Saturday, August 22, 2009

An Approach To Weight Management

By James Zane Johnson

Weight management is a multimillion dollar industry partly because modern living has made obesity a ghastly reality for so many people. However, the main reason why the weight loss industry is so successful is not just because of obesity but because of perceptions that slimness equates to beauty and attractiveness.

Some people think crash diets are a solution to weight management. This is a severe mistake. While some dramatic results can be achieved they are usually only temporary. Some of these diets can actually be hazardous to health especially if a person's weight drops very suddenly.

To lose weight permanently, you need to follow a consistent regime of exercise, coupled with a low calorie diet. A low calorie diet for weight loss is best achieved by keeping down fat content in your food, as well as observing a low carbohydrate diet. Exercise must be regular, and a permanent feature of your lifestyle. It is pointless watching what you eat without exercising as well. The two work together to help you arrive at your optimum weight.

Many people are alarmed at the prospect of a low fat and low carbs diet. However it is not as difficult as it may seem. The best way is to avoid pre-packaged foods available at supermarkets. These are generally loaded with hidden fats. Carbohydrate reduction can be achieved by omitting products such as white bread which are dense carbohydrate and instead go for foods such as pulses which are also very filling.

Many people are not overweight, and are actually at the right weight for their age, sex, and height. However, it is important to maintain this ideal as it is easy to slip into obesity with the wrong foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Your diet must be permanently healthy, and include a good range of fruit and vegetables, and good fats such as omega fatty acids, to be found in fish. Exercise is essential, and should be incorporated as part of your every day routine.

Avoid too many dense and refined starches such as white bread, white rice and white pasta. Do not drink sugared drinks such as canned soda. You can replace these with a zero calorie alternative but then you will be consuming a lot of artificial sweeteners which have alternative negative impacts on the body. It is a good idea to get used to drinking water and diluted natural juices.

There are a number of ways in which you can incorporate exercise in to your daily schedule. It is all a matter of preference or what works best for you. Some people prefer the discipline of attending the gym on a daily basis. This works for people who can afford it and have the time to go. Jogging is another popular form of cardiovascular exercise and a cheaper option. You may also want to do home aerobics or dancing which can be done before an evening meal or early in the morning before work.

Weight management is about a sensible lifestyle change. You do not need to be on a diet to manage your weight effectively but you do need to incorporate healthy eating and regular exercise as part of your daily routine.

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