Obesity is one of the biggest problems plaguing our society today, as it tends to be a gateway to other serious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.
Read the illustration below to get a better idea of how our dietary habits and food consumption has lead to the rise of unprecedented obesity numbers in our society:
How Can This Be Changed or Reversed?
1. Change the Way You Eat.
Cut out processed foods, fried foods and all fast food. Instead, strive for a whole foods, plant-based diet. Now, I’m not saying to turn into a hardcore vegetarian/vegan right away…but, definitely incorporate more fresh food into your diet, especially fruits, vegetables and legumes that are a variety of colors. These foods will help boost your energy, as well as help you lose weight safely. No fad diets please…just good old fashion clean eating.
* one tip – get ahold of a really good, healthy cookbook. I recommend: Jamie’s Food Revolution by Jamie Oliver. it will help you learn how to cook simple, delicious meals that are both healthy and affordable. The instruction is very good, step-by-step with photos included.
2. Get moving!
I know it sounds great to say you’ll get right into an everyday hardcore workout regimen, or go all out with P90x in home dvd routine…but, if you’re going to have any ‘staying power’, you’ll need to start out slowly, and safely. First, consult your physician and talk with a certified fitness professional, such as myself 😉 … to create a customized fitness plan so that you can get started with safe and effective exercises.
At the very least, start walking everyday…start slow and work up to a faster pace and longer distance. Remember, walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can do.
3. Have an Exorcism with Your Electronic Devices.
Cut the endless hours of cable tv, movies, video games and Facebook. I know they are a convenient form of entertainment…but, they are also toxic for you life if consumed too much. They promote inactivity and alienate you from face-to-face contact with family, friends or meeting new people.
Pick just a couple of your favorites and only allow yourself a few hours per week to enjoy them. By doing this, it will create more time in your day for fitness and outdoor activities that you may have previously thought you did not have time for. Also, I guarantee that by cutting electronic entertainment and starting some physical activity in fresh air…you will sleep better, have more energy and have unbelievable clarity 🙂
4. Prepare Yourself for Physical, Mental and Emotional Changes.
Physically – get some comfortable, breathable exercise clothes, and supportive shoes for walking. Ask a specialty shoe store associate to recommend the best type and brand of shoe for your specific needs. Find a good quality water bottle that you can carry with you throughout the day, and constantly refill with water to keep you hydrated.
Mentally – Continually think positive thoughts. The conversations you have with yourself, quietly in your mind, have a huge effect on what you will actually accomplish. Dismiss ANY negative thoughts or excuses, because there is no such thing as CAN’T…remember, you are a powerful person.
Emotionally – make sure to share with your family, friends, co-workers, etc that you are on a mission to become healthy and lose weight. It is essential to your success to have the support of those you care about in your corner, and they can help to keep you accountable while they’re eating or exercising with you.