Fidgeting for your health

Do you know someone who fidgets? Maybe you’re a “fidgeter.” Oftentimes, fidgeting is associated with hyperactivity or lack of attention, but as it turns out, fidgeting might not be such a problem. According to a recent story in The New York Times by Gretchen Reynolds that examines a study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, fidgeting and other light body movements might contribute, although somewhat insignificantly, to an overall healthier lifestyle.

The study suggests that even light fidgeting – such as drumming fingers or tapping feet – is better than no movement at all. During the busy work week, take a break from holding down your desk chair by getting up and walking around – even if it’s only for a moment or two. Remaining relatively sedentary essentially has a negative impact on your overall health, as you’re not getting even the light movement that does a body good.

Begin your healthy lifestyle overhaul by making minor adjustments. Instead of driving around a crowded parking looking for the closest free spot to the building’s entrance, park a bit farther away and get extra steps in for the day. Add a little life to your garden by pulling weeds and planting new flowers. These small steps could help in a big way.
 

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Magic pills and silver bullets

If you’ve been thinking that it’s time for a healthy change, keep in mind that there’s no silver bullet or magic pill capable of remedying the things you seek to improve. The commercial diet industry is so successful because they sell magic and ideas – not truths and guides for lasting change. 

We buy diet books because we see people on the cover who look great in their new, slim-fit jeans. We think, “If those complete strangers can do it, so can we.” But that’s not necessarily true. The people who have found success with particular diets have lost weight because they worked diligently to make it happen – not because the diet was an easy “end all, cure all” solution. 

Perhaps the most discouraging thing about diets, however, is that we’re trained to blame ourselves when they just don’t work … when we don’t get the results we hoped for. Shifting blame is a psychological marketing tactic. When we blame ourselves, we’re not blaming the company that sold us the diet, even if that diet is at least partly to blame.

Don’t beat yourself up when you make unhealthy decisions – at times, we all eat things we shouldn’t or get too little exercise. Don’t spend energy blaming yourself. Instead, focus on taking steps that will lead you closer to your goal. If, for example, you ate a little more today than you should have, just get a little more exercise than you normally would. These healthier habits are the true magic pills. 

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Thintervention Inspires Change for Weight Loss

By Lauri Porten

Thintervention host Jackie Warner continues to kick butt and inspire drastic lifestyle changes for her overweight clients who are struggling to lose weight and get healthy for good.

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