"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~
What a great start to the new year for our Golden Retrievers, Hercules (two and a half years) and Zoey (seven years) - proof that over-indulgent pet owners/parents can achieve great weight-loss results. Ultimately, they are what we feed them!
Here's how winning their weight loss challenge helped us achieve our own ...
Hercules and Zoey get the best quality dry and wet food. They get walked twice a day. In fact, we do all the right things – or at least we thought we did! It all started with their annual check-up at the vet last year. Like most pet parents, we were anxious to make sure that they were 100% healthy. But without realising it, we had been increasing their food portions and their walks were sometimes short when 'we, of the two-legged species' were too lazy or too busy to take them for longer walks.
"Whatever happens, take responsibility." ~ Tony Robbins ~
As the saying goes, 'numbers don't lie' – Hercules weighed in at a whopping thirty-eight kilos and Zoey at thirty-three! The visual impact of those numbers flashing up on the scales sent shock waves through us. We were very upset with ourselves for not noticing earlier. NO! That's an excuse. We chose to ignore the signs like Zoey needing help to hoist herself onto the sofa or Hercules huffing and puffing during 'fetch ball' playtime. Over the past twelve months, our beloved pets had increased their respective weights by at least five kilos each.
The Weight Loss Programme
We decided to take action immediately. So here's what we did:
Week 1: reduced food portion by 25% per meal (breakfast and dinner only), deleted all snacks and gradually increased the length of their walks by an extra ten minutes, made sure their water bowl was always topped up.
Week 2: reduced food portion by another 10% per meal, very small lunch snack and maintained two walks per day.
Week 3: reduced food portions by another 15%, small snack for lunch and increased walks by one medium length and one long walk per day.
Week 4: food portion was now half of the original portion, added variety to their exercise routine, swimming for Hercules and nothing for Zoey – she hates the water! (What can we say, Zoey's a retriever that does not retrieve, and neither does she like the water.) At seven years of age (or forty-nine human years), Zoey likes to take things at a more leisurely pace, but she does enjoy a good play with Hercules every afternoon.
Weeks 5 & 6: maintained same food portions and exercise levels
End of week 6: moment of truth – weigh-in! Hercules' weight loss was 1.5 kilos. His weight was now 36.5 kilos. Zoey's weight loss was 1.5 kilos and her weight was now 31.5 kilos.
Weeks 7 & 8: maintained same food portions and exercise levels.
Weeks 9 & 10: increased food portion for Hercules by 25% while Zoey's remained the same (she is older and less active), maintained exercise levels with added variety such as swims, ball fetching.
End of week 10: Hercules and Zoey weigh-in at 35 and 30.5 kilos respectively.
We did it! What a great feeling of achievement!
Prevention is always better than cure
It was supremely important for Hercules and Zoey to lose those extra kilos, which was putting pressure on the joints and body, making them prone for weight-related illnesses later on in life.
"If you think wellness is expensive, try illness." ~ Xen Angelides ~
The by-product of setting the weight-loss goals for Hercules and Zoey has been a winning formula for our own health and fitness goals. The longer walks and mindful eating has spurred us on to get back into better shape as well. Thank you, Hercules and Zoey!
Happy New Year! May 2012 be another fantastic year in your extraordinary life.
For the perfect cake, we need all the correct ingredients. Omitting any, may result in a less than perfect 'cake'. Here's the X-factor Recipe for Happiness. Serves all so share generously!
Ingredients and Method:
2 heaped cups of PATIENCE
1 heart full of LOVE
2 hands full of GENEROSITY
A dash of LAUGHTER
A heap full of UNDERSTANDING
Generously sprinkle with KINDNESS
Add plenty of FAITH and mix well
Spread over a period of a LIFETIME
And serve to EVERYONE YOU MEET
About the Author: Xen (The X Factor) Angelides is the founder of X-Factor Human Performance Systems. Xen Angelides is a Business Development Consultant, a proven veteran of the fitness industry, an accomplished educator and professional speaker. As a certified results coach and master practitioner of neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and neurological re-patterning, Xen has helped many individuals transform their thinking and performance. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or like his Facebook Fan Page.
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