How to Effectively Manage Your Weight

Your body will function optimally when it is at its ideal weight range, and it goes without saying that burning extra pounds can help you stay healthy. People who are overweight have a higher chance of developing health problems and chronic degenerative diseases.

For instance, being overweight can put stress on your joints. If not addressed, you may experience pain and discomfort in your joints, or worse, develop a degenerative disease like arthritis. No amount of joint supplements will be able to help address your problem if you don't focus on managing your weight.

In addition to your joint health, your heart, liver, kidneys, and brain health are also at risk when you are overweight.

What Causes Chronic Health Problems?

Being overweight is largely an effect of a poor lifestyle, which is made up of an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, irregular leptin and insulin levels, and emotional stress.

In one study, it was found that a great number of Americans fall into the overweight category. At the rate they're going, there's a huge possibility that almost all American adults could end up being overweight in a few years' time.

Many people forget that losing weight is not only about appearances, but about being fit and healthy. Maintaining your ideal weight gives you more energy, a better immune function, and optimal heart health, and lowers your risk of disease.

Two Factors That Affect Your Weight

When you're committed to managing your weight, you need to remember that two main factors that influence weight gain are diet and exercise. By eating nutritious foods and having regular exercise, you'll be able to control your weight. These factors have the biggest, most profound effects on your well-being - one way of managing your stress, for instance, is exercise. Aerobic exercises can specifically help release "feel good" hormones called endorphins.

Below are some things to remember when modifying your diet and fitness routine:

1. Keep your sugar consumption to 25 grams or less per day. If you're overweight or have a chronic decision, keep it below 15 grams.
2. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as bagels and breakfast cereals. Processed foods rich in trans fats should also be avoided.
3. Eat more healthy fats like saturated fats. Ideal sources include olives and olive oil, coconuts and coconut oil, avocados, and raw nuts and seeds.
4. Only consume organic, whole foods, such as organic vegetables, grass-fed meats, and free-range poultry.
5. Go beyond cardio in your workout. Integrate other forms of exercise, such as high-intensity interval training, strength training, core exercises, and stretching.
6. The best way to burn fat is to build muscle. However, do not exercise the same muscle groups every day, as your muscles require ample time to rest and repair.

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