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7 Tips For a Healthy Lifestyle

By Chad Cannon

So, I finally took some time out this weekend to spend with my family. We went to the beach for a good 2 hours before my daughter threw a fit and we had to come home.

As I was sitting in my chair working on my tan lines in the crowd of many, many people. I started noticing how many obese people there were. I couldn't help it. They were everywhere!

I started to count 10 people at a time that passed directly in front of me to see how many out of the 10 were not just over weight, but actually obese. I probably did this for a good 30 minutes. The average of every time I did this, was about 7 out of 10 people. Can you believe that?

I knew we were bad as a population, but when you see it right in front of you, it really hits you hard, especially as a fitness professional. It really makes me wonder if I'm doing my job.

I know I cannot reach everyone, that is just not possible. I have to remember that I've personally helped thousands of people lose weight, and countless more with emails, phone calls, or other programs they have come to me for.

Anyway, back to the beach? This family of about 7 or 8 sat in front of us. Three adults and the rest were young kids ages 10+. Every one of them were very obese, except for one girl. She was about 20 to 25 years old I'd say and she was probably anorexic. I wonder why? As they were all eating their lunches, which consisted of sandwiches-peanut butter and jelly on white bread, all different kinds of chips and everyone had a different kind of caffeinated drink, such as Mountain Dew, Coke, Diet Coke, Diet this, Diet that! and would you believe they all had a huge piece of chocolate cake covered with chocolate icing. For one, they think they are doing something healthy by drinking things that are diet. Boy are they in for a rude awakening!

The one real skinny girl, probably 5"9 tall and 95 lbs. (not joking) is the only one who had a water the entire time they were there, but only ate a few small crackers, that's it. You think she's afraid of turning into the rest of her family? I wonder!

How many families do you know that are like this? Better yet, could this be your family? Here are 7 tips to help get you into a healthier lifestyle:

  1. Start eating every 3-4 hours with no more than 500-600 calories per meal.
  2. Drink more water
  3. Be as active as possible
  4. Watch less TV
  5. Make goals for yourself and your family
  6. Get a physical - Hearing the truth from a physician about how at risk you are of death will get you going a lot easier.
  7. Seek a fitness professional that knows about fitness, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.

Remember the family I saw on the beach. Don't let yours be that family!

About the Author:

Chad Cannon is a certified personal trainer, weight loss expert, author, speaker, and director of Shaing Concepts in Hilton Head, South Carolina. His website is www.shapingconcepts.com