8 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Fit For Sisters Andrew Loscutoff Columnist Why absolutes don’t work for health and fitness There are many absolut- ists out there. This mental- ity strives for certainty. For the absolutist everything is black and white. If walking 10,000 steps a day is better than 5,000, it9s 10,000 or bust. If an apple has more fiber than a banana, then banana be damned. We can have a certain amount of admiration for the absolutist. They are decisive, strong willed, and optimal. They hold stead- fast in a belief system. But they may fear the unknown, and their hardy stance may falter when the next paper is written or they read a new book, or a guru offers new advice. Being literal is a fool9s errand when it comes to health and fitness. Nutrition, fitness, health, and wellness don9t exist in a vacuum. In fact, there is so much synergy that any advice needs to be taken with the pro- viso, <results may vary.= Vitamins, minerals, fibers, and compounds are all synergistic. Fats absorb some vitamins, which then can be used in the body. A fibrous plate of veggies with white rice slows the carbohydrate breakdown in the stomach, nullifying the insulin release. A person who is looking to lose weight ought to con- sider their unique circum- stance. The amount of cal- ories they need is specific to their body, lifestyle, and habits. This is then com- pounded by their digestive and absorptive tendencies. At a restaurant there can be a vast difference in por- tions depending on who is manning the line. One must view a calorie count not as an absolute but a moving target. There are no absolutes in fitness. A person who desires to build strength should do squats and deadlifts. However, there are hundreds of different ways to actually do these exercises. A 5-foot-4-inch 89-year-old woman will be different from the 20-year- old collegiate football athlete. Genetics, history, and the millions of input vari- ables across years of liv- ing all play their parts. A person makes a variety of choices, moves, and direc- tions in their unique sys- tem on a day-to-day basis. There is uncertainty, there will be change 4 and this is OK. Certainty doesn9t exist in the world beyond our imagination. Things change on a day- to-day basis, but over the long term there is a pattern. Move the biggest stones to begin with and the pebbles will fall into place. Taking the snap… PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK The Outlaws are playing scrimmages in a pandemic-adjusted season. Oregon GIFT BASKET EMPORIUM Gift baskets are a great way to surprise friends and family locally and afar! Order your favorites for Year’s. Christmas and New Year s. At Hazelnut Hill, we go nuts for the holidays, and your friends and family will, too! We make small-batch Oregon hazelnut products and then box them up to make great gifts — roasted hazelnuts, chocolate hazelnut toffee, brittle, hazelnut pancake and waffl e mix, hazelnut butter and artisan chocolates. Shop online! 541-510-4464 | www.hazelnuthill.com Give the gift of locally roasted, premium coffee this holiday season! Coffee subscriptions available on our website, or stop by the cafe. New merchandise and holiday gift boxes also adorn the cafe. Not sure what to choose? Buy a gift card for your loved one and treat them to a coffee date. sisterscoffee.com | customercare@sisterscoffee.com In honor of Veterans Day.. We Salu Salute You, MARVIN EMMARSON Marvin M Ma r survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. PHOTO BY CRAIG RULLMAN ank you for your service! — From your family and friends Dan’s Gourmet Baskets are fi lled with your favorite Dan’s treats. We have over ten baskets to choose from fi lled with Dan’s Honey Smoked Steelhead, Dan’s Spread, handmade Beecher’s Flagship cheeses, gourmet English toffee, fancy cashews, boutique cookies and more. Order online or give us a call! 970-623-5804 | www.danssmokedsalmon.com Rainshadow Farm to Table Kitchen and Store is open through the holidays, 11 am to 3 pm, Thurs.-Sat., with lunch 12 to 2 pm. We have custom gift baskets, certifi cates, sauces, and ingredients for your holiday feast! Check our website for ticketed dinners and brunches. 541-977-6746 | rainshadoworganics.com Winter weather is here and, with increased stress, self care is one of the most transformative things you can do. Botanically driven, ethically sourced products. Facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing and complimentary skincare consultation. Custom gift baskets by request and gift cards too. 541-953-7112 | roamnaturalskincare.com