From Andy’s constant band name changes to Ron’s ringtone of a shotgun blast, Parks and Recreation doesn’t skimp on humor. However, there are also great life lessons to be learned that make the show that much better. By watching, you could learn 4 key weight loss tips just by following the behaviors of some beloved Pawneeians.
Live Like a “Pawn”ee, to get Health like a King or Queen.
Do what you’re passionate about!
The only thing Leslie Knope is arguably MORE passionate about than the Parks Department are waffles topped with whipped cream from J.J’s Diner. Leslie led the rally to save the diner when Dennis Feinstein bought the property. Leslie constantly gives every ounce of strength and effort she has to her goals of improving Pawnee because it means that much to her. Your goals should mean to you what Pawnee means to Leslie!
When it comes to exercise, you have to do what you’re passionate about! If you hate the treadmill but believe long boring cardio sessions are the ONLY way to weight loss, it’s only a matter of time until you’ll feel like falling in the pit by Ann’s house and breaking your legs like Andy. Change up your routine and engage in an activity you love! That could be Zumba, dancing, kickboxing, boot camp or anything you take pleasure in. That’s “literally” key and I hope you read that in Chris’ voice.
Be as positive as Jerry
Throughout the entire series, Jerry was the butt of the jokes from the Parks Department. They disqualified his amazing mural because he accidentally said “urinal”, Chris and Tom lusts after his hot wife but hate being around Jerry to see her, he is constantly interrupted in conversation despite his great ideas and the department denied him his own name for 30 years for God’s sake! Whether you refer to him as Jerry, Garry, Terry or Larry, he was always in an upbeat mood, even though he has plenty of reasons to get upset.
Staying positive in the face of obstacles will serve you greatly on your road to weight loss. In life, obstacles are inevitable but you have full control over how you handle them. Adopting a positive mindset will keep you strong when things get tough. Change how you frame these hurdles and you’ll brush them off like a true Gergich.
Don’t miss a meal
Nobody loves food more than Ron Swanson. If he knows he’s going to a restaurant, he would gladly starve himself and save as much room as possible so he can indulge and make up for what he missed. He once said, “I can’t think of anything more noble to go to war over than bacon and eggs.” Although both sentiments from Pawnee’s Woman of the Year are rather extreme, he recognizes the importance of food.(Yes, Ron Swanson is a man. Yes, Ron Swanson won Pawnee’s Woman of the Year award. This is not a typo.)
Good nutrition habits are the difference between you reaching your goals and you staying stagnant or worse yet, sabotaging yourself. Eating smaller meals complete with a protein, smart carb and fat source gives you the nutrients you need to fuel your body and burn fat.
TREAT YO SELF!
Just as Tom and Donna would proclaim, it is a good idea to treat yo self ! This is often overlooked when trying to lose weight.
You put in a lot of hard work to get to your goals, it’s okay to do something nice for yourself when you reach a milestone. In fact, it should be encouraged! If you lose 5 pounds, buy a new shirt! If you managed to resist temptation and eat clean the whole week, you earned that cheat meal on the weekend! It’s good to acknowledge small milestones on your way to your ultimate goal! Acknowledging small victories is a way to help you track your progress and see your growth. Once you reach the ultimate goal, that’s when it’s okay to indulge in something that’s “Treat Yo’self Day” caliber, the best day of the year!
Remember, “Sometimes you gotta work a little, so you can ball a lot”- Tom Haverford
The Parks and Recreation Department in Pawnee Indiana offers tons of laughs but also great advice when it comes weight loss. Remember to be as passionate as Leslie, as positive as Jerry, hungry like Ron and to treat yo self like Tom and Donna would and before long, you’ll *literally* achieve your goals!
