Polymath mind

Health and Fitness Words for Thought

1. Walking is just as effective as running.
If you are training for something then sure, running will certainly get you there quicker.  But if you’re trying to be healthy and in shape throughout your lifetime (and not just for the quick fixer summer vacation) then picking your pleasure is up to you because they do the same.   The goal is certainly not to “Do it the Correct Way” but rather to “Just Do It” (not to quote any famous name brands out there) because that morale is right on the money.

Sure, you’ll burn a lot more running for the same amount of time as walking but you’re in it for the long haul here folks.  Accept the personal investment and get to it, whatever your preference is, just enjoy yourself during or you will get burned out.  Let’s not forget De la Fontaine’s story of the Tortoise and the Hare; the rabbit is fast, arrogant and thinks rarely of running whereas the turtle walks but goes at an enjoyable pace (which he maintains the entire story) and eventually wins.

To apply it to you: don’t try to be the best, fastest or most in shape, think of exercise as a “gift to the tomorrow you.”

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2. Exercise does not increase hunger.
Exercise does not increase hunger.  If you are using that as an excuse to avoid exercise you’re trying to slip out the back door without anyone knowing, except this door is squeaky and everyone knows the sound of a cheap copout.

Anyone who’s ever exercised would know that exercising is an appetite suppressor.  The last thing anyone does after a good workout is pummel food, they go straight for a giant glass of water.

Cut the cheap excuses, find something that you can enjoy (and don’t stop until you do) and Just Do It.

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3. It definitely matters where your calories come from!
Every heard of Empty Calories?  They are also called Twinkies, Ice Cream, Doughnuts, Coke, Cake, White Bread and Candy Bars, etc.  They taste great and are fun to eat but give your body nothing.  No matter what you do you cannot turn cake into muscle because the “Fat” in cake is empty.  They are called empty calories because they have nothing to give your body, hence, it is viewed as empty to your body (who absorbs everything you ingest, everything).  On the other hand, eating Good Calories gives you a lot of things you need even though it too has “Fat”.

Ever heard of Good Calories?  They are sometimes known as Peanuts, Nuts, Avocados, Whole Grain Bread, Beans and Peanut Butter.   These are examples of Good Calories which are needed by your body.  Your body will ingest and absorb every bit of those Good Calories and that Good Fat will help your body do everything it is supposed to do; help digestion, fight disease, pigment and enrich the skin, help the ligaments and organs.

Fat is Good if it comes from a natural source; vegetables (nuts), fruits (avocados), whole grain bread (brown and black bread).

Fat is Bad if it comes from an industrial source; Junk Food (candy bars, coke, cake, ice cream and white bread).  Why is white bread bad? Just think that it has been messed with so much that it’s barely bread anymore.

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4. Dieting is not enough for good health and weight loss
Think long term here friends.  Dieting is a “Quick Fix” or also referred to as a “Cheap Copout” and always discourages the person much more then encouraging.

Long term: think exercise, or to simplify, think Activity.  In our day we say exercise but any kid under 7 years will say “playing, back yard or go outside” which might hint you in the right mental direction here.  We view dieting and exercise as a burden or responsibility (like everything in the adult world) whereas exercise (playing) should be fun and active.  If you can stick to the old anecdote; Have Fun, then you might just get healthy without any burdens, and all the while smiling.

Lastly, avoid the information.  It’s too easy to get caught up with which activity is the healthiest; just pick a thing and start, even if it is a morning or evening walk.  Again, this isn’t about short fixes, this is all about General Health, which is the basis for this website; Physical, Mental and Emotional Health!

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5. There is no ideal exercise nor is there an ideal time for it.
This cannot be emphasized enough; being active and having fun is the best possible exercise.  If you view activities as a responsibility (saying “I need to get to the gym,” etc.) then you’re in trouble from the start.  Going to the pool or the beach and swimming is just as great as taking a walk no matter the time of day so long as it is a pleasure.  On one side of the coin you are “Treating” yourself by having fun and on the other side you are “Managing” yourself by giving a task that needs to be done.

Be Active, Eat Natural and Have Fun!