Fit in the City - Leigh Ann Root
Hooray for the Losers!
This time of the year it seems almost everyone wants to lose weight and/or live healthier lives. Why wouldn't we? Doing this can enhance lives in so many ways. Thankfully, we're seeing this sort of thing happen to people everywhere. To co-workers, family, friends, people in magazines and people on television. Unless you live in a cave, you've seen and heard about people who have chosen to work hard and transform their body and their lives. Since it makes for good television, we've been bombarded with the success stories like those from the show "Biggest Loser". What I'm loving, is that people are finally understanding that in order to lose weight they must incorporate both exercise and eating right. The only and real way to be successful in losing weight, being sensible about what you put into your body and moving that body! It's not really rocket science or that complicated is it? Real people do it and reap the rewards. Although I am encouraged by this type of reality programming, I think the workouts they're doing are a bit extreme, at least in the beginning. I realize that it does make for good T.V. and the shock value, it's entertainment. In an ordinary or everyday situation, I would probably not push someone who is 100 to 200 pounds overweight into an extreme exercise program in the early stages. It's about building a strong foundation, sometimes starting with baby steps. Then workouts would progress and get increasingly more difficult as a person became more accustomed to working out. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the hard work but it's also about reality and being safe. An extreme makeover is possible for anyone, that is the message these television shows are sending. I couldn't agree more! This is true if a person truly wants it and believes in themselves. Exercise and healthy eating, along with a positive attitude and proper rest are all the keys to unlock the door of a better and healthier life. Each of these areas are equally as important as the other. Too much in one area or too less in one area can create an unhealthy imbalance. I have believed this for years. It's about work, accountability, time, some sacrifice but not quick fixes. These popular weight loss and makeover shows are showing real people accomplishing amazing things and changing their lives for the better. People are really starting to get "it"! I couldn't be more thrilled that the message is out there and people seem to be listening. They may have even inspired you. Wouldn't that be good use of the television!
Unfortunately, there are still those infamous informercials also on television. One morning I did a little informercial homework. I couldn't believe the amount of gadgets on the market today. What's more disturbing is the unrealistic results they're promising people in ridiculous time frames. What they're not highlighting on these informercials is the big disclaimers you recieve once your "miracle product" arrives in the mail. I think these disclaimers go something like this, "your results are only guaranteed when combined with eating a certain amount of calories and doing a certain amount of cardiovascular exercise." They have to say this because this is the only way weight is successfully lost; food in and more energy expended. It's actually pretty basic. Put another way, if you're eating a certain amount of calories, you must burn these calories and then some in order to drop weight. This being said, I am not a believer in calorie counting, it gets too overwhelming and people get discouraged easily. I believe in using common sense when it comes to eating. Eat healthfully by fueling your body with smart foods, like fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. Cutting down on fried and processed foods. Combine this with exercise to speed up metabolism (the rate at which your body burns fuel) and you have a recipe for success. Again, it's about balance not gadgets. Most of these informercial are promising dramatic weight loss and phenomenal abdominals by doing very little work. If it sounds too good to be true, you must know by now, it is too good to be true! A little work means little results. Your results are directly connected to the amount of work you put in. It's as simple as this. Trust me folks, real weight loss only comes from lifestyle changes. I've been in the fitness world for almost fifteen years and I have yet to meet a healthy person who doesn't agree with that statement. Lifestyle changes include but not limited to the following; better food choices, moderation and portion control, allowing for rewards (the things you really love to eat and "can't live without"), moving the body in some way every day, muscle conditioning, cardiovascular workouts (like walking, running, biking, hiking, aerobics, or anything that gets your heart pumping a working harder than it does while sitting on the couch!), proper rest, good mental attitude and an overall positive outlook on life. Being healthy is about making the right choices but still enjoying and living life. It's not about depriving yourself. It's about working and deserving the occasional treat. Life is to short to not eat and do the things you really enjoy. Everything in moderation!
What kind of loser would you like to be? Do you want to lose weight and gain more self confidence? Or do you want to lose more energy and gain more weight? It's the choice between being active or sitting on the sidelines of life. Move it or lose it. Losers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. It's never too early or too late to adopt a healthier life. Your goals can be both big and small. Maybe it's time for some positive drama in your life, like weight loss. It can effect practically every aspect of your life when it happens. Be prepared for your reality. Be prepared for the goodness. Be prepared to work. Be prepared to accept certain things about yourself. Understand that weight loss doesn't solve all your problems. Some problems have nothing to do with weight. Weight loss will, however, make for an easier and more enjoyable existence, this is a promise! And most importantly, weight loss is your problem to solve, not somebody else's. It's a "do-it -yourself thing". I know you've always wanted to be a loser!
