Onward:
I am often shocked when people jeer at the growing weight problem and people are turning to Jenny Craig and other diet weight loss measures, few people seem to realize that it isn't about all the food you eat.
The weight problem is not growing because people are eating too much, it is growing because more and more people have decreased their activity level so far that their movement level is much like that of a statue. That's right, what I am recommending is that you GO OUTSIDE and use your body. Once upon a time, humans were able to exist for thousands of years by primarily relying on their body to accomplish "daily chores" like sprinting through the woods to catch deer, creating large crops of corn, or fishing in a river. Why do you think so many native Americans are alcoholic? Picture a world where we had to be active both physically and mentally every day in order to provide enough food to survive. In this world, would we have fatsos, alcoholics, stoners, and gay people? (I know it is very "politically incorrect" to put gay people in this category, but I have done so intentionally and do not imply any malice towards gay people, because I have no such feelings.)
Is there time during the typical day during which you normally are watching TV, playing video games, or watching news about people far outside of your personal domain that you are really concerned with? If so, you would benefit by taking up one of many great activities like basketball, biking, baseball, hiking, and so on are a great ways to give you time to reflect on how to improve the quality of your life, ponder new ideas and aspirations (this process is often called "creativity"), and do things that require you to learn, like dribbling a basketball, riding a bike, hitting a baseball, or doing whatever it is hikers have to learn to be good. This is a process that can be learned at any age in life AND one that we all knew as children.
Go outside and play every single day. If you don't have time, you are overextended and need to take a little personal time each day. Do it even if you have a young child who can't keep up with you. If the child is nearly immobile, be as active as you possibly can be while teaching your son or daughter how to live an active life. If the child is a bit older and can move quickly, he or she will quickly start to challenge your own skills at the new sport, which will likely develop in near parallel to the skills of your child. If you do not have a child, you would probably benefit by teaching a friend or partner (both often called "a companion" in a non-homophobic world) the skills that you have learned that exceed their skills, and they can reciprocate for you.
If this has meaning for you, either as a current way of life or as an ideal way of life, please leave a comment either to give advice or to seek advice.
4 comments:
I feel that your oversimplification of the reasons for individuals being overweight, relatively naive. I also envy you if you are in a position where you are able to take some 'me time' every day. I totally understand that the sedentary lifestyle is the root cause of the majority of cases today, as is technology. Kids now have their PSs and X Boxes to keep them occupied, why would they want to go outside?
I am as active as I possibly can be at the moment. If I don't go to the gym, I play sport of some sort. I amalso constantly running around after others, whether it be my family or elderly/sick neighbours. It is not often I get to 'go outside', as you so simply put it. And I don't even have kids or a significant other to look after.
Yes, if I didn't have to work my arse of purely to survive - and I mean pay my bills, put food on the table - of course I'd spend more time being active! As would most people. However, when the Powers That Be make it difficult for you to get by, very few options are left.
Excellent point, little sausage. I apologize for the misunderstanding that resulted from the stereotype. I am attempting to describe a goal that each of us should strive towards in order to improve our life.
My suggestion that all of us can afford to take a little "me time" during the day was based on my observation of other university students, which I have to admit is particularly limited in scope.
I hope this hasn't spoiled the overall meaning.
I'd like to hear some more on how a world of convenience leads to gays. I do not think that you can reasonably diffuse the "political incorrectness" of your statement by simply acknowledging that it is an incendiary thing to say and not explaining yourself.
I'm confused by the presentation of two disparate ideas and how you're trying to conflate them. The conveniences of modern living clearly have an effect on our daily level of exercise but how does that support your thesis that we should exercise more? Just because we exercise less, for whatever reason, does not mean that we should exercise more.
You even suggest that you "cherish" those who do not exercise. What is your rationale for changing them?
(I know your argument is more than just exercise but for simplicity I'm addressing just this point.)
Personally, I gain weight and become unhappy if I don't have some kinda time to recreate and exercise. I need to have that time in my life, or else my life isn't as much fun.
I think some interesting things to think about are the quality of the food these days, the quickness of availability, and the lack of organic food.
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