U.S. News & World Report, and was reminded that summer is the main time of year when people try fad diets to lose weight or maintain weight management to look good at the pool or vacation to the beach. Fad diets, as their name implies, are short-term quick fixes that actually set many dieters up for weight-loss failure. If a diet or product sounds too good to be true, it is. Unfortunately, there are no “magic” foods or pills that burn fat. No super foods or fitness products that will speed your metabolism to the point where “fat melts away” while you watch TV or sleep. And, some ingredients in supplements and herbal products can actually be fatal. Life is already complicated enough. Limiting food choices or following rigid meal plans can be an overwhelming, distasteful task. With any new diet, always ask yourself: “Can I eat this way for the rest of my life?” If the answer is no, don’t do it. So, how can people keep the weight off and maintain weight management? It’s simple – exercise. Regular physical activity is essential for good health and healthy weight management. The key to success is to find physical activities that you enjoy and then to aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity or athletic training every day. Make it a family endeavor! Exercise as a family. Play a quick game of basketball after lunch on a weekend, plan a “gardening party,” or take the pets for a walk. You don’t have to use a Stair Master to get a great workout. You just need to use your imagination. If you want to maintain a healthy weight, build muscle and lose fat, the best path is a lifelong combination of eating smarter and getting moving. Doesn’t that sound better than a lifelong diet of cabbage soup or grapefruit? I sure think so! And, it’ll benefit your long-term health and your kids’ health. It’s a win-win! Learn more about how Fitness for Health can help you create a customized fitness program or athletic training that is fun for the whole family (kids too) while helping to maintain weight management and increase bone and joint health.]]>
Tags: diets, fad diets, yo-yo dieting, yo-yo diets, summer, family playtime, family fitness, fitness exercise