Five More Reasons Why Life with Dogs is Best, Nutrition Edition

I could literally write a book about all the reasons why life is better with dogs . . . in particular how my life has improved since adopting Chuy. I grew up with all kinds of pets from cats, birds, rabbits, turtles, and even horses. The human-animal bond is a funny thing to try and put into words. The bond I have with Chuy is unlike any bond I’ve ever had with a pet before. He has changed my life in so many ways.

My entire life I’ve struggled with my weight due to a binge eating disorder. I didn’t always know the “clinical” term but it is what it is. I’m not ashamed to share my story with the world because it’s the truth and I know I’m not alone. Chuy has taught me so many lessons about how to deal with my weight issues by making better choices with food and nutrition.

Pet360 recently published 60 Reasons Why Life With Dogs is Best. I’ve collaborated with them to add 5 more reasons why my life is better with Chuy in the nutrition category as this really hits home for me in so many ways.

1. Accountability

To give your dog the best life possible, it starts with accountability to good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. You are their sole caretaker and what goes in their mouth is 100% your responsibility. I sometimes wish I had someone that could measure out all my meals and keep me away from the fridge! If only life was that simple! Right? Chuy teaches me that I too have to be accountable for my food choices. Only I can do that. Nobody else can do it for you! Accountability means making healthy choices, tracking/weighing my food, and not binging on carbs and sugar that don’t nourish my body and give me energy.

2. Better Food Choices

When it comes to feeding your dog, I’m going to assume you’re an amazing pet parent and only want to provide them with healthy food choices. Times when I’ve gone on a rampage, binge eating every cupcake in sight, I wasn’t making a good choice for MY body. I would NEVER allow Chuy to binge on bacon or treats. I stopped one day and thought, “WHY in the world would I abuse my body that way?” Chuy taught me to think about the food before it goes in my shopping cart or in my mouth. Today I’m making healthy food choices that will allow me to live a better life alongside my little monster (a.k.a. Chuy)!

3. Motivation to Exercise and Move More!

Dogs are basic creatures. All they need and want are:

• Food
• Water
• Walks
• Love
• And of course the occasional belly rub

Am I right? It doesn’t get any less complicated than the wants and needs of a dog. Exercise is vital to their health both physically AND mentally. A bad habit of mine is to get to wrapped up in my work and then exercise is the first thing to drop off my schedule. Within a few days or weeks, I notice I’m cranky, irritable, bloated, and anxious. I’ve come to realize after bringing Chuy into our home that exercise is also vital to humans! It’s vital to my sanity and my overall health. Chuy gives me a reason to get outside and move more and enjoy the simple things in life!

4. A Workout Partner

If you are struggling with your own weight, owning a dog is a great way to start a simple exercise program. I’m not talking about joining a gym or any of these gimmicks you see on TV at 3am. I’m talking about plain and simple WALKING! Walking can really burn some calories, tone, and help with stress. A dog is like having a live in workout partner. A few years ago, I went through a serious depression where I barely wanted to leave my house. It would be a beautiful day outside and I was hiding under the covers. Then I would look at Chuy and think how unfair that was to him. He motivated me to get my butt up and smell the roses or the salty air!

5. Inspiration to Live a Better Life . . . An Irresistible Life!

I want to be able to run around the yard with Chuy. I want to be able to have the energy to go for long walks with him. Your dog deserves these things as much as you do! I can’t do that if I myself am unhealthy, overweight, and miserable. Yes, my weight has yo-yo’d more than I like to admit (the pics are proof) in the past 5 years of Chuy being in my life but I’m still fighting.  I’m still determined to NOT let it take me down. That little dog inspires me to keep going, to keep pursuing my dreams, and to never give up. Chuy inspires me to live an irresistible life, which is a life where you become the best version of yourself!

Simply put, life is better with dogs.

Want Another Reason Why Life is Best with Dogs?

Want to see more reasons why life is better with dogs? Head on over to see the post, 60 Reasons Why Life is Best with Dogs with Pet360.

This post is written on behalf of the BlogPaws Blogger Network for Pet360. I am being compensated for my time but the thoughts and opinions shared here are my own.