6 Steps to a Healthier You - Step 2

Step 2 - Achieving Balance

Achieve Balance: eat better, move more 

Plan ahead to make healthy eating and activity a part of every day.  Short bits of activity throughout your day can quickly add up.  Move more, take the stairs, walk, and use pedometer to measure your steps.

Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.

A well balanced diet and regular physical activity will help you feel your best, achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, and will help lower your risk for health problems. You do not have to give up foods you love…just aim for variety and moderation.

Eat three meals a day

This means starting your day with a good breakfast!  Do not skip meals.  If your meals are more than four hours apart, you may need a snack.  Most of your calories should be consumed during the day when you are most active.  Eating small amounts of healthy choices more regularly and earlier in the day will provide your body with the energy it needs. 

How much weight should you lose?

Healthy weight loss is no more than 2 pounds (1 kg) per week.  If you lose too much weight too fast you have a higher chance of gaining that weight back plus more.The only way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is by eating a healthy diet and by being active.  Fad diets don't work!  About 95% of people who lose weight on a diet gain it back within 5 years.

Regular meals control appetite

A regular meal pattern also helps to prevent cravings and becoming "over hungry".  Often when people skip meals they tend to choose convenience foods that are higher in fat and calories than those who eat on a regular basis.  Also, if you are very hungry, you may eat faster and more food than you need.  Irregular meal patterns and frequent snacking of convenience foods can lead to extra calories and weight gain.

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)