We all know what to do to lose weight. Eat healthy + exercise = weight loss. If only it were that simple. For many of us planning healthy meals and fitting exercise into our already packed day of full time jobs, chauffeuring kids to after school programs, running errands is near impossible.
Add to that taking care of the family pet and we just might need a calgon moment (take me away!). But we are women and women these days are masters at multi-tasking!
If you are looking for the secret to weight loss, well then look no further than Fido. The answer to your never ending quest of fitness can be your family pet. How?
Well Here are 10 Ways Your Pooch Can Help You Win the Battle of the Bulge:
1. Order Down
Have you ever noticed how much your dog eats at one sitting? A 20-25 lb dog should be fed no more than 1 – 1 ½ cups of kibble twice per day. While eating only twice per day is not recommended for adult human beings, take note that normal serving sizes are far less than what we currently consider lunch. In other words, that family size plate at your local restaurant should be cut in half before you even dig in.
2. Run, Forest, Run
Instead of simply letting your dog out in your yard, take him for a walk when he paws your back door. Not only do dogs of all shapes and sizes need exercise, but walking is one of the best cardio vascular exercises to get your body moving. You can set a program up so you can begin walking and when you are up to it, start to incorporate a slow jog into your routine with intervals. Jogging or a brisk walk can not only tone your body and help you lose weight but it’s a great way to reduce anxiety, increase blood circulation and speed up the digestive system.
3. Frisbee
Whether Fido is a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd, they not only love playtime, they need it. Getting your dog outside in your yard or in an enclosed area of a public park and teaching him to play Frisbee can benefit both of you. You will get some quality time with your pup and raise your heart rate by throwing the Frisbee pout far and chasing after it with your pooch. Add to that the repeat motion of throwing and you’ll have yourself a little upper body workout as well!
4. Play Fetch
If Frisbee isn’t for you, then get a ball and play fetch. Most dogs, regardless of their breeds, will be inclined to run when you throw something. If your dog is a bit gun-shy of a flying disc, a ball might be far less intimidating for him.
Extra Tip on dog training: If you incorporate a little bit of dog training basics with your play, training becomes fun and you end with a well behave well trained dog as well.
5. For God’s Skate
Whether you’re the old fashioned four wheel kind or the modern age inline kind, if you have a pair of skates, get Fido’s leash and go for a skate. Even if he pulls you along, get down in a squat to allow those leg muscles to balance you and work on maintaining control of the dog through the leash. You will still be getting quite the workout, I promise!
