A new study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced that 29% of the world’s population is overweight or obese. This is not acceptable! We have to make a change.
Are you overweight? Do you know someone who is overweight? Do you have a lab result that is scaring you…and losing weight could help? Or do you have a loved one in that situation? It is time to make a change…to live healthier…to get well…
This epidemic is affecting all of us. While the study found that two out of three of the obese live in developing countries, it also found “there is a strong link between increased income and obesity – as people get richer, their waist lines also tend to start bulging,” according to Christopher Murray, who led the investigation.
We can all do something. NOW.
- Start moving – are you in an exercise routine? Is your overweight loved one moving regularly? Start with walking for 5 minutes a day. That is it. And for those of you who are already in a good routine, can you change it up a bit to challenge yourself?
- Eat vegetables!! While no one knows exactly what is the best diet for weight loss, we all can agree that vegetables are a large part of the mix. Full of nutrients, packed with fiber and barely any calories – cook em, eat em raw…I dont care…just eat them.
- Go to the doctor. When was the last time you went for an annual physical? Do you know your cholesterol panel, blood glucose and blood pressure values? This is a must. Make an appt…and for the loved one who has not gone to the doctor in years…make an appointment for them. Be a proactive patient!
- Drink water. A large part of our weight crisis is we drink too many of our calories. We add sugar to our coffee, drinks sodas and juices, drink too much alcohol – be sure you are hydrating with the old school basic….water. Drink up buttercup.
- Get rid of the JUNK….please! Know what you are eating…look at the ingredients and make sure you can understand what you are putting in your body. If it did not come from the earth, or have a mother….get it out of your diet. Whole, real foods.
ASK FOR HELP! Please! Weight loss is so difficult and requires a village. Ask friends, family, health professionals, ME…anyone. Ask for help in taking that first step forward.
I may not be able to singlehandedly change the world, but I do believe if we all take a baby step in the right direction it will have a profound affect.
Dream big!