By Bronwen Roberts
I have a theory that there are no fat Japanese people. This is because I’ve never seen one (except for Sumo wrestlers and they do it on purpose). Although, as modern Japan embraces McDonalds, Burger King and the like I’m sure the blimps will start appearing on the radar screen. You are what you eat and that’s a fact.
Japanese Diet: Eat for Life
Japanese who eat in the traditional manner have the highest life expectancy in the world, and their longevity has much to do with
We are killing ourselves with monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats and now trans fats. Earlier this month, McDonald's paid out $8.5m (£4.5m) to settle a law suit in San Francisco over using trans fats in its cooking. And health experts now warn that these "killer" fats are the most dangerous foodstuffs we might consume. Trans fats are found in their highest quantities in processed foods that contain large quantities of hydrogenated oils, such as ready-made cakes, chips, pastries, pies, chocolates, sweets and ice cream.
A little goes a long way
Modern day technology has taken us places but before this, exercise was not something you planned and fitted into your schedule when you could, but an unavoidable part of everyday life. Now, we don’t have time to do the very thing that would ensure healthy, stress and disease free bodies. We need to protect ourselves from the physical consequences of ageing and make physical activity a routine part of life.
Exercise that won’t kill you...
If this news only disheartens you, the following tips will help you to build exercise into your life at a gradual pace – you need to enjoy it and keep it up, not just throw yourself at it for a while until you get bored. Exercise is fundamental for our immune systems, regulation of cholesterol, blood pressure, heart function, mental function, management of stress hormones – to name just a few! Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Get Moving:
Build up at your own pace. Energy makes more energy. Just making the effort to start means you will suddenly find yourself able to do more. Then you can surprise yourself and move outside your “comfort zone”, which is when the real benefits start. You might actually enjoy it!
Stay Safe
Check with your doctor. Always be safe, especially if you have a heart condition, smoke or tend to be prone to dizziness or fainting. Remember, exercise is also the best thing for your health, so these are not necessarily excuses!
Enjoy It
Find something you enjoy. If you’re not a gym person don’t set yourself up for failure by paying for something you won’t use. There are lots of activities that raise your pulse above resting rate, which means you are doing exercise! Try cycling, dancing, swimming, tennis, climbing stairs, badminton, ice skating – just get moving!!
Stay Committed
Commit to regular activity. Aim to exercise for twenty minutes to an hour at least three times a week. Do it with a friend or your partner if possible. It should become just a normal part of your life, like watching TV or reading a magazine.
Walk it Off
Walking is the best exercise. You are built for it and your circulatory system relies on this movement. It should be regular, in short doses throughout the day, so take the stairs, get off the tube or bus one stop earlier, get a dog, make walking a regular before or after work activity, don’t drive when you could walk – it all adds up.
Warm Up
Always stretch before and after exercising. Gentle stretching improves flexibility and mobility. It is crucial to avoiding injuries. It is a great way to warm up your body before exercising and relax your body afterwards.
Find Encouragement
Surround yourself with supportive people. Decide what kind of support you need. Do you want them to remind you to exercise? Ask about your progress? Participate with you regularly or occasionally? Talk to people who will give you constant encouragement.
Follow the Pro
Enlist the help of a professional. If you join a gym, go for an induction to set you at the right pace with the exercises most suitable for you. Go to classes at your level, so you can be instructed to make the best progress – even pay for lessons, often not as expensive as you’d think!
You can do it
Stay motivated. Anyone can get bored with anything they do at any time, so it’s always fine to skip the odd class or week, just to keep your interest up. Variety can always counter boredom, so have different options available.
Set Goals
Take it seriously! You will get better, be able to enjoy and look forward to exercising more – millions do, so why not you! Set yourself realistic goals. Promise yourself rewards when you achieve them. Write down your progress if it motivates you.
About the Author: There is no doubt that You Are What You Eat http://www.youarewhatyoueat.tv has tapped into society’s growing awareness and interest in eating habits and lifestyles, and how they really affect our bodies. Presenter Gillian McKeith is finding Britain’s worst food offenders and helping them transform their lives with revolutionary new diet advice. This website is your tool – a step-by-step guide towards a healthier lifestyle. You are encouraged to explore your potential and use the creative ideas on this site to the benefit of your health and well-being.
Source: www.isnare.com
