Off the Couch and Into Shape
The holiday season is over, the NFL and NHL seasons are closing up shop and the warm summer months are just around the corner. Let me translate for you: you’ve devoured all the mouth-watering food you can get your hands on and now you have to squeeze on those neon green swim trunks. First let me attempt to put your mind at ease – you’re not alone. The trend after the holidays and football season is a little bit of girth gained in the mid section. Seasonal get-togethers and football games bring in all the usual suspects.
Over indulgence of high fat foods, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and, of course, inactivity may have you feeling a little “sluggish." The good news is it’s never too late to get up, get active and get regular. Let the body and mind adjust to an increase in activity, and up your water intake.
The possibility of dehydration has to be carefully regulated. Water is one of the six basic essential nutrients needed for the body to function normally. Even slight dehydration (water loss of 1-4 percent) can significantly impair performance.
Weight gain, alcohol, and caffeine, all affect the amount and rate of water loss. Thirty minutes of activity, 3-4 times per week, balanced nutrition, and proper water intake (about eight cups per day), can be your short term goal and will help you put the last two months of being a sports crazed, calorie consuming couch potato behind you.
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