Weight Loss Lingo

Perhaps it’s time for us to stop focusing on “weight”, and start focusing on “reducing body fat”. Experts say our percentage of body fat is generally a better measure of our fitness and health status than our weight. And, in fact, the scale can be quite misleading. For example, through exercise and a healthy diet, we can build muscle and become leaner yet be discouraged by a scale that suggests we haven’t made much progress. Likewise, the scale can fool us into believing we’ve made strides with lost pounds, when in reality we’ve simply lost important muscle mass.

The words we use make a big difference in how we perceive our goals. “Reducing bodyfat percentage” may not exactly roll off the tongue, but it could give us a sounder perspective on what it really means to be fit.

Want the truth about cellulite?

It isn’t a mysterious biological phenomenon. It’s fat. As with other body fat, the way to get rid of cellulite is to reduce calorie and fat intake and to exercise. The fat cells in cellulite are embedded in the connective tissue beneath the skin. When these cells get larger, they push up against the tissue, which causes cellulite’s “dimpling” effect. Your best bet for fighting cellulite is calorie-conscious eating, cardiovascular exercise and strength training.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. (Lung cancer is the leading cause.)

In recent years, major studies have shown a direct correlation between physical activity and cancer risk. Adding 30 minutes of exercise to one’s daily schedule can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 15 percent. And more exercise can reduce the risk even further.

Moderate exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Weight Fluctuates throughout the Day

If you’re trying to lose weight, in can be hard to suppress the urge to check the scale often. It’s better to exercise some restraint, though, because it’s very normal for body weight to fluctuate a few pounds from day to day or even within a day. For example, if you have a large meal, you could weigh as much as 5 pounds more immediately afterwards. If you eat food that’s high in sodium, you’re likelier to gain a few pounds of water weight in the short term. The solution: Weigh yourself no more than once a week. You’ll get a more accurate picture of how well you’re losing weight over time.

Results You Can FEEL

If you’ve just started a fitness program, you’re eager to start seeing results on the scale, in your favorite jeans, in the mirror. But don’t underestimate the benefits that may not be immediately visible. Sticking with your plan will yield other rewards that make you FEEL awesome:

• More energy
• Less stress
• More selfconfidence
• Better sleep

And here’s the real beauty of it: these benefits ultimately make you LOOK great too.

Trying to lose weight?

These days, who isn’t trying to lose weight? Make a point to keep a food journal. Write down everything that you eat. You may be shocked at how much you actually consume each day. Writing down your intake makes you aware of your eating habits. Awareness is the key to losing weight. As the year progresses, you may choose to modify your portions or think twice before ordering that dessert after dinner.