3 minute read
Combining Style With Natural Healing
OBESITY: EAT BETTER, NOT LESS
According to some estimates, over 60% of the population of the UAE is overweight, and this causes a slew of health issues and hazards. As additional weight puts strain on the heart and the rest of the body, diabetes and heart disease are becoming more common. As a result, it’s critical to figure out what’s causing the problem and take steps to prevent it.
But first of all, what does ‘obese’ actually mean? Obesity is defined as having more fat in one’s body than is essential. Individuals gain weight when they consume more calories than their bodies require. A further question is why obesity is such a problem in the modern world; what is causing such a mounting epidemic? The answer is multifaceted but takes in:
Changes in culture and the social environments in which people spend their time Lack of physical exercise Unhealthy diet
Of course, there are also medical issues, such as Binge Eating Disorder, as well as genetics, but for most people, it boils down to social environments, bad diet and little or no exercise. And the effects of obesity can be catastrophic for one’s health, bringing on a wide range of often life-threatening illnesses, such as obstructive pulmonary ailments, coronary heart problems, diabetes, cancer (mainly of bowel and prostrate in men and uterine and breast cancer in women), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, strokes, osteoarthritis, and depression. Obesity is, therefore, a national crisis, a ticking time bomb. However, the good thing about this problem is that most people can tackle it without expensive pharmaceuticals or medical procedures, and in doing so prevent their bodies from experiencing major health problems.
LEARNING TO ENJOY A DELICIOUS, HEALTHY DIET
Obesity can be controlled to a large extent by making a few lifestyle changes. Physical activities, such as yoga, workouts, or aerobics, as well as a balanced diet, can greatly aid a person’s physical well-being. Regular physical activities such as cycling, swimming, and walking can help you stay active, while a healthy and balanced diet, rich in vitamins, nutrients and fibre, should be at the heart of a good weight management programme.
It is important to realise, too, that while exercise is essential for good health, it isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to losing weight. The most common reason people fail to lose weight is their failure to maintain a steady dietary regimen while also predicting their calorie consumption - not their exercise routine. Remember that there are at least three meals per day that you must prepare correctly and only one exercise programme, but you must devote quality time to both of these every day!
As a result, 75% of your time and effort will be spent preparing and programming your delicious, healthy diet.
CARBS AND GOOD FATS ARE CRUCIAL
Don’t believe the scaremongers; you need carbs and fats in your diet. You’ll notice a reduction in energy and a major deterioration in your ability to concentrate if you don’t eat carbs. A properly balanced diet must also include good fats. That isn’t to say you should eat cheese sandwiches every night. Veggies like spinach and kale, as well as super-nutritious foods like sweet potatoes, should provide the majority of your carbs.
Avocados, nuts, and sugar-free yoghurts are excellent ways to start the day, as they provide your body with a respite from easily available carbohydrates and encourage it to enter a keto state, in which it burns its own fat for energy.
DON’T TRUST THE SCALES
We all talk about losing weight, but what we’re really talking about is losing fat. Fat is the substance that makes you look bigger, makes you feel heavier, and causes serious health concerns, especially around your middle.
You may not see a significant shift on the scales if you begin training effectively and eating appropriately. In fact, because you’re increasing your lean muscle mass, you may become heavier. It’s only after you’ve done that that you’ll see a difference in your body composition. The more lean muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism will be, and the more fat and calories your body will burn.
Concentrate on getting strong and feeling better rather than losing weight.
Finally, don’t beat yourself up about it if you do not see results fast enough. However much weight you are losing, you are doing great!