In youth, we are so busy rushing around that exercise is generally taken for granted; but over time, as our bodies lose some of that youthful glow and the spring in our step starts to feel more like a bit of a plod, it’s time to stop the clock and get back into shape. In the fast moving pace of life, many busy people have a tendency to put their own personal needs last. But if you think of the wise advice you receive on an aeroplane to put on your oxygen mask first, then help others around you, you start to get the picture. Don’t just sit there! Research has shown that today, the average woman uses only two-thirds of the calories in daily activity that her counterpart did forty years ago! The fitter and stronger you are, the more calories you are likely to burn. This is because your lean body mass (muscle) is metabolically more active, and that means that it uses up more calories. So being fit helps you lose weight too. It’s probably best to fit your exercise into your daily routine and make this as simple as possible. For example, if you have to travel half an hour to your expensive gym, unless you really enjoy being there, it’s going to be hard to keep this up. Whereas 20 minutes every morning can be fitted in, in the privacy of your own bedroom before your morning shower. A friend of mine who finally converted to the benefits of early morning exercise told me that her work colleagues commented on how bright and breezy she looked in the mornings. Early morning exercise sends you into your day positive, stress free and full of energy to cope with anything that your day throws at you. So, give the best time of the day to yourself to exercise in the morning. It will soon become part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth. Try to fit in another three sessions of 30 minutes exercise during the week. Try swimming, cycling, walking, or anything else that you enjoy! Listen to your body. On days that you feel strong, challenge yourself, and on days that you don’t feel 100%, take it easy. Recipe of the Week Baja Shrimp Salad Serves 6 Ingredients 680 g cooked shrimp, thawed and drained 1-1/2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced 18 radishes, thinly sliced 6 scallions, sliced 180 ml white wine vinegar 1-1/2 tbsp sugar Method Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well. Chill before serving. Slimming Lifestyle Take Precautions Pinpoint the times you most want a snack. Maybe it’s coffee break time at the office. Perhaps you’re hungriest during the late afternoon while you’re preparing dinner, and the urge to taste everything is simply overwhelming. Or you always manage to sneak a snack while you’re driving home from work. First, realise you don’t have to starve! Plan ahead for the rough times: Go ahead and keep some snacks in your car. Bring your own home-made, low-fat food to work to eat during coffee breaks. Make sure your snacks are tasty as well as healthy or you won’t want them, and may give in to fattier temptations. Ask Alva Please tell me how to increase my height and decrease my weight. Can I increase my height by doing push-ups? How do I do biceps curls? Sadeq Ensure good eating habits; drink plenty of water, and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m sorry, but push-ups will not increase your height. You don’t give your age, but if you are below 21 you may still grow. To do biceps curls — Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, arms by your sides, elbows tucked in, palms facing forwards and feet shoulder-width apart — Keeping your elbows stable, raise the dumbbells towards your shoulders — hold for a count of 2 — Then release them slowly back down — Keep the move slow and controlled and concentrate on your biceps muscles — Repeat 8 times. My best advice is to swim, play sport and do my mini workout every morning (free from minian110@naturalhealthlines.com). Alva For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at: alva.arabnews@naturalhealthlines.com Selected letters will be replied to in this column. |
