Weight management can last a lifetime with attainable goals, small changes
Losing weight is on the minds of many. It’s a difficult battle to win, and it’s an ongoing focus for both health and cosmetic reasons.
According to recent federal statistics, 64 percent of Americans are overweight or obese.
Weighing more than a healthy weight may increase your risk for developing many health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and more, according to Janet Griego, owner of Grapevine Wellness.
She is certified through the American Council on Exercise as both a lifestyle and weight management consultant and a personal trainer.
Losing as little as 5 percent of body weight may lower the risks of many diseases and help improve overall health, Griego said.
Griego discourages people from adopting a diet that is extreme just to achieve immediate results. She said it’s important to be realistic with weight loss, by setting specific and attainable goals, or the success won’t last.
To keep the pounds off, it’s essential to make changes that can be maintained for life. Drastic changes, such as removing an entire food group from the diet, are less likely to last for years. Instead, simple and small changes that work with your lifestyle are important, she said.
“With today’s busy schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Most people spend so much of their time with work, kids and other responsibilities that they don’t feel there is time left for anything else,” she said.
Focusing on your daily schedule and carving out time for healthy habits is important. This becomes easier when you stop thinking about working out or eating healthy as a chore and start thinking of it as a way to take better care of yourself and your family and prevent future health problems.
It’s also important to consider what is likely to be a long-standing habit and opt for activities you enjoy, rather than dragging yourself to the gym to do the same old routine.
While one activity may work for a coworker or friend, it won’t last very long if you don’t have fun doing it.
“A weight-loss plan should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, but should be tailored specifically for you,” Griego said.
She said a comprehensive program should show you how to make time for physical activity as well as provide nutritional guidance to help you develop and maintain healthy eating habits for you and your family.
Try to include the whole family in new, healthier habits by offering more fresh fruit and vegetables at meal times and setting aside time to be physically active together.
It is important to identify health; lifestyle and fitness barriers you may need to overcome and be sure that your plan is designed with you in mind.
For instance, if finding time to work out is a problem, then joining a fitness class that meets each week or twice a week will give you a standard appointment with a designated time to hit the gym.
“For effective weight loss, I recommend consulting a professional, such as a trainer or lifestyle and weight management consultant, who has the ability to work safely and effectively in promoting lifestyle change for a wide variety of individuals,” she said.
Many fitness experts are willing to meet with clients for just a few sessions. This can enable you to learn the right form for weight lifting or strength training and save money on future visits.
Most trainers have a package deal you can buy three to five sessions together at a reduced price, and then meet with them again occasionally when you need inspiration or new tips.
Losing weight and keeping it off is attainable for everyone, Griego said.
According to recent federal statistics, 64 percent of Americans are overweight or obese.
Weighing more than a healthy weight may increase your risk for developing many health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and more, according to Janet Griego, owner of Grapevine Wellness.
She is certified through the American Council on Exercise as both a lifestyle and weight management consultant and a personal trainer.
Losing as little as 5 percent of body weight may lower the risks of many diseases and help improve overall health, Griego said.
Griego discourages people from adopting a diet that is extreme just to achieve immediate results. She said it’s important to be realistic with weight loss, by setting specific and attainable goals, or the success won’t last.
To keep the pounds off, it’s essential to make changes that can be maintained for life. Drastic changes, such as removing an entire food group from the diet, are less likely to last for years. Instead, simple and small changes that work with your lifestyle are important, she said.
“With today’s busy schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Most people spend so much of their time with work, kids and other responsibilities that they don’t feel there is time left for anything else,” she said.
Focusing on your daily schedule and carving out time for healthy habits is important. This becomes easier when you stop thinking about working out or eating healthy as a chore and start thinking of it as a way to take better care of yourself and your family and prevent future health problems.
It’s also important to consider what is likely to be a long-standing habit and opt for activities you enjoy, rather than dragging yourself to the gym to do the same old routine.
While one activity may work for a coworker or friend, it won’t last very long if you don’t have fun doing it.
“A weight-loss plan should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, but should be tailored specifically for you,” Griego said.
She said a comprehensive program should show you how to make time for physical activity as well as provide nutritional guidance to help you develop and maintain healthy eating habits for you and your family.
Try to include the whole family in new, healthier habits by offering more fresh fruit and vegetables at meal times and setting aside time to be physically active together.
It is important to identify health; lifestyle and fitness barriers you may need to overcome and be sure that your plan is designed with you in mind.
For instance, if finding time to work out is a problem, then joining a fitness class that meets each week or twice a week will give you a standard appointment with a designated time to hit the gym.
“For effective weight loss, I recommend consulting a professional, such as a trainer or lifestyle and weight management consultant, who has the ability to work safely and effectively in promoting lifestyle change for a wide variety of individuals,” she said.
Many fitness experts are willing to meet with clients for just a few sessions. This can enable you to learn the right form for weight lifting or strength training and save money on future visits.
Most trainers have a package deal you can buy three to five sessions together at a reduced price, and then meet with them again occasionally when you need inspiration or new tips.
Losing weight and keeping it off is attainable for everyone, Griego said.
