Do you want the good news or the bad news first? OK, let’s get the bad news out of the way: research has shown that the health effects of being overweight or obese raises our risk for all of the following:
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
- Stroke
- Liver and gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Osteoarthritis (a degenerative of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
Whew - I’m glad we got through that! Now let’s get to the good news! Staying on track with our health doesn’t have to be complicated. If we incorporate just a few things into our daily life before we know it we are on our way to leading a leaner, more healthy lifestyle.
Try some of these easy tips to help avoid nasty eating habits and pretty soon these tips will become a habit – a good habit!
- Set clear goals. Handle your health the same way you handle your business. Commit to your goals and write them down. Your weight goals should be measurable and time-bound. Make short term goals so you can measure your progress regularly as you head toward your end goal.
- Keep a food diary. Just take a few minutes every day to write down what you eat. When you see what you are actually putting into your mouth you are more likely to stay on your plan.
- Take before-and-after photos - a picture speaks a thousand words! This one will really show you that you are serious and it can be a real motivator.
- Read or listen to success stories. Again, just like your business, this is not only inspiring and keeps you enthused to reach your goals, but it also gives you new ideas on how to achieve those goals.
- Exercise. Get off of that couch or away from that computer screen, find a physical activity you enjoy and move your body. It doesn’t have to be grueling - find something fun, something you enjoy doing. It could be dancing, a zumba class, an aerobics DVD, or a strong walk.
- Lose the Attitude. This is not an “all-or-nothing” undertaking so lose that attitude. If you fall off the health wagon just pick yourself up and get right back on track – it’s that easy.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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