You know, with all the heat and running around I think I do, I would have thought I was losing weight. With heat indexes that climb to 100+ and humidity, it would stand to reason that I should be fit and trim. But I am not.I drive a stormchase vehicle all over, and so I guess I have storm chaser belly. I stood on the scale the other day, tipping it at 195 lbs- my heaviest weight ever. My kid then stood on the scale and said "Look! I weigh 30!". His mother then called in from the living room: "Honey, that scale is broken, you weigh 35 pounds!"
Wow. I was depressed. The 195 was bad enough, but the thought of 200? That is a good number of laps for a race, not a good weight for me!
I have to start losing weight, and I am thinking that maybe a litte walking may be good, and that brings to mind disaster preparedness again. It also gives me a good excuse to spend 5 more minutes in the air conditioning teaching you all stuff...
If you are like me and realize that the weather alone will not work like a spa and reduce that jelly roll you call a middle, then remember some of this in the summer heat:
Drink plenty of fluids. It's extremely important to stay hydrated. If you're thirsty then you are already dehydrated; drink before you feel a need to. Be sure to drink throughout the day (stick to non-caffeinated beverages, preferably water). Also, drink 15-20 minutes before beginning your workout and every 15 minutes throughout the exercise.
Eat regularly. The heat can decrease your appetite, but it's important to eat normally. Try to eat small meals 5-6 times per day. Include lots of fruits and vegetables. Remember...Hostess does not make fruits and vegetables, so if you are in the aisle with Ho-Ho's, you have gone too far into the store. Aside from being nutritious, fruits also tend to help with hydration.
Wear light, loose fitting clothes that can breath. Cotton is always a good choice. If your outdoor activity produces a lot of perspiration, consider clothing that is designed to wick the sweat away.
Wear sunscreen. Even if you exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, if the sun can reach you then you can get burned. Not only is a sunburn bad on the skin and potentially dangerous but it also hinders your bodies ability to stay cool.
Use common sense and don't attempt strenuous activities that your body is not accustom to. Stick to exercises that you are very familiar and comfortable with.
Oh yeah, as a storm chasing fan, remember to check the weather forecast. It's best not to participate in intense outdoor exercise sessions when the heat index registers in the dangerous zone.
Okay, I am out of helpful hints, so I guess I have to go and do something and lose some of this excess weight. My public deserves a smaller me.
