How to Lose Weight the Healthy Way

Are you concerned about your weight and overall health? You aren’t alone. In the U.S. alone the obesity rate is over 40%. As you know, being overweight is linked to a myriad of problems such as an increased chance of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other illnesses. Take charge of your life and start today! This problem is largely preventable and can be done with some safe lifestyle changes. Let’s take a look at how to lose weight the healthy way.

If you have a regular workout routine, lift weights, and put on weight in this manner, then you are probably in the clear. But if you have excess unhealthy weight from eating too much fat/bad food without exercising, then this article will hopefully offer some help. Not all fat is bad – in fact we need it to survive, and women typically have more than men. Body fat is great for protecting organs, energy storage, and insulation, but having too much is definitely not a good thing.

You may be asking, “why am I overweight?” There are multiple factors that contribute to obesity, and one of which is genetics. This one, unfortunately, can’t be changed. If you are one of the individuals with genes that make you bigger, then you can focus on other lifestyle changes to lose weight. These changes mainly include exercising more and watching your diet.

The food you eat can become an addiction, so it’s not as easy as just eating differently. Try to develop a plan, attainable goals, and even get some help if necessary.

What are some symptoms of being overweight?

You may want to look at this list to see if you might possibly have a problem.

Getting out of breath easily
Irregular heartbeat
Sleep apnea
A lot of sweating
Unfounded tiredness
Diabetes
Heartburn
Difficulty moving
Pain in the back and knees
Blood pressure problems
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Swelling in your extremities

If you are having any of these signs, then the following list can help you!

Lose Weight the Healthy Way – Find Where You Stand

If you have some of these issues, then it could be time for some changes. Start by calculating your BMI to see where you stand. This will give you an idea of how serious this problem can potentially be. Here is a simple BMI calculator to get you going. If yours is over 30, then you are obese by definition and can use some lifestyle changes to get you on track.

Avoid Crazy Diets and Pills

That fact that you’re reading this means you’re ready to take charge. Remember that there isn’t a healthy magical pill or crazy diet that will get you where you want to be. Most likely, you will lose weight using these options, but it could be detrimental to your body. The magic pills and diets tend to come with risks, so let’s try for a healthy alternative. In reality, you want to build a new lifestyle – not use a quick fix. Building incremental changes in your life will ensure that you won’t revert to your old ways of getting Micky Dees multiple times a week.

Lose Weight the Healthy Way – Plan Your Diet

You already know that what you’re eating probably isn’t the best for you. There are many other options of great tasting food that’s not too hard to attain. Sure, fast food is so easy, cheap, and tasty – but it’s probably one of the things that got you here. Check out these articles for some healthy ideas:

If you design a plan and stick to it, you’ll be a lot less likely to be tempted to go back to old habits. Try cooking a big meal on a Sunday so you’ll have healthy options throughout the week. You could even get some frozen veggies that are easily heated in the microwave after 5 minutes. Figure out what will work for your situation, make a plan, and do your best to stick to it.

Exercise Routine

You may not want to, but you’re going to have to get some physical activity in. You don’t have to run 10 miles on the first day or buy a $1000 dollar gym membership. Find a few things that you like to do, and build them into your daily routine. If you like to walk outside, try to find a good trail in your area. If you enjoy swimming, hit up the YMCA or wherever you can go. Make SMART goals – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This will definitely help your success. Here are some articles that will help you stay on track:

Recruit Help if Needed – Lose Weight the Healthy Way

If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to hire a nutrition specialist, personal trainer, or even find a workout buddy. Doing these things alone is really difficult. A dietitian and fitness instructor will be able to answer all of your questions, make your plan for you, and set you on the right path. So, there’s a lot less work for you to do in the planning stages. All you have to do is what they say! If you can’t afford these types of amenities, then go the old-fashioned way. Do some research, decide what will work, and put the pedal to the metal.

You Will Mess Up

It’s okay! Unless you have the strongest will power on earth, you most likely will slip up a few times. Don’t let this ruin your motivation. Everyone makes mistakes. One day you’ll be driving around and you’ll smell that B.K. grill. – “Oh, wow that smell deeeelisch. I haven’t had that in so long!!” You know what? It happens. If you can have one fast food meal without your entire routine going down the toilet, then be my guest. But make sure you know yourself well enough before going this route. If one burger will throw you into a downward spiral causing you to lose all of your progress – then avoid it at all costs. If you can handle it and stay on track – then you will be fine.

Here are some more articles that may help:

I wish you luck in your journey in how to lose weight the healthy way. It will not be easy, and it will require perseverance. You can do this. Don’t give up, and good luck!