More people exercise in the United States than any other country, yet we still have an obesity rate of over 35%. It is so easy to stop for fast food or cook from boxed or frozen meals, all of which are full of preservatives, chemical additives and artificial sweeteners. Chemical additives are only part of the problem with our food. The wheat, corn and soy crops used in our foods are genetically altered. Hormones and antibiotics are used in most of our meat supply. Simply put, all of these factors contribute to how well your metabolism works; the rate at which your body converts food into energy.
How then do you begin to lose weight?
There are a few simple changes you can make.
- Drink water and lots of it. You should be drinking half your body weight in water every day. For example if you weigh 140 lbs. you should be drinking 70 ounces of water. Coffee and soft drinks do not count!
- You have all heard this before but you should shop only the outer perimeter of the grocery store. If you can, buy organic as much as possible. The benefits will outweigh the additional cost. When you stop eating the processed foods, you will notice the difference in your energy level and weight in as little as a week. But remember - changing your eating habits takes time.
- Let’s not forget to get off the couch and get in some physical activity every day. Losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise. Finding what works for you and fits into your hectic schedule is a trial and error process.
When you are eating healthy and taking the time to exercise the rewards are tremendous.