Originally published September 8 2005
Portion control, exercise the start to weight loss
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
An Amarillo, Texas nutritionist lectures that reducing portion size and increasing your level of physical activity are the most important first steps in the fight to lose weight.
Ever notice how many overweight people there are around town?
Shantel Elster, nutritionist with the city of Amarillo Women, Infants and Children program, said excess calories, fat, sugar and salt are hidden in so many of the foods we eat every day.
"These foods of themselves aren't all bad, but it's portion control," she said during a program at the Amarillo Public Library's Central Branch.
Serving size and portion control are two methods the average consumer can use to shed some unwanted weight, Elster said.
Cutting down on portion size decreases the amount of fat and sugar," she said.
"Just by reducing amount of syrup you use on pancakes can reduce your sugar intake."
But substituting one product perceived as healthier for another less-healthy product doesn't always have the desired effect, Elster said.
The nutritionist urges those who are battling the bulge and those who have yet to join the fight to make lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off.
"It's all about supersizing, overeating and exercising too little," she said.
Sylvia Ortega looked on 2005 as the year she would do something about her creeping weight gain.
"My job is mostly sitting," said the city of Amarillo employee.
The city government offers its employees a wellness program of exercise at the Amarillo Town Club and nutrition advice and support through Weight Watchers, Ortega said.
"We meet with a nutritionist on Mondays, a personal trainer twice a week and Weight Watchers once a week."
After the first 12 weeks, participants can sign up for an additional 12 weeks, though without the trainers.
In six months she's dropped 20 pounds and figures with the lifestyle changes she's made, more weight will come off in time.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml