“We have to admit what we are doing is not working.”

I recently heard that statement at a symposium on eating disorders from Emmett Bishop, MD and a specialist who has been treating and working in the field for over 25 years.

He is correct. Both the numbers and personal stories confirm it.

America spends 78 billion dollars every year on the ‘diet’ industry yet eight million men and women struggle with eating disorders. Of those, 10-25% with Anorexia Nervosa will die as a direct result of their struggle. 19% of college-aged women are bulimic and 35% of the US population is obese.

What is even more alarming, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, not one state has a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-six states have a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) have a prevalence of 30% or more.

So, try this: look around you right now. Look at faces, bodies, young and old. While not all thin or fat people have disordered eating or are even unhealthy, the fact is more and more of us are in a troubled place. And, it’s been that way for years and years.

More children and adults are fat. More people are obese even though there are more products, more programs, more information, and more education to help combat this.More people continue to die as a result of their disorder.

How do we end this trend? How do we get more of you to change?

This is an interesting discussion topic in light of that fact what we are doing is NOT working. All that money spent ‘dieting’ and on ‘diet’ products and programs has not reversed the trend of eating disorders, body image problems, and obesity.

Many experts including President Obama have said if we solve the obesity issue in this country we solve the health care problem. So, if we don't change the trend, this country is in trouble.

Frisco Mayor Maso put getting fit as a top priority for him, his family, and our community, the fastest growing City in America. His Be Fit Frisco campaign includes a free weekly workout every Thursday night in the square. FITS, Fitness in the Square starts at 6:30PM and everyone, children to adult, is welcome to attend. 

Another attempt, however, at educating people about the consequences of obesity is drawing fire. The controversy centers on a new anti-obesity campaign ad in Georgia. To some who view this campaign, it ‘shames’ kids and adults about their weight and the resulting struggles.

Reality is, however, sometimes 'shame' is really 'conviction' and there is a need to understand the difference. And, I will grant you, sometimes kids do not have the emotional or cognitive development to handle such messages and know the difference.

Maybe you cave at the slightest hint of 'shame'. Yes, adults, it hurts. Yes, you hate your body. Think logically, however, and see it as conviction: a natural consequence of doing wrong. If you overeat and do not work out, you will more than likely be fat and out of shape. 

What about medical issues? Ok, I am not talking to you. What about genetics? Well, I for one, am not gifted in the naturally skinny department. So do not complain. All that gets you is a negative attitude. For instance, I know I have to work three times as hard just to maintain my healthy and fit body while someone else can do about half as much as I do and be golden. 

Good news is you can do something about it whether you struggle with obesity or you fear being fat to the point of starving to death. Maybe your 'idols' of pleasure, comfort, easy way out, control, etc need to be addressed. Accept your wrongdoing. Make choices to change. Then take action even if you feel anxious, depressed or embarrassed about it.

Face it, ‘diets’ do not work! Coddling and suggesting you will struggle with this for the rest of your life like a disease also is of no help or hope.

And, I can no more 'build esteem' about your body than swim across the Pacific Ocean unassisted. For most of us, the battle of the bulge comes down to choice. It is a choice you have to make no matter upbringing, experiences, or past choices. Please see that.

Hence, I will say it again: Realize the solution to most weight and body image issues lies in three LIFESTYLE areas: right belief system,  eating clean no matter where, with whom, or what you are doing, and hard work or exercise.

For more information on Be Fit Frisco, please visit www.befitfrisco.com 

For more information on solving obesity and eating disorder issues, please visit, www.beachbodycoach.com/kipfit
www.friscocounseling.org
www.theelisaproject.org
www.neurosportathlete.com

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

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In 1901, the bowl season officially began. The Rose bowl was first. I suppose that’s why over the years Brent Musberger and Keith Jackson have called it the “Granddaddy of them all”.

It stayed that way for more than 30 years, but in 1934, bowl season welcomed the Sun Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl followed by the Cotton Bowl Classic in 1936. The Gator Bowl and the Citrus Bowl took stage in the 1940’s. And, over the next three decades, the Liberty Bowl, the Peach Bowl, the Independence Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, and the Holiday Bowl were given birth.

So, let’s see, that is a total of 12 bowls. If I do the math: 12 bowls + 2 teams = 24 teams. Oh, I get it, the top 24 teams in the country.

Now, we have…wait…it will take me a few minutes to count the bowls…hold on…

Keep holding…17, 18, 19…

Nope not done yet…25…26…27…

We have 35 bowl games including the Pinstripe Bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl (name pronunciation still under debate), the Pizza Bowl (seriously?), oh and the Belk Bowl which used to be the Continental Tire Bowl. Before that, it was the Queen City Bowl, and the Meineke Car Care Center Bowl. But don’t confuse that with the bowl now named the Meineke Car Care Center Bowl of Texas which used to be the Gallery Furniture.com Bowl formerly named the EV1.net Houston Bowl, and before that the Texas Bowl.

Oh my head! Did you get all that? Let’s do math again, shall we: 35 Bowls + 2 teams = 70 teams

Should I even bother to tell you there are two more bowls being proposed? The Cure Bowl to be held in Orlando at the Bright House Networks Stadium and the L.A. Christmas Bowl played in L.A. at the Memorial Coliseum. Both proposed bowl games were turned down by the NCAA in 2010. Now, if one of the current 35 certified bowls loses its license, then one of these proposed bowls could replace it. However, I must ask why? Currently, due to this enormous amount of bowls, the NCAA nearly maxes out the possible eligible teams.

After reading this to my daughter, she laughed and said, ‘if there are so many bowls, why don’t they have a ‘McKenna Bowl’’? She’s right. Might as well. My company NeuroSport could sponsor it until we don’t have the money to foot the bill because we’ve gone broke in the process. Then it could be called the ‘next company name McKenna Bowl’. I told her to send a proposal into the NCAA.We can get on the waiting list.

With attendance down this college football bowl season, I am not sure having 35 bowl games is such a stellar idea, however. In fact, according to an article in USA Today, this bowl season might end up as one of the lowest per-game averages in more than 30 years. The same article by Steve Berkowitz stated this season’s attendance is nearly 2.5% lower when compared against the previous five-season average for the 25 games played each of those seasons

NCAA, have you heard the term ‘simplify’ or the phrase ‘less is more’? 

Since 2000, 13 Bowls have been added plus the rotating BCS National Championship. Maybe that’s too much?

I recently sat at a dinner with an NFL Director of College Scouting, so I seized the opportunity to ask him his thoughts about all the bowls going on including the historic Sun Bowl we were to witness the next day in El Paso. We inevitably concluded it was about the money. But, he said, unless the university makes it to the BCS Bowl line up, then probably the payout is not worth it.

Of the three bowl games I have been too this year, I would have to concur. Given the empty seats, some universities’ ticket purchase responsibility, and the travel budget, I do not think all these bowls are worth it.

That’s hard for me to say given the football crazed spirit within me. I know these guys want to play and have fun playing. Plus it gives them and the opportunity to showcase a little more what they can do in front of scouts and owners. 

Can we just go back to the top 24 like the good ole days?

Sorry McKenna, but I think the ‘McKenna Bowl’ is not a good idea.

 

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This year we saw the worst representation of a university athletics department in history. But, I wish well the current football players of Penn State University. Tomorrow, they take on the Cougars of the University of Houston in the 2^nd annual Ticket City Bowl at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas. And, for a program now in disarray and losing top recruits, leaving this year with a bowl victory at least would be a positive ending to an otherwise horrid and unexpected football season for PSU.

I hope these innocent bystanders finish strong. And as a Big 10 girl, I want all the teams playing on the 2^nd to bring home victory: Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and newcomer Nebraska. (Yes, note the only time I route for Michigan is when playing in a bowl game.)

Despite losing to Wisconsin five weeks ago, Safety Drew Astorino indicates the team is feeling good and staying positive coming into their bowl game in Big D, “We were obviously very disappointed out in Madison. For us seniors this is our last game, last time being a part of Penn State so we want to leave a good legacy.”

On facing Houston’s highly regarded QB Case Keenum, Astornio noted their offense is unlike anything they’ve faced in the Big 10. Keenum scrambles quite a bit and when he does, he looks to throw the ball down field. “From a secondary’s perspective, we’re looking forward to playing him because it is a big challenge; they throw the ball everywhere, so we’re excited.”

The 2012 Ticket City Bowl will be the final collegiate start for Keenum, who completed 41 of 67 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns against Southern Miss to become the first quarterback to reach 5,000 yards passing in three seasons.

Some suggest this is the best non-BCS match up with Houston ranking first in the nation in passing (443.8 yards a game), total offense (599.0) and scoring (50.8 points a game) and Penn State’s nationally-ranked defense under the direction of interim head coach Tom Bradley. The Nittany Lions are 10th in the nation in total defense (300.9) and fifth in points allowed (15.7 per game

If you can’t make it out to the legendary Cotton Bowl stadium, you can catch the action on ESPNU. Kickoff is 11:00am (CST). The game also can be heard on the Armed Forces Network around the globe and Sirius XM Satellite radio.

-Ticket City media personnel contributed to this blog

Stay inspired Penn State,

Kip #45

(been traveling to various Bowls this year...more to come on my observations and notable moments people watching! It's been an unforgetable year so far!)

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Typically, most Americans gain an average of five pounds during the months of October to January 2^nd. And, I bet some of you gain more than that, right?

That does not have to be you! If you follow these five simple rules, then you will not wake up on the 2^nd of January feeling horrible and out of shape.

Rule #1: Eat Clean
I say it over and over, but it is true. If you eat clean every day, then Christmas is no different than Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Keep the combination of lean protein and vegetables at every meal. Snack on healthy non-processed items like whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies. Hydrate on water with a splash of lemon or lime, and steer clear of high fat fast foods and alcohol, soda, and sugar-laden juices. While this is common sense, it is not common practice. Therefore, the weight piles on during this time of year.

Yes, I know, it's easy to overeat at Holiday parties, grab a quick bite at the drive thru, but that 'easy way out' leads to more pounds, increased irritability, and a body and mind not functioning at their best.

So, make a choice. Do you want to be your best or do you want to gain weight? Remember 80% of the body you want depends on what you put in your body.

Rule #2: Move everyday
This rule is non-negotiable as eating clean. Begin your day by some form of exercise even for just 10 or 15 minutes. Take a brisk walk and enjoy the cooler weather while you can. Push play on your favorite kickboxing, step, or dancing DVD. If you enjoy a challenge, then grab your buddy for a pick-up game of basketball or running stadium stairs. Be bold, go ahead and sign up now for a fitness boot camp at your local gym or athletic center.

Again, it's easy to let this slide during the Holiday months. But, when you make clean eating and moving a lifestyle and not a 'program' you go on, then you do not deviate too much no matter what is going on in life or what day it is on the  calendar.

And, if you say, 'Kip, you don't understand...this, this, and this happened'. Well, I'll tell you, last year, I spent the Holidays caring for my Grandmother in hospice. She died the day after Christmas. While I spent long days and nights in tandum with my Uncle at the hospital, I did not neglect my workouts and kept eating clean throughout that time. 

Rule #3: Decrease stress
You see, the best cure for stress is the above two rules: clean eating and moving.

Most of us have more stress around the Holidays not less. There is just more to do with no additional time on the clock. And, we also know family dynamics might not be in our favor.

Refrain from giving up your workout time when this happens. Lock it in the schedule and move other things around or just don’t do the laundry for once. Heck it will not kill you if your packages are not wrapped perfect.

Please, I'm begging you, don’t sabotage all your hard work with a less than healthy diet. Good fuel leads to a strong body and stable mind. And, that means less stress even though life is more hectic right now.

Bonus benefit: in this stressful time, exercise also remains the best ‘energy drink’ on the market. Exercise contains all the calorie and fat burning without any added chemicals or sugar.

Rule #4: Indulge intentionally
I’m not a complete Scrooge here much to your thinking at this point. You can indulge on some Holiday treats & spirits, but pick wisely and indulge with intention. That means pick one or two times to indulge and plan ahead for it. In other words, pick one Holiday party to partake in an adult beverage or two not every Holiday party. Then on Christmas day, eat two or three pieces of mom’s dark chocolate fudge but do not eat five pieces everyday for a week.

Trust me, come January 2^nd, you will feel so much better than if you decide to eat like a pig and gorge every day until you put sweats on in order to feel mildly comfortable. Come on, I know you've done that!

Rule #5: Have fun
Be radical this year! Focus on family fun and enjoying your friends. Instead of gathering for a meal out somewhere, meet at the gym for a spin class then migrate to the local coffee shop for a skinny beverage and conversation.

Go shop together, challenge each other to a dance off or a gaming competition. Find a local 5K to run or walk, or dress up and go to a concert or play.

It is the most wonderful time of the year, so celebrate by taking care of you! 

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

www.friscocounseling.org

www.neurosportathlete.com

www.beachbodycoach.com/kipfit

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I wept as I looked at my 10-year-old handsome bundle of joy this morning.

He is so excited to play football this weekend in his league playoff game. In my sleep-deprived state, I am excited too, but my heart has been destroyed AGAIN. Honestly, the past few days all seems surreal…almost like 9/11.

Really? I just can’t wrap my head around this scandal at Penn State University.

I stayed up until 3:00am watching the rioting in support of Joe Paterno and listening to the interviews with former players. As heard more and more detail about the horrific allegations against former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, I felt anger, fear, and deep grief. By now, you probably know Sandusky has been charged with sexually abusing eight children. He faces 40 counts, including 21 felonies.

One of the alleged attacks was reported in 2002 by Mike McQueary, a Penn State assistant coach. McQueary reportedly witnessed Sandusky sodomized a 10-year-old boy in a shower at the Penn State football building. Then a graduate assistant coach, McQueary told Coach Paterno, and Paterno told athletics director Tim Curley.

Ok…Ok…I am trying to grasp this but as I watched my son bounce around the breakfast table talking about his upcoming playoff game, I just could not hold it together. The visual was there. That’s my son in that shower!

That man would be lucky to be alive if I walked in on him. I’d be arrested myself. How do you walk away from that and not protect that child? How do you not pummel the guy and call the police? And, at what point, did any of these administrators think the police did not need to be called?

Now police say a ninth victim as come forward. How many more will come forward because NO ONE CALLED THE POLICE IN 2002? Unbelievable baffling. Unbelievable sickening. Unbelievable disgusting. Unbelievably sad.

Matt McMillen, a former Penn State player and ESPN analyst, broke down on set Tuesday. He is right. We are a pathetic society if we can’t protect our kids. My 70-year-old uncle called me in tears over what has happened to this country watching this debacle unfold.

More anger and hurt filled my heart, when I read Paterno saying “This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.” Come on Coach. While I respect your coaching legacy, no hindsight fixes this. No ‘I’m sorry’ changes the fact you were in prime position to do more about this.

I might give you some leeway given your age and perhaps, according to those close to you, you did not fully grasp what was happening. But listen…someone came to you after he apparently saw Sandusky having sex with a 10-year-old on your campus. How do you just report it then go on your merry way allowing him to continue to have access to campus and continue after retirement to work with children on your field and with your players? I don’t get it.

Hear me and hear me good: any administrator, any coach, any parent, any adult who is aware of a rape or habitual rape of a child and does nothing is just a guilty as the pedophile. Period.

My 10-year-old son trusts his coaches. He looks at me and his Dad and he trusts us to not put him in harm’s way. He trusts us to protect him. And while we cannot fully keep him from the evils of this world, when we place him in the care of our pee wee football coaches or camp football coaches, we have faith he will be safe. We believe he will gain new football skills, learn character, and grow in maturity as he begins to develop into a productive young man.

Anthony Dorsett, Jr. and I sat and talked about this yesterday for nearly an hour. We both coach and love to teach and build-up young kids. We prayed for these victims noting that short of death, this is the worst thing you can do to a person. And as a licensed counselor, I’ve seen and heard the scars of this kind of abuse. It deeply changes your ability to trust, relate, and love.

Those victims and their families are forever different now. And, that victimization goes deeper than the iconic football program.  No longer, I said to Anthony, can we ever be alone with a young child. And, every man who takes an interest in kids and honestly wishes to guide their development and coach their skills will be questioned. Trust for all coaches as been broken given this abuse has occurred at the highest level and within the most decorated and revered regime in American college football.

Before each practice, my son likes to hear “My Time” by Fabolous & Jeremiah. Then he prays. He bows his head and asks God to let him tackle at practice. He then prays for safety and protection. That’s the way it should be.

Stay strong,

Kip #45

www.neurosportathlete.com

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Myth #1 – Diets work:

Going on a ‘diet’ does not lead to long term weight loss. Research indicates ‘diets’ still don’t work. In fact, studies show ‘going on a diet’ predicts weight gain yet millions of you spend the money to try some ‘diet’ only to see your weight come back and often times with a few extra pounds.

A lifestyle of clean eating is what leads to consistent, steady weight loss and the ability to maintain it over a life time. So, get rid of the diets and create a lifestyle you can do the rest of your life.

Myth #2 - I’ll lose weight by fasting:

Skipping meals or starving yourself actually leads to a loss of strength, muscle mass, bone density, and ability to focus while increasing stored fat and irritability. By not eating you actually set yourself up to be fat and miserable.

When you skip meals your body ‘thinks’ food is in short supply so it slows down your metabolism. In the mean time, your brain and body are not getting the nutrients they need to function, so you get cranky and edgy.

So if you are the ‘one meal a day’ type person, then be prepared for a stock pile of body fat and an undesirable attitude. And, who wants to be around that?  

Myth #3 - Late night eating makes me fat:

It is common for overweight people to eat in excess late at night and not have a daily exercise regime. That kind of lifestyle will make you fat.

If you eat clean, exercise daily, and incorporate intense workouts into your program, you will not get fat by eating late night. Just keep it clean—don’t eat a pint of ice cream then snooze the night away. But do not fear having a bowl of low fat cottage cheese and then a few Hersey® Kisses.

Myth #4 - I can’t ever cheat:

You do not have to eat fat-free all the time. In fact, you need fat in your daily diet to process certain nutrients and enable your body and brain to function. Plus many so called ‘fat free’ foods are loaded with sugar and other chemicals which can pack on the pounds.

It is common for overweight people to use any excuse to indulge and eat excess fat and sugar. Being out with friends, at a company party, or even on vacation are NOT good excuses. Buying ‘fat free’ just to inhale the whole bag does NOT lead to a lean body either.

Again, if you have a lifestyle of eating clean and moving no matter what day it is on the calendar, albeit Thankgiving or your Birthday, then it is okay to have a slice of cake, a piece of pie, or glass of wine from time to time.

Myth #5 - I shouldn’t have to work out everyday:

Really? Think about that for a second—what if our forefathers thought that? They lived a life of hard labor and intense physical work. Modern technology, cars, and the conveniences of life enable us to actually work out less. This is not helpful to our body.

Our bodies are made for a daily lifestyle of physical activity. Research does not link any disease or illness to exercising each day. In fact, movement actually helps manage and reverse illness and diseases.

While you should not lift weights working the same muscle group two days in a row, it is wise to do some type of activity every day. It is not complicated. Pick a few activities you like and do them. Wrestle with your kids, throw the ball with the dog, walk the golf course, do ten jumping jacks while you wait for the microwave to finish—just move!

Myth #6 - As long as I exercise, I’ll lose weight:

So many of you spin your wheels working out hard in the gym or at home and then get frustrated when you do not see results. Why? Because, 80% of the body you want depends on the food and drink you are putting into your system.     

Do not waste all that hard work by eating high fat, non-nutritive processed or fast food or by preparing meals that sabotage what you just did. Eating clean gives you the body you want along with the hard work you are putting in with your daily activity.

I know I repeat and repeat and repeat myself with this stuff. It's okay! It's what I do and what I love to help people with---getting off a diet and creating a lifestyle plan that works for the rest of life! 

As such, I'm honored to be a member of Mayor Maso's Be Fit Frisco fit and wellness committee. Check out our website at www.befitfrisco.com! And join me this Saturday morning (11/5) at the new Walmart Neighborhood Market in Frisco at Lebanon and Legacy where I'll be walking the store talking to folks about getting through the Holiday season eating clean and moving!!

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

Kip Watson is a ­­­­­­­­­­­Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Personal Trainer specializing in eating disorders and performance mental training. Connect with her at 214-543-4108 or www.neurosportathletecom or www.friscocounseling.org 

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Everyone knows it! Yet so few of you actually adhere to common sense advice. Sometimes I feel like a parent, but I'll keep repeating myself until this 'Silent Crisis' ends....!!

Dieting is not leading to a better life

Dieting is a silent yet accepted crisis. At some point throughout the day, conversations tend to center around pounds needing to lose or some new trendy weight loss gimmick.

It happened to me last night at my son's football practice. We laugh, we smile, right? And the conversation is over. Rarely does anyone display concern in these conversations.

Over the past 30 years, however, the scales are tipping at an all-time high. A devastating 60 percent of the U.S. population is overweight and 30 percent of the U.S. population is obese. The government reports that obesity related illness is costing our nation 147 billion dollars annually, roughly 9 percent of all medical spending.  “State obesity rates are still high,” says Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Some of the leading causes of death are obesity-reality heart disease, stroke Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. We must continue our efforts to reverse this trend.”

Obesity has become such a problem in every state that no state reported less than 20 percent of adults were obese in 2010—that means no state met the national Health People 2010 goal to lower obesity prevalence to 15 percent within the past decade. Texas joined the list of states reporting an obesity rate of 30 percent or more last year.

I sat stunned when I found this out from the CDC. Really? SMH...

Is learning a lifestyle hard? Yes, but so are repeated diet cycles with no change in outcome or an outcome leading to more weight, more health risks, and a decrease in lifespan.

And, let me just say, once you learn the lifestyle, then it becomes easy and you do not ever want to go back. As you know, I have been there. Over three years, I took off 65 pounds and have kept it off for more than a decade now. Once an obese mom weighing over 200 pounds, I am now fit, active, and feeling younger than ever before.

Yes, I am the mom running gassers with my son's football team. Yes, I am the mom serving my child salmon for breakfast. 

In an age when information is just a click away and there are more programs helping people who struggle with weight issues, how come the trend continues to inch upward rather than end or decrease? What is the solution to this nationally accepted silent crisis?

There is an easy solution to this national crisis which is common sense just not common practice. Experts across the country, the CDC, the U.S. Surgeon General, all suggest a lifestyle of healthy eating and physical activity. Dr. William Dietz, Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, says the epidemic requires this common sense shift our culture, “We must continue to change the environments that make it hard to eat healthy, and make it hard for people to be active. By doing this, we not only help today’s adults, we also invest in our children and grandchildren, so they won’t have to endure this serious and costly health burden.”

Creating a better environment for our children lead to Frisco Mayor Maher Maso’s new Be Fit Frisco wellness initiative. The Mayor plans to change the community environment by increasing awareness and the opportunities to be fit and active, “My goal is to build a foundation for fitness in Frisco and put in place the building blocks to fitness and good lifestyle choices become who we are as a community.”

I am extremely honored to be asked on Mayor Maso's commmittee. Collectively, I hope the repetition of our voices together will reach this City, perhaps our neighboring communities and even the Nation. We are speaking to you the individual in Frisco, you the Mom or Dad of your family, you the student. It is time to end this trend of being overweight and obese.It is time to show concern and help each other out in eating clean and getting active. 

Several opportunities are coming up in Frisco for residents to utilize what’s already going on in the City to get active. First, celebrating 50 years, the NFL Pass, Punt, and Kick competition takes place Saturday, October 1^st from 9 am-Noon at Bacchus Park for boys and girls ages 8-15.

Four legged friends and their owners can get out and explore the new Frisco Dog Park at the Grand Opening Sunday at 2 pm at B.F. Phillips Park.

The 10^th annual Mother/Son Dance will take place October 8^th. ‘Twisting the Night Away’ gives young boys 4-12 years old the enjoyable task of getting Mom out on the dance floor for a night.

And, Saturday, October 15^th, folks from all over can gather at the Frisco Aquatic Center for “Celebrate Fitness and Fun”. Free fitness clinics, health screenings, programming exhibits, and interactive classes will be going on from 9:00am-1:00pm. And, do not forget the swim suit that day for the Pumpkin Splash Patch, a unique way to actively browse the water patch to find the perfect Halloween pumpkin.

For more information on these events and to find the latest fitness and sport classes for all ages, visit www.friscofun.org.

 
If you need further assistance learning about a lifestyle rather than starting and stoping another diet, then contact me at Frisco Counseling & Wellness at 972-380-1842. www.friscocounseling.org or www.neuroSportathlete.com 

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

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It still amazes me how the ‘diet’ industry has so many people fooled into thinking you can solve your weight and/or obesity issues with a quick fix. Yet billions of dollars are spent every year on instant change.

So, let me ask you, did it work? Did the change you were seeking last?

Consider what happens when you go on a ‘diet’. Usually, ‘dieting’ means you are resisting or depriving yourself in some way. Most of us can resist for a while but eventually that good ole will power caves and we give in to what we want.

Normal responses to going on a diet include physical, mental, and emotional struggles. Fatigue, irritability, and, powerful cravings are common.  And, the more times you diet, the harder it is to tell when you are physically full or if you are still hungry.  It is hard to concentrate or think about anything other than the ‘diet’. Many see an increase in self-centeredness and isolation. Nothing is more important than meeting the needs of the ‘diet’.

Eventually, most regain the weight plus additional pounds after getting off the diet. In fact, the number cause of overeating is ‘dieting’. 

Now consider the alternative. Try learning a lifestyle you can sustain the rest of your life. Invest in a ‘lifestyle’ that promotes eating most of the time in response to hunger and needed fuel rather than a quick fix that leaves you out of money and so much more. Invest in nutritional and exercise information which supports a healthy body. Then invest the time and hard work living out this lifestyle.

Normal responses to living a ‘lifestyle’ rather than a ‘diet’ includes eating for vitality, health, and pleasure yet in appropriate ways. It involves choices with nutrition and exercise that free you from worry, obsession, or pre-occupation with food, your body, and eating.

If you stop ‘dieting’ and learn a lifestyle, you will find this freedom. You will achieve a healthy weight. You will find better mental health and perhaps discover the greater pleasures in life with the friends, family, and special relationships in your life.

We talk more about what ‘lifestyle’ means and the various options available to you in the coming weeks.

If you would like further information on lifestyle changes, visit with me:

www.friscocounseling.org

www.beachbodycoach.com

www.neurosportathlete.com

 

You CAN DO THIS!

Kip #45

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Excuses, I hear them all the time. “It’s too hot”; “The kids are home now; “We’re too busy.”

Stop with the excuses. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, you will benefit from exercise. The 600 seconds of an elevated heart rate may not lead to body transformation but it is long enough to boost your metabolism.  And, if you do those 600 seconds right when you get up before breakfast, that is even better.

Reality suggests summer break more than likely is not a ‘break’, it’s just a different normal. So, if you know it’s going to be a crazy or busy day, then plan. Get your workout gear ready the night before and get up a little early and do your 10 minutes of work.

Companies such as Beachbody which features local Dallas fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner and her Body Gospel, have tons of at home fitness programs for every skill level. You don't need a lot of space or equipment to get in shape. Most of these at home programs require very little from you except 100% consistant effort. 

Still coming up with excuses? Then multitask-- while the kids are engaged in their activities, you can engage too. Try walking briskly together or riding bikes to the neighborhood pool. Go ahead and get in the pool, swim some laps, jump, catch your kids, challenge them to a race.

Do you have soccer practice or a baseball game? Invest in a bike trainer and take your bike to the field or court. Set up on the trainer and spin during their practice. Whatever you do, please do not just sit.  When your kids sprint across the field, then you can speed up your pace or change your resistance level for five minutes. You both end up with a great workout and better cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

Another great resource in Frisco, is the Frisco Athletic Center, a partner in the City’s Be Fit Frisco lifestyle initiative. The FAC provides a place for kids, teens, and adults to be fit and healthy while having fun. Kids up to 7 years old, can enter the Fun Club for up to two hours and play games while you workout. For older kids, 8-12 years old, The Zone provides interactive games, ping pong, foosball, and more. Sunday is family fun day in The Zone.  Families are encouraged to play and challenge each other in the area.

So, while the kids are at play, you have 22,000 square feet of fitness equipment, cardiovascular machines, and group exercise rooms at your disposal. If you need instruction, the FAC has personal trainers to guide you or you and a friend. Two people can train together, even a parent and teen if desired, for as little as $81 per session.

Once your workout is done, jump in the pool at the FAC and continue to make it a lifestyle of activity.

I, for one, am ready for summer. I finally got released to return to physical activity after some major surgery four months ago followed by a freak accident. I can't stand doing the same thing, so I incorporate at home fitness along with gym workouts and outdoor activities into my fit lifestyle. 

My 10-year-old son is about to embark on an 8 week pre-football conditioning program. The Frisco Football League is serious about their football, so my son aims to be ready for his first practice August 13th. This program is his idea and he runs the workouts. Guess who will do it with him? That's right! Me.

So, parents, join your kids and encourage them to teach you as you teach them. This creates a fun experience while working hard. Avoid sitting and watching them be fit. Be Fit right along with them.

For more information on Donna Richardson Joyner's Body Gospel or to find an at home fitness program, check out: www.beachbodycoach.com/kipfit

For more information on the Frisco Athletic Center, check out: www.friscofun.org

Be Fit Frisco: www.befitfrisco.com

www.friscocounseling.org

www.neurosportathlete.com 

 

Stay inspired and productive,

Kip #45

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