Somewhere, perhaps in the sea of $1 double cheese burger promotions, America lost its way to good nutrition and health. Too many Americans are overweight, perpetually tired and just plain unhealthy. With little regard to cost or safety, we try out the newest diet pills and weight loss treatment surgeries. But the weight loss solution for most of us remains simple, cheap and safe: eat less and exercise more.
Long-Term Approach
If you've been bingeing and dieting most of your life, it won't be easy to change. Begin gradually, perhaps by eliminating soda from your diet and walking 20 minutes a day. If you're not ready to entirely give up junk food, limit yourself to a treat once or twice a week. Consider nutrition and weight loss a journey rather than a weekend jaunt. Set reachable goals and reward yourself for reaching those goals. Do not skip breakfast as this won't help you lose weight and your body will destroy your muscle tissue for energy Lastly, do not get discouraged. You're a work in progress. Forgive yourself for lapses and move forward.
Fruits and Vegetables
The most essential change you can make is to consume more fruits and vegetables. Plant foods prove vital to good health, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control. Individuals who eat a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables reduce their risk of stroke, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and other chronic diseases. This is because fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fibers. They also provide a natural source of energy for your body as well. The CDC recommends choosing fruits and vegetables from a variety of different colors as they provide different types of nutrients.
Diets and Diet Pills
The multi-billion dollar diet industry profits by convincing you to try diet pills, weight loss programs and even medical surgeries. But you can put your health -- and life -- in danger by taking over-the-counter dietary supplements or undergoing surgery. Diet pills that claim to suppress appetite and make you eat less actually disrupt your natural metabolism and slow it down. Furthermore, most diet pills fail to live up to their promises and are not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Surgical Weight Loss
Obesity affects your health as well as your figure. If you've struggled to lose weights on diets, you may be tempted to opt for a surgical solution such as the Lap-Band. To qualify, you must meet certain guidelines, such as being 18 years of age or older and at least 100 lbs. overweight. However, unless you follow their new dietary habits and exercise regularly, this procedure will not work for you. Before you resort to a fad diet or risky medical procedure, consider following a diet with improved nutrition and engaging in regular exercise.
References
- "Tulsa World"; FDA Warns of Danger in Diet Pills; AP Wire Service; Dec. 23 2008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruits and Veggies Matter
- Lap-Band: Weight Loss Surgery Medical Considerations.
- Project Swole: 10 Ways to Stop Dieting and Change Your Lifestyle Eating Habits
- Obesity Lap-band Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
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