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May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
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Getting fit can be extremely difficult – I can empathize with others because I .have had my ups and downs with weight and activity. My general physician encourages me to watch what I eat and to get more exercise. She has given me materials on healthy eating, including low fat, sugar free, no carbs, and I get dizzy with the numbers that float around in my head. My gynecologist is a little less sympathetic and more to the point, saying, “Eat less.”
Frankly, I am not fixated on food. I can go all day without eating, and when I do eat, I really don’t care what it is. Generally, I will grab whatever is quick, easy and tastes good. The occasional dessert or special meal is great, but I am not excessive with any foods.
I have heard that stress can affect metabolism. A few months ago, I left a particularly stressful job and have since lost 25 pounds without much effort. My plan is to continue this momentum by increasing my effort through increased activity and increasing my fruit and vegetable intake.
Even though there are general tips, guidelines and helpful hints for folks that want to become healthier, I personally believe that any change in routine needs a large dose of common sense. Extremes in any diet or exercise plan are just as bad as extremes in unhealthy eating. Everyone is different, with different physical or medical influences that should be considered when attempting weight loss. Consult a physician when embarking on a diet to make sure there are no unknown health risks, or to consider any already discovered.
Medications, diseases, climate and other factors can influence diet and exercise routines. For example, a patient on cortisone, prednisone or taking antibiotics has a higher risk of sunburn. This same person might want to avoid starting an outdoor water aerobics class or any extended exposure to sunlight.
In addition to consulting a physician, considering what works best for you, and juggling the multitude of advice given by any fashion magazine, consider The Department of Health and Human Services' Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. May has been declared National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, with a special challenge issued by President Obama. Through July 24, individuals can record their activity to help their state win the title of being the most active in the nation.
Watch here for more information about guidelines, suggestions for activities and my own progress towards being healthier!
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