"University of Tennessee researchers studied the Amish community because the Amish, who use no electricity, are highly active in their daily lives. Amish men—many of whom are farmers—reported an average of 10 hours of vigorous work activity per week and, according to pedometers they wore, took an average of 18,425 steps per day. One man took more than 51,000 steps in a day by walking behind his horses in the fields. Women—who engaged in more moderate intensity activity such as gardening, cooking and childcare—tallied an average of 14,196 daily steps."
"The average sedentary American who spends most of his time at a desk job or on the couch logs in around 5,000 steps per day, and is considered active if he fits in about two hours per week of moderate activity (that’s 30 minutes, five days a week). On average, the Amish got in around six times the amount of weekly physical activity as the typical modernized adult"
And, what about diet foods?
"The researchers observed that the Amish diet is typically high in calories, fat and refined sugar foods such as meat, potatoes, gravy, eggs, vegetables, bread, pies and cakes. But only 4 percent of those surveyed were obese (compared to nearly 33 percent of modern adults) and only 26 percent were overweight (compared to around 65 percent of modern adults), as determined by their body mass index. This study suggests that the Amish were able to maintain healthier weights because they move so much."
Interesting, huh? Common sense, really. I remember looking at pictures of my grandparents when they were younger and seeing both them and their parents. None of them were really overweight because they walked almost everywhere they went and they worked outside all day. Now, obviously, most of us can't walk or even ride a bike to work. But, we can do simple things like taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Park in the last parking spot in parking lots, etc. And, if you're not a member of a gym, join one. Do at least 30 minutes of cardio work everyday and do at least three days a week of weight training as well, no matter your age.
Lastly, I think the most important thing to take from this article is that fact that you don't have to starve yourself to lose weight. It's more important to exercise on a daily basis than it is to worry every minute about what you eat.
Good luck and let's get in shape!
comments
0 Responses to "Take a Weight Loss Tip From The Amish"Post a Comment