Americans say they are doing everything they can to be healthy… but the numbers aren’t adding up. Two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese and yet 49% of Americans say they are doing everything they can to achieve balanced nutrition and a healthy diet. Something is not quite right there, so what is going on?
Many Americans are just lost and confused when it comes to healthy lifestyle. There is so much misinformation and marketing out there, it can be difficult for some find real, sound information and advice. It is difficult, but it isn’t impossible.
One of the bigger problems is simply the difference between saying and doing. Paying for a gym membership doesn’t mean you’re doing everything you can to achieve a healthy lifestyle if you never go. Buying fresh produce doesn’t mean you’re eating well if most of it rots in your vegetable drawer.
We make grand plans, but many people have problems following though on their own. They need support and accountability! One of the best ways to stay on track and achieve your goals is if you have a friend along for the ride. And getting your friends in shape could save your life as well…
Having an obese friend increases your own risk for obesity by a whopping 57%! And that definitely does not mean you should dump her; supportive relationships can add years to your life. Instead, team up to become healthier.
Here are a few ways to get going and stay going:
- Trade compliments
Tell your friend when you notice differences in her energy level or mood. Let her know that you recognize all the effort she is putting into a fitness or diet regimen. Tell her you’re proud of her for working so hard toward her goals. Your words could be the thing that keeps her going when she really wants to give up. - Use rewards
When you reach goals, make sure to reward each other. Go buy some new fitness gear, have a spa day or a movie night. - Be persistant
There will be times when your partner wants to slack off. Be the initiator and keep the momentum going in the right direction. One slip up can cause major set-backs for many people because it becomes so hard to get back up and going again. - Have fun
Make sure you try new things with your fitness routine. This could mean taking different kinds of fitness classes together. Trading the treadmill for the state park some days. Cooking new recipes for each other. Checking out a free yoga class. Renting kayaks for the day. The cardio room shouldn’t be the end-all be-all for your fitness routine.
Sources:
“Move It or Lose It! How to Motivate a Lazy Friend to Exercise” Thinkstock.
Wright, Rebecca. “Living Large… and Blaming Some Else for It” Nutraceuticals World. Oct, 2011.
Risher, Brittany. “Secondhand Health Hazards” Women’s Health. Dec, 2011.
