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Stick to These Fundamentals for Weight Loss and Longevity



If you've tried to lose weight by only altering one aspect of your lifestyle, you know how hard it is. That's because reaching a healthy weight can't be a side note to your life- it has to be a result of how you live. So what fundamentals do healthy people follow?

Don't get hung up on numbers
By looking at calories alone, you could choose a low-fat dessert over a cup of fruit. It's not just the calorie count that is important- it's the type as well. Food rich in fiber and nutrients is a healthier source of energy than a sugar-laden treat.
Don't make eating a homework assignment. Instead, learn which foods are healthy and which you should skip. When the food you're eating is enriching your body, you don't have to stress about consuming one calorie too many.

In the same way, don't obsess over the number on the scale. Muscle weighs more than fat, so you might find that you weigh more as you get in better shape. Just remember that your end goal isn't a number- it's to get fit.

Resist compartmentalizing your health
Health isn't just about the body- it extends to the mind as well. Just consider all of the studies that have come out recently connecting a positive attitude to longevity and stress to disease.
Control the way you respond to the stressors in your life and you can limit your body's harmful inflammatory response. Don't discount meditation and the practice of mindfulness as effective ways to harness your mind's potential and influence the health of your body as a result.

Avoid fad diets and workouts
Remember when fat was branded as evil and we were told to avoid it at all costs? As it turns out, good sources of fat such as nuts and avocados are essential and can even help you maintain a healthy weight. Instead of following fads that label certain foods as bad, stick to what you know about nutrition and apply the concept of moderation to what you eat.

The same goes for exercise. Have you ever heard that cardio is all you need to get fit? While cardio is important, strength training is necessary to keep your bones strong and maintain muscle mass, especially later in life. Don't jump on trends. Instead, incorporate a variety of healthy behaviors into your lifestyle for a fruitful balance.

Recognize that longevity and prevention starts with you
There is no magic pill to make you live longer. Longevity begins with your individual efforts to eat a clean, nutritious diet, stay active, and get enough rest. A healthy lifestyle will not only promote longevity, it will also keep you functional as you age.
Think of disease prevention in the same manner. Prescription medications don't prevent disease- they simply treat the symptoms. Prevention is a result of the habits and behaviors that you implement now.

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Stick to These Fundamentals for Weight Loss and Longevity