What have you done for yourself today?

Posted by Lisa Newton on May 12, 2008 at 6:56am

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Photo courtesy of Or Hiltch

I read an interesting article today entitled, Science Behind “The Biggest Loser” Diet, which was very enlightening. Over the next week or so, I’m going to write about some of the topics it covers—which are several.

At a recent conference, the author Rebecca Scritchfield, learned from the “Biggest Loser” registered dietitian and physician, more about the show’s contestant’s medical and dietary deficiencies.

Before being accepted on The Biggest Loser, contestants all had similar characteristics in common with each other:

They had no idea of the number of calories they needed or what they actually consumed
Most of them skipped breakfast and snacks in-between meals
Most consumed very little fruits and vegetables
They ate very little protein, and when they did it was high in saturated fats
Whole grains consumption was woefully low
They ate too many “white stuff” foods—such as sugar, refined flour, etc.
There was or no meal planning
The majority of the contestants obtained their daily caloric needs from beverages--sodas, juices and fruit punch.
They didn’t drink enough water
Exercise was almost always absent from their daily routines
Most of them had a tendency to put other needs before theirs

I was astounded at the level and number of unhealthy lifestyle habits, and how much the participants changed and learned over the course of the program.

Although the food deficiencies themselves were not too surprising, the last deficiency, people putting other’s needs ahead of their own, stood out. An example of this is often found on a TV program I enjoy watching, “What Not to Wear.”

Many of the people Stacy and Clinton “makeover” are typically people-- mothers in particular—who put career, family, and children ahead of their own needs. Of course, children are a parent’s top priority; but if you don’t take care of yourself, you’re giving your children the wrong message and you won’t be able to give as much time and energy toward them that they deserve.

Do something good for yourself everyday--exercise, plan a nutritious meal, wear nice clothing, read a good book, or just simply relax in a warm bath.

By taking care of yourself you are better able to care for others and that virtue will be noticed by those close to you.

So ask yourself:

What have you done for yourself today and how much quality time did you give?

This is important, because,

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

Tags: habits, personal_time, unhealthy

Comment by Christine Braun on May 12, 2008 at 9:43am: It takes time and some energy to take care of yourself. I think that a lot of moms are just too tired yet it is very important. I think that girls are raised to be care givers and the lessons of taking care of themselves are non-existent. I think a lot of women feel guilty and think that they are being selfish when they set aside time for themselves.

Comment by Metroknow on May 12, 2008 at 11:17am: Lisa, I enjoy your posts always, but this one in particular had great impact. I have been working 7 days a week for the last 3 months with about 4-6 hrs of sleep at night between working, until this weekend. I had become increasingly difficult (in my estimation), and short of patience. Not exactly the ideal path for a father of a one-year old and a 3+ year old. Fortunately for me I work at home, so I was able to spend time between work hours in the evenings from 5pm to bedtime, so that helped, but afterward it was back at it until 2AM or so.

This weekend, I unwound by simply not turning on my work computer. I focused on our garden (which I'll be writing about shortly), playing with the kids, and enjoying a trip to the farmer's market. As a result, my wife affectionately commented last night on how wonderful it was to have me back.

It is important! :) Thank you for sharing the article - it helped me to narrow down the focus on a few sentences that summarize what I NEED to be doing.

Thank you!!!

Comment by Ask The Dietitian on May 12, 2008 at 12:51pm: I'd like the keys and the address of the place in the picture.

Comment by Cynthia on May 12, 2008 at 4:42pm: I like to take a little time after my water aerobics class to just sit in the gym hot tub (light and airy space with skylight above) and just relax a little. I can't say I can manage to every class, but as often as I can, I do. It just helps refresh me somehow.

Comment by Christine Braun on May 12, 2008 at 7:51pm: Ahhh...hot tub. I am going to the spa on June 2nd and I got to go and see Phantom on Sunday and I am going to the lake on May long weekend. I think the guys are taking me along to cook. LOL I think I will take off and do some hiking and let them fend for themselves a bit. Shhh...don't tell! In between all that I have been working and working. If I don't put my foot down, I will be back working full time hours and have too much on my plate.

Comment by Lisa Newton on May 12, 2008 at 8:24pm: @Christine I totally agree, which is why it's sometimes so hard to do. Believe me, I've been there, done that. Guilt and parenting go hand in hand, but taking care of yourself is also sending an important message to the kids.

A weekend at a spa??? You go, girl. And let those boys fend; they might surprise you.

@Metroknow Thank you. I'm happy you finally took some time off. I know how precious time can be, and I'm not sure I could turn off my computer for a whole weekend.................:)

@ATD I wish I had the keys.

@Cynthia There's nothing like a relaxing hot tub after a hard workout, or anytime, for that matter.

Comment by Metroknow on May 12, 2008 at 8:36pm: LOL Oh don't get me wrong...I still had my personal computer on, and my wife's Mac. Oh no, I'm still an addict. :)

Comment by Lisa Newton on May 12, 2008 at 8:54pm: Oh shoot, I missed the "work" adjective attached to computer...............:)

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Comment by Eve on May 13, 2008 at 10:31pm: I was forced to take care of myself when I started having health problems. Not in the way I'd like to - spas, and exercise, etc. but in taking time off to rest. Now that I am gaining a bit on the health problems, I'm trying to do the other stuff, too. I'm re-learning diet and exercise and treating myself to a new dress occasionally. It does make a difference!