F is for Fitness!! (and no more French Fries...) :(

Happy Thursday!!  So, the company I work for just rolled out a massive Fit Challenge to all employees. I guess they don’t want us to die on the job, or something like that… well, ok. That’s good. Thank you Company X for looking out for me! :D

We’re on teams of 3-5 and can I just say…I find it a little daunting that I’ll have to carry the weight loss on my team. I’m stuck working on it with a bunch of skinny minis co-workers who will lose weight on the scale only if they strip naked! What’s a pair of slacks and a shirt – like 2 lbs? And that trick will only work for week 1 (it’s progressive) so…basically, I’m it. Which means no more French fries… *waves goodbye to an old friend* No more baked goods… *feels tears forming* No more pasta… *looks around for a Kleenex* Ok, I better quit. I don’t like to weep in public!

*whimpers*  Yes, I'm whimpering...

But, I’m in. Really! I hear exercising helps with blood flow, which helps your brain. And as that’s where most of my ideas come from, as a writer, it’s essential to have a good working brain. So, I thought I’d give you two quick lists of fitness tips. The 1st for everyone and the 2nd especially for writers:

Fitness for Everyone:
1 – Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day – so EAT UP in the A.M.! *make sure you work a good protein in...

2 – Cardio is the only thing that will work for actual fat loss – dance, run, walk, hike – just get moving EVERY day

3 – But, strength training is essential, too. Alternate days – give your muscles a rest...

4 – Chewing copious amounts of gum does wonders for a would-be double chin...

5 – If fish/chicken and fruits/veggies aren’t really your thang? Count calories on the foods you do like. You can still eat it, just eat less of it. (But, try to work an apple, some spinach, or a little salmon in when you can..)

Fitness for Writers:
1 – Ok, guess I have to add cardio here as I mentioned the whole brain-flow thing above…

2 – The Hand-Splay: to do this, put your hands in front of you and stretch out those fingers as far as you can, hold, count to ten, relax. We need those hands and fingers in good typing form, right?

3 – Eat copious amounts of your favorite guilty-pleasure goody. You just can’t write if you’re cranky.  (the fitness for everyone plan might call this "cheating"...I call it "the occasional reward for being good!")

4 – Do a cross-word puzzle, brain teaser, a few math equations, SOMETHING to work the other side of your brain for a minute. The creative side needs a breather.

5 – Can you say “READ-A-THON”!

Now, go forth and BE FIT!