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The summer season is just around the corner, and if the idea of wearing shorts and
t-shirts has you wishing for snow in May, here are some easy tips to help you get ready for the coming sunshine.
- Fad diets or crash diets don't work. Losing weight requires healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Remember the body needs a certain number of calories to function - without enough calories, it starts to store them, instead of burning them freely - and stored calories eventually turn into fat.
- Drink lots of water. Water keeps you hydrated and feeling full. You can add a slice of lemon if you want to get fancy.
- Body Mass Index (BMI), not weight, is the most useful way to assess obesity. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. To calculate your BMI, you need to divide your weight by your height squared. (HealthyOntario.com has a BMI calculator to help you out).
- Set reasonable goals. You shouldn't aim to lose 40 pounds in two months. Health experts say it is safe to lose about two pounds per week; at that pace, you can manage your weight loss and maintain your goal weight.
- Exercise. That's it. Physical activity burns calories, and improves overall health. You should aim for 60 minutes a day, but you can break that up. Maybe a ten minute walk into work in the morning, a 20-minute walk with colleagues at lunch, and a longer walk after work. Depending on your fitness level, you can try to do two 30 minute sessions of activity, or even a full 60 minutes at once. Walking is great exercise. The motion works your major muscle groups, tones up your body, and allows you to chat with a friend or clear your mind. It is also easy on your joints.
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