Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk for Obesity

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Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk for Obesity -Guest Post by Sheila Olson

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Obesity is a crisis in America that can have impacts on health, as well as the finances of those affected. According to The Atlantic, “obese Americans spend about 42% more than healthy-weight people on medical care each year.” You can, however, change that statistic by changing your approach to health and fitness with these helpful tips.

Understand The Connection Between Mental Health And Obesity

It’s important to know that being overweight is not just a problem of diet or genetics. According to The Guardian, overeating is often linked to deeper mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. So, to combat obesity, you typically need to get your mind and body in shape. If you struggle with any mental health issues, such as depression, seek counseling before you begin your weight loss efforts.

Another step in boosting your mental health is to reduce stress. Reducing stress can also help reduce your waistline. That’s because stress can actually promote weight gain. You can find relief from daily stress by increasing relaxation, reducing your commitments, and adding meditation to your daily routine. It can also be helpful to avoid negativity by reducing your time on social media or watching or reading the news.

Know How to Improve Your Overall Health

Addressing mental health concerns is vital for weight loss. But many of the steps you take to boost your physical health and fitness can help your mental health too. First, talk to your doctor before starting any fitness or weight loss regimen to make sure you stay safe, especially if you have any chronic health conditions. Then start taking these steps towards healthy weight loss:

• Exercise Regularly
  If standard exercises bore you, you might want to try something more interesting like the barre, Pilates, Crossfit or HIIT workouts.  If you’re Not sure where to start? Look to a gym membership where you have access to a variety of classes. If you’re not able to join a gym, look to fitness videos so you can work out at home.
• Get Plenty of Rest
  Most adults don’t realize that they should be sleeping a minimum of seven hours a night. Increase your sleep by a few minutes each week to hit that goal and make attaining weight loss easier.  
• Eat A Balanced Diet
  Trendy diets come and go, but balanced and nutritious food habits will keep you healthy for life. Just limit simple carbs, sugar, and red meat while adding more fresh produce, healthy grains, and fatty fish. You don’t have to go overboard either. Start with small changes. One study revealed that most people gain 1-2 pounds per year but “consuming just 100 fewer calories each day is enough to avert that weight gain.”
• Try Health Supplements
  You need certain vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy metabolism, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Supplements can help if you are vitamin deficient, and they can raise your energy and prevent your mood from dipping.
• Look to Your Healthcare
  These days, most healthcare plans offer some sort of weight loss programs or coaching. Comb through your coverage to see about eligibility. For seniors with Medicare Advantage plans like those offered by Humana, you have no-cost access to fitness programs through your healthcare coverage. Review your plan and then find a location — there are thousands across the country — that qualifies
• Get Proper Hydration
  You should be drinking at least six to eight glasses of water daily. This is critical if you are working out and helps boost weight loss. Bring a big bottle of water to the gym, and everywhere you go, to get a good supply.

Try Getting Fit at Home

A home gym can make staying in shape more convenient. Having some basic fitness equipment set up at home will allow you to work out no matter what the weather is like. To set up your home gym, you first must choose the right equipment to match your exercise routine. A mat will work for yoga, while weights can help with strength training. Set up in a spare room or a corner of your home. Just make sure the space is big enough to complete your exercises safely.

The right mindset and approach can help you lose weight and stay healthy. So stop looking to extremes and use the simple tips above to achieve your wellness goals.

Article Provided by Sheila Olson of FitSheila.com