Tip of the Day

Check out this list I found on Sparkpeople.com at this link, entitled 11 Things Children Can Teach you about weight loss.

1. Everything can be a game. Why slog through the same workout routines in boredom, when you can add a little fun? Make up rules, shoot for personal records, regain your competitive spirit.

2. Don't walk when you can run. Every day is full of opportunities to increase your fitness. This rule is closely related to "don't drive when you can walk."

3. If you don't like it, don't eat it. Once you hit your goal weight, chances are your eating habits won't stick around long if you hated what you were eating. Healthy eating involves balance and moderation.

4. Laughter feels good. Kids seem to inherently know that laughter can ease blood pressure, help your brain function, give you energy, and help you reach your goals. Smiling and enjoying yourself can be serious help.

5. Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work, chores and a host of "have-to's" that we forget to take time for ourselves. not only does relaxing and regrouping make life worthwhile, it has real health benefits. Most of all, it will help you stay consisitent and motivated.

6. The world should be full of color - especially on your dinner plate! Splash it with as many colors as possible, paint it like a rainbow with food. It's more fun to look at and chances are you'll be eating a healthy, balanced meal.

7. It's always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate toward other children. It gives them spirit and makes them want to play all day. Working out with other people is almost like having your own little playgroup.

8. Adventures are found outside, not inside. Every kid knows that the good stuff is in the great outdoors - fresh air, wide open spaces, limitless possibilities. You can't find those things cooped up in a tiny, stale gym. Open the door and start a new adventure every day.

9. It's important to use your imagination. You can be Captain Fantastic or Stupendous Woman any time you want. Give youreself permission to believe in your own super powers and let your mind take you wherever it wants to go.

10. Anything is possible. No fear, no self-doubts, no negative self talk, no self-criticism, no worries, no destructive anxieties or thoughts of failure. To a child, he/she can do anything. And do you know what? They're right.