January 20, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 9 Health, Fitness & Beauty The benefits of dieting go beyond weight loss (ARA) It’s that time of year again. When most people make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, they are thinking about looking more attractive and having their clothes fit better. Both are admirable goals, but right-sizing yourself provides a number of other equally important benefits. To keep yourself on track in 2010, consider these powerful motivators: Boost your energy level. Eating foods high in refined sugars and starches can result in a sugar spike, followed by a crash that leaves you feeling tired. But embracing a low-carbohydrate diet promotes a constant flow of energy to keep you on the go all day long. Control your appetite. Unstable blood sugar stimulates hunger for more of the same foods and a preoccupation with food. Keep your mood steady. Once you get off the blood sugar rollercoaster, and you will experience an overall sense of well-being. Enhance your self confidence. There is nothing like learning how to eat to control your weight, and seeing the tangible results in weight loss, to make you realize that you can control other aspects of your life. That is powerful! Feel more attractive. There is no question that feeling better about your body makes you more confident about every aspect of your life. Reduce those aches and pains. When you slim down, there is less pressure on your joints. Many people discover that the achiness they had come to associate with getting older or working too hard disappears or lessens when they reduce the load. Breathe easier. Carrying around excess pounds can lead to breathing problems such as shortness of breath when walking up stairs, working out, or running after children. Some studies indicate that excess belly fat weighs down the chest, taking up space the lungs could use to inflate more fully. Weight loss of any amount will allow you to breathe easier by increasing lung function, improving your quality of life. Sleep better. Closely related to your breathing is the quality of your sleep, including snoring and sleep apnea. When you lose weight, you are likely to wake less during the night, and arise better rested and ready to take on the day. Keep a one-size wardrobe. Actress Courtney ThorneSmith, spokesperson for Atkins, attests that eating a lowcarbohydrate diet allows her to have freedom in what she eats. When she eats a cinnamon roll, for example, she feels bloated and her clothes don’t fit. By eating “low carb,” she says she feels great, and her clothes fit at the end of the day like they fit at the beginning of the day. Improve your health and reduce the risk of disease. High blood pressure and high blood sugar, high insulin, and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels typically improve on a low-carbohydrate diet. Cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes are just some of the many health problems impacted by obesity and weight gain. Nutritionist Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., recommends curbing carbohydrates and avoiding refined sugar, white flour, and other refined carbohydrates to help prevent health complications later. Embarking on a healthier, more sustainable eating plan promises additional benefits above and beyond losing weight. Enjoy a thinner, more energized and healthier you by changing your eating habits this year. The staff of The Villadom TIMES has chosen this month to offer a focus on “The Heart of the Matter”, a special section containing pertinent information and articles regarding health and fitness issues. We look forward to your support by including your advertising message in this feature section which will afford us the opportunity to inform, share and educate our readers on issues of significance to all of us. 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