Staff Writer
Change has arrived: Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States of America. Whether you voted for him or not, you're witnessing something unprecedented in the history of this country.
In an unscientific food poll, we predicted Obama (and his family chili recipe) would win the election. So far, we are 100 percent accurate in presidential predictions -- this being our first. Now that we've patted ourselves on the back, we're looking to the future and how we can use this milestone to make positive changes in our own lives.
We've learned a lot about ourselves, our country and our new president over the past months. Indifference was replaced by involvement, the apathetic became active and something wonderful happened -- we all strived for change.
Electing the first African-American president was simply the first step on the path to change. Obama is faced with two unfinished wars, an economy in recession, struggling healthcare and education systems, oh, and he's quitting smoking while doing all of this.
"I was never really a heavy smoker. Probably at my peak I was smoking seven or eight a day," Obama said in a November interview for Men’s Health.
"There have been a couple of times during the campaign when I fell off the wagon and bummed one, and I had to kick it again. But I figure, seeing as I’m running for president, I need to cut myself a little slack."
He understands that he's not perfect and he will occasionally make mistakes just like everyone else, but when he falls, he gets right back up as he explained in a recent interview with Barbara Walters:
"Part of what I think comes with this role as president is not that you’re perfect, but hopefully you’re trying to set a good example for people and that starts with my two kids."
We should all try and take the lead of our new commander-in-chief. Obama is probably the busiest man in America right now, but he still finds time to exercise -- almost every day.
"The main reason I do it is just to clear my head and relieve me of stress," he said in his Men’s Health interview. "Most of my workouts have to come before my day starts. Usually I get in about 45 minutes, six days a week. I’ll lift [weights] one day, do cardio the next."
He also finds time to squeeze in basketball games as another fun fitness diversion. The No.1 reason Americans give for not exercising is lack of time. If the busiest man in America can find 45 minutes a day, you can find a little time, too.
If you're like me, you had too much going on to kick-start your resolutions on Jan.1, but that's OK. Let's use the inauguration as the beginning of not just another year, but of a new lifestyle. Let's follow the leader on improving our health and doing our part to make this a healthier, more active country.
Can you change your life?
Yes, you can.
The key to a seamless transition is your team. Obama is surrounding himself with top-notch aides and filling his cabinet with capable people because he knows he can't do it all on his own. He knows his weaknesses and surrounds himself with people who count those areas as strengths. If you're planning on losing weight and getting healthy, you need to do the same thing.
Can't get motivated for the gym? Get a personal trainer, a workout partner or find a fun activity you enjoy. Can't figure out the right diet for you? Take this quiz to find the plan for you. Need support? We all do, that's why you can connect with people going through the same things you are, those that have been there before and experts to help guide you down the right path here at eDiets.
Can we all get healthy and reach our weight-loss goals?
Yes, we can.
Things are always changing. Let's choose to make those changes positive, to not beat ourselves up over slip ups, to find time to exercise, to be positive role models for our family and our community, and to not strive for perfection, just improvement.
Now that's change everyone can believe in.
Are you ready for change? Post below and let us know your plan for a healthier lifestyle.
Labels: america, candidate, diet, election, fitness, health, lose-weight, nutrition, president, stress, weight-loss
Comment: Friday, January 16, 2009 5:03:00 AM - 
Govindan said...
That quite interesting to know about the President putting in 45 min daily in exercising.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 2:45:00 AM - said...
I agree that change has come to America and that we can do anything so long as we have a plan.
I plan to eat right, and exercise 45 minutes like Barak Obama! We also need to pray for our 44th President that God may keep him safe!
Yes I can!!
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 7:39:00 AM - said...
Great idea -- if Jan 1 has come and gone without the success or even start of a new year's resolution, why not use Jan. 20 as the day to initiate change!!
And, on an added note, Shawn's articles are always excellent! Definately a talented writer. Look forward to finding more from Shawn...maybe even something longer than an e-diets article??
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 8:07:00 AM - said...
I am a 65 year old non-smoker in excellent health. I DO NOT EXERCISE at all. If Obama doesn't have the will-power to quit smoking all the exercise in the world isn't going to negate the damage done by smoking
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 8:18:00 AM - said...
This article was a waste. Was there a "health tip" in it anywhere. Not everyone is a slobbering Obama-phite. Why should my fitness guru be a man who smokes?
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 9:58:00 AM - said...
I agree that a change has to come to this country. To help with this I am working on making my co-worker and church members healthier.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 10:39:00 AM - 
Reginald and Rebecca said...
There are some negative posters here -- I think you folks are missing the point. You don't have to coordinate your workout or health plan to be like Obama's --- just do what you can to stay healthy! If you're already doing that, great --- be positive for those of us who are still trying to get there.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 11:12:00 AM - texashorn said...
No Thanks! I have no desire to start smoking! What is on the outside doesn't always indicate what may be on the inside of the body. I've worked with people who were 70 lbs or so overweight who had 110/80 blood pressure.
Be careful what you ask for!
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 12:32:00 PM - Nadia said...
I love that the article focuses on a holistic perspective on health...a development of the mind, the people and its perpetuation through to managing personal lifestyles. There is a clear and humane reminder that we all may fail along the path of our journey(s). But it is finding the strength, courage and determination to get up and continue is the ultimate for achievement and success. Thanks for the opportunity to respond.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 12:34:00 PM - grammy em lee said...
The guy smokes. How can he be a leader for health especially for kids and the youth of our country? HE SMOKES!!
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 1:04:00 PM - said...
Yes, we can. President Obama's favorite expression and this statement is so true! We can do everything as the Lord gives us strength to accomplish needed tasks. He also tells us to pray for our leaders, kings and those in authority. Our new President needs much prayer for himself and his family (protection and guidance). I am an ex-smoker and it is not easy to quit! Only the Lord can give strength to those who truly want to quit. It's a new day, a New Year and we are so blessed to see it. Pray for our new President that he will make wise decisions, but don't be offended when he makes mistakes (remember he is still human). He is not God! With the Lord's help, he will get back up and start again.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 1:10:00 PM - said...
I've been smoking for 11 years too many, but I've also been running half marathons for the last 5 years. I am aware that I need to quit and I will...it is just much easier said than done. I applaud Obama for having the strength not to smoke and have the time to exercise in such stressful times. Any exercise at all, no matter what unhealthy habits you may have, is BETTER THAN NO EXERCISE WHATSOEVER.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 1:51:00 PM - said...
Our current president, until tomorrow, does not smoke or drink. He exercises regularly and is cautious about his diet. He is a deeply religious man. Where is the article praising him? He is much more fit than this new guy who is only 1/2 his age.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 2:14:00 PM - said...
how about a little less politics and more focus on his exercise regimen and why that's a good example for the country ?
Remember, the world has always had problems, there is no panacea or messiah (at least that anyone's seen in recent history) and ALL change is not necessarily ALL good. But can't argue with the fitness example he may be able to set.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 2:48:00 PM - restorative said...
Change is interesting and when we choose to respond to someone elses experience concerning their experience with change - it is usually negative.
Change usually starts with ourself and then our own family, and then our sense of community, and finally with society in general according to whatever teaching we have learning in the wheel of life.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 3:31:00 PM - said...
That's the problem with the world now, too much negativity. No one's perfect, we all have our vice's Mr.Obama will our soon to be Mr. President is human and not God. Our currect president until tomorrow has made many mistakes, exercising his choice to send us to a fruitless war that has left many fatherless/motherless children,him not drinking is a joke, his daughters did enough of that for both him and the first lady. Come on people, stop hating the fact that "change has come".
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 7:05:00 PM - said...
The purpose of the article was to show that we CAN find time to exercise no matter how busy we are. Obama is trying to kick the smoking habit. He has fell off the wagon. Most people who are striving to change ANY HABIT(such as overeating) will have a lapse. The lesson to be learned is to not throw in the towel, but to get right back on track, like our president-elect.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 8:30:00 PM - said...
Take what you like, what works and leave the rest. This is a good base for those of us who don't exercise and know that we should! Mr. Obama is human. He said that he 'falls off' at times of stress and bums a smoke - not every day. I appreciate the healthy aspects of this article. Thanks.
Comment: Monday, January 19, 2009 8:59:00 PM - said...
The President may be the busiest man in the world, but he also has the biggest support staff at his beck and call 24/7. Many of us have to most day-to-day things on our own. Not an excuse to be unfit, but just a way to put things in proper perspective.
Comment: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:19:00 AM - Dr said...
Time for a change. Better you, Better me, Better America. Obama is a great example of the American Ideal!
Comment: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:30:00 AM - said...
I wonder if this were a Republican president if he would be given so little flack about smoking!
Comment: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 10:59:00 AM - said...
I just wanted to point out that this article should have been titled better. There weren't any health tips. Having said that, Barack Obama fills me with hope. If he can get Congress to go along with him, we are looking at amazing potential for positive change. As for the naysayers who loathe his smoking habit: I hate it too. I have lost two grandparents to lung cancer, and I fear my mom may go the same way. What I have learned from watching other people try to quit is that it is THEIR addiction. They own it, and the second they decide to change it, they have all the power to do so. It takes time, and no amount of nagging or pointing out health risks will help.
Congratulations, Mr. Obama. I voted for you, and I'm proud of you.
Comment: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 9:01:00 AM - said...
LOL... goodness- you OBAMA-haters are sad.
Comment: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 3:30:00 PM - said...
Did you negative bloggers on this article read that he is trying to quit smoking. Read and comprehend before you comment please.
Comment: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:20:00 PM - said...
I quit smoking 28 years ago after a pack a day habit. I guarantee that he smokes more than he says. Great example for his kids-all you who have crowned Obama king of the USA!
Comment: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:38:00 PM - said...
I am so happy he is my President and I live in Chicago. I was thinner when I smoked too, and I still exercise the same amount but my metabolism slowed when I quit. I think the healthiest advice is moderation in everything, eat as healthy as you can and try to exercise every day.
Comment: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 12:42:00 AM - said...
"W" was an outstanding role model for staying healthy and fit... not much "change" needed there. he set the Presidential standard for staying fit in an incredibly stressful job...
Comment: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 8:59:00 AM - said...
I agree that change has come to America. Although, I did not vote for the same "Change" I have found that by watching the news it fuels my work-outs. I eat healthy and exercise each day. Obama needs to set a good example for his children and quit smoking because his 45 minute work out will not help his lungs or his 3 pack a day habit!
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