21st Annual #HealthyWeightWeek

January 19-25 marks the 21st annual Healthy Weight Week, a time to celebrate healthy, diet-free living habits that last a lifetime and prevent eating and weight problems.

When it comes to weight loss, there’s no lack of fad diets promising fast results. But such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run.

The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about short-term dietary

changes. It’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and

balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body

uses. Healthy Weight Week’s main concept is that dieting is not only harmful to your

body but your self-esteem. Here are a few tips to achieve a healthier, happier you!

• STOP Dieting!
  • No more weight loss goals or thinking being “thin” will make you happy.
  • No more weight-obsessive thoughts; instead focus on being your best self, beginning now!
• Change your Image.
  • Use self-talk and affirmations to enhance personal appearance, respect, and self-esteem. Feeling good about yourself is the first step to being healthy.
• Be Active!
  • Being active can mean so many different things, so what is being active to you? No more focusing on the calories burned or time on the treadmill.
  • Focus on the pleasure of movement and the health benefits associated with being active.
  • Start with five minutes a day, and gradually increase your active time.
• Eat Well
  • All five food groups should be incorporated into your meals each day:
    • bread and grains
    • fruits
    • vegetables
    • milk and dairy
    • meat and alternatives
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet will get you headed in the right direction.
• Relax!
  • Take time for yourself, to relax and relieve the stresses in your life.
  • Stress can lead to high blood pressure, chest pains, back pain, indigestion, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, confusion, mood swings, irritability, and anger.
  • Try to take a daily 10-15 minute relaxation break, focusing on emptying your mind and body of the stress accumulated.