Americans are among the heaviest people in the world, with obesity and being overweight increasing the risk of preventable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Fortunately, there are six aspects of your lifestyle that, if changed, can help in shedding those extra pounds and moving toward a healthier life.
1. Make your health a priority
We prioritize dental hygiene every day, so why not treat our muscles, bones, and organs in the same way? Find simple things to do each day that incorporate wellness, such as walking, cleaning, dancing, or doing push-ups or crunches. Be proactive and think about each day and what progress you can make toward your weight loss goals. Setting a specific time each day for your health and fitness will ingrain wellness as a sustainable habit.
2. Stop work from ruling your waistline
We often convince ourselves that we don’t have time to eat healthily or work out due to work and other commitments. However, there are small changes you can make to stay active. A 20-minute walk can burn 100 calories, and even engaging in vigorous housework can burn several hundred calories. Look for pockets of time in your day to add in some physical activity.
3. Overcome the home office junk food nightmare
Working from home can lead to snacking temptations. Maintain discipline by stocking up on fresh fruits, nuts, veggies, and whole grains, and eat three to six times per day on a regular schedule. Rather than graze, try to stick to dedicated meal times. If needed, take a break, move around, go for a walk, or leave your house if you find yourself turning to food for stress relief.
4. Avoid eating to combat emotional issues
Emotional eating is a common problem, and binge eating may make you feel better momentarily, but it isn’t a sustainable solution for emotional turmoil. Seeking help from a counselor can be beneficial for those with ongoing issues, while for others, reframing their thoughts and finding non-food-related solutions to feeling better will be more effective.
5. Slow down for long-term weight loss
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting everything immediately, leading to unhealthy and easy food choices. Instead, park farther from the entrance when visiting the mall, walk instead of taking the elevator, and put some thought into whether you really need to eat before reaching for an impulse snack. Taking the slower route can sometimes be beneficial.
6. Combat genetic factors
We all have different genetic makeups that dictate our body types. While exercise can help improve health, some will naturally maintain a higher body mass. However, a lean body isn’t always an indicator of good health. Genetics may increase your risk for being overweight, but lifestyle choices can reduce this risk and help prevent obesity.
The real secret to becoming healthy is making your health a top priority. Change the choices you make and prevent the lifestyle habits that lead to weight gain and obesity. Remember, being overweight is a choice, just as being in good health is a choice, and you have the power to make the right decision.
