Benefits
An active lifestyle: what are the benefits?
Everyone knows that in order to lose weight it's necessary to take in fewer calories than you burn; but weight loss isn't the only reason you should get moving. Recent studies show that sedentary people not only gain weight in visible places like the abdomen, they also have increased deep fat surrounding their internal organs. This increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The good news is that even moderate exercise reduces deep fat by up to 35%, significantly improving health and decreasing risk of chronic diseases. In addition, exercise has been proven to boost energy and mood.
Everyday choices
If you are not physically active, the notion of starting an "exercise" program may be daunting! While aerobic exercise like biking, swimming, running, playing tennis or working out at the gym are ideal for burning calories, it is not necessary to engage in these types of exercise programs to burn fat. Fun activities that you enjoy, such as dancing, playing catch with the kids, or golfing are great ways to become more active.
If you are not currently active, build your physical endurance by finding ways to sneak more natural activity into your daily routine.
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Parking some distance from your destination so you have to walk further
- Washing and waxing the car
- Gardening
- Household chores such as vacuuming or cleaning the windows
- Pushing a child's stroller or walking the dog
Current ideas about diabetes
Last summer, I wrote about the increasing rates of diabetes in the United States. This struck a chord with many readers. In this issue, l thought we’d take a second look into the future of this disease in our country, and what it might hold for you.
Will I develop diabetes?
The answer for Americans is increasingly, "yes."
The number of Americans with diabetes is projected to increase 165% from 2000 to 2050. A study published in Diabetes Care Magazine reported on the increasing rates of U.S. diabetes. Ours is an aging population, and diabetes develops most often in folks over 65. The increasing extra weight carried by most Americans is also directly pushing diabetes rates higher. The bottom line is, today, 16% of American men and women (aged 65-74) have diabetes. Every year, that percentage can be expected to climb.
Can I avoid diabetes?
Most of these new cases of diabetes can be prevented. The study I shared last summer demonstrated that moderate weight loss and moderate activity reduces the chance of developing diabetes by 58%! BalanceDiet™ provides just what this study found to work best; weekly coaching of your improved dietary efforts and regular exercise through walking.
What else can I expect from the BalanaceDiet™ program?
According to the American Diabetes Association, weight loss can be expected to provide the following benefits:
- Lower blood glucose if your blood glucose is higher than normal.
- Lower blood pressure if your blood pressure is higher than normal.
- Improve your blood fats to be in a healthy range.
- Lighten the stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
- Move around easier and breathe easier.
- Have more energy.
- Play more with your children or grandchildren.
Don’t become part of these alarming statistics. BalanceDiet™ can help. Contact us today, and see for yourself that our program will put you on the right path to a healthier lifestyle, and keep you going until you reach your goal.
Did you know that weight loss reduces your risk for disease and can help relieve numerous existing medical conditions?
Call us! We can help you achieve greater health by empowering you to lose those extra pounds and keep them off for life!
Lower blood pressure
Weight Loss can actually help reduce high blood pressure – sometimes to a level where you could reduce, or even eliminate, your need for blood pressure medication.
Lower blood sugar
Losing weight can lower your blood sugar if you have Type 2 diabetes. Just a 10% weight loss can greatly affect your blood sugar, and possibly even minimize your use of diabetic medications.
Reduce cholesterol
You can boost your chances of lowering your cholesterol with a three-prong approach: modify your fat intake, exercise regularly, and lose weight.
Reduce cancer risks
Losing weight can decrease your risk for many cancers including colon, breast and endometrial cancer.
Improve fertility chances
A woman's weight can sometimes affect her fertility. Weight loss has been proven to improve some women’s chances of conception, as well as carrying the pregnancy to term.
Alleviate sleep apnea
For those with sleep apnea, even modest weight reduction may alleviate the need for long-term therapy or upper-airway surgery.
Reduce joint pain
It is difficult for the natural cushions in our joints to withstand extra body weight. Losing weight can reduce the wear and tear on your joints.
Alleviate back problems
If you carry most of your weight around your abdomen, this can put excess stress on your back muscles. Losing weight and strengthening your abdominal muscles can greatly relieve your discomfort.
Decrease your risk of heart disease
Being overweight greatly increases your risk of heart disease. Weight loss can help.
Our comprehensive program is led by an expert team of BalanceDiet™ lifestyle consultants who want to help you achieve your individual weight loss goals! Call us today, and take the first step on your path to a healthier life.
