Why is it so hard to lose weight? Everyone knows it's the right thing to do after you've let things slide, but why don't we just do it? I know my answer--I'm American. After moving to China and losing that freshman 15 from college that I never seemed to keep off, I'm pushing a new weight loss plan--get a passport and come to China. I'm not serious, but there are a few observations that I've made that have made all the difference for my health. Instead of forcing myself to do what I know I should, my adaptation to China has brought out the best in me.
1. There's no junk food in China that I like besides these spicy crackers that taste kind of like cheetos. Thus, I'm not loading up on empty calories that provide me with no nutrition.
2. I'm eating more fruits and vegetables. I can get fresh produce from a sweet farming family just around the corner. Also, produce is dirt cheap in China. I can get an apple for 20 cents instead of paying a dollar in America. I find that Chinese food in my region is healthier in general without so many fried foods and sweets as well.
3. I home cook most of my meals. When I'm tired of Asian food, I get creative and make lots of soups and casseroles. I find that I have plenty of free time to do so too since my teaching job isn't demanding.
4. Which means I am less stressed. I work about 20 hours a week here instead of 40 back home. This leaves much more time for sleep, blogging, art projects, cleaning and overall happier times. I used to get depressed easily, but all this me time has really turned things around.
4. I eat slowly with chopsticks. Having to pick at my food makes me eat like a bird and eat less. I feel fuller for longer since it took me an hour to finish a normal-sized meal.
5. I drink loads of tea and water. This keeps my energy up while I don't end up snacking when I'm actually just thirsty.
6. I teach at a school with 11 floors, 10,000 students, several thousand teachers and only two elevators that don't go to levels 2-6. So, I'm getting some exercise. I'm always late. I run up to the 5th floor to my classes at least twice a day. They are some killer stairs too.
Thus in China, I'm eating healthier and taking care of myself. Why can't I do this in America? I hope I can keep this lifestyle up when I get home, but at least I've realized the errors of my past. All the things you read about diet, exercise and stress and their impact on weight loss are true. It took moving to another country to realize it, but some of us (Me) are less dedicated than others. Now, everyone is asking me for weight loss tips, but I just give China all the credit.
A rice cooker and a good set of chopsticks will be your best friends, then when you come back to the States (though I'd stay in China, too, if I were you, since you seem to really like it).
America wouldn't have half the things you mentioned, especially the elevator thing, because everything has to be "handicap accessible" and politically correct. It's pretty bad when instead of laughing at the stupidity of someone falling down because the floor is obviously wet (or some other simple thing), we have to sue people for everything they're worth because we got a boo-boo from not paying more attention to stupid things like where we're stepping, so there has to be signs everywhere. Watch your step! Wet floor!
:idk:
-- quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
I definitely will have to work harder to keep a healthy lifestyle in America. I can surely eat more slowly, try to eat more veggies and walk or bike when I don't have to drive.
I haven't thought about people with disabilities in China much. I know that they are rather shunned from society since their social standing is practically zero. Society does not go out of it's way to cater to them. However, blind masseuses have special gifts that people value, so they are able to live a pretty good life.
China is great when you consider the basic living and working arrangements for an average joe. When you wander into justice issues, things get dicey... I'm coming home to America right before the Olympics to start grad school.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
Congratulations for losing weight! I have been trying to lose weight or at least keep it off for years and I never really had luck with it. However, for the past three years I have also found my own technique. Every summer I set a fitness program for myself. The other year I joined ROTC and last summer I took a swimming class and volleyball class with two of my closest friends. I find that working out with people you get along extremely well is also another trick. Its no fun pushing yourself alone. Also, these courses have increased my endurance, which I'm really proud off and has allowed me to feel more comfortable with myself. No more stopping to catch my breath!! During the school year, I try to keep to a diet. Eat small portions of food and eating slowly does work!! I get full with just a small order of Pho ^ ^. Also I try to eat before 9 pm. Going to bed with a full stomach isn't really good, give your stomach time to digest your food so in the morning you have the appetite to eat breakfast that will keep you energized through out the day.
I'm thinking that you have to muster up so much genuine commitment to your health that you do all those things you don't feel like anyway.
China's great, but I love America.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
The easiest and simple way to lose weight is to take a proper diet and do exercise every day.
~edited for spam by ediblewoman 10/04/08
I totally agree with this blog... right after getting my undergrad I came to work in Japan. The lifestyle here is completely different from America, especially when it comes to eating habits. Portion sizes are a heck of a lot smaller in this country, and, yes, eating with chopsticks can sometimes be an interesting experience!! The food here is much less processed, greasy, and sugar-filled. Much of the food is the same stuff people have been eating for generations, which is great! After all, Japanese have the longest life expectancy out of all the developed nations. Also, people here ride bikes, walk, and use public transportation much more than their own cars.
America can be bad for your health if you let it! Americans should take a few lifestyle tips from some of these Asian countries.
This probably the only weight loss tips that different from the crowd."It took moving to another country to realize it"
It also prove that our attitude and environment are very important factors for losing weight.
Awesome thread.
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***Edited by sawaboof on 2.17.2008 for spam.***