The weight loss industry takes in $37 billion each year selling diet plans, supplements and foods to Americans concerned about their health. Some of these weight loss plans will help you achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle, but most are simply fad diets that will not help you over the long term. Eating more naturally is a simple way to lose weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle without spending a fortune on diet plans, food or supplements.
Determine Your Calorie Needs
Every individual has different daily calorie needs depending on age, gender and activity level. A woman between the ages of 31 and 50 needs 1,800 calories if she leads a fairly sedentary lifestyle. The same woman would need 2,200 calories if she began to lead a more active lifestyle by walking or jogging more than three miles per day. A man of the same age range needs 2,200 to 3,000 calories per day depending on his activity level.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods such as prepared desserts and frozen or boxed meals tend to have additives such as preservatives and artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. None of these additives offer you anything in terms of nutrition, and may contribute to your risk of cancer, according to a study published in the journal "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology."
Cook At Home
The best way to ensure that your food is as natural as possible is to prepare it yourself. Look for opportunities to purchase locally produced organic foods such as produce, meats, cheeses and other dairy products. Buying locally allows you to ask the producer directly about any additives or processing. If you prepare your own meals rather than buying prepared ones, you can customize them to your tastes and caloric needs. Simple, basic meals are not difficult to prepare. Cooking at home does require more planning than eating out, but it allows you to make healthier, more natural choices.
Eating Out
You can find healthy, natural foods on many restaurant menus. Salads are often a good choice, especially if you skip the meat and bring your own dressing. Many restaurant salads with meats and dressing contain more calories than a fast food cheeseburger. If you like meat on your salad, opt for grilled chicken.
Health Food Stores
Natural or health food stores carry a variety of organic brands, but this is not a guarantee that the food you buy there is all natural or healthy. Many organic foods are as highly processed as their mainstream counterparts and contain preservatives and artificial ingredients. The main difference is that they contain ingredients grown according to organic certification standards. Read the labels just as carefully in a natural or health food store as you would in a mainstream grocery store.
Member Comments