Lose Weight, Live Longer
By Janet Martin
Physical inactivity is killing thousands of Americans by putting them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer.
The Weight Control Information Network of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases said lack of exercise costs the American nation about $24.3 billion in preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services, and has increased the number of overweight and obese adults who are candidates for the above diseases.
Obesity currently affects over 64 million American adults who are also in danger of suffering from uterine, kidney, colorectal and gallbladder cancer. The problem doesn't happen overnight. It is the result of an energy imbalance, meaning too many calories are consumed and there is little or no physical activity.
“Genetics and the environment may increase the risk of personal weight gain. However, the choices a person makes in eating and physical activity also contributes to overweight and obesity. Behavior can increase a person’s risk for gaining weight,” said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Just how inactive are Americans? Experts said only 26 percent of adults engage in vigorous physical activity lasting 10 minutes or more. Fifty-nine percent of adults do nothing at all.
“About 25 percent of young people (age 12 to 21) participate in light-to-moderate activity (e.g., walking, bicycling) nearly every day. About 50 percent regularly engage in vigorous physical activity. Approximately 25 percent report no vigorous physical activity, and 14 percent report no recent vigorous or light-to-moderate physical activity,” said the Weight Control Information Network.
“Despite all the benefits of being physically active, most Americans are sedentary. Technology has created many time and labor saving products. Some examples include cars, elevators, computers, dishwashers, and televisions. Cars are used to run short distance errands instead of people walking or riding a bicycle. As a result, these recent lifestyle changes have reduced the overall amount of energy expended in our daily lives. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in 2000 more than 26 percent of adults reported no leisure time physical activity,” the CDC added.
To add years to your life, start losing weight now. It will make you look better and feel better. But don't expect miracles. Losing weight takes time, effort, and discipline. As long as you stick to your goal – which is to become a better and healthy person, you will succeed. To get you started, here are some tips from the US Surgeon General:
1. Aim for a healthy weight. People who need to lose weight should do so gradually, at a rate of one-half to two pounds per week.
2. Be active. The safest and most effective way to lose weight is to reduce calories and increase physical activity.
3. Eat well. Select sensible portion sizes and follow the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”
Do you have what it takes to get the body of your dreams?
For many the summer months bring with them a harsh reminder of unmet fitness goals.
While the toned men and slender women of the world put on their skin-tastic summer gear and proudly put themselves on display, those with jiggles and dimples would rather opt for a cover up and hang out under an umbrella.
So why haven't you met your fitness goals?
Why must you go through another agonizing summer, turning your head as you pass by a dozen magazines showcasing skinny celebrities in bikinis? You should be enjoying your summer days without wondering which pair of shorts covers the most.
The truth is that anyone can get the body of their dreams...even you. And wouldn't it feel great to pull on your bathing suit without bracing yourself before looking in the mirror?
You can turn your fitness dreams into reality-read on for the three things you need to begin achieving amazing results.
1. YOUR MIND
You may be wondering what your mind has to do with getting your body into great shape. In a single word, your mind has everything to do with getting the body of your dreams. Your mind will single handedly make or break your success.
How? Well, your mind works hard to reinforce the beliefs that you hold about yourself. If you think of yourself as a fat person, or an out-of-shape person, or just an average person then your subconscious mind will do everything in its power to keep you that way.
It's like self-sabotage.
However, if you begin to think of yourself as fit, healthy and attractive, then your mind will do everything it can to make your belief a reality.
*Take time everyday to visualize your new body and to focus on your goals.
2. YOUR PLAN
Everyone who successfully sets out to lose body fat and achieve results does so by implementing a plan. Your plan is crucial to your success, picture it as a guiding map needed to find a new destination. Without it you are lost.
Here are the 2 major parts to your plan:
1. Diet: They say you are what you eat, and that is never truer than while losing weight. Cut junk food from your diet and stick with fresh healthy foods instead. Eat small meals throughout the day containing protein, carbohydrates and minimal fat.
2. Exercise: Yes, you will have to break a sweat, but the good news is that once you make exercise a habit you will likely find it to be enjoyable - In fact, I know you will. It is important that you make exercise a part of your lifestyle, and not something that you do on random occasions. For maximal results exercise 4-5 times each week doing both cardiovascular and resistance training.
*Stick with your healthy eating plan and exercise routine-these are the building blocks to your success.
3. YOUR DETERMINATION
Determination is the one thing that will guarantee that you will lose weight, tone your body and feel better than ever. You have to want it-that's it. Thinking about it is not enough. Now it's time for action!
You have to want your dream body...more than you want that burger and fries.
more than you want to skip your workout.
more than you want that chocolate cookie.
more than you want to sit on the couch.
The shape and size of your body is in your hands, and your hands only. I believe that you possess the kind of determination that it takes to change your body-you simply need to dig down deep enough within yourself to find it.
Fuel your fire by building a network of support in your life. Enlist friends, family and loved ones to encourage your efforts and to keep tabs on your progress. In fact, I would love to be a key player in your network of support-don't hesitate to call me or reply to this email to get me onboard. Fitness is my passion and I can help make it yours too!
*SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT AND DON'T GIVE UP!