3 minute read
Designing a Personal Diet and Exercise Program
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. You need to watch your food consumption and get moving in order to lose weight. How can you design an effective diet and exercise program – one that you will stick to and one that will show you satisfying results?
Your first step is to consult with your primary care provider. You need to ascertain if you have any chronic conditions that would preclude you from restricting your calories and increasing your activity. Some heart patients need to take it easy when exercising, and of course pregnancy is not the time to begin a diet. Tell your provider about your plans. She or he will certainly be interested in how you’re doing and will monitor your progress by checking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and weight to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
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When it comes to what to eat as you seek to lose weight, your provider may recommend you work with a nutritionist or dietician, whose focus is helping people design an effective personal diet. A nutritionist will ask you questions about your eating habits as well as your goals, likes and dislikes to make suggestions about the best diet for you. The nutritionist will take into consideration different factors that affect your life – your job, your family, your stress level, your schedule, your commitment. Be honest with him or her so together you can come up with a lifestyle plan that will make a difference. Dieting isn’t just a matter of willpower and it doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself. You can tell yourself, “I choose to eat good foods so I can be fit and healthy and live a long time.”
As for an exercise program, it would be beneficial to talk to a personal trainer. A session or two with a personal trainer is well worth the cost if
it gets you moving on the right path to fitness. You can specify what you hope to get out of an exercise regimen and the trainer can show you a variety of exercises that will help you meet your goals. A personal trainer, like the other professionals you consult, will take into consideration your circumstances and gauge your level of commitment. When you work with a personal trainer, he or she will teach you how to properly perform your activity of choice – whether it’s lifting weights, using an elliptical or swimming – so you will receive the optimum benefit from it.
One thing you need to remember is that there are no miracle weightloss pills or powders. It will take time, a lot of effort and some sweat (and maybe some tears) to reach your goals. As long they’re realistic and not hazardous, with dedication on your part and the direction of health care professionals who will be on your side encouraging you, you can reach your fitness and wellness targets.
About the Author:
Ashley Sparks, PA-C, comes to Family Practice Associates with experience in family practice and endocrinology. After working for nearly 10 years as a CMA in physician offices, including FPA, Ashley decided to further her education and graduated as a Certified Physician Assistant in June 2018 from the University of Kentucky. Ashley enjoys preventive medicine and endocrinology, but can see any patient from a child to an adult. She is available for new patient visits, well-child and preventive adult visits, as well as routine office visits. To schedule an appointment with her, call our office at (859) 278-5007 or request an appointment through the online portal access.
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Proudly serving Kentucky for over 35 years, Family Practice Associates of Lexington is a group of primary care providers who are dedicated to giving family-centered care from birth to later years.
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