July, Park and Recreation Month, is the perfect opportunity to get inspired with new experiences that can also help you lose weight, build muscle, boost your mood and start working on those long term healthy habits.
The words “healthy weight loss” often inspire feelings of dread, deprivation and flat out rebellion when you start thinking of the endless plates of steamed broccoli you may see in your future and torturous hours you’re sure you’ll have to give up to the gym.
Don’t be an April Ludgate. Healthy weight loss doesn’t have to be like that.
Forget about your boring and dutiful checklist of things to give up, the things NOT to do. It’s time to start DOING things—fun things, to improve your health and outlook. Channel your inner Leslie Knope (“We’re all just calm and happy people together enjoying ourselves on earth.”), and get out there. July, Park and Recreation Month, is the perfect opportunity to get inspired with new experiences that can also help you lose weight, build muscle, boost your mood and start working on those long term healthy habits.
Here are 3 healthy weight loss ideas from your local parks and recreation:
- Join Classes – Healthy weight loss can be a challenge, so treat yourself to a class about something you’ve always wanted to try (tennis, tap dancing, Tanzanian cooking?) that also contributes to your health goals. Classes through your local Parks and Recreation Department are often low cost, and this month, many are free!
- Play More – When was the last time you threw a Frisbee, played kickball, went down the slide or across the monkey bars? Before you laugh, give it a try. Chances are you’ll have so much fun you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try it again. This also happens to be a more budget-friendly choice than signing up with a gym.
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – One of the biggest challenges when it comes to healthy weight loss can be changing old habits that are triggered by your environment and certain foods. Give your willpower a boost by changing your environment. Look for movies, music, demonstrations and more scheduled at local parks, courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department. Pack a healthy picnic or pick up a dietitian-recommended Healthy Dining choice on the way and enjoy.
Ron Swanson said it best, as only Ron Swanson can: “Intensity: Give 100%. 110% is impossible. Only idiots recommend that.” Give your healthy weight loss goals 100% for Park and Recreation Month. Start adding fun activities and delicious, healthy food to your life as the start of a long-term healthy lifestyle that is anything but boring.
When it comes to nutritious food, start with healthy recipes, turn to dietitian-recommended menu choices near you, and take advantage of our expert nutrition advice to help you make the best choices wherever you are.