Obesity is a growing concern in North America and contributes to a variety of health conditions, according to The Obesity Society. With more government intervention and an increase in awareness, more individuals are taking charge of their health by working on weight loss and management goals. Not all methods are safe however and it is always good to consult your physician before starting any weight loss program.
Exercise is a Good Way to Lose Weight and Promote Good Health
Starting an exercise program is not only good for losing weight, it also promotes good cardiovascular health. No matter what your goals are, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. Starting a program that you may not be ready for can result in injury and ultimately diminish your weight loss goals.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) reports that more people are beginning exercise programs and employers are offering more programs to their employees as well. Popular exercise methods will continue to be Zumba, boot-camp style workouts, interval training and TRX Suspension Training. Low impact exercise such as walking is another great way to burn calories, get the blood flowing throughout your body and reducing stress levels.
Health Eating Habits Promote Good Weight Management
Learning to eat healthy is another good way to maintain a healthy weight. With hectic lifestyles and so many fast-food options available, it is hard for many families to get enough vitamins, minerals from their daily meals. Smoothies are a popular trend that provide a glass full of vitamins and minerals plus a good dose of fruits and even vegetables. There are many healthy smoothie recipes online. You can choose to add protein powder and other supplement powders to the smoothie as well.
Following Canada's Healthy Food Guidelines from Health Canada is a good way to set up daily meal ideas. You can use the guideline to see what foods fall into specific categories and how many of those foods you should strive to eat each day. Teaching good eating habits early on will help children learn good habits that this will carry into adulthood.
Diet Pills, Surgeries and Other Weight Loss Gimmicks That Are Bad
Be cautious when looking for 'quick and easy' weight loss methods. If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. There are many diet pills and meal replacement drinks available on the market that contain a variety of ingredients designed to increase your metabolism and raise your energy levels. However, these ingredients are often short-lived in their effectiveness and can pose many health risks including hear failure, vitamin and electrolyte imbalance, surgery complications, shortness of breath, liver failure, internal bleeding and even death. Many diet pills and related items do not have a "healthy" dose indication for specific ages groups.
Another method to be wary of is the Lap-Band surgery often advertised in day clinics. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to several clinics that were advertising the surgery. Lap-Band surgery carries many risks and can result in death. Anyone considering this type of surgery must consult with their doctor and understand fully, the complications that may arise.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
Join the Conversation