The black plague, typhoid fever - while these diseases are famously remembered as epidemics, our generation is fighting something on a completely different level: obesity. For most, this illness is more than just about feeling fat. It is a prolonged death sentence, if the correct action is not taken. As the scale tips and health plummets, it is one epidemic that is striking millions of children, teenagers and adults each year.
Most of us became overweight one bite at a time. On a positive note, obesity is not always permanent. With the right diet and exercise plan that includes one less bite at a time, it can be eliminated all together. If you and/or your child are battling these issues, it is important to first set a goal. Baby steps are great because you are not setting yourself up for failure. Let's be realistic - changing your lifestyle doesn't happen overnight.
Slowly start cutting out the junk food and replacing it with healthy snacks until you are a clean slate. Once you are ready to fully commit to a new life, make sure you tell yourself, "I want to be healthy. I want to lose xx amount of weight this year." You have to believe it in order to lose weight.
Serve meals on a smaller dinner plate cutting back a bit on the size of portions. By cutting back one bite at a time a significant amount of weight can be lost by this alone.
What will be your primary motivators? For you, you might get those favorite old jeans out of the closet or put a picture on the fridge to drive you towards success. For the teenager it might be something as simple as posting on the refrigerator important dates such as "prom." For most, a private food journal is a staple weight loss accessory, as it can give you an honest look at what you're putting into your mouth. No more denial or excuses - if you are writing everything down from morning to night, you'll soon find where the mistakes lie.
If you are helping your child or teenager encourage but do not ridicule. You may ground them for not doing their homework or chores but not for sneaking snacks. Be open in your conversations and show them that you care by sitting an example.
Look at your new lifestyle as a life long change, rather than a short-term diet. It's okay to mess up every now and then. After all, we're human and need a break. It's recommended that you give yourself one cheat day per week. This doesn't mean splurge until you can no longer fit the food. Try to limit it to one meal. If you're 100% strict all of the time, chances are likely that you're only in it for temporary results and not for the long haul.
IPods are also a lifesaver. We all know how painful it is to work out in the first place. Listening to music while exercising makes it feel less like a chore. It gives you the energy you need to stay focused and takes your mind off of thinking "when will this be over?"
Changing your lifestyle is no easy task - in reality, it feels more like a marathon race that never ends. But with the right outlook, a food journal, and excitement to start a new life, one bite at a time you will maintain the strength to lose weight, feel great and take on the world.
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Music is absolutely a motivator when exercising! And so is one of my "skinny pictures" on the fridge. If people don't get the obesity under control, they'll end up with diabetes, and that ain't no fun. Good article, honey!
I've resently had to change my entire diet due to a new food allergy. I can relate to, "it feels more like a marathon race that never ends", very well. Thanks for sharing
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