Where do you fit on the scale?
If your weight does not fit
in the “healthy” range, then it is time to take charge of yourself by
reducing unnecessary health risks before it is too late, through healthier
eating habits and exercise. Here are five excellent
tips to a healthier, happier you:
1) Eat when you
feel hungry. It is not a sin to eat, if you are hungry; you will not
become bigger than a barn. Eat quality foods e.g. proteins (skinless
chicken, lean beef or ham, turkey, salmon, shrimp, top sirloin, egg whites
and tuna), carbohydrates (baked or sweet potatoes, oatmeal, beans, pasta,
steamed rice, fat-free yogurt, strawberries, apples, melons), and vegetables
(tomatoes, green beans, carrots, lettuce, peas, onions, zucchini, broccoli)
are excellent examples.
2) Eat in a
relaxed environment. Take a little time to sit and enjoy your meal.
Remove yourself from stressful surroundings, while you eat. You do have the
control to change the environment that you eat in.
3) Eat
without distractions, e.g. radio, television, intense conservation. This
one is hard, but learn to keep it at a low to very moderate level. Do not
let anything deter you from eating or from paying attention to the amount of
food you are consuming.
4) Eat only what
you want. One of the biggest problems in this area is that other people
sometimes bring you food, especially around the holidays. Not wanting to
hurt their feelings, you eat two plates, making yourself miserable. Learn to
say, “No thank you,” and give a brief explanation, if required. They
should understand and respect your decision. Remember, you alone have the
control over your own eating habits, not them.
5) Eat until you
are satisfied. Satisfy your craving, and then simply quit. You never
have to eat all the food that you prepared. Put some away for later, its ok.
The old saying, “Clean your plate, before you get up,” is ludicrous. Over
stuffing yourself is just simply not healthy.
In closing, there is no
excuse for being lazy. If you are already a very active person, then try to
maintain the same level of activity, as you age. Remember, more physical
activity is better than less, and some is better than none. Therefore, take
the necessary steps to keep your weight within the healthy range (not too
high nor too low). Moreover, involve your family; ask them to join you in
establishing such changes. Have their weights and heights checked regularly,
the sooner you start, the sooner you start feeling better inside and out.
Remember, a healthy person is a happy person, and a happy person is more
productive.
by Jack Bell
2002
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