Fit For Fat
Everybody seems to be throwing the word ‘fat’ around like crazy. So let’s break it down:
Fat is necessary for a healthy body. Did you know that? But too much of anything, and you’ll pretty much always have trouble! Air is great – too much oxygen will make you pass out. Water is life – too much water, and we drown. The same goes for fat – you need some, but probably not as much as we tend to eat - and keep on our bodies - in the fast food nation we live in!
Fat free, usually isn’t. Have you ever wondered about those candies that have the words ‘fat free’ printed on them? Sure, they may not have any fats used in making them, but our bodies are practically machines for converting excess sugar into fat! Now remember, I said excess. As with pretty much everything else, sugar is also necessary for our bodies – just don’t over do it. When we eat sugar (or simple starches like white bread or pasta or potatoes), our body produces a hormone called insulin that allows sugar to be taken up into our cells. It’s what powers our muscles and nerves and brain. But when there is more sugar than our nerves and muscles need, it starts turning it into fat. When we eat less sugar, our body begins to break down fat for the sugars stored in it. So, eat less fatty foods AND eat less sugary foods to help your body break down fat!
Everybody has a different body type. Look at J-Lo. Then look at Gwen Stefani. Then look at Jennifer Hudson. Then look at Miley Cyrus. Then look at America Ferrera. Then look at Blake Lively. Are you getting the picture? There are so many different body types out there, and they are all beautiful in their own way! There is no way any of these women could ‘work out enough’ or ‘lose/gain enough weight’ to look like any of the others. So stop wishing for a body type that isn’t yours, and start working with what you got! Just look around you at the world and all the happy couples of all shapes and sizes out there. Everybody is somebody else’s dream-date! Honest!
It’s not about how you look, it’s about what you can do. Getting control of your body can be one of the kewlest things ever! Whatever fitness level you start at, as you work on improving what ever it is you want to improve (flexibility, strength, speed, balance, endurance, etc.), you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the effects it has on the rest of your life! Challenging physical exercise releases a ‘feel good’ hormone that is the best ‘natural high’ out there. You won’t be as tired as you used to be. You’ll feel better about yourself, feel safer trying out more new things, and get the chance to succeed more often and at more things. Watching yourself improve and grow in one area of your life has a direct impact on ALL areas of your life. Some people seem to be ‘just naturally talented’ at some things, but if you look at those who really succeed, it’s only the ones who work extra hard at it who go out beyond just natural talent! And you can do it, too, with a little extra work!
And remember: Before making any big changes to your eating or exercise routines, it’s best to let your parents know what you’re up to, and maybe even have a check-up with your doctor and discuss it with her/him!
