Obesity is now epidemic in the U.S. While there are some people with medical conditions that cause uncontrolled weight gain, the vast majority of overweight and obese people simply eat too much. These same people also make poor food choices.
It’s hard to find anyone that would say obesity is attractive and it’s really unhealthy. To stay healthy the prevention of obesity is really a straightforward proposition. If you'll forgive the pun, prevention of obesity is truly worth many pounds of cure.
Over the holidays people of an average, stable weight may gain a few pounds while partaking of all that holiday cheer. All’s it takes is a few cookies, some fudge, delicious gravies poured over creamy mashed potatoes and a few glasses of eggnog to begin to pack on a few unwanted pounds. However, once they return to normal eating habits, most people shed those pounds within a couple of months. What they do is merely exercise and reduce the calories they eat and the weight goes down, but sometimes this doesn’t happen.
The prevention of obesity should become your goal when you find you've gained ten pounds or more and it doesn't come off. There should be a loud alarm sounding off in your head when your weight starts creeping up and you can’t lose it. Don’t wait! Now is the time to take action! I guarantee you that it's far easier to lose ten or twenty pounds than a hundred! You also won’t compromise your health.
Finding that your clothes are too snug could be an indication that a prevention program is needed. I’ve read that Oprah has one section in her closet for 'fat' clothes and another for 'skinny' clothes. Maybe you do this. Not only is this an unnecessary expense, but you’re also playing a psychological trick on yourself. You probably say something like this to yourself, “Well, I guess I just have to accept it. People do tend to gain weight as they get older, don’t they? What's one dress size anyway? I still look OK.”
If you want to prevent obesity this is B.S. It’s called being in denial. This means you won’t be motivated to prevent obesity. Why? Because you have told yourself that you don't think it's possible. You might make a token attempt to diet or exercise, but within a few days or weeks you’ll give up. You won't stick with the program. This is how those few pounds eventually balloon into an huge weight problem.
So, like all things, the real core issue in the prevention of obesity begins in your mind. You must be motivated. Do you want to wait until the day when some little child in the grocery store tells her Mom, “Look how fat that woman is!”? That's when you know you’ve too far gone and you can’t deny it anymore. Prevention of obesity means starting early, before the problem gets too big, pardon the pun.
If you need help in getting motivated, here are a few tips. Go online and calculate your BMI. Here’s a place you can go to calculate it - http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/. Investigate the health problems you may have to face. Problems like heart disease, poor circulation, diabetes and joint stress damage to name a few. Take out those old photo albums and find pictures of you when your weight was normal. Pick one out and tape it on the refrigerator door, right at eye level where you see it every time you open the door, along with a picture of you now. Try on one of your 'skinny' outfits.
Are you motivated now? Good! Before starting any programs check with your doctor to be sure you don't have a medical condition, like a thyroid imbalance. If that's not the case, get ready for a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise. Don't cut yourself any slack. Stay on track. Remember, prevention of obesity is your goal. If you have problems staying on track find a coach that can guide you on the path to your goal.
Losing weight always boils down to a simple formula that involves calories. Calories in minus calories out equals weight loss or gain. To get a handle on your normal calorie input, keep a food journal for a week. Write down everything you eat, down to the last cracker and glass of wine that passes your lips. Buy a calorie counter book. Ask your doctor or find a nutritionist that can help you plan a diet that's healthy and right for your lifestyle.
Do you want to lose weight? Then your motivation is the key to your prevention of obesity. With a giant dose of motivation, you'll lose that extra weight and stay fit for life!
If you’d like information on becoming healthier I have a FREE Fitness e-Course that can help!
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