(MINNEAPOLIS) --- Losing weight can be a real challenge. Those extra pounds didn’t just appear overnight, and they won’t disappear that fast either.
Nutrition experts say there’s no magic pill when it comes to weight loss. The key to success is burning more calories than are being consumed. In other words, increase activity while eating less.
Easier said than done
Eating less may be the biggest challenge for many people, especially when it comes to controlling portion size. The National Institute on Health says Portion Distortion is real. NIH says the typical serving size accepted by most Americans has grown substantially over the past 20 years.
The NIH has some examples of typical Portion Distortion and how many calories are added due to the larger servings sizes. In addition, the NIH also offers information about how much added activity is need to burn those extra calories. Find the information here.
How to eat more healthfully
The road to sustained weight loss involves making better meal choices. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has overhauled the old ‘Food Pyramid’ eating chart with a new ‘MyPlate’ eating guide. Since one diet does not fit all, the information is designed to help people no matter what stage of life they are in. Find complete details here.
Resources
Use the links below to learn more about changing portions sizes and how to eat more healthfully.
About Know Your Numbers
The information provided above is compiled by Health Fair 11 for its yearlong Know Your Numbers campaign.
Know Your Numbers is a community health outreach program for Health Fair 11. Health Fair 11 is a collaboration of Minnesota Health Fairs, Inc., KARE 11 TV, and UCare. The mission of this nonprofit organization is to provide health care education, materials for consumers, and free or low cost screenings to members of our community. Contact us at healthfair@kare11.com. Learn more at www.HealthFair11.org .
