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Diet, Exercise, And Losing Weight |
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In the long run, diets usually don't work, but healthy eating habits do. Healthy eating cannot be a part-time or temporary thing. You need to make positive decisions about what to eat each and every day. This does not mean you can never eat your favourite food again, or that there are "good foods" that should replace the "bad foods." What it does mean is that you need to strive for moderation and variety. Fad diets that recommend eating only certain foods do not work for long-term weight control.
Think about what you eat. Keep a food diary. Then look over your typical eating plan honestly. Maybe you love those two scrambled eggs each morning. How about substituting one egg white for one of the whole eggs? If your favourite evening snack is a big bowl of chocolate ice cream, consider keeping it to one scoop. Switching to frozen yoghurt or adding bananas or berries will fill you up the low-fat way. Remember, small changes that you can live with, without feeling deprived, are best. Think about times you overeat and try to avoid or change those situations. Experts know that eating healthy food is only one part of the answer. Exercise can make the biggest difference of all. The best exercise for you is the one you enjoy. Try a variety of physical activities, and decide which you like best. You can exercise alone or with a friend. Get out in nature or join a club. Exercise recommendations of the National Heart Foundation encourage frequent aerobic workouts that last 30 minutes or longer for 3 to 4 days per week, or more often. Article #7422 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
