Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Leading Healthy Kids and What to Do When "There's Just Not Enough Time"

One morning a few weeks ago I turned on the TV to watch FOX News. What caught my attention was the topic they were discussing - childhood obesity.

A few things they covered included, government plans for toy robots that encourage kids to be healthy. How can parents help? Is it society's responsibility? And so on.

First, it is not society's responsibility. Second, I really don't think toy robots are going to fix the root cause, but I like the imagination. And yes, it is the parents' responsibility - your kids see what you do and follow.

So what do we do? Simple. Be healthy. Set the example for the next generation. Kids will do what their parents DO. You can have a huge impact on the betterment of the next generations. And it all starts at home. Your are the leader.

After discussing robots, one of the anchors mentioned a lack of time... As you can guess, there's some tough love coming. Keep in mind it's just that... LOVE. My pastor says, "those who love you the most will tell you the most truth." So here it is...


There is no less time than there was before. Everyone has 24 hours in the day. The apparent "lack of time" is really a lack of priorities and/or trying to do too much. If there's too much going on in your life, what can you eliminate that isn't as important? What is not helping you reach your goals? If you can't think of anything, keep thinking. Pray about it. Ask God, "what do You want for my life and from my life?"

After praying and finding what God has planned for you, eliminate everything that doesn't help you reach those goals. Want to be healthy? Learn basic nutrition, get a mentor, eat a cup of vegetables at every meal, and reduce intake of junk. Soon after, start a progressive exercise routine. Not enough time? Eliminate something less important. Waking up early and exercising is a GREAT way to start your day. Doing so helps you set the tone for your day. You start on the right foot. You can do some cardio while listening to your audio Bible and spending time with God. Plus, it will be out of the way for the rest your day! Do to list number 1, checked off!

If you "can't" find enough time to treat the body God gave you with respect and be a good example for those around you, I'm going to lovingly challenge your commitment to being healthy. If you are truly committed and just need help, find a mentor and surround yourself with godly people who are where you want to be - that's a whole article in itself! Hint hint ;)

I'm not saying to only focus on goals and not live life and connect with those around you. God wants us to connect and live life together. I'm saying, do you really need to watch two hours of tv when you could be playing with your kids in the park or even watching tv on a treadmill at the gym?

Find time-wasters and ruthlessly eliminate them. Say "no" to them. "No" can be, and often is, a good word.


For those times when you just don't have much time

 

I do realize that there will be times when there's a lot on your plate. To help, I want to give you a quick workout that you can do anywhere, anytime!

After a thorough 5-10 minute warm up, perform 1-3 rounds, 1 minute per exercise:

1.) Squat
2.) Push Ups
3.) Shoulder Ys
4.) Cobras
5.) V Ups
6.) Jumping Jacks




The whole workout should take 11 - 30 minutes depending on how much you rest between rounds and how many rounds you do.

Don't forget, while I encourage to always keep some sort of progressive and structured workout plan, simple things like parking further away from the grocery store entrance or standing instead of sitting can add up to BIG  benefits!

Lessons Learned


1.) We are all leading someone in someway.
2.) Prioritize our health and treat our bodies like the temple they are and let nothing stop us.
3.) Through thick and thin, we must lean on God and support system (friends and family who are along the same thinking of getting fit), and do what you can do. Don't forget to praise God in good times as well!


"Every decision you make either brings you closer to your goals or further away."

It's up to you. You can do it!

Love God, love people.

Chris


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