What can you lose?

September 5, 2011

What can you lose?

Is there a down side to eating clean and exercising?

Obviously there must be, or else we’d all be perfectly fit and healthy all the time. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons we don’t all attain our ideal physiques:

1. It takes time.

2. It costs money.

3. Some medical conditions prevent people from exercising or eating certain foods.

4. The bodybuilder look isn’t for everyone.

5. People should have the right to eat what they want and do what they want, and not be discriminated against because of their size.

These are all valid points. But are they logical? Time for some analysis.

1. It takes time. Oh, we humans and our silly linear concept of time. Forget the clock for a minute (ha) and focus your energy on your priorities rather than your schedule. Think about what your goals are in life. Does everything on your daily calendar move you forward toward your goals? Or are you staying in one place, keeping busy but not gaining any ground? Think about rearranging your daily calendar so you can invest your time in the activities that will make a difference in your life. That may mean coming to some tough conclusions about big factors like your job or your relationship. It’s your life. Make it what you want it to be.

2. It costs money. Yeah, so does being tired and overweight. You can choose to spend $7 on a Whopper combo meal at Burger King or $7 on an apple, a handful of roasted almonds, a snack pack of baby carrots and hummus and a cup of lowfat yogurt. “That’s not enough food,” you say? Yes, it is. You’re just used to gorging until your stomach is full of sugar, grease and fat. There are ways to gradually change your eating (and shopping) habits a little at a time so you become used to healthier foods, and once your body adjusts, it will thank you with increased energy and less pudge. As for the monthly expense of going to a gym, invest in a good home workout program instead. You’ll save on membership fees, gas and the necessity of always having clean workout clothes.

3. Some medical conditions prevent people from exercising or eating certain foods. You may have limitations, but you can always do SOMETHING. Knees too weak to run? Try a meal replacement shake for a while so you can drop 20-30 pounds. One pound of weight lost equals four pounds of pressure off your knees per step. Have injuries? Work the rest of your body and keep eating clean. Allergies or digestive issues prevent you from getting all the nutrients you need? Do some homework and talk to a dietician about supplements. These things aren’t obstacles, they’re singularities.

4. The bodybuilder look isn’t for everyone. Thank goodness. I personally have always had a thing for guys with a little more meat on their bones. (No snickering, please.) We’re all built differently, but we can all achieve good muscle tone and low body fat … if we try. Good health is the goal, not the Mr. Universe title.

5. People should have the right to eat what they want and do what they want, and not be discriminated against because of their size. This in its broader scope is the great debate of our time. Personal choice versus what society (or the government) deems “best” for us. Understand this: It’s human nature to judge other people. Based on the culture we were raised in and our own conscious or programmed beliefs, we can’t help it. If we harbor the opinion that fat people are weak-willed or ignorant, we’re going to treat them differently than people we consider disciplined and high-achieving with their fitness. Whether that’s RIGHT or not is moot. The truth is that obesity and its related health conditions are overwhelmingly the main contributor to the health care crisis in America. If just 1 percent of the people classified as obese right now were to drop to within “normal” weight ranges, it would free up enough cash flow to SOLVE the entire health care dilemma. ONE PERCENT. Think of the added energy and productivity those people in that 1 percent would then contribute to the workforce. If you feel your affinity for junk food and personal comfort of lounging in your recliner is more of a priority than becoming your best, saving your own money and the nation’s on medical costs, having fun doing active things and setting a great example for your children, then YES, that is totally your right.

So. Take stock of your priorities, your goals and your present condition. Are you where you want to be? Do you need to make some changes? E-mail me at kstrecker1701@gmail.com if you want help.

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