5 Health-Boosting tips Pac-Man Gave the World

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Jennifer Lilley

Could it be that playing Grand Theft Auto is the key to obtaining more defined biceps or a tighter tush? 

You betchya.

A recent article suggests that gamers’ focused, goal-striving nature gives them a buff-body edge over their non World of Warcraft playing counterparts. Two young men featured in the piece give credence to the theory, even starting a website that cleverly marries fitness and gaming. Fitocracy.com states that you can “earn points for your workouts, unlock achievements, and tackle special challenges to push yourself forward.”

Well, just hold on to your joysticks a minute!

If we’re going to start anywhere when it comes to a gaming/health connection, we need to look no further than the popular 80s video game, Pac-Man (a game based, ironically, on the concept of food).

5 Health-Optimizing Tips, Pac-Man Style 

1.  Keep Moving

Pac-Man: He’s always on the move. In his case, it’s all about running . . . from ghosts, the enemies.

Lesson: Run from the scary stuff too. Refined carbs. Too much dessert. An obnoxious salesman. Heck, maybe ghosts, if that’s an issue. Keep active.

2.      An Apple a Day . . .



Pac Man: His “life” is extended with every cherry, apple or banana he chomps. He eagerly anticipates their arrival, then rushes to eat them before they disappear from the screen.

Lesson: Extend your life. Make like Pac-Man and go out of your way to nosh on the antioxidant benefits of cherries. Peel a potassium-rich banana. Rush towards them before they disappear from the shelves!

3. Rest

Pac-Man: All that running. Geesh.  Thank goodness for the brief video interlude that takes place before screens change and a new, advanced level begins. Finally, a moment to relax.   

Lesson:  All that running. Geesh. Thank goodness for moments – even if they are small ones – to rest. Rest your mind. Rest in between sets at the gym. Fit it in so you’re calmer and more focused to face any new challenges ahead.

4. Take your Vitamins



Pac-Man: Four power pellets on every screen allow him to go from “Pac-Man” to “Pac-Man, Sir.” Consumption of the pellets amp up his abilities. The ghosts change direction and the chasee becomes the chaser. Take that, Pokey and Bashful!

Lesson: Give your bod a boost with your own power pellets (vitamins) and help reverse the direction of the things that have been running you down: a bad mood, fading memory, high blood pressure, exhaustion. Bashful or Pokey? Not anymore!

5. Don’t Give Up:

Pac-Man: Sometimes ghosts get him. He takes a wrong turn. He downright loses. Yet, he has other lives to live out, chances if you will. Each time, he can start fresh, chose to move in a new direction and make the most out of life.

Lesson: Don’t get bogged down in nonsense about ghosts from the past. Ate way too much for a day, week or month? Start fresh and get back on track. Keep going. Learn from mistakes. Forge on.

So there you have it. Everything you ever wanted to know about better health, you learned from Pac-Man.

How ‘bout themapples?

-JL-

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