It’s that time of the year again when we try to fix what we’ve done to ourselves from the previous year.
The population is getting bigger each year by approximately two pounds per person. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but what does it add up to in 10 or 20 years down the road? In the 1980s, 23 per cent of the population was obese and today that figure has increased to 34%. The percentage of people that are considered overweight and obese is roughly 70%.
Here’s an interesting fact about the risk of obesity; your chance of becoming obese increases just from having a friend that is obese. The reason for this increased risk is that friends can influence the way we eat. We are social beings that impact the people around us. This can be because many people will have friends help them when setting up goals, which may be good, or sometimes could have a negative consequence especially if one is failing. Remember, having a friend’s help is always nice but ultimately it’s up to you to succeed. Most of our challenges in maintaining good health are by the choices we make.
Of course, there are people who achieve their New Year’s resolution goal and maintain it, which is about 8% overall. How do these 8% do it? Here is the secret:
– keep it simple: having too many goals can lead to failure and too much pressure all at once;
– keep the goal small and attainable: you’ll have a better chance of success which builds self-confidence;
– be action specific with your goal. If you plan on losing weight, what, when and how will you do this? Example: walking 30 minutes, in the evenings on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays;
– chart your progress in a notebook or a chart: this is the number one way to success; and
– keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself.
When attempting to lose weight, most people have their challenging foods. Once they start eating a certain food stopping at a small serving can prove difficult. If you know that you can’t control eating that food then don’t bring it home. If you must have that treat, buy a single serving size, but know this; the more you eat of it, especially sweets and fatty foods, the more you will crave it.
Many people love sweets and have no control when it comes to stopping once they’ve started. If after the holiday you have accumulated extra sweets or other high calorie foods that are too good to pass up every time you walk by them then give it away. Many shelters or food banks are running low on food and would be appreciative to receive it.
For more information about any of the free services offered by your local Family Health Team ask your doctor or nurse practitioner, visit the website www.afhto.ca or google ‘family health team locations.’
