Food Intake and Weight Loss Control
Finding the Answers for Weight Control with the W-5 Formula
Sep 25, 2009
Never a day goes by when some commercial offers up an effortless way to shed pounds and keep them off. Food plays a great part in weight control, but food isn't the only culprit that promotes weight gain as bad habits, a toxic environment and little to no exercise all play a role in weight gain.
When it comes to losing weight, it's necessary to first apply the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How to clarify those areas in the diet that are most likely leading to obesity.
The Who Personal Diet Factors
Heredity plays a part, though minor, in weight gain but can determine whether children of obese adults will become overweight. Those who are likely to gain weight often come from families where food consumption was encouraged with little attention to portions and after dinner snacks.
The What of Food
This is the favorite focus of every weight loss program. It's clear that the more calories consumed that are not burned off, the more fat will be added to the waist. Considering that most store bought foods are low on nutrition, this does not help promote weight loss. And since that food comes prepackaged, loaded with sugar, fat, preservatives and other chemical ingredients, it's not surprising that losing weight is such a struggle for many people.
The Why for Overeating
While food is meant to provide the nutrition the body needs to stay healthy, many people eat because food gives them a sense of comfort, a way to relieve the stresses of life. They sit watching television while consuming chips, chocolate and cola. Eating food should be an enjoyable activity that requires attention. Those who eat for the wrong reasons are most at risk for Bulimia, Anorexia Nervosa and other eating disorders. Food is not meant as an escape from reality.
The When of Consumption
A high stressed lifestyle should not be the reason for eating on the run. Many people eat right before going to bed. Food must have time to be digested. Consumption of food should cease at least three hours before bedtime. Snacking before bed is equally unhealthy. Salty and sugary snacks can lead to acid reflux and indigestion. If snacking can't be eliminated altogether, drinking an herbal tea or eating a fruit is a better alternative. Alcohol should be avoided. One of the major problems is the habit of skipping breakfast. While it is the most important meal after a night of rest, skipping breakfast is a major contributor for weight gain.
The Where of Food Consumption
There's nothing wrong with eating out on special occasions. Unfortunately, eating out often means a fast food burger with fries. Deli and family restaurants cater to a broad group of clients, so they are less likely to provide nutritious meals without the sugar, fat, monosodium glutamate and other unwholesome chemicals added to the food. Today's society is fixated on getting a quick meal without much concern for health. Weight loss is harder if eating out becomes a frequent activity.
The How of Consumption
Eating habits are developed over the years. Many people learn to eat too much. Rather than taking the time to properly chew food, they gulp it down. All this hurried activity means more is consumed than is necessary. The saliva created during the eating process helps to break down food and makes it easier to pass into the stomach. It helps to neutralize any stomach acids that may back up into the esophagus. Good eating habits require patience.
Weight loss is not just about avoiding some foods in favor of others. It requires a full approach. Once the reason is found, a plan can be created that can effectively lead to permanent weight loss. That's the best way to insure that weight gain will never again be a problem.
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