Tired of roly poly body
Dear Pepper,
This might sound as if I’m joking but I’m not. My body is rolls, jiggles and layers – that’s how I’d describe myself.
I’m tired of looking like this! I must admit that I love to snack, especially when I’m stressed ,but I’m trying to cut back on that.
Pepper, with my body weight, my health will soon be in serious trouble. I know I have to do something but will I have to starve myself and exercise every day to get in shape? I’m feeling hopeless. I need some advice!
Dawn S
Dear Dawn,
Whenever I’m in a situation and feel as if I cannot manage, I always remember this Chinese proverb: ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’
Even if you have never exercised, you can gain benefits today. It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 80.
Studies show that when octogenarians start exercising, including weights training, their strength, balance and fitness improve. Working out does not have to be long and hard for you to gain health benefits – done on a regular basis, a moderate amount of exercise will improve your health.
Tackling the problem of overeating is very difficult for some people – it’s like beating an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Eating what is good for you does not mean limiting yourself to fibre, grass and water. The objective is to choose a diet that is moderate in salt, sugar and fat.
The best thing for you to know about eating for weight loss is the danger of eating too little – yes! Apart from making you feel irritable and miserable, eating too little slows down your metabolism.
As your body thinks it is starving, it goes into conservation mode to preserve the little calories you have been eating. Basically, it stops weight loss. In order to keep the fat burning fuel going, you need to eat small healthy meals every three to four hours throughout the day.
Become responsible for you and think of ways to combat your urge to snack on the wrong food.
The gym is a good place to start your fitness plan as professional instructors are there with the knowledge to help you towards your goal. There are, however, other options to getting into shape rather than joining a gym – you can walk, swim or buy an exercise video (geared for beginners).
Even if you can’t finish the first 10 minutes, that’s okay because tomorrow you can go for 12 minutes and so on until it becomes a breeze! Try to exercise for a minimum of three times per week with the aim to go over 20 minutes each time.
Once you start to shape up, your self-esteem will soar when you look in the mirror and see firm instead of flab – it’s totally amazing. you will see!
It’s always wise to visit your doctor before starting any fitness plan. You can do it!
Pepper
Pepper Dawson is a fitness professional and the owner of Sweat Shop Fitness Club in New Kingston. Write to Dear Pepper, c/o all woman at Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kgn 5 or E-mail: sweatshop6@hotmail.com.
