According to Mondovo, “How to lose weight fast’ is the 20th most googled question, globally.
Most people believe that only a change in the number of the scale signifies the actual attainment of good health. That is gross misinformation and often leads to the adoption of any ‘trend’ that promises the shedding of an unrealistic amount of pounds in an unrealistic amount of time.
Health is extremely personal and usually tailor-made to an individual’s personal circumstances. For example, A heavy lifter with tremendous activity levels per day will not be able to vouch for the vegan lifestyle.
However, PCOD or diabetes, thyroid or insulin resistance, and some lifestyle changes will benefit every body type and health issue under the sun when applied consistently.
1. Emotional eating:
We’ve all done it. It could be that bi-annual examination that makes you stuff your face, literally, with every processed item you can find. Bored, mindless, and emotional eating does not only trigger your digestive system, it also affects your mental health in more ways than you can count. Relying on a sweet treat to lighten your mood should be an occasional occurrence, if at all.
2. Sugar and its Highs:
Much has been said about sugar. A spike in blood sugar levels after a sweet treat on a low day does feel incredibly good- but what comes after is concerning. A ground rule is- the faster your blood sugar spikes, the harder it’ll fall. A fall in blood sugar levels results in the customary headache or the depressed and low mood- no guesses for what happens next. Your hand will reach for that second bar of chocolate, and it becomes a vicious cycle.
3. Eating regular, small-sized meals:
A solution to the sugar cravings and to lead a disciplined life both, this no-brainer is what most working professionals disregard easily.
Small, regular meals throughout the day maintain blood sugar levels without unnecessary highs and lows- also reducing sugar cravings and sustaining energy and stamina throughout the day.
It is imperative to meal-plan, especially as a working professional, where office canteens provide ‘quick-fix’ meals ( croissants, muffins, vada paos) that are readily available to mindlessly grab in the middle of a meeting.
4. Eat local, think global:
Indians have the best food habits that are sustainable for both human life and the environment. Unfortunately, these have been forgotten and replaced with fads and trends that change within the blink of an eye.
It is better to pick up that delicious Alphonso mango and eat it for breakfast rather than skip breakfast altogether.
Moderating meat intake by eating it only a few days a week, eating desserts with natural sugars rather than white processed sugar, and eating homemade yogurt in the afternoons, are such ground rules that benefit mind, body, and soul- while keeping your waistline in check.
This supports the local economy and the farmers, promotes ecological harmony, and is far more sustainable in the long run.
5. Pick your snack well:
Tea time is when most people falter with their diets, usually reaching for that packet of chips or oily samosas.
A handful of dry fruits, groundnuts, or a helping of seasonal, locally sourced fruit keeps energy levels at bay and reduces overeating at dinner time.
From low carb/no carb to no sugar to cauliflower rice and black bean brownies, there is much done in the health and wellness industry that is usually inaccessible, unsustainable, unrealistic, or only within the reach of a privileged few.
These ‘ground rules’ keep health within the reach of every individual regardless of career, economic standing, privilege, and health issues.
