MALL-WALKING

The latest trend amongst families,new mothers and mommies is Mall Walking. This is not another fitness mania but actually a convenient way to get some cardio activity and reduce weight.

There may not be many benefits about walking in the mall,but less harm while you spend some family time there.

You can walk in any weather: With mall walking, you can never have the heat, rain, snow or the wind as an excuse for not exercising. Since the temperatures in malls are controlled, you have a perfect climate all year through.Walking 30 minutes or more is the best exercise to reduce weight.

Safety: Since you are walking inside the mall, you don’t have to worry about getting mugged, teased or even hit by traffic.

Clean and pollution free environment: You don’t have to jump over puddles, or try to avoid stepping on dog poop or worry about your allergies acting up due to pollution.

No cost: Unlike gyms, the malls won’t charge you for walking-so that means you won’t be paying a hefty membership or monthly charges.

How to get started?

As for any exercise routine, ask your doctor or health care provider if you are fit for walking.

Invest in some comfortable workout clothes-even though it’s the hippest mall around, you can’t be exercising in your skinny jeans.

Put on your walking/exercise shoes as again stilettos are a strict no-no for exercising.

Start with 10-15 minutes of walking at a pace that you are comfortable and then after a couple of days increase the pace and the duration.

Get a walking buddy (or partner) to keep you both motivated. A walk buddy is effective in achieving your goals to reduce weight.

What are the disadvantages?

It could be heavy on your pocket-the main reasons why mall owners are happy about letting you use the mall! Walking by the displays in the shops could make your wallet lighter even if you aren’t a shopaholic!

If you get tempted by the aromas from the food court, you could be getting in more calories than you burnt! The solution to this would be to walk without your wallet or just get minimum cash (just in case of emergencies).

Money is a great motivator and everyone wants to get their money’s worth. Mall walking is free, so you need to motivate yourself to exercise.

Since the surface is hard, make sure you are wearing good shock absorbing shoes to protect your joints.

So this summer, don’t let the heat bother you too much-just slip on your walking shoes and go ‘mall walking’.

CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STOMACH IS NOT A DUSTBIN!!!!!!!

EATING OUT?

Have light food

If you plan to eat out in the evening,then make sure your lunch is full of salads and vegetables.Have lots of water throughout the day.Just in case,eating out was not planned before hand,don’t worry!you can always order for a light dinner which may include salads,soups,diet drinks,etc.

Enjoy the company you are in.Let it be your spouse ,your kids,your family,or friends talk to them,remember old days,be more interactive and show your skills not by eating but being the attraction to all.

Avoid ordering menu items with thick gravies.This will definitely add on extra calories and if you are a foodie you might end up eating more portions.

Always remember to start your meals with volume,water,diet drinks,raw vegetables salads or clear soups.

Mind your P’s and S’s

P – planning

P – portion size

P – pace yourself

S – sugar

S – sodium

Planning your meal before hand is always helpful.If you know where you will be eating,you can plan the menu or keep in mind the low calorie choices.

Portion size does matter.Instead of filling the stomach with one kind of food,take small portions of different foods.

Keep a slow pace while eating.The mind takes 15-20 minutes to understand and realize the eating process.Give a gap of atleast 15 minutes for ordering the main course or other dishes.Again the same applies here “eat less,talk more”.Eating should not be the sole aim to go out and spend time.

Check your sugar and sodium contents of meal.Too many sweets and desserts or very fried and spicy dishes are not good for health.

Follow ups after eating out

Neutralise your junk food with antioxidants like fruits and vegetables.

Detoxify yourself once in 15 days.

Make water an important part of your daily eating for optimal health and maximum energy.

Alcohol and tobacco spoil the quality of your LIFE.

Exercise is not a choice – IT’S A MUST!!!

Brisk walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days will improve fitness.

CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!