When it comes to weight, we operate at a totally different wavelength from what we should. Instead of thinking about implications for health, we focus instead on the dress size or the weight.
If you fall into this camp, do not beat yourself over it. We are a race fixated on being thin, and health, therefore, is not a focal point.
That does not mean being overweight or obese is okay. Again, there is a difference between being healthy and overweight. People who may be plus-sized may actually be healthy, and those who appear skinny be the ones with poor health. The end goal therefore should be to take steps to prevent obesity and live a healthy life.
Obesity is not just dangerous for health unto itself, but it also increases the risk factor of many chronic ailments like heart disease and diabetes that require the help of the Best General Physician in Lahore for management.
Lowering the risk of obesity
To achieve your goal of sustaining a healthy life, and preventing obesity, here are some things that you should be doing:
At least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are natural, and by-default good for health. Moreover, they contain fiber which is good for the healthy functioning of the gut. They also are nutrient dense, but do not contain a lot of calories –some fruits might though –and hence are good for health.
Moreover, consumption of fruits and vegetables also in it of itself good for preventing the risk of obesity.
Cut back on sugar
Cutting back on sugar is important to avert the risk of obesity, and if you have a sweet tooth, good luck to you.
Sweets are packed to the brim with empty calories. They also increase the risk of diabetes and so cutting back on sugar is imperative. You can, however, indulge in some every once in a blue moon.
Limit processed food
Processed food is high in calories and low in nutrition. Moreover, it also lacks fiber, which is good for promoting satiety and preventing digestive problems like constipation. Therefore, limit your consumption of processed food.
Regular meals
People think the less they eat and thus the lesser calories they take, the healthier they will be. However, this is an extremely unhealthy and unhelpful approach. You will not gain anything out of starvation, except impaired health.
Therefore, take regular meals. Apart from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, take a snack or two. However, make healthy dietary choices.
Saturated fats need to be moderated
Saturated fats are all fats that are solid at room temperature, like butter. They have been linked to the risk of obesity, especially when consumed in large amounts. Hence, make sure to watch how much oil you add to your food.
Similarly, cakes, pastries, and other baked good also have a significant amount of butter and cream added to them, both of which are fattening. Hence, be careful about their consumption in different ways.
Sleep
Getting quality shuteye of 7-9 hours is also vital for curbing risk of obesity.
Watch what you sip
Most of the beverages like sodas and mass-produced juices are also extremely high in sugar. Moreover, it is easier to overdo with the beverages than solid food. Hence, make sure that you eliminate all such unhealthy beverages from your life.
Indulge in water and unsweetened tea and coffee only for your beverages need. You make also use stevia and similar safe plant-based sweeteners for a treat.
Physical activity
Being physically active not only helps in burning calories, but certain types of exercise also aid in increasing metabolism, so you end up consuming more calories. Physical activity therefore helps in preventing obesity.
Moreover, it also helps in improving conditions like heart disease that may otherwise be endangered by obesity, meriting a visit to the Best General Physician in Islamabad then.
