Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
It never ceases to amaze me just how many articles are written about how to lose weight and get fit. Further, it blows my mind how many are written by unqualified people and how these authors often blur the lines between myth and reality, all in the name of marketing their magazine, book, website, or magical slimming food.
I agree with the writers, and the people who read the said articles, that weight loss, looking good, having more energy and living longer are natural and noble goals. This is the EXACT reasons why I exercise, not because I like the humming sound of the treadmill belt, or the smell of armpits!
I also agree that glossy magazines, for example, are a cheap, convenient and entertaining source of information - but whether or not the information is credible is a good start for a dinner party argument.
It is these dubious, yet attractive, sources of "information" that millions of people seek out when they realise that they want to achieve a weight loss goal quickly or realise their health may be in jeopardy and/or do not have the time and money to spend on a professional fitness instructor.
If this is you, next time you do your health and fitness research, take a minute to note the author's qualifications and experience. You also need to be aware that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Today, I am going to give you uncomplicated tips that will help you achieve weight loss. It is not based on the latest American research by a guy called Chuck who won a Mr Universe title, nor is it out of a magazine written by a 17-year-old size zero Russian supermodel. It's just physiological fact. And ANYONE can do it.
Move about
Walk to the television and change the channel. Do all your own housework, and hang the washing out instead of tumble drying. Go and play outside with your pet. Instead of taking the elevator up two floors to see your neighbour, walk up the stairs.
Don't email the person in the office across the building from you - deliver the message in person on foot. Park your car a little further away from the entrance to the mall and your office. Piggy-back the kids to bed. Do some gentle yoga or stretch your back and neck if you are getting a headache instead of popping a panadol. Sit up straight in your chair by using your stomach muscles.
An average size adult will burn around an extra 2,000 calories a year just by throwing their television remote control in the bin, so imagine how much more you can burn in a year if you combine all of the above. Wow!
Banish junk
This does NOT mean you have to sacrifice all sugar and fat. I know, that you know, what is good for you and what is not. If you ask high school students what is healthy food and what is unhealthy food, they will give you extensive lists of both. If you show them a salad sandwich and a hamburger and ask them "Which one is better for your health and energy?" they always get it right.
And, in my opinion, adults should know even better and be good role models for their children. However, what separates the 'knowledge' bit with the 'actual eating' bit is motivation. But you need to use your common sense. Try swapping your next doughnut with wholemeal toast and jam. Try swapping your fries for a handful of lightly salted nuts. Eat junk food only as a treat once or twice a week. You also need to go regularly to the supermarket, as opposed to regularly leaning on the counter at Hungry Jacks or McDonalds.
Look on all the shelves at the supermarket, stop, think, plan, and focus on your goals of good health and weight loss, and NEVER on the actual food in front of you.
Now look in your trolley just before you go to the check-out. Over half of it should be filled with fruit, vegetables and whole grain breads, wholesome breakfast cereals, skim milk and healthy snack foods like little boxes of raisins and nuts. Yes, I know it is difficult at first, and yes, I do get cravings and yes, I do give in to them occasionally. So can you - just absolutely NOT every day.
Stop smoking
Do I really have to give you guys a lecture? And no, you do not put on weight when you give up. This is purely psychological and not physical. Take the opportunity of all that spare time in which you used to sit down and have a cigarette, to MOVE (see point number 1), instead of eat.
Power walking
This is quite separate from movement. Exercise aims to bring about physiological changes that result in improvements in such things as lung capacity, muscle strength, less body fat, a stronger heart and improved posture.
It does have to be tailored especially for YOU. This is another reason why magazine articles and some websites that contain exercise plans do not work. However, on a very basic level, everyone must be doing something rhythmic three to six days a week where the heart rate is elevated for 30 minutes at a time and leaves you in a sweat without wanting to faint.
The best and simplest example is power walking. Additionally, I strongly recommend some sort of resistance training twice a week. Don't forget to warm up and cool down appropriately. Please see a qualified and caring fitness instructor for your personal health and weight loss programme.
Drink water
Not coffee. Not sports drinks. Not soft drinks. Limit milkshakes and always skip the whipped cream. Forget Red Bull. Alcohol only a dozen or so times a year on special occasions, if you must. Go real easy on the cordial and fruit juice.
A lot of drinks don't taste like they are unhealthy, but trust me, your body was not designed to be filled with such dehydrating rubbish and empty calories.
If you do not trust me, give up alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, and other sugary moist delights just for two weeks and send me an email about how you feel and look.
And yes, tea in small doses is OK, but skip the ice-tea from coffee shops which is full of sugar and artificial colours and flavours.
You are the most complex, beautiful and amazing machine in the whole universe. Look after yourself.
Good luck everyone!
