Health Promotion Affiliates

Spring is the time of year that people shed their winter clothes and become self-conscious on how their bodies feel and look.  They have been trying to lose the extra weight they may have put on during the holidays and during the winter when they haven’t been exercising.

65% of Americans are overweight and 30% are obese.  The problem is getting worse because of the access and marketing of high fat and high calorie food and beverages. Other reasons for the growing problem is that portions have been supersized and  more people are eating out or having take-out because of long working hours.

The first thing that people think they should do is go on a diet.  There are dozens of diet programs and diet books.  The problem with most diets is that they are very restrictive which demands an enormous amount of will power to stay on the diet.  Even though some people will lose weight on these diets, after awhile people become bored, develop powerful cravings for the restricted foods, or life’s stress undermines their will power.

Instead of a diet, make a life decision to eat more healthy.  Eating healthy is the key to long term weight control.  Here are some simple and basic recommendations:

• Eat less fried foods, processed and packaged foods.
• Eat less meat especially red meats and deli meats.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Make a shopping list and stick to it.  Read labels and avoid the foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.  Don’t keep deserts in the house to tempt you.
• Eat smaller portions.
• Eat only whole grain, bread, pasta, rice, and grains.
• Make a conscious effort to walk everyday.  Do some strength training at least three days a week.
• Always eat breakfast.
• Eat slowly and consciously.  You won’t feel hungry after 20 minutes.
• Set realistic weight loss goals which means 1-2 pounds a week.  Don’t starve yourself to lose weight.  It will just slow down your metabolism.

Health Promotion Affiliates has an outstanding number of registered dietitians who can can present seminars on a wide range of nutrition topics and help people with a healthy weight loss program.

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Richard Rotondo

Director of Health Promotion Affiliates