is more than half the battle.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 19: 'The Biggest Loser' Shows Oxford His Winning Wayshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/15/the-jacksons-week-19-the-biggest-loser-shows-oxford-his-winn/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/15/the-jacksons-week-19-the-biggest-loser-shows-oxford-his-winn/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/15/the-jacksons-week-19-the-biggest-loser-shows-oxford-his-winn/#commentsFiled under:

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"The Biggest Loser," season 10 winner, Patrick House, helped me and other Oxford, Miss., residents jump-start our health and fitness goals. Credit: Leslie Smith

Gut feelings -- not related to overeating -- can be good.

During his audition, Patrick House said he had fire-in-the-belly hunches that he'd win NBC's "The Biggest Loser," season 10. Turns out they were spot on.

I feel blessed to have been able to chat with House, a 28-year-old Brandon, Miss., native, when he returned to his home state and Oxford, Miss., to preach the virtues of health and fitness. His visit was timely, as Mississippi last year claimed the title of the fattest state for the fifth consecutive year, meaning it had the greatest number of overweight or obese residents, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards.

In a series of appearances in town and at the University of Mississippi, House motivated us Oxford residents who are fighting the weight war. He pumped us up; he encouraged me and other participants of the "Healthy You, Healthy L.O.U.," a five-month local health initiative, to stick with it and to continue our progress.

I sat down at a small table with House at the local Smoothie King, where he was autographing pictures. It was after 2 p.m., near the end of a long week. His eyes were reddened and he looked weary; but here he sat, talking with me, yet another weight warrior, he looking svelte at 241 pounds, a far cry from the 421 pounds he used to weigh at the start of the televised competition. Although I've never watched "The Biggest Loser," I was intrigued by his story.

As we talk, what becomes clear is how much this young guy loves his family. His toughest moments during "The Biggest Loser" competition? Not facing various food temptations or resisting the urge to break camp and find a greasy burger joint, but being away from his wife and two boys for all those long months.

His family helped motivate him into taking the steps to drop the pounds, he said: "Being that heavy, I couldn't do the normal day-to-day routines that most people take for granted. I couldn't go outside and play with my boys; I couldn't get on the floor, roll around and just have fun with my kids. So my main motivation for losing weight was so I could be around longer for my family, and ultimately, spend more time with my boys."

Isn't it funny how doing the "right" thing -- as far as health and fitness is concerned -- often is borne out of our passionate desire to please others first, to do right by them?

Remember, that was me during Week 5 of this Healthy Families Challenge; I vowed to take better care of myself for my son's sake. I think similar desires exist for many folks, perhaps because others hold us accountable for what we say in a way that we, ourselves, do not. When we know we'll have to answer to others, it's a bit easier to kick-start that fitness or healthy-eating program we've ignored for so long.

However, there was one thing that concerned me about House's phenomenal weight-loss story. He was a former Delta State University football player before he got married, started a family and a career, and saw excess pounds creep onto his frame. As a former student athlete, he's already used to the self-control that comes with the rigorous training, exercise and diet that accompany competitive sports programs.

Could folks relate their own struggles to his?

Even now, as I continue with my own exercise regimen, I know my eating habits could be better. And, I've been at that ideal weight, while working out two times a day and following a strict eating regimen, before the pounds crept back on. So, House's words meant much to me.

Since losing more than 180 pounds or 45.3 percent of his original weight, he has taken a job with Mindstream Academy in Bluffton, S.C., where he says he'll help teens with weight issues, according to the Clarion-Ledger newspaper.

After our conversation, I left believing that House helped reinforce what I already know: that today -- not tomorrow or next week or next month -- is our day, so let's do this.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.


How is the Jackson family doing? Check in on their progress!


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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 15 Feb 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 18: Are These the X-Games?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/08/the-jacksons-week-18-are-these-the-x-games/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/08/the-jacksons-week-18-are-these-the-x-games/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/08/the-jacksons-week-18-are-these-the-x-games/#commentsFiled under:

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Stair-climber machines, I'm not scared of you. Credit: Deidra Jackson

Who am I? And just what am I made of?

I asked myself those and other deep meditative questions as I walked briskly on a treadmill set on a steep incline at a steady unyielding clip. It was another relentless workout session at the University of Mississippi's Turner Center. And it was just another day that Jenn Hall, my personal trainer, was pushing me to perform.

From the treadmill, I moved to the stationary bicycle. Then it was on to the rowing machine for another few minutes. Is it time to rest now, and find some sweet relief? Not yet. It seems that I had many more miles to go. At Jenn's command, I left that machine to work out on another -- the stair step/climbing apparatus. After about a one-minute break, where I could glug down some water, wipe sweat and pray silently for strength, she had me do it all over again. And, again.

Welcome to intense circuit training. At least it was extreme for me.

And I loved every minute of it.

I'll admit that during some of these intense personal-training sessions I've come close to hoping a fire alarm or some sudden non life-threatening emergency would occur to spring me from what the lactic acid in my muscles is calling torture. But you know what? I always pull it out, finding strength from deep within. I convince myself not to give up, that I've got to finish this rep, power through these final minutes, and heave these final 75 pounds. In the big scheme of my life, I see these moments as just an instant, and I've got to make the most of them.

After surviving a similarly tough exercise regimen the week prior -- strength push-ups, lobbing boxing punches and jumping rope -- I felt like Rocky Balboa, that fictional southpaw boxer. Yes, at times it felt like a near-death experience, but I, the bruised and battered underdog, endured the challenge and won.

Deep introspection comes out of exhaustion. Or is it from "knocking on death's door?"

I haven't told many people, but I'm going to compete in my first half-marathon in a few weeks, the Run 4 Hope, a local charity run that raises money for camps for children and youth with diabetes, and those living with cancer. This rigorous circuit training is helping me prepare for the race, and Jenn intends to kick more consistent running into my routine to help me prepare. The prospect makes me feel nauseous, nervous, excited and a whole range of other emotions all at once. Can I really do this? Will I be able to finish it? Will I pass out at the end of the race?

You don't have to be a Healthy Families Challenger to dig deep and find the strength to push through your own fitness regimen. If you have the will, you'll find a way.

I'm game for this. I can do it.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.


How is the Jackson family doing? Check in on their progress!


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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 08 Feb 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 17: Any Room to Roam Is Enough to Burn Some Calorieshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/the-jacksons-week-17-any-room-to-roam-is-enough-to-burn-some-c/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/the-jacksons-week-17-any-room-to-roam-is-enough-to-burn-some-c/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/the-jacksons-week-17-any-room-to-roam-is-enough-to-burn-some-c/#commentsFiled under:

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Jackson finds a place for jumping jacks in the far end of his front yard. Credit: Deidra Jackson

What's up with all this cold winter weather in the Deep South?

And, more specifically, North Mississippi?

When temps surged upward for a change and neared 45 degrees one Sunday, Jackson and I saw our window of warm opportunity and headed outside for some exercise. Out the front door we trudged, bundled up and ready to put Jackson's remote-control helicopter into flight.

Living out here in more rural environs, we're blessed to have room to roam unlike my fellow challengers, The Drevitches, who live inside a big bustling city. Although our house comprises about 1,500 livable square feet, it's surrounded by one-half acre of land on which to play football, kick a soccer ball, hit golf balls or run laps, all of which we've done at one time or another.

We can also take a brisk walk down our neighborhood's main street and watch the emus, horses, donkeys, and cows that graze in pastureland next to our subdivision.

I really like that.

So while we weren't doing winded sprints around the house that day, Jackson and I did have fun grounding and then setting his helicopter into flight. We had to run and pick up the 'copter once it crash-landed, and do it all over again dozens of times, which we did before we got chilly and headed back in the house.

The point is, we got moving.

I'd tell anyone that if you've got the room -- any room -- to move about, it's just enough to burn some calories and put your body into motion. We've learned that you need to take advantage of the space you have, and get your muscles moving. As much as I'd like to believe that I can burn calories when I extend my arm to grip a forkful of food, and then flex that same arm to deposit said food in my mouth, I know that results come with much more vigorous activity, and likely without simultaneous food consumption.

Some of the most fun activities Jackson and I have enjoyed on our front lawn have been the ones that have gotten us the most winded and, without us even suspecting it, given us a great workout. Healthy Families Challenge followers -- a cheap plastic Frisbee can do wonders! Not only can you have fun, but you can also work some major muscle groups. A game of catch, a short game of baseball or kicking a soccer ball into a net goal, it's all good.

But even without any extra gadgets or sports equipment, Jackson and I find fun. We've been outside, "boxing." Imagine us out in front of the house, taking turns with our imaginary sparring, bobbing and weaving, as if we're challenging each other inside some imaginary boxing ring.

Regardless of the weather, it's always good to be able to get outside and just move. It's even better to inspire or be inspired by a friend or family member -- like a son -- who doesn't mind asking you to join him in an activity for good health's sake.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.


How is the Jackson family doing? Check in on their progress!


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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 16: Deep Reflections From Chili'shttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/25/the-jacksons-week-16-deep-reflections-from-chili-s/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/25/the-jacksons-week-16-deep-reflections-from-chili-s/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/25/the-jacksons-week-16-deep-reflections-from-chili-s/#commentsFiled under:




It's "crunch time." And, for us Jacksons, that could be significant in any of three different ways.

I thought about this as my son, Jackson, and I sat inside a rowdy Chili's restaurant the other night, our Healthy Families Challenge goals still on our minds.

Naturally, the eatery's "Bottomless Tostado Chips" and homemade salsa called to us as we decided on an appetizer. For these past five months, we've made conscientious efforts to pick healthier food options when we dine out. But it's funny how crispy foods are so satisfying to us, the sharp munching so pleasing to our senses and palate.

Among all the starters, the chips and salsa has among the lowest fat grams (39), calories (480) and carbs (26) per serving. At least it did as of last February, according to the CalorieKing Calorie, Fat & Carbohydrate Counter (2010).

Sixteen weeks into this high-profile health and fitness test, my excess pounds haven't fallen off easily or quickly, but they've fallen, thank you. The last time I lost serious weight, about 25 pounds some 11 years ago, I was working out voraciously and eating next to nothing for several months. Guess how long the pounds stayed off once I began to eat normally again?

Exactly.

Jackson, who isn't dieting, is much more aware of how he can help maintain his good health for years to come by thinking about what he eats and drinks.
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When the (tostado) chips are down, we gotta dig in. Credit: Deidra Jackson



So, for us, the crunch-time ethos also means -- despite what we're having for dinner tonight -- we're digging in for this final lap of the challenge.

Additionally, lessons have been learned this go-round, especially by me.

You know, I've grown to regularly enjoy low-calorie yogurt -- especially if it's carrot-cake or vanilla-chai flavored -- and I've kicked to the curb most high-sugar foods because they no longer are welcome in my life. I realize that I don't have to have them.

Thank goodness there won't be any more food-centered holidays to contend with for a few months, but when mountains of celebratory cuisine and treats are within my reach, I don't have to "act a fool," as some Southerners would say, and overindulge.

And I'm back in the exercise saddle. I've resumed my workouts with Jenn Hall, a graduate assistant in the University of Mississippi's Department of Campus Recreation. I actually anticipated getting moving after the holidays. I really craved my personal trainer's guided workout, because I knew she'd help me push through the numerous reps, the stationary miles and the lunges. You know how much easier it is to lift a bit more weight or run those few extra laps when someone is by your side motivating you.

With Jackson continuing his fencing classes and gaining from the beneficial strength and conditioning that comes with them, we'll both be demonstrating a third and more literal interpretation of "crunch time," in the form of those abdominal-busting exercises. Maybe we'll suffer through -- I mean, work through -- crunches together. And, incidentally, they're worthwhile when they're done the right way, without straining your back.

Crunches, how we both dislike thee, but we're game for any effective physical training that will get us both into good shape.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.

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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 25 Jan 2011 09:00:00 ESTThe Jacksons, Week 15: Frugal Fitness, Wealthy Well-beinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/18/the-jacksons-week-15-frugal-fitness-wealthy-wellbeing/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/18/the-jacksons-week-15-frugal-fitness-wealthy-wellbeing/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/18/the-jacksons-week-15-frugal-fitness-wealthy-wellbeing/#commentsFiled under:

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Organizers were astounded recently by the turnout of some 500 participants at the first meeting of an Oxford, Miss. community health and fitness initiative. Credit: Deidra Jackson

How do I know the holiday "honeymoon" is over? I had to get on the scales again.

Ugh.

It was the first time I had weighed myself since Emmy Parkes, my dietitian, coaxed me onto their nutrition lab's weighing machine at the University of Mississippi. This time it was no big surprise that I had gained back some of that lost weight -- about three pounds.

But I'm focusing on the positives, folks.

I still abstain from drinking tea sweetened with pure cane sugar. I've fully embraced or adapted to lower-calorie versions of many of the foods and drinks I regularly consume (orange juice, yogurt, ground turkey, and cheese, for instance). I aim to eat a healthy salad and/or vegetables daily. And I try to get in some form of exercise several days during the week.

As a food lover and mother of a growing 12-year-old son (who isn't dieting, and is consuming more calories than I), it's been often difficult to stay on point with my Healthy Families Challenge goals. So, with another few days before I'll be reunited with my personal trainer, dietitian and other team members, I've called in some reinforcements.

This is where my community's new free health-and-fitness initiative comes in. I -- and a whopping estimated 500 other participants -- attended the first meeting of the Healthy You, Healthy L.O.U. (Lafayette County-Oxford-University) program in Oxford, Miss., after registering days before at the Baptist Memorial HealthPlex by weighing in, getting a blood pressure check and providing a few other health-related details.

Though it was standing room only, the crowd was a subdued bunch. I think most of us were guarded; we were waiting to see just what would be in store for the next five months, the duration of the program. The first night was a workshop of sorts. One by one, we heard from the program's organizers, who spread messages of motivation, listened to health and fitness experts who discussed grocery shopping and properly reading nutrition labels, and demonstrated ways to exercise at home.

My favorite? When they picked a member of the audience to demonstrate how you don't have to invest in weights, elastic bands or other equipment to get an effective home workout. Frugal fitness. Envision yourself performing bicep curls by raising and lowering a broom handle with half-gallon jugs filled with popcorn or water affixed on each end. It's a bit noisy, but hey, you've kept the extra money you would have spent on a weight bar.

That defective bicycle tire inner tube -- don't throw it away! There's your elastic resistance band for strength training.

"Don't invest a fortune in anything but your walking shoes!" an organizer urged the crowd.

And as you may know, I hold dear that piece of sage advice all too well.

After signing in, we were handed a goody bag of information, a "passport," which we'll get stamped as we attend scheduled events and activities, a food-and-fitness diary, and a pedometer. Sessions on ballroom dancing, cooking and grilling tips, fund-raising walks and marathons, and yoga and pilates are slated for several times each month.

I'm really looking forward to the Feb. 3 event, which features a talk by Brandon, Miss., native Patrick House, who in December won "The Biggest Loser," the NBC reality weight loss competition.

According to news reports, on the final moments of the show, Houses's weigh-in revealed he had lost 181 pounds, a 45.3 percent drop from his original weight of 400.

I can't wait to hear the story he has to tell.

And between the HFC, my New Beginnings mentors and my community's health-and-fitness program, I'm hoping I'll be fully recharged and ready to really kick my own goals into high gear in 2011.

Who's the rest of the competition? Check out all the challengers' latest updates here.


How is the Jackson family doing? Check in on their progress!


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]]>Deidra JacksonTue, 18 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST