Slow cookers and stairs help to fight against obesity problems in America

Many Americans have long commutes to work, and children to care for. When finally arriving home to make dinner for the family, they need to be conscious of their health as well as health of their children. All it takes is a little motivation to incorporate the following tips into your routine:

Eating healthier

The slow cooker is great way to prepare nutritious low-fat meals. It does not take too much of your time to put some food into the slow cooker and to let it cook for the whole day. Turkey or chicken with vegetables are some of the healthier options. There are several books with a variety of lower calorie recipes for slow cookers. The best thing about the slow cooker is that when you finally make it home, the food is ready to be served for the whole family. This is a much healthier alternative than spaghetti with meatballs or mac and cheese.

If you can’t avoid stopping by a fast food restaurant, try to go for some of the reduced fat food options and/or lower carb meals that are offered. McDonalds New York City, Philadelphia and Maryland are delivering French fries with 0 grams of trans- fat per labeled serving and reduced saturated fats. They guarantee it tastes the same! Wendy’s offers gluten-free hamburgers and several salad choices. In the category of eat-in restaurants, IHOP has 4 options either with lower carbs, fewer fat grams or less calories. Applebee’s has a contract with Weight Watchers to offer meals with reduced calorie cheeses, lean grilled meats, whole wheat buns and seasonal vegetables. The point is, if you absolutely have to pick up fast food or eat in a restaurant, know that you may have an option for something less greasy and fattening to put into your body. And don’t forget that deserts are for kids.

Exercise

Keep in mind that any physical activity is good. It does not mean you have to run a marathon. Take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. If there are several floors to your destination start out with one flight of stairs and build up your tolerance, and before you know it, you will be able to walk up six flights of stairs.  Walk an additional block when going home or to the office. After work, take your children for a bike ride .Get your body moving! Remember, most of us don’t do a physical job.

If you are a student and your campus has walkways and stairs, use them. Avoid elevators if you can. If you are a parent, make sure your child’s school has a good exercise program. If a child exercises 30 minutes or more per day, they will understand that exercise is natural and crucial for a healthy life style.

If your understand these facts about obesity in America and know how you fall into those traps, you are already half- way there to adopting an  improved lifestyle and weight loss program. Habits are hard to change, and I’m sure most people know what it takes to change bad habits. It takes a little hard work and a consistent routine for about two weeks to get started. Focus and discipline are needed to succeed. It is important to be conscious about what you put into you body and that you should keep moving to stay fit. You don’t need to starve or leave your family to go to the gym, but you can definitely be wiser about the choices you make about eating and getting exercise.

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