As a former competitive swimmer and surfer, I learn tremendous health information from the amazing professionals at Iowa Avenue:
In general, we have become a group of people who watch too much television, “Surf the Internet,” play videogames or, just “chill” with our friends.
Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing; but if it becomes too much, your personal physical fitness suffers, and that’s not a good thing.
On average, Americans watch between 3-5 hours of TV per day. The video and gaming industries are reaching untold masses of youth and other people—distracting them from other activities—especially physical fitness.
That perpetuates a sedentary lifestyle. Being sedentary tends to perpetuate. You go to work, or school, you want to check your email, watch the latest “hot show” or play that newest video game. But, guess what:
Inactivity breeds more inactivity.
I enjoy watching TV, but I don’t watch it too often. I love Project Runway and Top Chef; I watch some news, and once in a while, a movie. I reserve time in my schedule for my favorite programs, so it’s a time for me to relax.
Do you use TV viewing as a time to relax? Or do you use it as a time to eat? Have you substituted more sustained or regular physical, interpersonal, or productive activity in lieu of the time spent on all of these wonderful new fun gadgets?
Let’s face it—they are addictive and necessary in today’s faced paced environment. It’s probably not realistic to not check your email or use your TV or Computer on a daily basis. And if you did, how long might that last?
Food for thought.
On that point, if you are watching too much TV, or spending an inordinate amount of time on the PC or Internet, chances are, you are not getting enough exercise, or keeping other lifestyle options open for yourself.
Let’s tackle these one at a time.
Many people like to eat or “munch” while sitting at the PC or watching television. This is definitely a huge problem for people trying to lose weight, because most of the time that type of eating is based on “boredom” rather than hunger need.
Usually, the typical TV/Internet/Video Game diet consists of junk food-- potato chips, corn chips, high fat popcorn, cookies, or candy. Perhaps even Pizza and beer!
Might I suggest a few other alternatives?
1. Try low fat popcorn. It’s just as good as the high fat ones, but obviously much less fat and calories.
2. If you want eat during these activities, try a healthy snack. How about some baby carrots or some fruit? How about nothing until you sit down for a meal?
I know the idea of eating a healthy snack has been incessantly drummed into our collective ears, over and over and over, but we still fail to heed the advice and certainly don’t act upon it……………….:(
3. While watching TV, try to start a hobby, like knitting, crocheting, etc. You’d be surprised how much “work” you can get done on a project while watching TV. Before I started Iowa Avenue, I completed entire sweaters while watching TV.
4. Why not write a blog post for Iowa Avenue? It’s not too hard to watch TV and write, although, sometimes you might lose your concentration on one or the other, usually the TV. Hey, it’s just a suggestion………………..:)
5. Do some stretches. Small movements, while sitting in your chair, or stretching out on the floor can have long term effects. This community wiki site says it better than I could, so just substitute TV for “Computer”:
How to Exercise While Watching TV
For more suggestions, try this link:
How to Exercise While Sitting at Your Computer
6. Of course there is one more suggestion, don't eat anything at all.
Now, you have a few tools in your arsenal for better TV, computer use, and potentially “video gaming” viewing.
What are you “weighting” for?
After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle
Who knew? You can write a story for Now Public, and keep active at the same time.
Tags: 120calories | dieting | food density | healthylifestyle | iowa avenue | Life | sofwareapplication | starving | weight1minute
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