In the past year, many people have gained weight because of COVID and other causes. Staying home more than usual has added inches to many waistlines. Losing those extra pounds – and possibly a few more – can help increase your longevity and enable you to enjoy life more.
People that stay within their recommended weight tend to live longer. Although it is not always going to be easy, losing those excess pounds can add years to your life. Much research has been given to prove that exercise and eating right will extend your life expectancy and help you to enjoy old age longer.
When you have more weight than is considered healthy, it adds to the likelihood that you will get a mortal disease and become mentally disabled earlier. Eliminating those extra pounds could enable you to live another 10 years.
Eat More Vegetables
One way to lose weight is to eat more vegetables and less meat. Besides helping you to lose weight, eating more proteins from plants will help you to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and it will also help to lower your blood pressure. Some plant foods that provide a lot of protein include lentils, almonds, quinoa, peas, and peanut butter.
Consuming more plant-based vegetables will also provide some other benefits. Plants can provide you with antioxidants, polyphenols, folate, and more. Some foods, such as an excess amount of meat and fatty foods can cause buildups in your arteries and veins. They can also cause your arteries to become more rigid – and these problems can lead to heart disease and death. Eating a lot of processed meats will shorten your lifespan.
Reduce Stress
Having ongoing stress often leads to weight gain and it can help to create serious health conditions. Many people eat more comfort foods as a way to cope with stress. Learning to reduce stress can enable you to avoid overeating and may also help you to sleep better. You can reduce stress with several methods, but you will need to find which one works best for you. You can exercise (which will produce endorphins), take a warm bath, talk with friends, meditate, listen to relaxing music, and more.
Cut Back on TV Time
Sitting in front of a TV for hours at a time is not going to help you lose weight. Most likely, it will probably only add to it because people tend to eat more when watching TV and you will likely eat more junk food. It can also add to your stress. Since it is reported that the average person watches TV about four hours a day, it adds up to more than 20 hours per week.
It would be more profitable to use at least some of those more than 1,000 hours per year talking with your spouse, friends, or children. You would also have time to exercise and lose weight, and you could also use some of that time for more profitable goals – and possibly even start your own business.
Eat More Fish
Eating more fish will provide you with more EPA and DHA omega-3s. Most Americans are deficient in these important fatty acids, which can extend your life. The people that consume higher amounts of these fatty acids have a 35 percent reduced risk of dying from heart disease.
Try fasting
36 hour fasts are said to have massive anti-aging effects. Alternate Day Fasting (ADF) is very useful in losing weight. And once you get used to it, fasting really isn’t that hard, in fact is easier than constantly cutting down to the hunger level. You might want to check with your doctor first, to make sure you have no issues that might put you in danger.