An Ounce of Obesity Prevention is Worth Several Pounds of Cure

Obesity in the United States is a growing epidemic and there is no reason to believe that the epidemic will not spread to other reasonably wealthy nations. Obesity is responsible for millions of fatalities, reduced quality of life and turns an otherwise healthy individual into a chronically diseased one. Doctors are doing the utmost to fight the epidemic, but there is only so much they can do to treat the disorder once it takes hold.

If you're truly going to eradicate the dangers of obesity, you're going to have to eliminate obesity itself. And finding a cure for obesity just isn't going to do it.

Why the Concept of a "Cure" will Never Work

If you're overweight, just lose some weight. It's what doctors have been telling patients for years. But obesity rates continue to rise. As we become more and more aware of the danger those obesity rates pose to our long-term well-being, it becomes increasingly obvious that losing weight isn't enough. You might get the weight off, but the damage it's already done to your body could last for a lifetime.

A lifetime. Is that really worth it?

A Healthy Lifestyle is the Answer to the Obesity Problem

Don't get me wrong. I understand that there are reasons people are overweight. I have about 20 stubborn pounds leftover from my childbearing years that refuse to go anywhere any time soon. But there's a vast difference between being on the upper end of the healthy weight scale and watching your BMI skyrocket off of the charts.

Losing weight is very difficult and so is keeping it off once the pounds are gone. It's much simpler to not gain the extra pounds in the first place. The secret to making this happen is in developing a healthy life style.

Don't Buy Foods Laden with Calories

Eating habits are almost always at the heart of any weight-loss challenge, so let's start there. The rule of thumb when it comes to junk food is simple. You can't eat what you don't buy. Leave the sweets on the shelf and stock up on the veggies instead.

Put a Lovely Display of Fruits and Vegetable on your Table

Eating can be a totally mindless activity and can add hundreds of unwanted calories to your day's food intake. A pretty bowl that is easy to reach will at least have you mindlessly snacking on foods that are good for you and won't pack on the pounds.

What you Drink Adds Calories too

When you are thirsty, opt for water instead of sodas and juices.

Portion Control

Eating more than you need of healthy foods can still pile on the pounds. Pay attention to the portions on your plate whether it's lean meat or mashed potatoes with gravy. An easy trick to use to fool the eye and the stomach is to use a smaller dinner plate than you normally do. This simple little trick can do amazing things to your waistline.

Do Something to Get your Body Active

A body in motion is good for the heart, soul and body. Do something active that you like to do every day. Maybe you like to shoot hoops or walk or swim or ride a bike. These are all great exercises that won't cost a dime. If you really like to go the gym, it will cost you, but if you really like it and go work out three or four times a week, this is also great exercise for you. You need to build up a habit of exercising, whichever form you choose.

Salud!

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