Jonah Hill, star of teen snark flicks "Superbad" and "Get Him to the Greek," has reshaped his formerly chubby self for a new film "21 Jump Street." Hill's personal nutritionist and trainer helped him lose weight; are expensive resources needed for weight loss? The keys to successful weight loss are information and willpower.
The first step, before you start a weight loss and exercise regime, is to see your doctor to explore why you are overweight. Conditions like sleep apnea can cause weight gain. You may also have Metabolic Syndrome or Type 2 diabetes. If so, Metformin can help regulate your insulin. Thyroid issues can cause weight gain, too.
Blood work will also identify any problems with hypertension or cholesterol. Recent blood tests revealed that my LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad) cholesterol was high and my HDL (high density lipoprotein or good) cholesterol was low. I wanted to avoid medication, so I followed the Mediterranean Diet. I was able to get my cholesterol back to normal and I dropped thirty pounds.
Structural problems, like tendonitis or chronic back pain, can cause issues with exercise. A physical therapist or chiropractor can set up an exercise routine that adapts to your muscular-skeletal problems.
Obesity is generally a family issue. Once you learn about your own health history, you can help your children make healthy choices too. Adopting healthier new habits in exercise and nutrition is crucial; it isn't necessary to seek professional help to make those changes. Nutritional information is readily available online and in media sources. Many websites provide support, information, printable food journals and exercise schedules.
Weight loss apps are available for mobile devices and cell phones, too. These apps provide information on calories, fat, sodium, fiber, protein and vitamin content in all kinds of food. Information is available about restaurant menus and packaged food, too. Apps also provide ingredient lists for those with allergies and dietary restrictions.
Restaurants are making nutrition information available, too. Subway, for example has put together a helpful guide for dieters. Some restaurants post information or print in it in their menus. Nutrition data for most restaurants is available online.
Exercise videos and fitness programs are available online. Exercise DVDs sell for under $10 at many retail outlets. Most exercise programs require no special equipment. Jack Lalane was a television fitness guru. The only materials needed to exercise with him were a chair and towel.
If you're considering an exercise machine, Sears sells a quality elliptical cross-trainer for $85.95. Craigslist, eBay and Amazon sells thousands of used exercise machines cheap, too. We got ours for $25; the whole family uses it.
Personal trainers and nutritionists do provide one important function: accountability. Regular check-ins help keep dieters on track. You can get that at lower cost, from groups like Tops and Weight Watchers. My friend lost 80 pounds and swears by Weight Watchers. There are online accountability groups, on social sites like Facebook, too.
If you're going to spend money on weight loss, purchase meal replacements and nutritional diet-friendly foods. I've used Designer Whey, Nature's Way Alive, Soy Joy and Lean Cuisine with success. Keeping these products on hand for easy weight control. These habits are inexpensive and set a healthy example for the whole family.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22 years parenting and 25 years teaching nutrition and health.
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