Health&Wellness Magazine June 2016 | Page 37

June 2016 & 37 It takes both diet and exercise to lose weight and keep it off. Weight Management Strategies That Can Make a Difference but rather how much. “You do not want to deny yourself, but you want to do things in moderation,” Collins said. It takes both diet and exercise to lose weight and keep it off. Walking is the best form of exercise. To be more responsible for what you are eating, Keep a food journal, take a walk ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE By Jamie Lober Staff Writer SALES CENTER NOW OPEN chooseYOUR new apartment TODAY! 27 TATES CREEK SHOPPING CENTER 1974 D WAR BL VD ASVILLE RD MAN O NO MA LV RB WA RD HIGHGROVE K AT TATES CREE 27 K REE NICHOL highgrove 4 4 ES C TAT DR are considered overweight and 30 or greater means you are obese. Having excess weight means your heart has to work harder. Excess weight also causes damage by raising blood pressure and blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also lowers your good cholesterol levels. The key is to reduce calories that go in and increase calories that go out. Most people have to subtract around 500 calories each day from their diets in order to lose approximately a pound each week. Having a balanced diet makes a difference. “No. 1 is decreasing your sodium intake and cholesterol,” said Collins. “We promote eating fresh fruits and vegetables as often as you can because the benefits for cardiovascular health specifically are phenomenal.” The AHA also suggests eating more whole-grain foods; using olive, canola, corn or safflower oil as your main kitchen fat; eating more chicken, fish and beans; and reading food labels to help you choose healthy foods. Talk to your doctor or a dietician for more information about what to look for on the labels. It is not always about what you eat ON SAR There are many reasons to make reaching a healthy weight a goal. Managing your weight becomes a simpler task when you have some strategies in place. “Being overweight or obese increases your risk for a plethora of health issues,” said Brandi Collins, corporate events director at the American Heart Association (AHA). There are many benefits to getting a handle on your weight. “You will have fewer joint and muscle pains and better regulation of bodily fluids and blood pressure,” said Jordan Horst, associate in communications with the AHA Other benefits include a reduced burden on your heart and circulatory system, better sleep patterns, more effective metabolism of sugars and carbohydrates and a reduced risk for heart disease and certain cancers. Your body mass index, or BMI, is one indicator as to whether you are at a healthy weight. It is basically a numerical value that shows your weight in relation to your height. A BMI of less than 25 means you are at a healthy weight, while less than 18.5 is considered underweight. If you are between 25 and 29.9, you you may want to consider keeping a food diary. All this does not mean you have to completely eliminate sweets from your diet. “Anything with dark chocolate has cardiovascular benefits,” said Collins. 1974 VETERANS PARK OPENING FALL 2016 Meet with at TATES CREEK A variety of floor plans, unique amenities and beautiful apartments to choose from - select yours today! Premiere Senior Living coming to Lexington 4251 Saron Dr. ︱ Lexington, KY 40515 Lauren Ashley German INFORMATION CENTER OPEN! 859.245.0100 www.HighgroveAtTatesCreek.com