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It's a New Year.Resolve to be a Healthier You & Healthier Family at a Healthy Weight!
You've made it through the holidays so now is the perfect time to think about losing weight. The Surgeon General recently reported that a staggering 61% of American adults meet the definition of being overweight or obese. That means if you gathered five of your friends into a room - there's a good possibility that three of you are overweight or obese! America's children are also fatter than ever before with obesity rates for US children at 14%. (Source: Reuters Health; December 14, 2001, Surgeon General: Obesity rates at epidemic levels. Accessed 12/17/01). Get ready to make some positive changes in the eating and exercise habits for you and your whole family. Here are some healthy New Year's resolutions:
WE WILL.
- Make an effort to eat balanced meals every day. Meals should include lean sources of protein, fruits,
vegetables, lean dairy products (low-fat milks and cheeses) and whole grains.
- Tip: Salmon or tuna (like Bumble Bee canned tuna) gives you the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce your risk of stroke.
- Tip: Keep handy healthy frozen foods and vegetables, bagged salads and pasta on hand for meals in a hurry.
- Limit the amount of junk and fast food we eat. Vending machine, junk foods and fast foods are usually
high in sodium (salt), fat and/or sugar and do not provide any significant vitamins or minerals.
- Tip: Instead of sodas that have no nutritional benefit, drink tea (like Lipton Green Tea), 100% fruit juices (like Apple & Eve), water or low-fat milk.
- Tip: Fresh and dried fruit (like Sun Maid raisins) and cut up vegetables are nature's perfect "fast-food" and provide you with lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Get some exercise every day. Regular exercise will help you maintain or lower your weight and reduce
your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Get your whole family involved with exercise by joining a
local "Y", taking family walks or hikes and bike rides or even by doing yard work.
- Tip: The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days per week.
This is general information only and should not replace advice or instructions given to you by your physician.