How can Carbon Offset Credits help my waistline?

I was recently reading in Inc. Magazine about how Enterprise Rent A Car is going to offer Carbon Offset Credits for a fee to those who rent from them.  Carbon Offset Credits, an idea I had never heard of, is basically a way that you pay to plant trees, build recycling plants, filter water etc in an amount that equals the pollution you create by driving a gas car, or leaving your computer running all the time.  This is sort of an absolution for pollution concept, one that is at least part of a solution rather than the problem.

So, how can this concept help my waistline?  You should look for ways to earn Calorie Offset Credits.  You keep track of how much pollution you put into your body, i.e. food and beverage and figure out how much moving around you need to do to offset it.  It a modern spin on the idea that no miracle weight loss program exists other than burning more calories than you take in until your body must feed on itself.  Now, starvation and cholera are all effective ways of loosing weight (I heard that on Satellite radio but don’t’ remember the speakers name) but don’t really leave you with a healthy sustainable body.

Like saving the planet you want to offset the carbon with trees and sustainable healthy stuff.  Your body is no different, you should pick exercise that is fun, brings you some joy or satisfaction.  Walking is great, riding a bike probably even better.  The more you can use the big calorie burners, the legs, hips and buttocks, the more “Credit” you get.  There is a class called Nia, Google this to find a teacher near you, that is a ton of fun.  It is a fusion of dance, yoga, tai chi and shaking your tail feather.  I find it safe for most folks in that the instructor can show or encourage modifying the movements for your current ability.  Remember its great to burn those calories, but we don’t want to damage the body at that expense.  Calories we can get more of, bones and joint “credits” are harder to earn.

So, kill two birds with one stone, earn your own Carbon Offset credits by planting a tree, then count the walking, lifting and shoveling as Calorie Offset credits to trim that waistline.

Always consult your healthcare provider or Ask Dr. Lynch prior to implementing any advice for your health or wellbeing so that your individual needs are safely met.

Until next time….all the best,

Dr. Lynch