Fat and Fit is a Fantasy - Five Ways to Control Your Weight

Reports over the last few years have lead us to believe that carrying some extra weight was OK for some people if they still had normal readings for blood pressure, blood glucose levels and cholesterol.  This has now been proven to be wrong!

New medical research from Toronto revealed this week confirms that extra weight is indeed a threat to your health even if initially everything appears to be fine. Eventually, the extra weight can wreak havoc on your body and raise your risk for premature death. 

Don't let the sunset on your diet and exercise plan for any reason. Whether it's a holiday(s) or you're on vacation, try to resist the onslaught of temptations to overeat and and/or miss an exercise session. Here are five ways to help you control your weight.

 Sunset at El Porto, Manhattan Beach, CA by Carole Jakucs, 2013. Image subject to copyright.

1. Pay yourself first: No matter what you have scheduled, make time to exercise. If you usually exercise five days per week, try to maintain that schedule. You'll burn calories at your normal rate which will help prevent packing on pounds (as long as you don't start over eating). If you're on vacation, be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes. If you're working long hours, be creative and look for a blocks of time to exercise.
2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and before and during special events such as parties. Doing so will help keep you full and prevent you from overeating. (Add a twist of lemon or lime for a refreshing taste).
3. Don’t drink alcohol: Alcohol is loaded with empty calories (it has no nutritional value). The extra calories end up becoming extra fat on your body. If you decide to imbibe remember to drink in moderation and never drink and drive (don’t let others drink and drive either).
4. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains each day to help keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable.  These foods also have a high nutritional value so are good for your health and help keep you slim. When you need fat or oil, use Omega 3 Fatty Acids on your foods when cooking and at the table such as olive oil and canola oil. These contain heart and brain healthy fats.  
5. Don't eat junk food. If you eliminate fatty chips, cookies, cakes, pies and fast foods, you'll help keep your overall fat and sugar intake in check. Remember that many commercially prepared foods contain high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, both of which are extremely unhealthy and contribute to the development of obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type II Diabetes. If you're baking for a holiday or special occasion, try using half the sugar in your recipes and replace shortening/butter with canola oil.