Healthy eating habits begin as far back as childhood. Food preferences, tastes and meal frequency habits start developing in our early years when the family gathers around the table for meals. What foods were served? Was the diet balanced containing vegetables, lean meats and fruits or was it fried foods, bread and butter, meats high in saturated fats and sweets?
Healthy eating is an educational process. This education may be used to meet personal weight control goals but also can be passed down to children and loved ones so healthy habits begin sooner rather than later in life.
The American Epidemic
In the United States, obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years. Over 65% of the U.S. population is overweight. In the same population, obesity (estimated to be above 30% body fat) has sky rocketted from 15 percent in 1980 and estimated 75 percent by 2015, which leads to numerous health issues that can shorten life.
One of the US government's national health objectives for the year 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among adults to less than 15% Research indicates that the situation is worsening rather than improving. Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity. Body weight is the result of genetics, metabolism, behavior, enviroment, culture, and socioeconomic status.
Benefits of Weight Management
Many diseases have been linked to poor diet and lack of exercise.
Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in both men
and women in the United States. Foods that you choose strongly influence the health of your heart; so better dietary habits can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease. Scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of cancer deaths that occur in the U.S. each year are due to nutrition and physical activity including obesity. For the majority of Americans who do not use tobacco, dietary choices and physical activity are the most important modifiable determinants of cancer risk.
Weight Control/Reduce Obesity
Research is still proving that there is no "magic pill" to take to eliminate obesity. The best and safest way to lose and keep unwanted fat off the body is by eating a proper diet and consistent exercise.
Bone Loss Prevention
Calcium has always been the chosen key for building and maintaining strong bones, but the mineral cannot be absorbed without sufficient vitamin D levels. A healthy menu plan designed to prevent bone loss is so important especially for women experiencing or reaching menopause.
Eating a heart healthy/low cholesterol diet can reduce your LDL blood cholesterol levels and ultimately reduce your risk for heart disease.
Teaches healthier Eating Habits
A weight management program teaches you how to eat healthier and helps you develop life long habits of self control and mental stability. Eating smaller meals throughout the day to speed up your metabolism is just one example.
Increased Quality of Life
Gives you strength and stamina to be able to ride your bike, hike a mountain, or go swimming with your children. We all want quality and without it, there is no quantity!
Increased Self Esteem
Last but not least, it indicates the way you feel about yourself and the world around you. Unfortunately, our self-esteem decreases with weight gain. Serious cases of weight gain can even lead to depression and medications. Imagine your food intake being the answer to your lifelong struggle of feeling really good about your life!