Tuesday, March 2, 2010

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Demand more of yourself By Natasha Brown: A little history lesson, ladies! In the days of early Greece, from whence the Olympic Games originated, the human physique was idealized and celebrated so much so that athletes wore no clothing. It was considered natural to go nude so proud were they of their bodies. The good citizens of the ancient cities worked endlessly to sculpt physically perfect bodies. Living in a community that worshiped the divine human form, it was easier to follow along with the rest working out, eating right and taking care of oneself. And they did. Fast forward to the 21st century — this really left me wondering: What happened to people looking after themselves? The pilgrims and the pioneers did it. It was their fierce tenacity that helped them survive in a completely foreign and often brutal frontier. I doubt the pioneer farmer put his feet up on the table at the end of a long day in the fields to munch on potato chips and guzzle a beer. Early settlers worked hard and so did their children. Obesity is everywhere in the free world and the real tragedy is that it's becoming accepted as normal. The health, fitness and longevity of civilized communities are at stake. People, we've got to demand more of ourselves. Commit to a healthy lifestyle and learn how to celebrate the human form once again in the same way the ancient Greeks did. For young and old, it is exercise and healthy eating that often provide the strength and discipline to work, to educate, to parent, to create, build and dream. Greeks and Romans reached for nutty flaxseeds when they wanted a snack. Very clever people! Think of the ancient Greeks, holding strength and agility in such high esteem. Adopting such vigorous lifestyle encourages the development of self-discipline, self-confidence and fosters a sense of pride that seems to be wanting of late. It's hard not to admire a trained physique. It's hard not to be dismayed when you see the encroaching epidemic of "globesity," a new term coined by the World Health Organization. Is there any greater ideal than the proverbial sound mind in a sound body? Occasionally, a paragraph will hit home and one more reader embraces what I advocate in my training and articles. Avoid all fats except essential fatty acids. Throw out table sugar, table salt and pretty much anything over processed. Eat six small meals per day every two-and-a-half hours,each consisting of lean protein, complex carbohydrates from fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Make each day an active one. Walk or run on your lunch hour, you really don't need an hour to eat. Even half an hour of physical activity four times per week will make a difference. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Join a program if you can. Train at home if you can't. Take a pass on onion rings, chips, alcohol, cookies, candy and other garbage foods. Munch on a crunchy apple instead. Enjoy liters of water instead of diabetes-inducing soda. Try to help staunch the flow of sickness caused by over-processed foods that are served in large portions virtually devoid of nutrients. It is time to take a page from the book of the body-proud Greeks. You must take pride in your body and the healthy habits you need to adopt to keep it this way. And it does seem like some of you are getting the idea. I receive dozens of e-mails weekly, telling me about the success people are enjoying as a result of changing a few simple things in their lives. Maybe it's just a matter of knowing that eating fast foods or refined foods all day long isn't healthy and will make most of us gain weight. Twenty percent of our diet comes from refined foods and the resulting health problems far outweigh the brief pleasure of eating a Twinkie. It's no surprise that our nation, heck, the world, is overweight. Learn to depend on yourself once again to not feed only your family and yourself but to build a strong, healthy body capable of surviving this mad-cap epidemic. You'll go back to feeling good about yourself. Remember, I am always ready to give a workout, listen, guide and advise. Fitness instructor Natasha Brown's column will seek to provide routines, training, motivational and spiritual tips to enhance student athletes, senior citizens, physically challenged, the disabled as well as elite athletes. Natasha can be contacted at 552-7182 or at natbrostudio@hotmail or gmail.com. Always consult with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Monday February 1, 2010