Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

My current form of exercise is an hour of weeding every day. While this may not sound strenuous, I’ve already lost a pound this past week; and my body feels more stretched and limber than before. My yard looks better in the deal too.

I’m not sure Weight Loss through Weeding is ready to go national on an infomercial or training video, but I am developing a prototype just in case. Here are some of my “rules” regarding the new regime.

First, weed with all your might. This means bending over, grasping the offending weed, and pulling with the arms. It doesn’t mean taking a clippers and doing a hedge job. Second, when you transplant flowers from the backyard to the front, push that shovel with energy and lift the moving flower family with verve. Plant them in the new location with excitement. Everyone benefits.

Third, when you are blowing your deck or raking your lawn, make the arms work. Move them in circles big or small; hold the tool – either the blower or the rake – with intentionality and concentrate on making a statement about you and your yard.

Traditional dieting and weeding are both approached reluctantly even though the benefits are visible to all. Nobody really enjoys either activity, but I submit that Weight Loss through Weeding is more enjoyable, since you’re basking in the sun, reducing your stress level, and eating whatever you wish.

Dr. Atkins and the Curves people had better beware!