By Kevin Wells
Can you guess what the top health issue in America is? Obesity is at the root of many of the health problems plaguing the population today. From heart disease to diabetes, carrying excess weight can have serious consequences for your health. But if you’re like most Americans, it can be confusing to know exactly how to really stay healthy. Want to know some secrets to maintaining a healthy weight? Here are six tips you need to keep in mind.
Make Wellness Your Ultimate Goal
If you focus on just losing weight, you may find yourself falling into the trap of dangerous diet tricks and bogus advice. Instead of focusing only on your waistline, try to find ways to improve your overall wellness and health. Wellness encompasses so much more than diet and exercise, although those are good places to start and will help you look and feel healthier longer than gimmicky fitness plans or diets.
Meal Prep Your Way to Success
Nutrition may just be the most important element in staying healthy and living a long life. If you can stick to eating clean, healthy foods you can also more easily maintain a healthy weight. Meal prepping is the perfect way to keep your kitchen stocked with healthy treats, so take one day a week to pull together meals and snacks. Invest in some Tupperware and quality knives to make chopping and prepping veggies, fruits and proteins simpler. Organize meals and snacks by day, and don’t forget to pack some healthy options when you’re on the go.
Never Miss Another Workout
Picking up some basic exercise equipment to keep at home can make workouts more convenient. Get some free weights, an exercise ball, and a yoga mat, and then make exercise a part of your morning routine. For an easy cardio option, try taking a few brisk walks every week. If you’re in need of a little more motivation, invest in some snazzy new, top-rated tennis shoes and athletic gear, find a workout buddy to help keep you on track, or think about working with a personal trainer. Sometimes a little push is all you need to keep going.
Don’t Just Do Exercise You Hate
If you can’t stand doing your workouts, chances are you’re not going to stick to it. While there will be times when you’ll just need to push through, you may just need to find another way to get in shape. Try mixing up your workouts to keep yourself excited about exercising. If you’re part of a gym, look into group fitness classes to get your heart pumping. Does being indoors have you down? Take your workouts outside by going for a walk on the beach, having some playground fun or dancing around your backyard. Burning calories doesn’t have to bum you out if you find creative ways to get your workouts done.
Take a Health-Oriented Vacation
Instead of taking a vacation that encourages a more sedentary lifestyle, why not find someplace that encourages you to get up and move? Los Angeles, for example, provides a host of different destinations that will allow you to stay active while also appealing to your sense of exploration. When you’ve finished strolling around Venice Beach, head to any of the numerous nature trails Los Angeles has to offer. And when you find a vacation property that’s close to the beach (sites like Turnkey provide search functions that will help you locate the perfect spot), you can begin (and end) your day with a jog along the ocean.
Give Your Body a Break Every Now and Then
You don’t have to torture yourself every single day to fight off obesity. In fact, getting enough rest can help you stay slimmer. Take time to stretch after workouts and wind down from those busy days. Don’t overdo exercise and make sure you are not sacrificing sleep when you’re trying to stay in shape. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time and create an evening routine that’s centered around rest and relaxation. Take a warm bath to soothe tight muscles and then make sure you’re slipping into comfortable sheets when it’s time for bed.
Take Care of Your Mind, Too
While obesity mostly affects your body, there’s also a strong connection with your mind. Stress and mental health issues can lead you to make unhealthy choices and find it difficult to stick to your wellness goals. Practice self-care to help relieve stress in your life. Also, recognize when it may be time to pay more attention to your mental health. If you feel more anxious or depressed than usual, think about making an appointment with a counselor to help you get back on track.
Fighting obesity is simple when you’re focused on your health. Including wellness-focused actions in your normal routine can help you maintain a healthy weight and a lifestyle. Start taking charge of your health and happiness today!
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