Nutrition for Life Combats Obesity

Most everyone knows that the main issue facing the health of Americans is obesity. It is true; more than half of the nation's men, women, and children are obese. With this many people carrying around forty or more extra pounds, the risks to their health are staggering. The good news, though, is that changing eating habits and focusing on nutrition for life, not just for a few weeks of dieting, can dramatically improve the health.

There is no magic pill that can melt the pounds away; it is an unfortunate fact of life that the only way to get healthy and to stay healthy is by eating correctly and exercising regularly. While this may sound boring, there is nothing more exciting than realizing that after years of poor health and extra pounds literally weighing you down, you can reverse all of those negatives. Begin by a visit to the doctor; he or she can help you determine the best and safest course of action as you establish a new goal: nutrition for life.

Once you have determined your specific caloric needs and have discussed an exercise regime with your physician, you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle and nutrition for life. The food pyramid is a great place to start, because this simple tool ensures that you get the necessary vitamins and nutrients every day. You will begin to notice that you feel healthier, just by cutting out some of the poor food and drink choices you?d been making. Imbibing once in awhile as a treat, as opposed to daily intake, will help maintain your stamina as you embark on your journey to nutrition for life.

Beyond your food choices, exercising is a component of combating obesity as well. Americans are so sedentary nowadays that the average weight of an American has ballooned over the past few decades. Integrating exercise into your new lifestyle will ensure that this nutrition for life is getting your entire body healthy. Adding thirty minutes a day for three or four days a week will have enormous benefits for the formerly sedentary American. Walking, riding a bicycle, dancing? Any sustained movement that keeps the heart rate elevated for about half an hour is beneficial.

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