Yes, working out can be fun!

The theory goes that if it's enjoyable, it won't be a chore, and you'll want to do it.

Experiment with your inner athlete
Do things you did as a child that was fun. Biking, hulahoop,running,skipping. Walk while listening to music. This is one of my favourite forms of exercise. It is a lot of fun listening to music with your iPod or MP3 player while walking. I find that when the music is upbeat, I tend to walk faster without even realizing it. Listen to your favourite music while walking. Sing along, follow the beat and you will have so much fun. With the hectic life nowadays it is indeed hard to find the time to walk in peace, but if you set little goals for yourself then it can happen. Walking is good for the heart and for the overall metabolism. It refreshes your mind and leaves you feeling good and energetic

Remember, even athletes get the blues — or at least bored. "I've always enjoyed exercise, but like anyone, I can get in a rut, especially when I'm not improving," So I did something a lot of people might consider odd, "I was getting more in touch with myself, instead of trying to perform or achieve some goal."

The moral of the story: stop trying so hard and focus instead on being curious about the sensation of your body as you exercise. Let yourself be interested in how you feel and as you do that you can do whatever you are doing with less effort and tension. And more fun! Playing, walking, dancing are all fun activities. They allow you to lose weight naturally.


Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry


PointsPlusTM value 5
Servings 4


This classic Chinese recipe can be made in less time than it takes to order take-out. Serve with rice, noodles or large Bibb lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps.*
Ingredients
2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch, divided
1/4 tsp table salt
3/4 pound(s) lean sirloin beef, trimmed, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
5 cup(s) broccoli, florets (about a 12 oz bag)
1 Tbsp ginger root, fresh, minced
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
1/4 cup(s) low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup(s) water
Instructions
On a plate, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch and salt; add beef and toss to coat.
Heat oil in a large nonstick wok or large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 4 minutes; transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
Add 1/2 cup broth to same pan; stir to loosen any bits on food on bottom of pan. Add broccoli; cover and cook, tossing occasionally and sprinkling with a tablespoon water if needed, until broccoli is almost crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Uncover pan and add ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes; stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
In a cup, stir together soy sauce, remaining 1/2 cup broth, remaining 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch and water until blended; stir into pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer; simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
Return beef and accumulated juices to pan; toss to coat. Serve. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.