Better Health Through a Lifestyle Change

Did you know that January is Healthy Weight Month?  The benefits of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight go far beyond fitting into your favorite jeans.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maintaining a healthy weight can also help you reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and contribute to a healthier mental and emotional state.  Are you at a healthy weight?  If not, here are some steps you can take to get there:

• Shift your perspective.  It’s not about reaching a certain weight by a certain birthday or event; it’s about enjoying a healthy lifestyle while reaching and then maintaining your healthy weight.  It may take time to reach your goal, but it will be so much more healthful and fun than a crash diet!  Indulge in the foods you love, in moderation.  Eat out at restaurants, choosing healthier dishes and smaller portions.  Exercise every day, doing something you look forward to.
• Find your motivation.  At first, you may think it’s fitting into a certain dress from high school, but it may actually be watching your kids graduate from high school in 20 years.  Whether your motivation is to lower your cholesterol by 10 points, to feel like an athlete by running a 5K, or a simple pedicure, make sure it will truly inspire you.  
• Forget the idea of “bad.”  Your favorite pasta dish at the neighborhood restaurant is not in itself “bad,” but eating the whole bowl after indulging in breadsticks, a Caesar salad and a couple glasses of wine and then doing it all over again every weekend may not be the best choice and will require more exercise.  Keep moderation in mind whether you’re at home or dining out.
• Tap into resources.  Whether you need ideas for the whole family, a support network or dietitian-approved menu choices, there is sure to be a resource to help you in your journey.

Do you have a story about reaching and/or maintaining your healthy weight?  We’d love to hear about it!