Wednesday, March 21, 2007

10 top tips for maintaining a healthy weight

Whilst I'm on the subject of maintaining a healthy weight, I've decided to post 10 top tips from the Cancer Research UK website. There's tons of good advice here. When you read down the list I'm sure you'll see things that we could all do better. Like the one about watching TV whilst eating!!!

  1. Keep to your meal routine. Try to eat at roughly the same times each day, whether this is two or five times a day. For more information, go to our Eating Habits section.
  2. Go reduced fat. Choose reduced fat versions of foods such as dairy products, spreads and salad dressings where you can. Use them sparingly as some can still be high in fat. For more information, go to our Hidden Calories section.
  3. Walk off the weight. Walk 10,000 steps (about 60-90 minutes of moderate activity) each day. You can use a pedometer to help count the steps. You can break up your walking over the day. For more information, go to our Walking section.
  4. Pack a healthy snack. If you snack, choose a healthy option such as fresh fruit or low calorie yogurts instead of chocolate or crisps. For more information, go to our Healthy Meal Ideas section.
  5. Look at the labels. Be careful about food claims. Check the fat and sugar content on food labels when shopping and preparing food. For more information, go to our Look at the Labels section.
  6. Caution with your portions. Don’t heap food on your plate (except vegetables). Think twice before having second helpings. For more information, go to our Portion Caution section.
  7. Up on your feet. Break up your sitting time. Stand up for ten minutes out of every hour. For more information, go to our Keep on Moving section.
  8. Think about your drinks. Choose water or sugar-free squashes. Unsweetened fruit juice contains natural sugar so limit it to 1 glass per day (200ml / 1/3 pint). Alcohol is high in calories; try to limit the amount you drink. For more information, go to our Hidden Calories section.
  9. Focus on your food. Slow down. Don’t eat on the go or while watching TV. Eat at a table if possible. For more information, go to our Eating Habits section.
  10. Don’t forget your 5 a day. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (400g in total). For more information, go to our Five a Day section.

3 comments:

Jeremy Jacobs said...

I also need to slow down a bit

Daily Referendum said...

Jeremy,

I'm a have always believed that there aren't any bad things to eat, it's just the amount and frequency that you eat them. Fast food will not do children any harm so long as it is seen as a treat once a week or so. After all a burger and chips meal is just meat, bread, potatoes and salad.

Steve

Jeremy Jacobs said...

Good point Steve. But, it all depends on the cooking methods.