Sample Article: Weight Loss

Weight Loss: Take the First Step

Losing weight is a challenge for many women, but for those considered obese it can seem impossible. There are thousands of diets, medications, and exercise programs out there that promote fast weight loss. However, the focus should be on healthy weight loss. In fact, the best way to begin is to consider your health first. The weight loss will simply become an added bonus.

The first step for losing weight should be exactly that: a step. Being active is the healthiest way to lose weight. However, extreme workouts and physically straining exercises are not the best choice. Keep the focus on increasing your mobility in reasonable proportions to your current physical activity. If you find your movement throughout the day to be limited, start off easy and keep these tips in mind:

1) Go out of your way. By simply parking farther away from the store entrance you give yourself a slight increase in movement. It may not seem like a big change, but if you continue to do this every time you go to the store you will begin to notice differences in yourself. Other options are using the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator and taking the long route when walking from point A to point B (or even using the bathroom on a different floor of the office).

2) Schedule walking time. If you make it a habit to to walk for half an hour every day, then you will become healthier even faster. Simply grab your mp3 player or a friend and walk around town, do laps at the school track, or head to the park and tackle a walking path. Your walk doesn’t need to be an intense hike up the side of a mountain, nor does it even need to be brisk and heart-pumping (at first). Eventually you will want to work your way up to some heavy breathing and a pounding heart, but if you start off easy you will be less likely to feel overwhelmed and give up.

3) Challenge yourself. Once you feel comfortable with your new mobility it’s time to up the ante. Walk for a longer amount of time, or walk at a faster pace for one song. Time yourself as you walk from your car to the store’s entrance, and the next time you need groceries you can try to beat your time. These are little changes that make exercising fun and more profitable. Once you’ve worked your way up to a new level of movement, reward yourself. You’ve earned it.

Movement is the key to healthy living. Staying active will make you feel better and help you live longer. As always, check with your physician before beginning any new physical activities or changing your eating habits. Remember to drink plenty of water, have fun, and be safe. All it takes is that first step to change your life. Take it.