Belly Flab - How to Get Rid of It  Blog Stay Healthy While Losing Weight
Stay Healthy While Losing Weight |
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In 1999, more than 108 million US residents were overweight or obese. The number of overweight or obese Americans has continued to expand and the average American has grown heavier in the last decade. Already one of the biggest public health challenges facing the country, experts have predicted that obesity and related health problems will reach the level of an epidemic by 2020.
by GaryL.Condoluci,LMT
In 1999, more than 108 million US residents were overweight or obese. The number of overweight or obese Americans has continued to expand and the average American has grown heavier in the last decade. Already one of the biggest public health challenges facing the country, experts have predicted that obesity and related health problems will reach the level of an epidemic by 2020.
The best way we have to combat obesity is to make people aware of the damage which extra weight can do to their health.
These are just some of the diseases which you're at a higher risk of if you're overweight:
1. Heart disease 2. Stroke 3. Diabetes 4. Cancer 5. Arthritis 6. Hypertension
Losing weight helps to prevent and control these diseases.
Many companies have taken advantage of the obesity epidemic by selling fad diet plans. These make plenty of money for their manufacturers, but do not provide a long term solution. Instead, they tend to rely on pills and supplements. Even when these diets do allow users to lose some weight, this type of rapid weight loss is not healthy; and gaining back the lost pounds in the dreaded yo-yo is even worse " and that's exactly what happens to most of the people who use these programs.
Better by far is a healthy weight loss plan which lets you lose those excess pounds and keep them off. The key is to set realistic weight loss goals instead of trying to lose it all in a matter of weeks. The following are some valuable tips for healthy weight loss:
1. Don't starve yourself
The key to a healthier way of losing weight is: Do not diet.
It's rewarding to see the pounds disappearing from cutting way back on calories and skipping meals, but this will only get you so far. You'll suffer from a lack of energy and your metabolism will become slower, so it'll be harder to lose any additional weight.
Your body will begin using stored energy to carry out your important biochemical processes instead of the energy from your diet. When you eat, this means that your body will store this energy as fat " and it goes right to your problem areas.
2. Don't skip breakfast!
You should listen to your mother. Eat a nutritious breakfast every day to get your metabolism going.
Your food intake after you wake up will be used to burn fat all day long.
3. Have small, frequent meals
If you want to lose weight, then the way to go is to eat small healthy meals five or six times per day instead of three larger ones. You'll boost your metabolism this way and this technique also reduces overeating.
4. Set a realistic weight loss goal
Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life.
Once youve decided on your plan and your goals, stick to them!
5. Get plenty of water
Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy.
6. Cut down on sugar
You should be eating a diet which is largely composed of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean protein. While its fine to treat yourself to the occasional pastry, it shouldn't be a regular part of your diet.
7. Don't cut out fat entirely - but do get the right fats
It's not eating fat which makes you overweight; in any case, you need to get some dietary fat to maintain good health.
There is such a thing as healthy fats. Olive, peanuts and canola oil have them. Tuna, salmon and mackerel have omega-3 fats which is good for the heart.
8. Get exercise regularly
There are plenty of ways to stay fit. If you have the time and the motivation to get to the gym, do this by all means. However, you can use other ways to get regular exercise. For instance, if its possible for you to walk or bicycle to work instead of driving, do so! You can also run errands this way " any opportunity you have to walk or bike instead of driving should be taken advantage of. Start taking the stairs and make walking or cycling a part of your daily routine. Its not going to make you lose 50 pounds in three days, but youll start to see the difference sooner than you think.
Whatever your weight loss goal happens to be, the way to get there is to set realistic goals which you know you can reach. When you reach a goal, it gives you the motivation to keep going.
Its important not to be too hard on yourself. Once you lose the first five or ten pounds, give yourself a well deserved congratulations and take it easy for a day before getting focused on your next weight loss goal.
Eating a healthy and well balanced diet, getting ample regular exercise, making sure to get a good nights sleep every night and drinking enough water will help you to lose weight the healthy way. The rewards for your dedication will be more energy, a healthy glow and a slim, trim new you!
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