Comedian Lee Yong-sik (75) has recently become a hot topic for losing 22kg while taking care of his granddaughter. His busy preparations for granddaughter Lee El's first birthday were revealed on broadcast, and the moment Lee El beamed upon seeing her grandfather, Lee Yong-sik, showcased their close bond. Lee Yong-sik shared that he naturally lost weight while looking after his granddaughter.

The Surprising Changes Brought by Childcare

Lee Yong-sik's daughter, Lee Soo-min, mentioned, "The whole family is losing weight rapidly because we're all involved in childcare," indicating that everyone in the family is shedding pounds while looking after their granddaughter, Lee El. In reality, childcare can indeed contribute to weight loss due to the increased physical activity involved in looking after grandchildren. Lee Yong-sik emphasized the positive effects of childcare, stating, "You lose weight so fast when you're taking care of kids."

Benefits and Precautions of Twilight Childcare

Twilight childcare, where grandparents look after their grandchildren, demands more physical activity than one might expect. Pushing strollers and navigating playgrounds naturally leads to increased calorie expenditure. However, it's important to be cautious, as childcare can sometimes be detrimental to health. For instance, frequently lifting or squatting to hold grandchildren can put a strain on the knees and back. Therefore, while engaging in childcare, it's crucial to keep the following points in mind:

• When lifting a child, bend your knees along with your back, rather than just bending at the waist.
• It's best to hold the child close to your body.
• Avoid holding the child with just one arm; switch arms regularly.
• Refrain from squatting or kneeling for extended periods.

Exercise for Healthy Twilight Childcare

Given the physical demands of twilight childcare, consistent exercise is essential. Seniors can manage their health through aerobic exercises like walking, indoor cycling, and swimming. Additionally, strengthening lower body and core muscles with exercises such as squats and chair stands is beneficial. Exercises that improve balance, like Tai Chi or Yoga, can also help prevent falls.

Maintaining Health with a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is crucial during twilight childcare. As activity levels increase while caring for a child, a meal plan that supports muscle and energy maintenance is important. It's advisable to consume sufficient protein-rich foods at every meal, along with a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Also, ensure adequate intake of calcium-rich foods and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Conversely, reducing intake of salty, sugary, and greasy foods can help manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

If weight loss is a goal during twilight childcare, it's recommended to eat vegetables first to feel full and consume enough protein to prevent muscle loss. Skipping meals for the sake of dieting can actually lead to muscle loss, so be mindful of this.