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By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ Writer
How many times do you gaze at yourself in the mirror with disappointment?
You spend so much time obsessing about your weight that you may have lost touch with your body. The truth is, listening to the rhythms of your body may be the best way to live a healthy life.
Health experts suggest a new, simple approach to weight loss: change your attitude. This will make you a happier person, the experts say. And, it will also give you energy and let you lose weight more naturally and more easily.
Redirect your focus from the scale to living a healthier lifestyle. Being thin doesn't automatically mean you are healthy. Thin people who don't lead heart-healthy lives are also at risk for problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are risks for heart disease and stroke.
Diets rarely work and there's a very good reason. The body can't be controlled by external rules. Look at weight loss as an eating plan that you adopt for life.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Eat in response to hunger and stop eating when your body tells you it's full. These are the keys to building a good relationship with food and preventing eating disorders.
- Exercise to improve your health and quality of life.
- Find your comfort zone with your body, appreciate it for what it is and keep an eye on risk factors for diseases like high blood pressure.
- Don't let stress cause you to relapse into unhealthy habits.
- Have regular check-ups. Get health screenings as recommended by your doctor.
Your body is forgiving. It can withstand years of abuse and neglect. Once you shift your focus to your body rather than the scale, your body will flourish and weight loss will happen naturally.
Assess your life:
- Do you eat dinner in front of the television or on your way out the door? Instead, eat dinner at the table, where you can appreciate your food and hear your body's messages.
- How quickly do you eat? Slow down. It takes 15 minutes for your brain to get the message that you have had enough.
- Do you exercise? If so, do you enjoy your exercise? Do you make it a priority?
- Are you stressed? Stress can lead to overeating and affect how your body uses food.
- How does your body feel when you're hungry? Wait for hunger to happen. In the meantime, do something to keep your mind off food.
- Are you depressed? Mood disorders play a role in eating habits, quality of life and lifestyle choices.
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External Sources
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American Institute for Cancer Research
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American Council on Fitness
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