Pledge to be a healthier gamer

I used to be a couch potato. I never got any exercise and I spent all of my free time playing video games. One day, I got on the scale and saw a number I did NOT want to see. That was when I decided to get off the couch and get moving.

Since becoming more active, I haven’t played video games as much as I used to, but I still play them a lot. I learned how to balance my time efficiently so that I can be healthy and also have time to just chill and play games.

Just think: Once I’m done with this jog, bike ride, etc., I can relax and play games for the rest of the night, and I will be healthier after doing it.

One great way to get exercise is through “exergames” like Dance Dance Revolution, Dance Central, Kinect Sports, etc.

When I first started this journey to a healthier me last year, I played Dance Dance Revolution almost every day. It got me started on the path to fitness, and now I love all different kinds of exercises.

Don’t be like this guy.

Before I started playing Dance Dance Revolution regularly, I hated even the thought of exercising. I don’t play it every day like I used to (that would be really boring!), but it got me started. It made me a lot more fit. It was exciting to go from falling on the floor gasping for air after playing one song, to playing one like it was no big deal.

When it comes to being healthier, it is important to think about what goes into your mouth. When you think of playing video games, junk food almost immediately comes to mind. I will admit; I still eat junk food. The thing is, I eat less of it. Portion control is everything. People go on these diets and deprive themselves from their favorite foods, and they almost always end up failing and being worse off than when they started.

I learned the trick—you can still eat your favorite foods, just eat less of them. Instead of ordering a large fry, order a small. Instead of a large blizzard, order a mini or a small. And, most importantly, be active and eat more fruits and vegetables.

I like to keep healthy snacks in the house so that when I want to snack while gaming, I can make a healthier choice than potato chips or cookies. I have found that I absolutely love Snyder’s Veggie Crisps, grapes, strawberries, cucumbers, and much more.

You don’t have to be unhealthy just because you’re a gamer. Find some exercises you enjoy and get out there and do them. Make a pledge to be a healthier gamer, because if not, you may not end up living long enough to play all of the great games that the future holds.

Related articles

• Have fun, be healthier in 2013 (goerie.com)
• In The Battle Against Childhood Obesity, Physical Activity Can Be Boosted By E-Games (medicalnewstoday.com)