Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 32)

SHE STAYS ACTIVE. Double-dutch jump rope. One-on-one basketball. Having a dance-off with a toddler. It’s all part of Hudson’s exercise routine. “I love basketball because it’s fun. You don’t even realize you’re working out,” she said on The Oprah Show in February 2011. “That’s how I get my workout in now—having fun by doing things that I did as a kid.” Though she started with just 30 minutes of walking a day, a healthier Hudson says she now enjoys doing physical activity that was once too difﬁcult for her. “Before, running was out of the question,” she told Oprah. “A lot of times you get intimidated coming into the gym and you see all the ﬁt people and you think, ‘I’ll never get there.’ But [now] I love running. Out of all the machines, the treadmill is my favorite.” “Almost without exception, people who successfully keep the weight off are regular exercisers,” Berkeley says. “Staying active does more than just burn any extra calories you might consume. It can improve your mood, boost your metabolism and even help you sleep better.” Those are all good things when you’re trying to balance a family, an acting and music career, and regular TV appearances. Like anyone, Hudson says there are days when she just doesn’t feel like working out. “I feel lazy sometimes,” she said in a recent interview posted on Weight Watchers’ Facebook page. “[But] I tell myself … ‘Out of all the hours you spend in the day, this hour is the most changing, the most crucial.’ ” SHE ROLLS WITH THE PUNCHES. Life is full of unexpected turns. But whether it’s the death of a loved one, a serious injury or an illness, it doesn’t have to derail your hard work. Hudson was brieﬂy hospitalized last June for food poisoning. She took it easy for a few days, but she didn’t let it bring her active lifestyle to a screeching halt. “If your day-to-day choices reﬂect a consistently healthy lifestyle, little breaks won’t cause a signiﬁcant weight gain,” Berkeley says. “And during times of stress, staying physically active can actually help you cope.” When her schedule gets too hectic to ﬁt in her usual workout, Hudson doesn’t stress. “It’s about balance and ﬁ nding what works for you,” she told Good Morning America. “Something is better than nothing.” Lose a Little, Gain a Lot Beyond the numbers on the scale, better fitting clothes and the positive changes you see in the mirror, losing those extra pounds you’ve been carrying around can deliver big benefits, including: A spring in your step. Losing just 10 pounds of excess weight can reduce the pressure on your knees by 40 pounds. An improved mood. People who are overweight are more likely to be socially isolated and to experience depression. A better night’s sleep. People who are at a healthy weight are less likely to suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea. A longer life. Losing weight lowers your risk for several kinds of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Source: livestrong.com SHE HAS LOTS OF SUPPORT AND SHARES HER SUCCESS. Whether you’re still losing weight or simply trying to maintain your shape, surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging people can help keep you on track. Hudson says she’s encouraged by the support of her fans and fellow Weight Watchers members, and has even been known to drop in on a meeting every now and then. “We are all the same,” she says in her Weight Watchers blog, “Jennifer Powered.” “We all have struggles, but if we support each other, we can get through anything.” 32 Vim & Vigor · SP R I N G 2 012 http://www.livestrong.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Building Healthier Hearts
Young at Heart
Caring for the Little Ones
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
Jennifer Hudson, Grammy-winning recording artist
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Virtual Health
SPECIAL You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
Get Heart Healthy!
Growing Stronger
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi