People are becoming aware of the negative effects of excess weight and through exercise programs or by their own workout plan they are trying to produce a healthier lifestyle.
“I want to live a long life,” said Timothy Clay Sr. An Indianapolis resident, he has been trying to lose weight on his own for two years, but he has found himself not committed to exercising on a regular basis. Clay admits it’s hard to stick to a diet plan with his family eating tempting food around him.
Shantay Glover, a Weight Watcher leader, was once in the same predicament until she discovered how to balance her eating habits. As a result she has lost 36.8 pounds and is currently maintaining her weight.
“We as Black people are used to the big Thanksgiving spread,” Glover said. “We are taught those foods are good but never how to incorporate them with moderation. We (learn) to eat like this because we are ‘Black’ and it’s our culture.”
Weight Watchers has programs for people who want to change their lives by incorporating exercise and healthy eating habits – the Core and Flex Programs.
The Core Program allows the individual to have a list of foods consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, cheeses, whole grains and more healthy selections. The menu provides information so participants can only choose from the list and one cannot eat outside those foods. This program helps people eat healthy and maintain their weight.
The Flex Program is for individuals who don’t want structure and don’t like limiting themselves to specific types of foods. One can eat any sort of meal but there is a point value involved. They have to count every selection consumed and if one goes over the point system they may gain weight.
Once a Weight Watcher participant Glover can reminisce on where she used to be and how far she has come.
“My clothes were becoming tighter and I didn’t want to go up another size,” explained Glover. “I didn’t understand how you could eat and keep your weight down at the same time.”
When one consumes too many calories, data reveals if they exercise for the proper amount of time they will not suffer weight gain. But if the individual eats too many calories and does not work the calories off, they may add on extra pounds.
Despite Clay’s many failures to commit to a program, he is willing to keep trying because he believes one only failing when they give up.
“I am going to start another workout plan,” Clay stated. “As long as I keep trying and take care of business I can lose this weight. I feel (this weight) is a dangerous thing. It’s my job to take care of my body. If I don’t, I could die before my time. I don’t want that to happen.”
For those not a part of a health program there are tips experts offer individuals desiring to lose weight. Some of them include developing a diet plan the whole family can follow, participating in daily walks, not snacking throughout the day or after 7 p.m. and only receive food portions the size of your fist. Also if one drinks a full glass of water before and after their meal data show one will less likely desire a second helping of food.
Glover adds obesity could quit being a problem in America if the proper education is taught on how to lose weight and maintain weight lost.
“If people would learn how to eat healthier, it will make the numbers of obesity go down tremendously,” Glover said.
