Today’s post is probably the most serious post I’ve ever written, so please take your time to read.  It’s about an addiction that I have and I’m not sure what to do about it.  I’m not sure when or how it started but I’m currently looking into counseling for this obsession.  I’m sure many of you will be able to relate, and if so, more power to you.

I’ve always thought that panda bears were cute, but after seeing the commercial below, their cuteness level became coupled with what I can only describe as “awesome”.  In these commercials you have a very innocent looking panda causing hell because no one wants to eat his branded milk product.  “Ok, you’re not going to eat my panda cheese?  Well how about I disconnect your IV?”  Yeah, you don’t want to mess with the panda.  He’ll mess your world up.

The image that we receive from pandas for the most part is one of peace, chillin, eating bamboo all day long and playing on little green kids horses. Every photo or video you see of a panda they’re playing or sliding, or sitting like a drunk human with a stick of bamboo in their hand. They know that eating bamboo from the side of their mouth is more cute than eating it with the front teeth. They’re much cuter rocking on a green horse with ice cream in their hand than any baby could ever be. They don’t appear threatening at all but from what I’ve read, they can be the most aggressive bears out there.

Anyway, if I could go to china and buy one, I would. I would bring him home, have lots of toys for him to play with in the back yard, build him a huge swing set, and teach him how to cut my grass and make breakfast tacos. This is my confession and I’m not ashamed.  So if you want to get me anything for Christmas, make it visa gift cards, which I will use to go to China this coming year and pick up a panda.  Only costs about $2 million a year to rent one.  Power to your people . . . I mean, the panda!

- Hector Garcia

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I’m 5’8″ and weigh anywhere from 195 – 199lbs.  Most of my weight is pure muscle, but that’s another topic for another day.    Sounds like a lot of weight but if you see me regularly, I think it’s safe to say that I’m not over weight and in fairly good health.  Yeah, my ideal weight should be about 180lbs, but I’m working on it.  I was a super fat baby with a body type similar to the michelen man, but at 39 years old the only baby fat left is in my cheeks and belly.

The subject of weight is a very sensitive one and I know that many people play it safe when discussing this topic.  No one wants to offend anyone and we all know at least one person who struggles with their weight on a daily basis.  Of course there are many who are clearly overweight but they’re happy with the way they are.  That’s awesome, and this blog post is not for them.  This post is for those that don’t like the extra pounds they carry around and want to lose weight but haven’t been able to or don’t know how.

I’m not a weight loss or health expert.  I’m just a regular guy who loves food, loves life, and loves to play.  By playing, I mean that I love to be active. I ride my bikes, I run, I workout, I build stuff, and I cut my own grass.  All of this has helped keep me from pushing over 200lbs and I will continue to be this active until I can’t walk anymore.  But I do have some tips for anyone wanting to shed some weight and these tips are very basic and very blunt.  Unless you have a medical condition like a hyper thyroid or disability, I feel like there is no reason for anyone to be over weight.  Yes, I’m being very transparent about this subject, but you’ll appreciate it.  I think.

BE ACTIVE

Yes, it’s no secret that one of the main things that needs to take place in weight loss is exercise.  But exercise doesn’t always have to include a gym membership or lifting weights.  I believe that exercise should be fun and there are many ways to get some exercise in while doing something else at the same time.  I’ve been riding bmx and bicycles since middle school and it has been my number one hobby/sport since then.  Riding keeps me active and the style of riding that I do has also helped keep me toned to some extent.  I’m having fun while getting in some exercise.  In addition I run, walk regularly, and when i can I hit the gym.

If you’re a stay at home mom and you have kids, take those kids for walks everyday.  Take the baby out in a stroller to the park every single day or go for a three mile walk with them.  The weather is nice right now so there’s no reason why you can’t get out and get some walking in.  Make time to have fun and play regularly.  Getting in some exercise doesn’t have to kill you.  It can actually be a lot of fun.

STOP EATING SO MUCH AND SO FREQUENTLY

I love food!  I really do and I am not a person that can eat “healthy” or count calories.  What I have learned however is that eating in moderation and not over eating is a huge plus when trying to maintain or lose weight.  I’ve learned that I don’t need to order the huge burger and fries and eat the whole thing all by myself.  When my girl friend and I go out and eat, we now order one meal and we share it.  It’s more than enough for us and we’re saving money at the same time.

It’s all about self control and discipline.  Many people eat out of boredom and find themselves snacking all day long.  Before they know it they’ve eaten so much junk throughout the day, including their lunch and dinner.  Start training yourself to eat 3 good meals a day, and if you want to snack, do it moderately and replace those cookies, candybars, and chips with fruit or nuts.

NO MORE COKES

One thing that i know i’ve had to do recently that I know will help with some weight loss is to cut soda out of my diet.  All of that sugar and syrup is no good and I’m sure I could easily lose about 5 – 8 pounds simply by removing that from my diet.  If this is you as well, replace that soda with water, not another sugar filled drink.

IT’S A LIFESTYLE

Being fit or maintaining a decent weight is a lifestyle.  Again, i feel that it should be fun and not a chore.  Yes, it’s hard work and takes sacrifice, but that’s usually the case with anything.  So if you’re struggling with this, don’t be discouraged.  Do what you can but do something.  We all have the time to make changes in our life and in our body.  Some of us have plenty of time, while some have to schedule it in like a doctor’s appointment.  But there should be no excuse to be overweight, unless you like that body type of course.  Like i said, some do, and that’s great.  Flaunt it and maintain that confidence.  For everyone else, start small and work your way up.  Make changes in your lifestyle everyday and before you know it, you’ll start seeing a difference.

As for me, I’ll most likely have a good lunch today and stop eating when i’m full.  I see the gym in my future for tonight as well.  And maybe a little debbie snack cake.  hahah.  Enjoy your day.

- Hector

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