There are two main reasons why the majority of people are overweight. The first is a high intake of calories. We are all so busy that no one has time to prepare a healthy meal at home. So what do we do? We hit the local fast food restaurant. The food is delicious, dripping with grease and special sauces, but also loaded with calories.
The second reason people are overweight is low activity levels. The world has evolved into a network of high technology. But it has come at a price. The people of the world have become more sedentary. Hours and hours spent in front of our computers and video games are telling the tale on our waistline and butts.
So if you combine fast food meals with sedentary lifestyles, what could you expect to get but an epidemic of overweight people?
So now it is up to you to make a change. The goal is to burn more calories than you consume. I am going to give you a few tips to make this possible.
1. Eat six times a day. Have your 3 regular meals and 3 small, healthy snacks in between. This will boost your metabolism to burn fat.
2. Eat lean meats, skinless chicken and fish. If you feel like you must have that hamburger, choose ground chuck which has less fat.
3. Eat smaller portions. Here is a good link to clarify portion size: http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/servingcard7.pdf
4. Eat slower. Give your stomach time to signal your brain that it is full.
5. Eat more fruits and vegetables. For snacks in between meals, eat fruit instead of cookies or chips.
6. Drink more water. Replace at least one soda a day with a glass of water. Drinking a full glass of water before a meal may help you eat less.
Next, it is important to increase your activity. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. If this is not possible starting out, here a few simple things you can do to increase your activity.
1. Park your car farther away in the parking lot of work or the shopping mall.
2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
3. Put away the TV remote and get up to change the channel.
4. Dance!
5. Water exercise is especially good for larger people who may have trouble with standing or walking. It puts less stress on the joints. Check with the local YMCA or health club to see if they have water exercise classes.
6. Invest in a stationary bike. This is good for cardio exercise.
7. Get a partner. Find someone who will keep you accountable and give you support.
Warm up with stretches before any type of exercise. Cool down slowly after exercise to protect your heart and help relax your muscles. Most importantly, always practice any lifestyle change under the guidance of your physician.
Weight loss is up to you. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to become healthier. Losing weight is not about dieting or starving yourself. It is all about a lifestyle change. Commit yourself to eating better and exercising more and your life will definitely change for the better! Author Resource:- Dawn Robertshaw has written numerous articles and ebooks on coping with life in the 21st century. For more free articles, tips, advice and a range of health and relationship targeted information products in written and audio form for immediate download visit us at www.InThe21stCentury.com
