Consider These Wellness Tips to Prevent Obesity

Article by guest contributor Joyce Wilson

There is no escaping the reality that excess fat diminishes quality of life. Making lifestyle changes to decrease internal fat and mitigate the problems associated with it shouldn’t be about looking like people in the magazines or reaching a certain number on the scale. Hoodlm shares tips on improving your overall wellness and feeling better every morning when you wake up.

Track Your Progress Sans Scale

One way to keep yourself encouraged while on your fat loss journey is to throw away the scale. It seems counterintuitive, but hear us out. The number on the scale is not always an accurate reflection of your progress. Our weight tends to fluctuate between five and 10 pounds due to water retention. However, seeing a number you don’t want to see on the scale can be discouraging and lead to a diet or exercise relapse. If the scale causes you undue stress, it’s best to keep it out of sight and out of mind and only weigh yourself once a week at maximum.

Instead of weighing yourself, track your progress through other methods:

Notice how you feel. Are you more energized? Do you have a better attitude?
Enjoy improved sleep.
Experience less stress.
Pay attention to health improvements including better respiration, less sweating and an easier time getting around.
Take a look in the mirror and notice improvements in your skin and complexion.
Use a tape measure to track decreases in inches around your arms, legs, and torso.

Tips for Fighting Obesity

Find an Enjoyable Workout – Exercise often feels like a chore, so it’s up to you to search for a workout you really love and look forward to. Shop around different exercise classes to find one that you feel comfortable in. Grab a friend and make working out a social affair. While you are establishing your workout routine, don’t get stuck doing the same thing over and over again. Workout variety including strength and flexibility training is necessary for internal fat reduction. And remember part of enjoying your workout is feeling comfortable and confident while you’re doing it. Shop around for workout gear — from sports bras to training shoes — that provides the support you need to feel your best while you sweat.
Build a Home Gym or Studio – Time is always the main issue when it comes to getting to the gym. Not to mention that in this day and age, more people are forgoing a gym membership and focusing on home workouts instead. If this sounds like you, a home gym or workout studio can be the hot ticket. And it can be anything you want it to be. From a small area in your living room where you manage daily workouts to renovating your basement to accommodate a weight rack and yoga space. Whatever you do, make sure to outfit it with all the necessary gear, and make a point to keep receipts and take photos for any extensive work that will boost your home value.
Sleep Well – You may not believe it, but sleeping more can actually help you lose weight. Sleep boosts your metabolism, curbs cravings and helps your brain and body stay focused and on the weight loss track.

Change Your Diet – You can’t continue to eat junk and processed foods and lose weight. Changing your diet doesn’t have to be scary, though. Instead of looking at healthy food as boring, refocus your perspective to see it as the optimal fuel for your machine. If you are what you eat, you want to be lean, fresh, and natural. Consume a diet full of whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.

Address Your Mental Health – The mind and body are intrinsically connected. If you want to improve one, you have to address both. Often our issues with weight and obesity stem from past trauma or emotions we hang onto. Addressing your mental health through therapy can help address these issues so you can let them go and move forward into a life of wellness.

Excess internal fat increases mortality while diminishing quality of life. When attempting to lose body weight, it’s okay to throw out the scale and measure progress through other means, especially if the scale causes undue stress that leads to relapse. Simple lifestyle changes like sleeping more, finding an enjoyable workout, eating more whole foods and addressing mental health can help reduce internal body fat and improve quality of life.