Chapel Hill NC Home Blog

We tend to have the same New Year’s Resolutions year after year. So many of us struggle with weight gain over the holidays.  My weight gain struggle starts at Halloween, continues into Thanksgiving and ends with New Year’s Eve. Every year, including this one, I say I will eat healthier, eat less and get into better shape. 

The key to losing weight is simple; eat less and exercise more.  Yet why is this plan so difficult to follow?  Habit.  Self Control.  Emotions.  Life.  Boredom.  Stress.  Cravings.  PMS.  Too tired.  Too busy.  Sound familiar!!!

The key is not to deprive yourself of any one thing.  It’s more about self control.  If i am craving chocolate, I will satisfy my craving, otherwise I will end up eating too many other foods and therefore more calories, yet still not feel satisfied.  Self control is hard.  It’s mind over matter.  Keeping busy helps. 

There are alot of ways to get exercise in the Durham/Chapel Hill area.  One obvious way is to join a health club.  I get plenty of exercise without belonging to a gym.  Try walking outdoors.  I bring my cell phone with me while walking and catch up with friends.  The time goes faster and you take care of 2 things at once.  I also like to bike outdoors.  There are many hiking, walking and biking trails in the Triangle area.   It’s also important to incorporate some weight training into your exercise routine.  All you need are some free weights.  I have 3lb, 5lb, 8lb and 10lb weights at home. 

It’s never too late to become healthier. You will feel better.  If at first you dont succeed, don’t give up!  Try, Try again.  There’s always tomorrow.  Good luck!!

I’ve recently read several articles on childhood obesity.  After some research, I learned it’s a growing problem in North Carolina.  1 out of 5 of our school age kids are overweight.  The North Carolina School Board now requires 30 minutes of daily physical activity for elementary and middle school kids.  I think there should be a high school requirement as well.  More than 70% of our Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School teachers have completed training to provide healthier, more active classrooms.  These are all steps in the right direction however the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends 60 minutes of exercise each day.

You are your childs best exercise buddy.  You can help them stay motivated by exercising together.  Get them involved in activities you may already be doing or allow them to make an exercise suggestion you can participate in together.  My daughter  asks if I can stay in the same room while she is on the treadmill or bicycle to help her stay motivated.   She also walks and runs with her friends.   

Sleep deprivation also plays a part in childhood obesity.  Tired kids are less likely to exercise and more likely to sit on the couch and eat junk food.  I do know when I don’t sleep well, I crave sweets, even early in the morning. 

Every step teachers and parents take to encourage exercise, promote healthy eating habits and get a good night sleep, are all positive steps in trying to prevent childhood obesity.

STACI