There is a lot of talk recently about the skinny-fication of women in the media. The pressure to be thin and perfect is now reaching young girls, sparking eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder.
But there is another problem on the other end of the spectrum. A new report suggests that, even though the media portrays that skinny is in, more than 50 percent of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2050. FIFTY PERCENT! Not only does this trend trickle down to our children, but it aids with the skyrocketing costs of low income health insurance, as well as other private health insurance rates. Why? Because those who suffer from obesity often suffer from other bodily ailments such as joint problems, hypertension and heart disease. All of these, combined with the increasing demand of qualified doctors, has helped health care costs jump dramatically.
Either end of the spectrum is a problem. While I cannot personally affect the skinny nature of media, I can give you a few tips to avoid fat traps for women.
Do not gain weight because of marriage. Just like the first year in college, many people gain extra weight during that first year of marriage. Some might blame it on the feeling that one can ‘let themselves go’ because they have already found the one. But there is another reason women are gaining weight after tying the knot.
Women start to match what their husbands eat, almost calorie to calorie. Men and women metabolize at different rates, which can mean the wife starts to gain weight when she tries to keep up. The best way to avoid this trap? Portion control. Your husband is probably bigger than you, which means he needs more calories to function. A good rule of thumb is to stop eating when you are no longer hungry. If your husband is still eating, give him some good company but put down the fork. Also, try not to give up gym time now that you are hitched. Make it a date thing if you have to or use it as some much needed alone time.
Do not eat extra around the holidays. The holiday season is synonymous for over eating. Some suggest they are getting an extra layer of fat to keep them warm in winter, but we all know that overeating at holiday parties and from neighborhood treats helps pack on the pounds. To avoid gaining weight does not mean you have to restrict yourself around the holidays. If you want to have an extra cookie, put in some extra time at the gym. The more time you put in at the gym, the less you will want to indulge at the holidays.
Another way to survive the holiday bulge (which often sets the tone for the rest of the year) is to limit your alcohol consumption at parties. Only drink one cocktail at a party to avoid drinking your calories or become the designated driver. You will be safer and lighter.
Use these tips to avoid fat traps to avoid being the worst part of the statistic about overweight Americans.