Friday, May 27, 2011

Man's Best Friend May be Man's Best Way to Lose Weight

By Joy Randel


It is an unfortunate reality that obesity is an increasing problem in America. The facts are stunning - according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), American adults have experienced a 60% increase in obesity within the past twenty years, and the number of obese American children has tripled within the past thirty years. Over one-third of adults in America are obese and deaths related to obesity have increased to over 300,000, making obesity second only to tobacco related deaths.

There are many factors that contribute to this increase in obesity. One of the major culprits is American's sedentary lifestyles. We all know that exercise is crucial for losing weight. If calories that come in are not burned off they (unfortunately) stay on as fat - and rarely in the places we would like to keep them. We all know this and yet, somehow, many of us are still - to use a euphemism lent to us by our canine friends - "husky." We are bombarded on a daily basis with information on the latest weight loss diets and quick-fix "easy ways to lose weight" schemes. But there is one simple weight loss tool that rarely gets discussed that many of us already have in our homes - a pooch!

Walking can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to lose weight. It is a cheap, healthy way to get outside and to trim your waistline. There are plenty of scientific and anecdotal evidence showing that people exercise more regularly when they are accountable to someone else - an exercise buddy. Making your dog your exercise buddy is a great idea, since let's face it, it is a lot easier to say no to a friend than it is to say no to your dog. Your friend isn't going to put your tennis shoe in his mouth while staring up at you with big sorrowful eyes when you cancel your walking date at the last minute. We all know what a powerful motivator those big puppy eyes can be!


Because of their naturally healthy and energetic dispositions, dogs make great workout buddies! In order for you to be the best dog owner you need to emulate a bit of their energy. Spending time walking and playing with your dog, ideally outdoors, will make you, and your dog happier and healthier.

With all the complicated discussions of how to lose weight filling the air, it benefits us to examine the simple things we can do to live a healthy lifestyle. Our dogs want nothing more than to take us on a nice jog through the park followed by a rousing game of Chewie Chase (a favorite at our house). So, the next time you're plopped on the couch wondering how you're going to shed those last few pounds, grab the leash, grab your furry pal, and head for the hills! You'll be well on your way to a happier, fitter you, not to mention having one grateful pooch.

When you get home from your walk, consider thanking your new personal trainer with a little pampering. Dogs love the extra special attention they get during grooming. Give your dog a special bath using all natural, Organic Dog Shampoo , wrap her up in a fluffy dog bathrobe and settle in for some well deserved cuddle time!




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