Obesity is a big problem in the United States. Though we can blame this on things like the fast food industry, there is only one person we seem to forget to add to the list – ourselves.
Knowledge is power and since knowing is half the battle, here are a few tips to help raise your life expectancy by a few years. This information might not help you shed pounds, but with any luck it will help you to slow the toll we must pay to Father Time.
First and foremost, watch what you eat. The first thing many Americans choose when they look at a menu are the fried, breaded and battered foods. All these things have a lot of calories and often soak up grease from the pan.
If the first thing you see when your plate comes is hot liquid grease, you might want to rethink your food selections. Depending on the restaurant you go to, grilled and steamed foods can have the same robust flavor as baked foods without all the added trans-fats.
Second, do not be afraid to ask your waitress for custom orders. Be picky with your food. Many times a good restaurant will offer vinegar and oil instead of creamy Italian dressing. The dressing alone can add 200 calories to your meal and that’s just the salad’s topping.
Ask your waitress about what ingredients they use in certain dishes and if they will prepare it with the same food steamed or grilled.
Do not eat at buffets, as they are a death trap—literally. People who go to buffets often stuff their faces in order to make up for the $12 they spent, when they could have just gone to the grocery store and got enough rice, beans and vegetables to last them for the next four days.
Finally, avoid eating from boredom. Boredom has played a giant part in the obesity of our nation. With so many things today conveniently placed, we have more time than ever to do absolutely nothing. This breeds all the distractions we have for keeping us entertained, and yes, food is one of them.
Today we have more microwavable foods, instant noodle snacks and junk food than ever were, with new types of foods being released to the market every month. Find a hobby or something productive to take up your free time and help you keep your mind off your next meal. You’ll be on track to a longer and healthier life.
