A couch potato is someone who spends most of their time lying down or in bed, often in front a television. The other expression, “mouse potato”, refers to someone who is similarly inactive, but who is glued to a computer. Both expressions refer to idleness and a lifestyle that does not involve any physical activity. The sedentary lifestyle resulting mainly from the widespread use and enjoyment of computers and television is known as the “couch potato” or “mouse potato”.
Sedentary lifestyle
It can be deadly as they are often linked to serious diseases that can be prevented. Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis are just a few of the many diseases that can be caused by sedentary living. You might want to avoid the couch as much as possible. Avoiding sedentary lifestyles can help you live longer. It will give you two big benefits: prevention of muscle degeneration and an increase in your body’s natural defence mechanism. Polish singer Basia used to blast the airwaves with “Promises,” one of her hits.
A few lines from that song are appropriate for the discussion: “Here and Now is all that it is about.” Let’s use it or we’ll loose it. Although Basia was referring to time and love, the warning against losing something if it isn’t used is equally applicable to muscles. Your muscles will “melt” if they are not used. Muscular atrophy is the medical term for this phenomenon. People who are sedentary live more often with muscular degeneration. Your body will believe that your muscles are safe to consume as energy if you don’t use them. Your body will eat your muscles as energy sources if your muscles aren’t being used.
Regular exercise
It is the only way to keep your muscles healthy. Also, make sure you get up off the chair at least 30 minutes per week, five days a semaine, and sweat it out. To avoid muscle loss, exercise or work out is the only way. Your body’s natural defenses keep you from getting sick easily. Your body’s natural defenses are made up of three components. The first is to eat healthy food. The second is to get enough sleep. The third component is to be physically fit.
This third component is where you can overcome your tendency to become sedentary or at least compensate for a job that requires it. Studies have shown that immunity and physical fitness are closely linked. Studies have shown that moderate exercise increases the immune system’s strength, but the levels return to their normal levels after exercise. However, this temporary boost in immune system strength has been shown to reduce disease susceptibility over the long-term.
What does this all mean? First, people who are physically fit are less likely to get sick. Exercise is an important component of staying physically fit. Third, you must exercise regularly to reap the benefits of exercise for your immune system. You can avoid being sedentary by showing strong commitment and having a positive outlook. You will be able to resist the urge to curl up on your couch if you keep in mind the double benefits of not being a couch potato.
Get off the table
It’s the holidays that you want to indulge in a little, right? You can always start over in the new year. After all, that’s what New Year’s Resolutions are for. You might tell yourself, days before Thanksgiving, that I will eat what I want and then “be happy”. The “being good” part of the phrase changes as you get deeper into December. It’s now 4 cookies rather than 1, it’s a tall eggnog lat instead of one, and it’s 3 pieces instead of none of See’s candy.
It sneaks in, initially as an unwanted guest, and then becomes a relative that you have to live with for a few days, and then suddenly it’s like Allan on Two and Half Men. Charlie’s brother (now Ashton Kutcher’s housemate) is the one who never leaves. They – your reintroduced old behaviors – are here to stay!
Signs
These threatening signs can be overwhelming.
- Eat first. Prior to going to holiday parties, eat a small amount of protein. This could include a piece of cheese, a slice of turkey or ham, and some vegetables or fruits. Better yet, if you are attending a cocktail party, eat your meal first and then sip on a refreshing cold beverage like sparkling cider or warm tea.
- Avoid sugars and starches. They are all around during the holiday season. Did you ever notice that once you start, you can’t stop? These foods are made to be addictive. You can have chocolates, cookies, cakes and many other sweet treats. This is something you might try: Limit yourself to one “treat” per week. Be careful. You might also want to think about how you will “spend” the calories you have saved. Are they worth it to spend them on sugary, non-nutritious sweets that aren’t good for you? This will help you to stop buying useless sweets.
- Healthy Home. You don’t have to eat all the tempting food just because it’s holiday season. This will help you to stop craving sweets and starchy deserts. You won’t feel the need to eat more sweets when you are satisfied by the sweetness of the season. 4 Pay attention to your Porions – This is another opportunity to pay close attention. It’s possible to feel that indulgence is okay, since it’s the holidays. You are wrong! Keep your cool and remember that holidays are more than just eating and drinking. A healthy and balanced lifestyle is about feeling satisfied.
- Gratitude for what you have. It’s important to appreciate what you have in this world of giving and receiving. Who are you surrounded by? Those who make your life richer and more fulfilling. It’s a time to look back on the year and plan for the next. You can read, watch movies, relax by a crackling fire or take a walk (or several). You can slow down and enjoy the quiet and peace of winter, rather than the hustle and bustle. You will be able to appreciate the season more and not feel the need to overeat.
