“....one diet fad after another and the ones who seem to lose weight and keep it off, started with the same thing...they just started walking.”
BINGO! There’s no doubt that regular physical activity counteracts a whole gamut of diseases, and the lack thereof is likely one of, if not THE leading cause of obesity. When I was a kid, I don’t remember seeing any other kids who were overweight except for just a few. Now, when I go to the grocery store I see many children who are starting out in life dealing with weight issues, and I suspect that it’s primary cause is lack of physical activities. I can testify for myself that even when I’m eating very healthy, which I usually do, if I go through a period where I’m getting sedentary, I not only start to put on a few pounds, but I start to feel physically bad. Likewise, when I get into the routine of taking my early morning walks (usually about 4-5 miles), my weight goes down to where people wonder if I’m eating enough, despite eating plenty, but the biggest ‘reward’ I receive from the daily walks is the overall sense of physical, emotional, and spiritual sense of wellbeing.
It’s so easy to do, but it takes a commitment. In the past when I’ve had a dog or two, it was an easy excuse to go for a walk. I’d just pick up that leash and watch my friend get all excited knowing we were going for a walk. Now, without having any dog in my life, I use the ‘excuse’ (as if I really needed one) that the time spent on a walk is one more time set aside for God to be used for prayer and meditation with Him. There’s certainly many of other ways to incorporate some physical activity into one’s life, but taking a walk is something that most everybody can do without needing any additional equipment.
I’ve no reason to lie. I lost 100 pounds being sedentary and just eating less of bad food.
But I DIDN’T FEEL AS GOOD as someone who lost 100 pounds should have! None of the numbers..cholesterol etc., changed.
There is NO better mental, spiritual and physical activity than walking a nice half hour or hour, on the boardwalk, the park, wherever.
I still got another hundred to lose and this time the eating less (And I am eating healthier) ain’t working as fast.
Time to get out there and walk. You’re right.