'Kay. Let's do a little basic geometry. You know, if a=b and b=c, then... a=c, right? You remember!So, if "Ignorance is bliss(happy)" and a commonly used expression is:"Fat and happy." Might it follow that ignorance can make you fat? Well, as a matter of fact, it can! I read a study this week that women consistently underestimate the calories they take in and overestimate how much they move. The result? Well, I don't have to tell you what more calories than you think + less moving than you think equals.
A lot of people prefer to throw the blinders on, keep eating, keep the couch warm, and then wonder why their clothes no longer fit and the mirror isn't being kind to them -- they either don't own a scale or refuse to get on it. And, listen up, there are many good reasons to not get on a scale -- but they all center around allowing the scale to dictate emotions. The scale is a measuring instrument, and shouldn't be any more emotional than backing up to the doorframe to see how tall you are. It's simply a measure. And whether you are willing to look it in the eye or not, it is the truth. Oprah (who, as you probably notice, I don't quote terribly often) says, "Own the number!" You do have to own the number -- because the rest of the world can see it. You don't want to be caught by surprise when you finally decide to face the music.
There are many numbers you should be aware of in your quest for health and fitness. Your weight is only one -- one tiny little measure. Megan has an EXCELLENT example of why the scale shouldn't be the ONLY measure you use.
Some numbers you should be aware of:
your age!
your weight
your height
your blood pressure
cholesterol
required daily calorie intake
heart rate levels to amount to an effective workout for you
time required to exercise at a minimum level
This is just what I can think of off the top of my head. I see you out there, rolling your eyes and shaking your head. "Too much work!" "That's like school!" "Who cares?" "Don't you think that's a little obsessive?"
Do you know what time you have to be at work every day -- even if it differs? Do you know at least one recipe by memory? Do you know a child or spouse's daily schedule? Then you have enough room in your brain to learn these things, and if you won't take care of your own 'house', who will? I don't think I'm giving you any news you don't know about what you SHOULD know, and I sure can't make you care when you don't, but I promise you this: ignoring all of these numbers will NOT make any of them any better, or make you any healthier.
For now, I will let you do a little investigating about all of those numbers. Your homework this week is to find out any of that info you don't know. If you don't know ANY of it -- then only find out half. We'll talk more later about how to find them and what's best.
Know your numbers, stay healthy, and be fit.
4 comments:
ugh...I'm actually thinking about joining a gym (when a special price rate happens next week), but I'm so intimidated by a real gym. Any advice?
I need to get reaquainted with my numbers.
How about this for a number. . .14 hours of sleep last night. Akin to graduation I'd say.
Melissa, by all means join the gym! No need to feel intimidated, because when you walk in the first time, you will be very pleasantly surprised to discover that it's not populated by chiseled hardbodies. Instead, approximately 80% (depending on the gym) of the members will be in far worse shape than whatever you think yourself to be.
Get the advice of an expert trainer (actually, Sarah knows a lot about the subject) and start slowly. Expect NOTHING for the first month! It will take about that long to begin getting in shape for your own workout and to FORM THE HABIT, but you will soon find that the benefits are far-reaching in terms of
an overall feeling of well-being, improved muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness, increased attention to proper nutrition, and a host of other benefits.
Try it, you'll like it!
Interesting to know.
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