The Oaks at Ojai (California)
You see them everywhere. People with lots of energy. These men and women bounce through the day and seem super human. What is their secret?
For some, the truth is that they’re high energy people. For most it’s because they’re fit and trim. How often have you longed for more energy or endurance? Do you wish you could be stronger or trimmer? Do you crave the posture of someone half your age and the vigor you had years back? It’s not too late and the answer may not be to diet. So let’s put the concept of dieting aside. Before you begin yet another diet, let’s see if there’s an easier and much more fun way to achieve the energy level and body size you’ve been coveting.
Where to start? How about the food selections you normally make. What you choose to eat and choose not to eat directly relate to your energy, vigor and enthusiasm for life. By selecting whole, natural and fresh foods you’ll feel better, and possibly younger. You may even feel better immediately. Changing from a steady selection of fast foods loaded with preservatives, fats and sugars to one of vegetables, lean protein and lots of fruits may be a shock to your brain. It might surprise your family and friends, too, if you’re a junk food-aholic.
Make a slow transition to healthful eating, and start with breakfast and lunch tomorrow. If the way you start your day is eating something sweet and pops up from the toaster, you may temporarily feel satisfied, but about 10 AM, you’re going to be hungry and tired. Grab a banana, spread it with peanut butter. Fix hot cereal as you’re making dinner in the evening. Place servings in individual zipper-style bags and the next morning to eat the next morning. Just pour that cereal in a bowl and hit “start” on the microwave. When it’s ready add some yogurt or low-fat milk and you’ll have a quick and healthy meal to get your body going and energy up.
For lunch? Brown bag fruit, yogurt, whole grain crackers and juice. Pack a snack of vegetables and low-fat cheese for mid-afternoon and then see how much better you feel. If you eat a naturally healthy lunch, and still maintain your typical diet for breakfast and dinner without doing anything else, you could save more than 500 unhealthy calories each day. Over a month, that could mean a loss of more than two pounds. Try the healthful lunch “trick” and then apply the principles to other meals and snacks.
Change your ideas on strength training. Lifting weights to build strength in muscles and bones IS for everyone, regardless of his or her current fitness level. (As always check with your doctor should you have special health concerns.) In a recent article on women’s fitness, it was estimated that more than 30 percent of women in middle age had trouble with tasks such as walking a mile, carrying a few bags of groceries or climbing a flight of stairs.
If you’re not as strong as you’d like or if you fit in to that description above, consult with a fitness trainer, take a spa vacation where you can consult with experts, and today, start a program of brisk walking and comfortable stretching. If you choose walking, challenge your muscles by varying the terrain and speed. Brisk walking builds your leg muscles, helps the heart, and increases lung capacity. This impact exercise may also stop or slow bone loss that can occur as we age. To increase strength in your arms and upper torso, you’ll want to lift weights. Check out the videos and books on this topic or join a strength training class through your local community center or Y.
Have fun. Making changes in your fitness level and health habits shouldn’t be punishment. Think of the joys of walking without strain and having enough energy to have fun after work. Think of eating wonderfully fresh food as superb treats. As you select foods and fitness programs, choose those that appeal to you, not your spouse, kids or colleagues.
Read about new sports and activities in fitness magazines, take a health holiday at a resort, and join a club that promotes a healthful lifestyle. The rewards? A better feeling you as you stay fit for life.
