Got the weight blues?
Hello,
I decided to write about today's topic in light of Rei's colorful depiction of her favorite snacks in yesterday's post. Haha.
Most foreigners I have met here have mentioned that they have gained weight since coming to Japan. While the amount of weight differs, one question certainly remains. In the land of skinny folk, how can one get fat?
First of all, we should clear up the myth that all Japanese are skinny. It is certainly not the case. And I applaud the Japanese person who has enjoyed that one extra piece of cake. In Rei's case, 3 or 4, though she is one that annoyingly doesn't gain a pound.
Next, in my opinion, the reason that seems to be common with the foreigners I had questioned mentioned that they used to be fairly active in their home countries. Either by going to gyms or doing some sort of sport. But in Japan, time seems more restictive. Possibly longer commute to and from work are a large factor, laziness another. We seem to settle into the routine of work/eat, home/eat with the occasional side helping of exercise. So what to do? I've compiled 5 ways to maintain that healthier lifestyle. I've skipped the obvious things like joining a gym and eating healthier. There's many a book with that written so I don't think I need to include it here.
1. Get off a stop or 2 early. We have become so dependant on trains that we often don't realize just how close the stations are to each other. It may be worth the walk even just for the purpose of scouting out your area and finding all the back roads only the taxi drivers seem to know.
2. This goes somewhat with number 1. Invest in a bicycle. This can be used to ride to and from a station further away for adequete morning and evening exercise. Even 3 days a week can help burn those calories!
3. Use the stairs instead of the escalators and elevators. Live on the 40th floor? Why not try working your way up to walking up 10 flights. You'll be surprised how quickly you get used to it. Then you can increase your goal.
4. Go out dancing. If you're not a clubgoing fiend, why not try dance lessons? You'll still get your exercise while learning hip-shaking moves. Often community centers in each area have a number of available lessons that are sometimes free. Even if you don't speak Japanese, it can still be a fun experience. Take a friend with you!
5. Last but not least, if you are a snack addict and you make those late night combini runs, make your current combini (convenience store) off limits. Use one further away instead. This should either a) help you walk more or b) cure your snack addiction. Laziness can set you free!
If anyone has any other tips or doesn't agree with the ones I've included, feel free to post. I'm in the category of foreigners who could stand to lose a kilo or two and will happily welcome new ways to renew the battle.
posted by Fudocom - Celina @ 10:01 PM
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