Learn the Ten Commandments for Proper Weight: (These guidelines
apply to children as well as adults. Sadly, at least one in five
kids today is overweight.)
- Exercise more. Set aside a regular time each day for 15 to 20 minutes of
exercise - and do that four or five times a week. Whatever you
do should make you puff and sweat a bit (jog, walk, bike, swim,
lift weights). Look for ways to increase your activity (park at
the far end of the lot, use the stairs).
- Limit the number of meals you eat away from home. Eating out
can be hazardous because helpings are too large and meals
usually contain more than 1,000 calories each. If you do eat
out, split a meal with another person, or eat half and take
the rest home for a second meal.
- Minimize social events that are eating events. Parties
usually feature food, many with high levels of calories and
fats. Suggest other activities that don't involve food.
- Use veggies and fruits for snacks. When you have to have a
snack, get out the carrot sticks or celery, slice a banana,
pear, or apple. Or try dried apricots or craisins (dried
cranberries).
- Go nuts with nuts. Nuts contain vegetable fat, which is good
for you and contain proteins that help control spells of
hypoglycemia. Add them to your breakfast cereal.
- Eat at regular times. Being regular helps set those
important biorhythms your body prefers. Avoid long periods
without eating, which can lead you to lose control and binge
on high-calorie foods or candy.
- Drink more water. Make it a rule to have two glasses of
water with each of your big meals. Then have another glass
midmorning and midafternoon. Water takes up space in your
stomach and makes you feel full. It also helps the digestive
process and aids in better absorption of food.
Eat and chew slowly. Usually people who eat too fast eat too
much. Taste the food. Enjoy it. Mix talk and laughter into
your meals.
- Eat less. As you get older, you need less food. Take smaller
portions.
Think before you drink. It's not just alcoholic drinks that
add calories, but also soft drinks and coffee with "extras."
Get your own Free Home Page