Any “The Fonz” fans out there? I am referring to the iconic character (played by Henry Winkler) in the old television show “Happy Days”. The show depicted a bunch of characters in Milwaukee circa 1950s-early 1960’s. The series lasted lots of years and the name, “Happy Days” referred to a time that seemed to be less complicated, less angry and less polarized than our current times.
What does the Fonz, Richie Cunningham, Potsi, Ralph Malph, Chachi and Mork (yes, Robin Williams first major role) have to do with weight control? Here goes: If we turned the clock back many decades to when we were teens we could “get away” with LOTS more eating and drinking activities without being concerned in the least with the potential adverse impact on our weight/health. In those “Happy Days” it was very easy to shed weight simply by exercising off the carbs/alcohol we consumed in excess. Additionally, metabolism was lots quicker back in those “Happy Days”.
It is very important during a long-term weight control journey to “adjust” eating and drinking behaviors to the current time (i.e. your age now) and not allow ourselves to be duped into thinking that we can do what we did during the “Happy Days” and not see the damages on the scale.
Another point: In the “Happy Days” we were physically able to do more exercise and burn off more calories. Personally, when I turn back the clock to my “Happy Days” I was running 5 miles…not walking 5 miles as I do now. There are lots less calories being burned off during a walk as opposed to a run.
By no means does this entry imply that people that are old enough to remember the 1950s-1960s are not “Happy”. Successful weight control will dramatically increase the chances of our future days being as “Happy” as the “old days”.
Enjoy the theme song from “Happy Days”.