Obesity is fast on its way to becoming the nation’s largest and most costly public health problem. While much of the public debate about obesity has focused on personal responsibility, PETER JENNINGS REPORTING: HOW TO GET FAT WITHOUT EVEN TRYING reveals how federal government agricultural policies and food industry practices are contributing to America’s growing obesity epidemic. See video below...
I just had the pleasure of watching the movie Food Inc. and I thought it was very thought provoking. I'm becoming more interested in the "Food Chain" and how it ultimately goes from farm to supermarket to our fridge (or pantry). This movie gives great information and visual imagery on how it all works.
I'm still pondering the magnitude of what's all presented in the 90 minute documentary and realizing there's obviously another side of the story to be told but it's definitely got me interested in learning more on how the system works and how I'll work the system.
Got the post Super Bowl blues because of what you ate or drank this past weekend? No worries. Just get back on your plan and be more active this week. Now, depending on where you live, February may bring some challenges to your exercise thoughts with all it's cold weather. I know it's tempting to stay in a warm cocoon in front of the TV but healthy habits don’t hibernate!
You’ll feel a lot better (and maybe even warmer) if you keep moving-exercise is shown to be a great stress-buster and mood booster. I've learned getting active is more about developing "skill power" than it is about finding the "will power" to stay on track. What "skills" are you developing?
Here, in no particular order, are our top indoor exercises to tide you over until spring:
• Resistance training-Lift weights or working with resistance bands.
• Walking-Find an indoor track at a local school or an enclosed shopping mall.
• Elliptical machine-Use your own, or the gym’s.
• Stationary bike-Upright and recumbent varieties are both great.
• Water aerobics-Sometimes classes are offered at local community centers.
If you belong to a gym and the weather isn’t making it dangerous to drive, you can sign up for fitness classes, or agree to meet a buddy for some indoor basketball or tennis. Hardy souls without joint problems can even take on the elements with winter sports such as cross-country skiing.
With a little preparation, you can create a warm, healthy space for a fitness program right in your home. If you can afford a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike, this is ideal. But even if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of great exercise DVDs available for stretching, increasing your stamina, and building muscles. Invest in some free weights or resistance bands, and you’re good to go.
Be sure to increase your intensity and duration just as you do with your normal outdoor exercises. Chart your progress, and remember to weigh yourself weekly to avoid the all-too-common winter weight gain.
As the days lengthen, take advantage of the occasional nice day and go for a walk outdoors. Sunlight and fresh air will buoy your spirits during the long winter months, and remind you that better weather-and, we hope, better health-is just around the corner.
