Yes, that is wonderful news for those who have discovered this new phenomenon. By the way, coffee can be healthy too. For those who may appreciate another joyful revelation, the question remains: How? Well, that is scientifically proven. But before we delve deep into the intricacies of chocolate adoration, let’s face fact.
The elephant in the room is hard to be ignored. If you are addicted to cheesecake and Ben & Jerry’s then you might just resemble a little one of those baby elephants. Not enough motivation? Well, it is time to find some. Chocolate is undeniable, and there is always a legit reasoning behind madness. In this case, the aura of intense and alluring dark melting chocolate is just a rush, like shifting the gear to overdrive.
But what comes after is not so such a pleasantry. We need to stick to the real dilemma and face it. It is a much bigger problem. Junk food is unadvisable but if you are headed for tiramisu or chocolate fudge after a whopper burger one evening, then you are blameless. Except, make sure it is just one evening. No one can deny the pleasure of a hot meal with chilly cheese fries and Coke or Mountain Dew; young girls wanting to be the next top model of town will suffer immensely.
Let’s get down to business and deal with the epidemic. Vouch for the size you want and follow your mind. Let the heart win sometimes, but if you want to watch your weight it is none of your hearts’ business. Obesity has become a global epidemic. More than half a billion people, or one in 10 adults worldwide, are reportedly obese — over double the percentage in 1980. Obesity-related diseases account for nearly 10 percent of US medical spending, or an estimated $147 billion a year.
It is not just a personal predicament; this catch-22 is a national health concern.
Figures released by the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrinology Society revealed that a shocking 70 percent of the Kingdom’s local population is classified as obese in 2010. A recent study also revealed that among middle-aged people, 34 percent of men and 45 percent of women are overweight.
More than a billion adults are classified as overweight and almost 300 million clinically obese, according to figures from the World Health Organization. “The pervasive nature of diseases in Arab countries include cholesterol problems, and insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables and water. There is also obesity, high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, drug abuse and increasing tobacco use in society,” said Dr. Shaima Abdullah, a physician in Jeddah.
Professor Eric Finkelstein, deputy director for health services and systems research at the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, estimated that obese workers cost the American economy around $73 billion in lost productivity. Not only are fatter people more often absent for health reasons than fitter colleagues, they are also less efficient at work as they tire more easily and work more slowly. As per a new incentive policy constructed in the US, workers get paid to drop a few pounds and companies hope to improve their workers’ efficiency, mood and morale with the new strategy. In the US, since employers, rather than the government, tend to pick up healthcare bills, they hope paying workers to shed weight will save on insurance premiums on the long run.
Exercise, join a gym, begin Taekwondo, kickboxing or karate, walk for half an hour, dance and burn off the extra calories. Swimming is an excellent calorie-burner; it can rip off calories as well as tone your body. So can Pilates. It makes your muscles lean, tones your body and burns fat that hangs loose as excess flab.
Sprint. Go for a jog early morning before your humdrum day starts or skip. The Telegraph recommends dumbbell squat presses — “Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. First lower down into a squat position. Make sure that your knees do not go past 90 degrees. Exhale as you press the dumbbells overhead while you straighten your legs and return to the starting position.”
Yoga is pure medicine. Make it part of your routine as it helps more than just getting rid of excess body fat. Kim Kardashian suggests squats. Marisa Miller loves boxing and spinning.
Winner of the Biggest Loser show, Helen Phillips, has some great advice. “Throw out the things that set you up for failure. If you crave sugar, get rid of sweets. If salty foods are your weakness, dump the chips, pretzels and salted nuts. Tackle your cupboards, fridge freezer, basement stashes, everything. Then stock up on fresh fruits and veggies.”
Tina Fey had a bad experience we may term as our very own, but she did it. She is perhaps a good example to follow in terms of weight watching. “When I was 29, I lost 35 pounds. I did it through Weight Watchers. That's how I learned how to eat properly for the first time. Before, I used to be one of those people who wouldn't eat all day, then would eat a piece of cake at 4 p.m., have McDonald's at 10 p.m. and then go to bed,” she said.
So what should I eat if I can’t satisfy my Big Mac Meal craving? Well, eat in plenty. Have proteins, grilled chicken or enjoy a barbeque with friends. Have white fish, cheese, nuts, veggies, cottage cheese, fruits, salads and lots of organic oil. Notice the change in your skin, hair, energy and mood. They have been tried and tested.
Also recommended are lunges. Listen to the woman who helped shelf off hundreds of pounds as a fitness trainer — Kim Lyons, former Biggest Loser trainer. A woman into Olympics could not be a better role model. Kristin Armstrong, Olympic Cyclist, recommends fun and a great workout that is her job. “Invest in a bike that fits, get a comfortable saddle, and cycle with a group whenever possible. Try not to be intimidated and, most importantly, have fun,” she said.
Do morning exercises on an empty stomach. Eat your first meal of the day an hour later, then have a meal every three to four hours after that.
Gazing at Adriana Lima, wishing to pick up Gisele’s diet and dreaming of fitting into J-Lo’s dress will only get you so far. Want to translate your dreams from paper (read Vogue) to reality? Make the change, because it is all in your hands.
Yes, it is easier said than done. Fair enough, you know that too. But if you really want it, no one can stop you. That’s why Nike says " Just Do It."
