Normally I mute TV commercials, but before I could grab the remote, my eyes when wide as I watched a disheveled overweight guy in different daily scenarios repeatedly slap his forehead V-8 style as he said, “I forgot to workout! Then, a female office worker being chased from the break room by doughnut holes and a fat guy push a “stroll” then “loiter” button on his treadmill. Last frame: “BEAT AVERAGE” GNC. Oh yeah, that GNC or General Nutrition Center stores, purveyors of vitamins, weight loss and sexual health supplements. Wow, now they’ve got a pill to get folks off the couch. Don’t watch much TV so if these ads are still running I can’t say for sure.
Today, I opened Prevention’s June issue then hurled it across the room. “BEAT AVERAGE” was in my face again, not only page one but two as well, THE most advantageous, expensive placement pushing women’s and men’s supplements complete with a fine print disclaimer that no average, fix-me-quick-person would ever read. “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
Really want to “BEAT AVERAGE”?
Put your wallet away unless you need new athletic shoes or can invest in a high tech fitness tracker. Many apps, like My Fitness Pal are free or you could even use a calendar. Just skip the pills and get accountable to yourself.
Spend a minimum of 15- to 30-minutes a day exercising. Yeah, I know that sounds like a cop-out, not enough, but it adds up. You can even divide it into 2- to 3-segments.
Reduce your daily caloric intake by 100 calories a day and lose 10 pounds in a year! Weigh in weekly.
Oh, and at month’s end average the number of days you exercised, the calories you cut and pat yourself on the back!