[nabs-l] Weight issues

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Humberto and others,

An "ideal" body type is not really attainable.  Society has created
images of what the "perfect" body is, but we are all born with specific
body types.  Genetics, bone structure, chemical make-up, lifestyle and a
myriad of other elements create the bodies we have.  We do not all look
alike nor do we all have the ability to look, or fit into, a single body
type.

Exercise and healthy diet are important.  Staying fit is not the same as
being skinny or buff or fitting into one body image.

I have spent years figuring these lessons out, and I have years of
experience dealing with diet and fitness.  It is easy to try to follow
some prescribed standard set by society, or those close to us, but we
must try to simply be healthy and accept the kind of body we have.  Once
we learn this, we can tailor our exercise and diet routine to shape the
body we have.

The main advice, when it comes to food,  is to avoid trans-fats which
are in most snack foods, and foods high in fat like fast food.
Processed foods do not contribute to over-all health either.  Try to
fill your diet with fruits and veggies, and look for whole grains as
opposed to processed bread.  Watch your carb in-take, and in all things,
seek balance.

And learn portion control.  This is most peoples problem.  They eat way
too big of portions.  It is okay to indulge in certain foods like sweets
or greasy food from time to time, but watch your portions.  Most
restaurants serve portions for 3 to 4 people, so this may give you an
idea of what a single serving should look like.

Any exercise is good.  Studies are showing that fat build-up around the
midsection can lead to health problems, but sit-ups only tone, which is
good, but some form of a cardio work-out is essential for weight loss
and general health.

Walking, jogging, using stationary bikes, treadmills, elipticals and
other aerobic activity will give you a cardio work-out.

Exercising at least 4 times a week is usually what most recommend for an
exercise regimine, but any activity is better than nothing.

Mix up your toning with cardio.  Women and men both should work on
toning, though guys may work more on bulk and women usually just want a
sleeker, tone.  Regardless, a lot of people do cardio one day, and then
work on the toning/definition the next.

There is a lot of information and resources available on this topic.
You can search on Google, talk to your doctor, visit a local gym or YMCA
and even most grocery stores will be able to provide info on a healthy,
balanced diet.

And as blind people, we are more than capable to exercise and diet.

I walk on a local walking trail during nice weather.  I carry a hand
weight and switch up what hand canes and what hand holds the weight.  It
is just a 2 pound weight.  I keep a brisk, steady pace.

I also jog on a mini-trampoline at home or use my eliptical which I have
Braille labels on.

I use to do yoga, but no longer have time to participate in a class.  I
try to work-out everyday, but of course, sometimes I just get busy.
*smile*

My husband walks on the trail too, and he likes to lift weights as well.
When he can't get to the gym, he does push-ups and pull-ups at home.

A friend of mine takes karate, and another friend of mine jogs with a
sighted partner.

If you are not sure about nutrition or serving sizes for food, visit
http://directionsforme.com.  This website is accessible, and provides
ingredients, directions and nutrition info for many food products.

I hope this helps.

Bridgit

Message: 17
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:34:37 -0700
From: humberto <humbertoa5369 at netzero.net>
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing
	list<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] OT weight issues
Message-ID: <N3af1g00N2PutTY053ag4d at netzero.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi,

This is kind of similar to what my Mom tells me sometimes, that I 
am getting bigger on the area of the abs.  I'm wondering, what 
are the most ideal looks for men though because I am a male? Is 
it normal for a young man to have the "Apple-shape" kind of thing 
where your abdominal are growing too much.  I do PE at school, 
and to me it works; I'm not sure that my Mom thinks that is not 
working.  She tells me to do sit-ups and push-ups but I don't do 
it because I do those exercises in PE anyways.
any thoughts? By the way, I understand this is off-topic, but, 
this can result in a discussion that can lead to great other 
discussions about blindness and appearance among sighted public.