5 Ways To Avoid The Fat Trap

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, and it is not a problem that is going to come to an end any time soon. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 33, of the 50 states in America, are home to a population where 25-30% of the residents are considered obese. There are some ways that you can keep yourself, as well as your family from falling into the fat trap.

Shop Smarter

It is no coincidence that the rate of obesity in the United States has risen at the same time that prices for nutritious foods have skyrocketed. The fact is, junk food is cheaper. When you make your next trip to the grocery store, if buying fresh fruits and vegetables goes beyond your budget, opt for the less expensive frozen items. Leave the junk food where it belongs: on the shelf. If time and space allows, consider planting your own vegetable garden. This will serve two purposes. First, you will have access to the freshest vegetables imaginable for less than you spend on unhealthy foods. Second, working in your own garden is wonderful exercise!

Do Not Buy New Clothing.

Vanity sizing, (the process of labeling larger sizes as smaller ones), has made gaining weight harder to notice. If you start to feel uncomfortable, or notice "muffin tops" when you wear something from your closet, it is not the time to go shopping. This is the time to take action. Cut back on calories and start an exercise program before your weight gets out of control.

Ditch The Video Games.

As more children, (and adults), have been swept up in the cutting-edge world of video gaming systems, obesity rates have gone up. Unplug the consoles and stash them away for occasional play. Pick up a football, ride a bike, or go for a family hike. Think about it, as children, WE spent countless hours playing outside in all kinds of weather. As the CDC points out, obesity rates in America have gone up in the past 25 years. In my opinion, the lack of exercise is at least partially to blame for this epidemic.

Examine Your Kitchen.

Chips, soda, and other unhealthy snack foods are quick and easy. The mistake that we make is keeping these foods within reaching distance. Replace unhealthy choices with fresh fruit, nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, individual yogurt cups, vegetable sticks, water, and fruit juice. By making healthy foods more convenient, you will keep your family from falling into the fat trap.

Turn Off The Television!

This is not for the obvious reason that you are not moving while you are watching your favorite programs. Evening television time is a hotbed of unhealthy habits. Snacking is number one on the list of reasons to keep TV viewing to a minimum. Another, more subliminal effect may be the growing waistlines of certain sitcom casts, as well as the reality shows where obesity is the norm. While it may not be politically correct to point this out, making obesity appear normal without mentioning the adverse health effects, does not make this okay.

It is so much easier to gain weight than it is to take it off. Do yourself, and your family a favor by gaining control over your eating and activity habits before it has a truly negative effect on your health. As always, remember to consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise plan.

www.cdc.gov