Health knowledge made personal
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Counting calories is a behavior that is focused on diet restrictiveness. Focusing attention on calories without following healthy nutritional guidelines can result in a short term solution to weight loss. Chances are good that old patterns and eating habits will return after short term goals are achieved. Counting calories may be harmful to your overall well-being. A calorie restrictive diet that does not emphasis eating healthy foods can deprive your body of vital nutrients and a loss of energy. Following a healthy diet that includes a variety of whole foods- healthy fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats, helps you to naturally shed pounds, while improving your nutrition and changing unhealthy eating habits. Questions that can help to improve your nutrition and weight management are: How much protein is required to maintain healthy body muscle mass? What healthy fats do you need to eat to protect your heart and vital body organs? Counting calories is focused on a negative diet rather than a healthy lifestyle. Activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and nutritional weight management include: 1.) Shift eating habits away from processed foods to eating whole foods rich in nutrients. Processed foods can be high in salt, sugar, additives and chemicals. Choosing whole foods can give you more control over a healthier diet. 2.) Drink enough water to keep you hydrated and to help maintain weight loss.
3.) Get support from friends, family, health
& nutrition individuals, or groups. Planning healthy meals can be both fun
and rewarding when you participate with others.
4.) Set a weekly goal that includes a
fitness routine. Walking is always good exercise and you will burn calories, as
well as retain or build muscles.
Instead of counting calories focus your time planning healthy
nutritious meals!
By Susan MacIntosh, Traverse City Women's Health Examiner , http://exm.nr/wgYyni 
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Are you following a restrictive diet that includes counting calories?