2012 NYC ING Marathon Countdown 5 days: Carbs and Candles

There are two things most people will say they can do without carbs and candles.

Whenever someone goes on a diet the first thing they will say they are cutting out are the carbs. It is the one thing most experts agree can effectively help with weight loss and management, more so than avoiding fats. Studies also show that less carbohydrates in a diet versus cutting calories will help you lose the most weight. (Men's Fitness: Cut Carbs, Not Calories).

It is inevitable, especially if you are a woman or for guys if you throw a house warming party, that someone will give you a candle. Perhaps they went as far as getting you one that is not just of the fragrant sort because they know you love the smell of vanilla, oranges, apples, cinnamon, honey suckle, etc. but, a hand crafted work of art like this...

http://www.theoriginalcandleman.com

or, this....

Live Long, and Prosper!

that you will never burn, but keep on your mantle for show or as a conversational piece.

If you are training for a 1/2 marathon, marathon or ultra run, you shouldn't be cutting carbs but loading up on them big time at least 2 to 3 days before your race. You can get your carbohydrate fix from healthy foods; fruits (without the skin), grains, cereals, pasta and more.

Check out "Fil 'Er Up," by Dimity McDowell, Runner's World for more tips.

I started to increase my carbohydrate intake last week but starting to seriously carbo-load to get ready for the marathon today.

Breakfast: A peanut butter sandwich (whole wheat bread) and a bowl of farina with chia seeds (1 tablespoon), bananas (half, saved the other half for a snack) and a splash of non-dairy creamer.

Hydration is also important, so after my tea I had some water.

Lunch and dinner will each consist of a pasta dish.

In between snacks, strawberries, bananas and cereal.

In preparation for the arrival of hurricane Sandy, I scrounged around for candles over the weekend.

In my spring and summer cleanings I remember seeing some, I just don't remember where. I am not a candle lover, except when they are on birthday cakes or used in holiday celebrations or other festivities. Having experienced blackouts in the past I always keep a few in case something happens to the flashlights. Ahaa, in the tool box they were, the last place I expected.

Hurricane Sandy has left many without power. The first choice for lighting should ALWAYS be flash lights. If you do not have a flash light there are flash light applications that you can download to your cell phone. Do a quick search and try one. They work by using the flash on your cell phone. If you absolutely must use candles, please follow the following safety tips in their use.

• Be sure that the candles are fitted in the candle holders securely. They should not be loose or wobble. The last thing you want is to have the candle fall off the holder and start a fire. You, are better off being in the dark with just window light than risk that (go to sleep early). Melt a little wax in the holder before putting in the candle and hold the candle until it sticks.

• Never, ever, ever, leave a candle unattended, in the reach of small children or pets!

• If you are going to take a nap, go to sleep or feel like you may doze off... CANDLE LIGHTS OUT!

• If you are going to leave your home, even if you think it will not be long, you are just going to the corner to get some milk... CANDLE LIGHTS OUT!  

• If you are leaving a room... CANDLE LIGHTS OUT!

• Candles should be clear of combustibles; curtains, books, papers on a desk or coffee table, furniture, ETC.

• Be careful when lighting candles. Ladies be careful of your long hair. Guys careful of your long hair and beards.

• Never, ever, ever, leave a candle unattended, in the reach of small children or pets!

• The holders you use should not be made of a flammable material, shatter in heat easily or conduct heat easily. For example if you do not have a candle holder you do not want to put the candle in any old glass (wine or champagne glass), an aluminum tray or can.

For our emergency preparedness we put the candles in corning bowls which we would add a little water to as well as an extra preventive measure.

 Here are some more tips from Clark County Fire District 6 for more info click here.

• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch.

• Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder or any decorative   material. 

• Extinguish candles carefully. Do not leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing.

• Do not leave children unattended in a room with a lit candle. 

• Don't use a candle for light when adding kerosene or any flammable fuel to a heater, lantern, or other device. The flame could ignite the fumes.

Be Safe Everyone!