Every New Year, the minute the clock strikes twelve, countless people around the globe resolve to shed those extra kilos. You may not be surprised to learn that weight loss is one of the most popular of all New Year resolutions and also, one that fizzles out the soonest, especially as we are unable to alter our unhealthy lifestyle and eating patterns.
The New Year dawns with so much hope and promise and yet, old habits die hard, proving that the more things change every year, the more they remain the same. Instead of focusing solely on weight loss for the sake of looking good, ensure that your New Year's resolutions have a long-term health impact. Here are some of the resolutions that experts across the country recommend that you should be taking this year to keep your weight under control and to improve your general health.
Eat, sleep and exercise: We seldom realize that eating, sleeping and exercising are goals that are interlinked. Unless you pencil all three simultaneously into your New Year's schedule, you cannot hope to reap any health benefits. Consulting Nutritionist Malavika Athavale, host of www.eatrite.in advises you to make exercise, sleep and nutrition an equally important part of your lifestyle in the year ahead. “Simple changes such as exercising for 40 minutes just thrice a week, sleeping for at least six hours at night, never skipping meals and ensuring that your body is well-hydrated throughout the day can give you tremendous health benefits,” she says. “The health resolutions you take need to be personal, individualized and not taken at the spur of the moment. Do aim at an overall positive change.”
Avoid herbal weight loss products: While there is documentary evidence of the healing effects of natural herbs, the same cannot be said of the plethora of herbal products that have assailed the markets. “A weight loss product that claims to be "natural" or "herbal" is not necessarily safe,” warns Dr.Anoop Misra, Director & Head of the Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Fortis Group of Hospitals, New Delhi., “These products are not usually scientifically tested to prove that they are safe or that they work. For example, certain herbal products have caused serious health problems and even death. It is therefore necessary to talk to your physician before using any weight loss product.” If you intend to try herbal products this year, ensure that they come from authentic sources and have documented health benefits.
Cut back on bad habits in moderation: Any bad habit that has held you in its clutches for years can be difficult to weed out overnight. Richa Anand, Chief dietician at Dr LH Hirandani Hospitals, Mumbai advises you to cut back in moderation this New Year, taking small steps to rid yourself of die-hard habits. “If you're a chain smoker, aim at reducing two cigarettes a day. Sweet lovers should try to replace at least one dessert by fresh fruit. Reduce alcohol intake gradually.” Richa also suggests making breakfast a mandatory meal for everyone in the family and avoiding eating meals in front of a blaring television as this cannot only distract and deter family discussions, but can make you eat more than you intend to.
“When we choose to go slow while getting rid of bad habits, we tend to make these positive changes stick,” says Richa.
Say no to slimming pills: There are so many myths regarding weight loss that it may be confusing and hard to focus on the facts. Dr Anoop Misra sheds light on some of these mysteries, so that you can make clear choices this year. “In recent times, much hype has surrounded the marketing of weight loss pills. There is no magic pill that can lead to weight loss,” he says. “Avoid taking slimming pills this year as it cannot help in keeping the weight off in the long term. Focus instead on individual meals. “Follow a well balanced diet with regular physical activity.”
Don't switch to low fat foods: One of the biggest mistakes dieters do is to switch to low-fat products. Many people vow to do this around New Year, when losing weight is uppermost on their minds. However, experts do not agree anymore on the benefits of low-fat products. “A low-fat or non-fat food is often considered to have lower calories than the same serving of the full-fat product,” says Dr Misra. “But many processed low-fat or non-fat foods have just as many calories as the full-fat version of the same food; some even have more calories! They may contain added sugar, flour, or starch thickeners (corn starch) to improve flavour and texture after fat is removed. These ingredients add calories to the product. It is, therefore, important to read the Nutrition Facts Label on a food package to find out how many calories there are in a serving. Check the serving size mentioned on the nutrition label too as it may be less than you are used to eating.”
Becoming more aware of diet and lifestyle this New Year can help you ring in a healthier, happier you in 2012. As you lose weight the healthy way and become more fit, these small steps and positive changes can even transform the quality of your life in the years ahead.
