January - Healthy Weight Awareness Month
Physical activity and a healthy diet are two important factors in maintaining a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with a decreased risk for developing a number of chronic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, and certain types of cancers. Being physically active is also associated with an improvement in mood and mental health along with strong bones and muscles.
Physical activity doesn’t have to mean going to a gym for an hour every day. Great forms of exercise include walking, doing housework and outdoor chores, yoga and stretching, and at home workouts. It’s important to move our bodies every day in some small way!
Our eating patterns and diets also play a large role in maintenance of a healthy weight. A healthy diet may look different for every person based on medical needs, physical abilities, and preferences. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, protein, and sources of fiber are important for all individuals. This can even be done on a tight budget. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables can be cost friendly alternatives to fresh produce. Good sources of fiber can include oats, whole grain breads and pastas, rice, whole potatoes, along with many fruits and vegetables. Protein is vital in maintaining muscle mass. Great cost-effective sources include milk and yogurts, beans and legumes, and canned or packaged meats and fish. A variety in your day to day eating habits is important to your overall health!
At any point in a health journey, accountability can be crucial in your success. If you are needing some accountability this new year, or just have questions about your diet, reach out to set up a 1 on 1 appointment with me at the clinic! Small changes to our daily movement and diet can add up to big improvements in our health in the long run, so start small today!
From your LivWell Dietitian,
Katie Gipson MS, RD, LD
