I am a software engineer by profession and work everyday with the Java programming language. Over the years we software guys realized that there is a common set of problems we face on a regular basis and there were a common set of solutions we could consistently apply to them. These became what we call “patterns” - a sort of best-practices to problem-solving, if you will.
Of course, soon after, some others came up with the opposite set of guidelines - a “how-not-to” list and these became our “anti-patterns” which communicated undesirable practices.
So far you have seen some healthy patterns here on Fitness Mantra, but I think it’s now time to see some anti-patterns too. And what better way than to share a funny email that “answers” some common health questions?
Here, then, is the Fitness Anti-Mantra (please take the advice with a few grains of salt):
HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
1. Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it… don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
2. Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
3. Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
4. Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
5. Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can’t think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain… Good!
6. Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!! Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
7. Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A : Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
8. Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO… Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It’s the best feel-good food around!
9. Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
10. Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! ‘Round’ is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
Remember: Follow these “rules” at your own risk! They are Fitness “anti-Mantra”s after all!
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