I feel like my body has been taken over by a mysterious, powerful force. For lack of a better description, I would call it the "energizer bunny". I know we all picture that brilliant ad campaign done for Energizer batteries, and although that will work as a metaphor, I see more a powerful rabbit springing off through the orchard full throttle. Let's face it, even though that Energizer bunny clearly has endurance, he's not going to break any records for speed.

So how has this energetic being invaded my body? Well my guess is it has something to do with my dogged attempt to be as physically active as I can be. I think I must have crossed some sort of threshold, which has infused me with a new level of energy, which is then inspiring me to do even more.

Slowly but surely the bunny has been moving in: getting me hooked on all sorts of things like Zumba and bootcamp. I have always loved to dance, but recently I can dance for hours without stopping. I used to hate climbing hills, both hiking or biking (heck, I used to hate all physical activity!). The hiking hill climbing became easier years ago, but now I am seeking out hills on my bike!

I am not telling you all this to brag. I am saying it out of true astonishment. I never in a million years imagined this could happen. I knew I had the potential for it years ago, and squandered my youth, I guess you could say. But now at 58 to discover my inner athlete is just too cool for words!

Some of you reading this are right in step with me. You have Zumba or some other kind of class every day, you ride your bike as much as you can, you live for running or hilly hikes. And some of you reading this need a little jump start to get yourself in this direction, but you are working towards it.

And then there are those of you who are not there at all. You're probably reading this and pooh poohing the idea that this could ever happen to you, or that you would want it to. Well you should want it to. We should all want to be as physically fit as we can be. But why?

Well most of us are aware of the more obvious reasons: it strengthens our muscles, our bones, all our organs. Our lungs and heart get a working and grow in capacity. We sleep better, stress levels go down, and as stated above, we have more energy. It controls your weight, of course, and you know...it really can be fun!

But here is some really surprising news. Recent studies reveal that even if you are overweight, by being physically fit you can keep heart disease and other illnesses at bay! In fact, there is little difference in health risks between a thin fit person and an overweight one! This is wonderful news for those of us carrying extra pounds. Being in good shape does not necessarily equate to being thin! And being overweight does not mean an early death sentence, as long as we are physically active. So if you have been using your weight as an excuse, as in "why bother"... throw that one away.

If you're reading this and sighing in the knowledge you should get moving but are not motivated, think of that old Nike slogan (another highly successful ad campaign, I would say) "just do it". Take your sneakers, comfy walking clothes and put them out next to your bed. Set the alarm and make a plan. Find a path you want to walk, a friend you want to walk with, a class you want to take, a gym you want to join. Stop making excuses and start making workout dates. Stop using the words "can't" or "won't" in regards to activity and instead check out "will" and "why not!".

None of us, even those of us who are currently quite active, can know the level we are capable of. If we believe we can only do so much, that is what we do. Step out of your box and take one more step, mile, minute, hour. I dare you! Just Do It!
  

1.5 servings protein
2 servings vegetables