What You Can Do... · To prevent weight gain, try about 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days.
· Park the car farther away from your destination.
· Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
· Exercise while watching TV (for example, use hand weights, stationary bicycle/treadmill/stair climber, or stretch).
· Know where you at with your physical activity and where you want to go.
· Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself, and make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine such as designating time for family walks or playing active games together.
· Establish a routine. Set aside time everyday for physical activity. You can break up your physical activity into 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day.
· Choose the most nutritionally rich foods you can from each food group each day – those packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, but lower in calories. Pick foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products more often.
· Becoming a healthier you isn't just about eating healthy – it’s also about physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness. It also helps you control body weight by balancing the calories you take in as food with the calories you expend each day.
· Many restaurants serve more food than one person needs at one meal. Take control of the amount of food that ends up on your plate by splitting an entrée with a friend. Or, ask the waiter for a "to-go" box and wrap up half your meal as soon as it's brought to the table.
· When eating or snacking in front of the TV, put the amount that you plan to eat into a bowl or container instead of eating straight from the package. It's easy to overeat when your attention is focused on something else.
For More Information...· U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1-800-336-4797
www.smallstep.gov
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www.healthierus.gov