Obesity - The 7 Surefire Donts You Must Know to Control Obesity!

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in most western countries, to the point where it is placing unsustainable pressure on the economy, our health systems and our health facilities. More than two-thirds of the population of the United States is either overweight or obese. The question is "what can be done to improve the health of our nation to reverse or control this situation?".

Below you will find seven DON'TS designed to help change your eating habits, improve your health and prevent heart disease:-

(1) Saturated Fats - DON'T eat foods high in saturated fats. Choose healthy fats and oils. Saturated fat will increase the risk of heart disease. It's found in meat, dairy products, even coconut oil. You should avoid them until your cholesterol levels are down and you are at a healthy weight.

(2) Soft drinks and Alcohol - DON'T drink to excess. Get out of the habit of drinking soft drinks and alcohol. Avoid a lot of sugar. Drinks that contain sugar are a major source of empty energy and generally do not contain any vitamins or minerals. Water, low fat milk and juice is the best to drink with a preference for eight or ten glasses of water per day.

(3) Skipping Meals - DON'T skip any meals. Eating three meals a day with healthy snacks in between is the ideal way to maintain energy and a healthy weight. When you skip meals and feel hungry you are more likely to choose the unhealthy fast foods. If you are eating away from home take some nutritious food with you.

(4) Dieting - DON'T use the word in your vocabulary. Change your mindset to think about what you are really doing when you decide you are going to fight your weight problem. You are simply changing your eating habits to become a healthier you. Don't rely on energy bars and drinks as they don't deliver the antioxidants your body needs. Fruit and vegetables are your best bet as they are loaded in vitamin, minerals, fluid and fiber.

(5) Exercise - DON'T think that changing your eating habits alone will set you on the path to weight loss. You must commence an exercise program to work in conjunction with your new eating regime. Any exercise or movement will be of benefit when you first start as the change will need to be gradual where you eventually are able to work out for a minimum of thirty minutes. A regular walking program should have you feeling more energetic in no time.

(6) Unrealistic Goals - DON'T set unrealistic goals when you are considering weight loss. Losing weight gradually at one or two pounds(1kg) a week maximum is fine but any more is thought to be unrealistic and unsustainable, which eventually leads to disappointment and an surrendering of the goals even though you started with the best intentions.

(6) Couch Potato - DON'T become one. There are many reasons why so many people are overweight or obese. One of the main reasons is that people have become less active, preferring to sit in front of the computer or television to watch sport rather than participating themselves. Next time you need a bottle of milk or a newspaper from the corner store try enjoying a walk rather than jumping in the car.

(7) Fiber - DON'T forget about fiber. Fiber can help you control cholesterol. You can find fiber in whole grain products to help you control sugar absorption although you must remember that fiber needs water to keep it moving through your digestive tract. Eight or more glasses a day is recommended. Fiber is one of the key ingredients to healthy eating. If you are not getting enough fiber into your digestive system you should do something about it rather than wait until it is too late.

Many vegetarian meals and recipes contain all the necessary food requirements to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to your heart and the prevention of obesity, heart disease and many other health issues.

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