In our uncertain economy it is pretty tough to determine whether you should splurge on that home gym and the weight loss program or just head to the mall and buy the hottest jeans on the rack, even though you know you’ll have 2 sizes up. No matter what factors you use to convince yourself that the jeans are the way to go, if you don’t feel good, you won’t look good wearing them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about two thirds of deaths and 80% of the cost of health in America are associated with chronic disease –meaning health problems can be the biggest nightmare you can imagine for your wallet.
Everyone always worries about what it’s going to cost to get that gym membership or the fees to join weight loss program. The truth is they should be worried about how much that bypass surgery or high blood pressure medication will cost if they don’t get healthy. There are so many simple, cost effective things to do to stay healthy right now today that down the line could save you tons of cash.
Weight Watchers has gathered 10 simple ways you can use to keep fit and stay healthy:
1. Drop the Soda… Grab a Water.
Water is cheaper and healthier…it's plain and simple. And if you want to take the even cheaper route, try the tap instead of bottled. It might not necessarily be cleaner but most bottled water companies get their supply from the same source you do: Municipal Water Systems. Try buying a filter… and there you have your own “purified” water.
2. Buy Frozen Veggies.
They take less time to prepare, you don’t waste money if not eaten in time and you can buy them bulk.
3. Take Food to Work.
Three simple steps for this one: get up earlier, eat a solid breakfast, and prepare your food for work. Total time spent: 30 minutes max. Saves money, and you don’t have to stress about which fast food place your going to hit in your short lunch break.
4. Don’t Buy Junk Food.
Two words: unhealthy and expensive.
5. Eat Eggs.
They are fabulous. Not only are the cheap, but they are full of vitamins and high in protein which makes them great for healthy living.
6. Cut Down on Red Meat, Caffeine, Sugar and Salt.
It may be the hardest thing to do, but these things are the four wheels that , if overindulged in, can roll your body right down the road to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
7. Exercise.
Face it you have to burn calories to keep your metabolism in top shape. And you may not know that you can exercise for free. Walking , marching in place, doing jumping jacks, even doing some lifting with the kids will work...just make sure its at least 30 minutes a day.
8. Don’t let yourself go hungry.
If you starve yourself you’ll end up devouring a truck load of food like a savaged beast in turn spending too much money at the grocery store or restaurant.
9. Toss your Vices.
If you just cannot see yourself eating just a bite of that giant cupcake… don’t buy them. It saves you money and can trim your waistline at the same time.
10. Think twice about joining weight loss programs.
You already have all these other tips in place just think of the lifetime of money you will save with adopting a new “lifestyle” and not a quick fix diet. Pick a reputable and scientifically proven program (like Weight Watchers) that will provide you with accurate information and motivation to get healthier.
To some it is a word that when uttered it is like scratching a chalk board with nails... but to others it is the one thing that gives them the energy and drive to get through the day. Exercise. We all know we need to exercise more, but the sad truth is that we’re just not making it happen. This is despite all of the “known” health benefits. Did you know nearly half of all Americans adults are not at all active… and 7 in 10 are not moderately active for the recommended 30 minutes a day… “most days of the week”! The fact is America is not just “exercise-a-phobic” but “anti-movement”. It's actually funny, comparing how fast-paced our society is to us being generally non-physical. As a result our bodies and our health have begun to suffer.
Beliefs about exercise have changed dramatically over the past decade. Scientist and health care providers used to believe that exercise had to be vigorous or intense to lead to “meaningful health benefits”. But as of recently they began to think otherwise.
A Harvard Study found that: in adult women at least – moderate (brisk) walking decreases diabetes risk similarly to participation in more vigorous activity. Simply being physically active during leisure time – particularly if doing longer or more intense activities – also reduces diabetes risk as well. Astonishing, right? Well, now you can send your “I don’t exercise because its just too intense attitude” right out of the door. Knowing that we need to be more active just isn’t working to get us exercising regularly. So try this: Simply change you beliefs about what constitutes being “more active”.
- “Physical activity” means so much more than just planned activities. Just taking 2,000 extra steps a day can be the difference between gaining weight and losing weight.
- Even standing, talking, and fidgeting use up extra calories and can make a difference in your body weight.
- Vary Your Activities So you don’t get bored
- If you can't set aside one long block of time, do several shorter sessions of activity throughout the day, such as three 10-minute walks.
- Create opportunities for activity, such as parking your car some distance from your destination and walking.
- Don’t let your excuses leave you parked on the couch! Let's Get Moving…. Make your activity a regular part of your day so it becomes a habit, instead of a drag. You’ll be glad you did it!
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Cancer Prevention
Weight Watchers is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to weight loss that is based on the latest scientific thinking. All too often in weight loss, a program or product is developed and then individual studies that support the program are provided to "justify" its existence. The Weight Watchers approach comes out of the science, not the other way around.
© 2008