Set Positive Lifestyle Examples For Children, Teens
posted 01/07/03
Obese is not a word anyone wants to hear. They don’t want to hear the sound of the word, the tone and certainly not the implications. However, as reported by the Center for Disease Control, the number of overweight and obese adults in America has risen 61 percent in the past decade.
In fact, recent findings by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported that 64 percent of American adults are now overweight or obese. These numbers are astonishing but what’s more is that they fail to address the growing epidemic of overweight and obese children and adolescents.
Over half of our adult population is suffering from a health dilemma that can only negatively impact the quality of their lives.
More specifically, over half our population is at a heightened risk for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type II diabetes, insulin resistance, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, cancer, depression, eating disorders and low self-esteem. The list goes on.
The time is now to make positive changes in our lives and set positive examples for children and teens.
First, exercise often. I know you’ve heard this before but it bears repeating. You don’t have to exercise for hours each day but rather start with half-hour workouts on most days and you’ll be setting the stage for adherence and weight-loss success. Even if work has you bogged down, a 10-minute walk will rev up your metabolism and keep you on track.
Next, burn calories. Studies from the National Weight Control Registry found that people who burned 2,800 calories per week were more likely to be successful with their weight-loss and fitness goals.
Eat all foods in moderation. Diets that ask you to eliminate whole food groups never produce long-term results and are more likely to place you at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
Don’t totally eliminate fat. Some dietary fat is good for you. It helps you process fat-soluble vitamins and is an essential nutrient for normal hair, nail and skin growth. Essential fats also regulate normal hormone production.
Set realistic goals. Remember you didn’t gain weight in a week and you won’t lose it that fast either. By setting realistic goals, generally 1-2 pounds a week, you’ll find yourself being successful and motivated to continue. Keep in mind that body weight can fluctuate from day to day for various reasons that can be completely unrelated to what you’ve been eating. Therefore, try to weigh in only once a week, on the same day, same scale and at the same time of the day.
Seek support groups. It is much easier to succeed in weight loss and weight control if you surround yourself with people who applaud your efforts and are working toward a common goal themselves. These same people can also become exercise buddies. You’re more likely to exercise if you’re with a group or friend.
Source: News-Press. Robyn George, rgeorge@news-press.com.
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