Weight Loss Habits On The Go
Between 2009 to 2010, data shows that more than 2 in 3 adults are categorized as overweight or obese in the United States alone. Alarmingly, historical data on obesity shows an upward trend that gradually heightens over time. This isn’t at all surprising when you consider the daily lifestyle of average Americans, from easily accessible entertainment on Netflix to a McDonalds chain on every street corner. Another challenge many Americans face when trying to change their unhealthy diet is time restriction. Most Americans are busy with work or family that they simply don’t have time to hand prep a bowl of salad or wait for salmon to bake on the oven for 30 minutes.
Start Slow
Avoid the all-or-nothing mentality when making lifestyle goals. Instead, start with baby steps. People often assume they have to dedicate 2 hours per day at the gym or eat a diet solely consisting of vegetables to attain the level of health they desire. Start by walking or running at least 10 minutes per day, then add incrementally over a period of time. Busy people won’t have 2 to 3 hours to drive to and from the gym every day or week, but they’ll definitely have 10 minutes to spare for some cardio workout.
Use Fitness Trackers
Turn to high-tech solutions to get those important numbers on the go. Busy people simply do not have time to keep track of all the numbers involved in losing weight. Although a log book containing the calories you’ve eaten and burned throughout the day is out of the question, a fitness tracker may be the more convenient alternative. Fitness trackers automatically count the steps you take, how many calories you’ve burnt, and heart rate activity.
Pick a Diet
This is a onetime thing busy people should consider planning. Find a well-balanced diet and stick to it. For breakfast, you can choose between one cup of whole grain cereal with milk or a grilled cheese sandwich with sliced tomatoes. For lunch, you can eat a large baked potato with lettuce salad or a chicken breast sandwich with tomatoes and cucumbers. For snack time, you can eat yogurt, fruits, or granola bars. Don’t be afraid to mix it up from time to time so it doesn’t get boring.
Avoid Skipping Meals
Try to space out caloric intake throughout your busy day to avoid starving your body of the fuel it needs to perform at peak levels. Going more than 5 hours without eating can slow metabolic rate, alter hormones and insulin levels, and contribute to poor food decisions when you do finally have the chance to eat. Many people who are either overweight or obese do not necessarily overeat, yet their eating patterns are very volatile, with no set times for meals or balance in food choices.
