Whether we like it or not, 2020 is pulling into town full steam and with it the inevitable weight-loss resolutions.
For some people, these resolutions are the beginning of better things to come. But for many, they are the beginning of yet another failed attempt to lose weight or become healthier.
The good news is that there are some simple and easy tips that can help you establish healthy exercise routines and eating habits that don’t involve working out like Michael Phelps or limiting yourself to eating just a stock of celery and two almonds per day.
When it comes to exercising, Marty Reed, an exercise physiologist and registered nurse at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, says people need to start slow when beginning an exercise routine and know their limitations.
Another key to establishing successful exercise habits is keeping to a consistent schedule and establishing concrete steps meant to achieve a defined goal.
Reed says it is important that habits established are ones that can be kept up for the foreseeable future.
Other tips for achieving a healthy lifestyle include:
- being deliberate with exercise as opposed to assuming regular tasks like grocery shopping and mowing the lawn are good enough.
- involving both cardio and strength training in your routine.
- sitting less.
- eating smaller portions of food.
- staying hydrated.
- eating balanced meals.
- keeping healthy snack foods available.
Ascension Via Christi does have a weight-loss management program available that helps with physical training, nutritional counseling, psychological assessments, medical guidance and, if necessary, surgery.
Those interested can attend orientation sessions at the Ascension Via Christi Clinic at 222 N. 6th St. on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. or visit viachristi.org.
