Don't Exercise to Lose Weight

Don't exercise to lose weight?  What?  But isn't that what all the experts tell us to do?  Let me share with you a little story and I'll tell you what I mean.

The other day my daughter and I were out shopping.  We came to a cross walk to cross and before crossing I checked both ways to make sure it was safe.  It appeared that all was well so we began to cross, but a car didn't see us so we had to sprint across the street to save our lives.  When we made it safely to the other side I took a moment and silently thought how grateful I was that my daughter and I are in good enough shape that we could sprint across that street and not get hit by a car.

That being said, don't look at exercise as a way to lose weight.  Exercise is meant to strengthen your cardiovascular system and your muscular system.  I know so many people who give up on exercise because they aren't seeing results (like weight loss) fast enough.  What they don't realize is how much of a risk they're putting themselves and others in by not being in shape.  What if some crazy natural disaster happens and you have to walk for miles to get to a loved one.  Or someone falls in a river and you're the only one there to help them, would you be able to? The scenario's are endless of why it is so important to be in good physical condition.  I don't mean, marathon runner kind of shape, but rather being able to walk several miles without getting winded or even being able to run a mile without feeling like you're going to die. And if you can do those things then keep it up our bodies are in a constant state of change, either we're improving or digressing.

Being in good physical shape isn't always about how it can benefit you.  Think outside of yourself and see how it can also be beneficial to those around you.

Here's a challenge for you: 100 Squats, 100 Mt.Climbers, and 100 sit ups (you can break it up by doing 4 sets of 25 if you want to) When you're finished congratulate yourself for doing something to get yourself in a condition to help others.

HEIDI'S TACO SALAD (serves 1)
2-3 C chopped spinach, romaine lettuce, cabbage, or any other leafy greens
1/4 C Ground Turkey flavored with taco seasoning
2 pinches of mozzarella cheese
2 T plain non fat yogurt
1/2 C salsa or hot sauce (depending on how much you like)
Mix all together and eat slowly to really enjoy all those yummy flavor's
* May also add other toppings like Avocado, Tomato, Olives, etc.