What is your New Years resolution? For many Americans, it will be to lose weight and get in better shape. Making the resolution is easy but the follow through is tough. The benefits of losing weight are well documented but many of us still lack the commitment to stick to a regular fitness plan which is why the government has started the small steps program to make it easier.
Small Steps is part of the HealthierUS initiative started a few years ago by then President George Bush. It is a "national effort to prevent and reduce the costs of disease, improve people's lives and promote community health and wellness." The website HealthierUS.gov calls obesity an epidemic in the United States which must be addressed.
The key to losing weight is to burn fat and that can best be achieved through exercise. The small steps program says you don't have to go to the gym five days a week to meet your goals and shows how just taking a 45 minute walk a day can burn 300 calories. If walking for 45 minutes at one stretch sounds like too much, the report suggests three fifteen minute walks instead.
Whatever physical activity you choose the goal is to be active for at least 30 minutes every day. If you are able to log at least that much activity five days a week for a six week period you can earn a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. An activity log can be found at presidentschallenge.org to keep track of your exercising and earn your award. There is also a section for kids to achieve a presidential award however they must log at least an hour of physical activity each day.
Exercise alone is not enough to achieve a healthier life, you also must alter your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and low fat meats. Making smart food choices will require you to watch portion size and count calories. The food and drug administration says to eat healthy you must avoid trans fats, saturated fats and foods that contain high levels of sodium and added sugar.
