Sunday, January 13, 2013

Simple Steps to Eliminate the Obesity

America’s obesity epidemic—what some jokingly refer to as our collective battle of the bulge—is no laughing matter, particularly since many of the diseases that plague Americans are directly related to growing waistlines and unhealthy habits that have become the norm. With the national obesity rate at 26.5 percent, and the percentage of overweight Americans topping 60 and escalating, is there really anything one person—or one fitness professional—can do to make a difference?
The answer, of course, is yes, but there isn’t a single, sweeping gesture that will make the difference for society, a community or even one individual. As anyone who has ever lost weight or improved his or her lifestyle can tell you, it isn’t one single thing that makes the difference—it’s the small, individual steps and changes that add up over time that ultimately have the largest impact. On a daily basis, fitness professionals have the opportunity to positively impact those within our sphere of influence, which includes just about everyone with whom we come into contact. In fact, the simple act of modeling healthy behaviors, something most of us do without even thinking about it, can have a profound impact on those seeking to improve their health and well-being.



But there is so much more we can do to help our clients lose and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to setting a healthy example, we also need to arm ourselves with the knowledge and skills to help people make healthy changes that will last a lifetime. Rather than offering our clients and participants promises and quick fixes, we can give them something infinitely more valuable—the information, education and motivation they need to live healthier lives.
Small Steps, Big Rewards
The basic principle of weight loss is deceptively simple—burn more calories than you consume—and yet putting this principle into action is often anything but easy, particularly for those who are obese. With their weight spiraling out of control, many obese adults feel hopeless, so they don’t even begin the battle. Yet studies show even modest weight loss can begin to alleviate the health problems associated with obesity. Instead of trying to encourage your clients to make a radical transformation from obese to buff, use the following tips to help your clients make small but significant lifestyle changes that can make a big difference over time.
Food and Portion Control
When it comes to food, it’s all about the two “Q’s”—quality and quantity—and looking for opportunities to encourage clients to choose whole foods vs. processed or prepared foods. This is the best advice you can offer and you don’t risk veering outside the bounds of your scope of practice as a fitness professional. You can also teach clients (whether or not they struggle with weight) how to decipher food labels, how to distinguish between good and bad fats, and the basics of how the body utilizes the carbohydrates, fats and protein we consume.
And, of course, we need to continue to educate people about portion control, because for many it’s not what they eat, it’s how much. Food preparation is also key. We can provide education on food preparation and the pitfalls of fried foods, sodium-laden dips and sauces, high-calorie snacks and beverages loaded with sugar.

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