A bag of chips and a pound of burger slathered with cheese may have little effect on your waistband when you were a kid. But in your 30’s this diet can get you moving from size small to large sized clothing within a couple of months. Metabolism usually slows down when one hits the big three-oh and those who stick with fast or indulgent food choices may find their waistlines growing steadily. These choices also put you at risk for diabetes, obesity, and cancer. A healthy change like switching to a well balanced diet will help you look and feel better as you age. Here are some steps that can help you dump your poor eating habits and move towards enjoying healthy and fulfilling meals.
The first step to a healthy change is to assess your current situation. Check your BMI and Waist to Hip Ratio to determine your body’s fitness state. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of the amount of body fat in relation to a person’s height and weight. This tool estimates your body fat by using your height and weight measurements as reference in the computation of your BMI Score. This score will be the basis for assessment if one is underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. Body fat measurement and risk for obesity can be further assessed by getting the individual’s waist to hip ratio. These measurements will let you know if you need to add, maintain, or reduce your weight. A well balanced diet is always an ideal choice but there may be diet modifications for those who need to gain or reduce body fat.
Those who have normal body fat estimates can simply maintain a well balanced diet and complement it with regular exercise. Choose MyPlate (http://www.choosemyplate.gov/), a USDA nutrition guide website, is a good tool for planning your well balanced meals. There are also weight gain diets for underweight individuals. As for the overweight and obese, there are loads of weight loss diets and supplements out there that can help them. However, one must keep in mind that it is always best to consult with your doctor or nutritionist before jumping into a diet fad. In any case, a well balanced diet is a key to becoming a healthier you.
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