Lifestyle Changes For Health And Weight Loss, The New Buzz Word

Lifestyle change seems to be the buzz word these days. Lifestyle is all encompassing. Anywhere from getting quality sleep, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and etc. etc. etc.

What is quality sleep and why is it important? With all the studies related to sleep, it has been determined that 7-8 hours of sleep is essential for the human brain and body. Quality sleep has shown to slow down the aging process, fight free radicals, helps maintain ones ideal body weight, and sleep also refreshes the brain and helps with stress relief and memory. It is suggested we strive to reach 7-8 hours of good quality sleep every 24 hours. I can see why the more I read up on the subject.

Many of us are studying and self educating ourselves on healthy eating. I have learned healthy eating ranges from what types of foods we consume, quantity of food, and even time of day we eat. The types of foods range from meats to vegetables and even deserts. But the most important thing to remember is what nutritional compound is released by each food we consume. Proteins are important to support muscle and with out muscle mass it is extremely difficult to support a healthy body weight. For example proteins are found in meats, eggs, and most beans. There are many other sources. Fats are both bad and good for the body. Good fats help us maintain good over all health, inside and out. Good fat examples are avocados and most nuts, like almonds. Our bodies need these good fats for fuel and efficiency. Vitamins and minerals help support bones, blood and muscle mass. We have all heard “eat your fruits and vegetables.” No wonder this is the primary supply of vitamins and minerals.

Quantity of food is a biggie; our nation’s portion sizes are out of control. And we eat them! It’s no wonder that 65% of the people in North America are classified as overweight. Food is not the enemy, as you can see from above; our body needs food; just not so much of the stuff and not so much of the bad stuff. Moderation is a good thing when it comes to food for our body. We need something that helps us feel full sooner and longer, thus eating less calories. I have seen appetite suppressants before, and as I study them, they all work a little differently.

From Fiber to proteins, etc. I saw one recently called Slendesta TM a potato protein powder that is a proteinase inhibitor II that when ingested sends a signal to the brain from the stomach telling your body that “you are full” “stop eating.” This sounds like a great product to take while you are making your lifestyle changes, your eating habit changes.

Another part of healthy living, that is all over print these days is, drink plenty of water! Our bodies are made up of over 80% water and it is essential for healthy brain and body function. Water helps flush the body toxins, drinking cold water increases your bodies’ calorie burn and it also help the stomach feel full so you don’t snack. Hydration is extremely important, so drink 8, 8 oz glasses a day.

Exercise helps increase the bodies’ internal metabolism. With all the money spend in North America today on exercise equipment and exercise gadgets we have forgot some basic strategies. If you are an expert athlete or a beginner take extra steps everyday. These extra steps burn calories. Go on a walk, If it’s to cold outside, jump on a treadmill. When you walk on an incline, you burn up to twice as many calories. So walk up hill or turn up your incline on that treadmill. Take the stairs at the shopping mall, or park the furthest away from the grocery store front door. Each extra step helps burn calories. So making lifestyle changes for your health can be hard, but you are what you eat. Here’s to your health. Best of luck.