• Being able to get down on the floor and play with your children or grandchildren.
• Being able to walk around the mall without feeling short of breath.
• Being able to do 20 minutes of physical activity three days a week — mornings are best, says Curtis (and work up to 30 minutes most days of the week).
• Eating four servings of fruit or veggies every day of the week.
• Eating a healthy breakfast every day that includes a low-fat protein
How to Lose 100 Pounds: Exercise Is Non-Negotiable
Being physically active is an essential part of losing 100 pounds. “This was the biggest challenge for our clients,” says Curtis. “They would say they couldn’t do it because of their ankle or their back pain. But everybody can do an exercise program.”
Curtis recommends:
• If you have a lot of joint pain, start with chair or water-based exercises.
• Try walking short distances and gradually building up your endurance.
• Involve a physical trainer or an exercise buddy as you get moving again.
After You Achieve Your Goal…
Many people worry about how their body will look once they lose 100 pounds. This “depends on your age and condition of the skin,” says Curtis. “Some people’s skin will retract. For some it will not.” Once you reach your goal, if you find that sagging skin bothers you, you might want to investigate cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin.
Of course, the health and fitness advantages of losing 100 pounds, plus how much better you will look and feel in clothes, will more than make up for any after-effects of your overweight. With determination and a few smart diet strategies, you can achieve your goal.
Losing 100 Pounds… was originally published on blackdoctor.org
