We've talked about fitting into a size 2 outfit but grossly obese; we've talked about being ribbed and aesthetically pleasing but likely unhealthy; we've talked about the dos and don'ts when planning a weight loss program; we've talked about the reality of healthy and fitness; we've talked about obesity, diabetes and hypertension; and we've talked about solutions -- but it doesn't seem to get across to people that being healthy and fit is an integrated effort. What is missing in the message?
The media have talked about health and fitness to death that the pen are bleeding words that goes completely unheard. Keyboards are missing pieces of letters and the screen has grown tired of repeated messages -- yet, Malaysia remains as one of the highest obese population in Asia. Ironically, those who writes about health and fitness don't necessarily practices what they preach...sigh. When was the last time you visited a media powerhouse and see a healthy and fit journalist? I bet you've met doctors who smoke and suffer from diabetes, hypertension and obesity! Who is enabling our society to get big and stay big?
As an owner of a health and fitness outfit, the reality of lifelong learning in this field is painstakingly an uphill battle. A partner who advocates movement efficiency mentioned that the mass find others who are keen to hit the tarmac and run to stay healthy are abnormal, while the "normal" are those who resist hard work and exercise. Many belief that they cannot rid themselves of poor habits and lifestyle no matter how hard they try. So, more and more fall complacent and lead unhealthy living. The worst part of it all, they don't do it alone -- they actually coax others to adopt similar unhealthy lifestyle.
Do you notice how obese friends are likely to have other obese friends? Overweight parents tend to raise overweight children? Slim friends eat more because their not so slim friends encourage them to eat more on outings -- otherwise be taunted for being on a diet? After a while you'll see that unhealthy living is quite contagious and it doesn't help that the industry is filled with misleading messages.
Here's the reality, AGAIN! There is no quick fix and there is no magic pill! Supplements do not make you thin on its own because it is meant to complement a healthier living. Exercise alone will not make you healthy -- you need proper nutrition and lifestyle values. Crash diets will have consequences, while cigarettes and coffee; diets of models and the rich and famous literally KILLS! I trust these information is not rocket science and not new -- but don't you wonder why it persists?
I have a friend who insist that paying a trainer to stay fit is ludicrous! Yet, her knowledge about staying fit equals to walking 10,000 steps a day and pinching on her meals. She is indeed a slim figure, but I dare say she is FAR from healthy and fit! Walking alone does not make you healthy and pinching on your food will deny you of nutrition that your body sorely needs. What she needs is an integrated program and a trainer to keep her on track. If not a trainer -- at least a partner to train with to keep her motivated. She also needs someone to tell her that having an envious model-like figure does not curtail one from suffering a stroke or diabetes.
So, what does it take to empower you with knowledge?
I dare say that it is not in the lack of knowledge that impedes one to care for oneself, but motivation. Sadly, for most, it takes a tragedy before healthy takes the reign...why wait for such an unfortunate event to wake up?
Let's do it now and TRAnsform your world. Build a relationship with yourself, your food, your body and your mind. Lead a healthy lifestyle -- quite the smoking, cut down on alcohol and fatty food, sleep well and keep stress to a minimum. Eat healthy -- cut down on carbohydrates and sweets, take in more protein, vegetables, fruits and fiber. Get active -- walk, run, swim, play...just get off your butt and move!
