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View Full Version : Trim down in 2004, keep it off



thedrifter
01-10-04, 06:42 AM
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification Number: 200419105217
Story by Cpl. Jennifer Brofer



MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND S.C.(Jan. 9, 2004) -- After the New Year, many people resolve to trim down and get into shape - the trouble is, keeping their New Year's resolution to lose weight and keep it off is easier said than done.

Some people resort to crash dieting and deprive themselves of the food they crave, or hit the gym hard for a couple of weeks, then gradually taper off until they have fallen back into their old habits again.

Get-thin-quick schemes seldom work, and the people who do have success with these diet regimens rarely keep the weight off for very long. Instead, setting realistic goals and making simple changes to eating habits and everyday lifestyle may help shed that extra fat and keep the weight off - for good.

According to Cynthia May, fitness specialist and exercise program director for the Combat Fitness Center, many people fall into common "diet traps" when trying to shed those unwanted pounds.

Here are the most common fad diets:

Eating all you want - "To lose weight, more energy has to come out than go in," said May. "If you burn more calories than you take in, you lose weight. Bottom line."

Starving yourself to lose weight - "Low-calorie diets are dangerous," warned May. "Gradual weight loss is healthier and you're more likely to keep the weight off."

Losing 20 pounds in two weeks - "Early weight loss from fad diets is usually from water loss and muscle weight, and you'll gain that right back," revealed May. "Losing a pound or two a week is an excellent goal. This means 500 fewer calories a day."
The solution to these common problems is making a realistic plan - and sticking to it, said May.

"Losing weight slowly will help keep the weight off, but you will need to continue your weight management program or you'll gain the weight back."

May offers these tips for gradual weight loss:

Talk to a professional doctor or dietician.

Eat smaller meals, and eat a variety of foods to be sure you are getting the nutrition you need.

Snack on fruits and vegetables in between meals, and choose whole-grain products, low-fat dairy products and leaner meats.

Prepare foods with little to no fat. Limit salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake.

Weight train at least two times a week. Weight training boosts metabolism and burns more calories.

Get plenty of cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes, four to five times a week. Try walking, running, cycling, aerobic classes, dancing or kickboxing.

Trimming down is not only good for your waistline, but also helps to prevent certain types of cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, which have all been linked to excess body weight, according to WebMD, which can be found at www.webmd.com.

May added that regular physical activity also helps reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and increases balance, coordination and body awareness.

"It also helps prevent injury and contributes to a positive body image, self-esteem and self-confidence," said May.

Starting a new exercise regimen can be overwhelming for beginners, so the Combat Fitness Center offers its free personal training services to anyone who needs help getting started.

Whether you are trying to lose a few holiday pounds or totally overhaul your physical appearance this year, following these simple tips will help you keep your New Year's resolution, and tighten your belt a few notches along the way.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/F2CE3162C350826785256E1600572F58?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: