Tips on Reaching Weight Loss Goals

By Ashley Chapman 

With a new year comes new goals and plans to make a change to your eating regimen. If your goal is to lose weight, tone, or maintain your current weight, you may have questioned which is more important: exercising or changing your eating habits.  While many may take sides on the issues, it comes down to genetics, what you are eating, and what type of exercise you are engaging in.

Genetics Play a Role

Whether you follow health experts on social media or have a coworker who has raved about the newest diet trend, it is important to remember that genetics do play a major role in how bodies look. This includes being aware of your family history. Some health conditions may be making it difficult for you to lose weight.

Some health conditions that may be stopping you from your weight loss goals may include:

• Thyroid functions (overactive or underactive)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes

When creating fitness goals, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider if you suffer from a health condition that may be preventing you from reaching your weight goals.

Food Choice 

Creating a habit when it comes to eating can be greatly beneficial to the success of your weight goals. While you do not need to give up food groups entirely, it can be a good idea to limit foods that will not be a healthy choice to eat consistently.

Foods that you may want to limit include items that are high in fat, salt or sugar. Some examples of these foods include candy, ice cream, fries or chips.  Instead of eating these types of foods, it could help by replacing them with healthy alternatives. Some healthy alternatives may include kale chips, zucchini chips, and pita chips.

Exercise 

A common misconception that people believe when looking to set weight loss goals is that you do not need to worry about what you eat, if you work out. Remember that your diet paired with exercise is going to give you your best results.

If you are starting with working out for the first time or it has been awhile, it is vital that you ease your way back into your workouts. Try working out one or two times a week, allowing your body to gradually adjust to your workout regimen.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.