I read another informative article on SparkPeople this morning, about what children can teach us about weight loss. I commented on it in my diet blog and thought I’d share it here, too. It reminded me of how active — and how slim — I used to be as a child, and of how my own two girls were always moving, before the days of Playstations, Game Cubs and X-Boxes.
Eat less; move more. My doctor’s simple equation for weight loss.
So I read through this article to see how I stacked up against their suggestions.
1. Everything can be a game. Why slog through the same workout routines in boredom, when you can add a little fun? Make up rules, shoot for personal records, regain your competitive spirit.
2. Don’t walk when you can run. Every day is full of opportunities to increase your fitness. This rule is closely related to “don’t drive when you can walk.”
How about “don’t walk when you can dance”? I wear my little MP3 player around the apartment a lot of the time, and dance my way from chore to chore. And only the cat can hear me if I sing off key! Not only does it keep me moving, but Gwen Stefani can make mundane chores like dishes a lot more enjoyable. Before you know it, you’re finished.
3. If you don’t like it, don’t eat it. Once you hit your goal weight, chances are your eating habits won’t stick around long if you hated what you were eating. Healthy eating involves balance and moderation.
This one really doesn’t apply too much to me because there are very few foods I don’t like, unfortunately. One could turn that around, however, and make it “if it doesn’t like you, don’t eat it”. In other words, if eating a particular food is sure to sabotage your new eating habits, don’t eat it!
4. Laughter feels good. Kids seem to inherently know that laughter can ease blood pressure, help your brain function, give you energy, and help you reach your goals. Smiling and enjoying yourself can be serious help.
Oh boy, this is one I really need to work on. With the worries of everyday life — meeting monthly budgets, paying bills, elderly parents — it’s hard to find a lot to laugh about most days. I need to get out more … sounds corny, but the get-togethers with girlfriends, going to a movie, simple things like that can make all the difference. But I’m a born worrier, so I really do have to work on this one.
5. Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work, chores and a host of “have-to’s” that we forget to take time for ourselves. Not only does relaxing and regrouping make life worthwhile, it has real health benefits. Most of all, it will help you stay consistent and motivated.
See #4.
6. The world should be full of color—especially on your dinner plate! Splash it with as many colors as possible, paint it like a rainbow with food. It’s more fun to look at and chances are you’ll be eating a healthy, balanced meal.
Colorful foods are reported to be the healthiest foods. The reds of tomatoes, peppers, radishes, apples; the greens of leafy vegetables, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, peas, beans; yellow peppers, beans, bananas; purple grapes, eggplant, onion, cabbage; oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, etc. The more colorful, the better!
7. It’s always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate toward other children. It gives them spirit and makes them want to play all day. Working out with other people is almost like having your own little playgroup.
Again, see #4.
8. Adventures are found outside, not inside. Every kid knows that the good stuff is in the great outdoors—fresh air, wide open spaces, limitless possibilities. You can’t find those things cooped up in a tiny, stale gym. Open the door and start a new adventure every day.
Open the door and start a new adventure every day … yes! I definitely need to get outside more, go for more walks, breathe in that crisp, February air.
9. It’s important to use your imagination. You can be Captain Fantastic or Stupendous Woman any time you want. Give yourself permission to believe in your own super powers and let your mind take you wherever it wants to go.
Believing in yourself is half the battle when it comes to weight loss, I think. And you need to apply your imagination to exercise routines and “menus” so that you keep things interesting. Nothing sabotages my efforts like boredom.
10. Anything is possible. No fear, no self-doubts, no negative self talk, no self-criticism, no worries, no destructive anxieties or thoughts of failure. To a child, he/she can do anything. And do you know what? They’re right.
I think I’ve conquered this one! I really do believe that I will lose all this excess poundage this time. I haven’t felt defeated since I started. You really do have to believe in yourself and your resolve.
Finally … You have your whole life ahead of you. Here’s your chance to do it right.
This one speaks for itself. I’m taking this opportunity to hang out with the great gals here at P2G and rely on their support and encouragement. I want to reach and maintain a healthy weight now because I do have my whole life ahead of me, and I want it to be a healthy and happy one.
Here’s to doing it right!
