Blue Zones Project Blog

As part of my job being an OSU Extension Educator, I teach people about the balance between calories in and calories out. Or more importantly, what happens when you take more calories in than you use up. (Hint: your body stores them up. I’ll let you guess where and how.) I have always been a small statured person, which sometimes has people believe I have a good physical activity routine. However, I struggle with this habit and would much rather eat less (or more sensibly) than move more! I really wish it worked this way, but being active does more than keep your waistline in check.

 

But who doesn’t like to burn some calories while also accomplishing a needed task? So, here you go...a list of calorie-burning household chores!

Move more, naturally. Music to my ears, since I know I should be moderately active 30 minutes or more each day, but at my core…I am a couch potato! I have often said, the only time you will see me running is if I’m being chased or I’m chasing something. I strive for movement with a purpose. So, if going to the gym or implementing a formal work out program isn’t for you, here are a few ways to add movement to your day and get moving more, naturally.

This is a challenging time we are experiencing. For many of us, we are relearning how to navigate our daily lives and I would dare say, if my own experience is any indication, that is resulting in surprising things. You are probably tired of reading about the horror that has accompanied our current situation. I know I am. To help my mental state in this time I have tried to take a look at the good that has developed around us…change always brings good and bad.

Who enjoys meeting new people? Who could benefit from more exercise and movement? For me, these were some of the reasons I was drawn to attending a moai meeting hosted by Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County. I definitely enjoy meeting people, especially smaller groups, and I am always looking for ways to stay more active while having fun! So in September of 2017, I was able to take part in this adventure not knowing where it exactly it might lead me.