Obesity And Women's Mental HealthToday, body image and mental health go hand in hand. With society’s focus so much on the outside appearance, anyone that does not fit in can be targeted. It is a deadly cycle. Obesity triggers depression and depression triggers obesity. Here are some tips to staying physically and mentally healthy: 1. Consume your suggested daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Eating these first will do two things. One, if you eat fruits and vegetables before consuming other unhealthy foods, you will limit your unhealthy foods by not eating as much since you are not as hungry. Two, fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber will allow you to purge unhealthy toxins in your body naturally, without the pain and bloating of a fiber supplement or diet pill. 2. Go out for a walk. This sounds pretty simple, but if you make an effort every day to start walking around your block or down the street, your muscles will start to get used to the constant movement. It may be difficult at first, but stick with it. If you have a dog, strap on a leash (on the dog, not you), and get to moving. Muscle stiffness is common when you haven’t used them in awhile, but it lets you know they are working. After a few days, the muscles will get used to the constant action and at that point you can increase the length or the pace of your activity. 3. Seek professional help. Binge eating and overeating are possibly linked to mental health issues. This does not give you an excuse, but gives you direction. A counselor can give you tips to use when you crave a certain food that is not health for you; they can help you find out what triggers that craving and how to combat it healthily. In the mood for something crunchy? Try a handful of carrots instead of a handful of potato chips. 4. Take care of yourself. Finding healthy alternatives to your eating habits is also something with which a counselor can help. Paula Deen’s two sticks of butter for every recipe can be good tasting upon occasion, but is definitely not the way to eat every day. If you watch her show on a regular basis, you’ll notice even she has started to cook healthier. Taking care of your physical self can help you in taking care of your mental self. Stop the deadly cycle. Get back on the wagon. Whatever phrase helps you to make the most of your life, do it. And do it to the best of your ability. |