Go the Healthy Way!

By Maureen Noble, R.D.

Weight is a top nutrition concern of Canadians. The costs associated with overweight, obesity and their co-morbid conditions are staggering. The direct medical costs attributable to adult obesity in Canada are estimated to have been $1.8 billion (CN) in 1997, or 2.4% of the total health care expenditures for all diseases in Canada in that year.

The Dietitians of Canada's key messages this year are to incorporate healthy eating, active living and feeling good about one's self.

• Healthy eating has been shown to be a successful approach to reducing the risk of Type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and osteoporosis.
  
  
• Epidemiological studies suggest that physical activity can reduce the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes by up to 50 percent.
  
  
• Losses of as little as 4.5 kg have been shown to increase longevity in obese individuals.
  
  
• The potential benefits of weight loss in relation to self-esteem and body image must be balanced by the recognition that healthy bodies come in a range of weights, shapes and sizes.
  
  

A societal fascination with thinness has led to a large diet industry in North America with estimated annual revenues of 35 to 50 billion. A 2002 review of weight loss diet product advertising by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission found that nearly 40% of ads contained claims that were almost certainly false, while and additional 55% of ads contained claims that were very likely to be false or, at the very least, lacked adequate substantiation.

So called "non-dieting" approaches to weight management, which emphasize sustained lifestyle change (e.g. healthy eating and active living) without emphasis on dieting, can produce modest benefits to health and psychological well-being while at the same time effectively minimizing the attrition or 'drop out' rate commonly observed in traditional weight loss programs.

Don't let the diet industry control your life! If you need help developing a healthy approach to improved well-being and weight loss, visit a Registered Dietitian.

Here are some tips to help you "Go the Healthy Way":

• Surround yourself with sensible, healthy food choices, in your cupboards, refrigerator and at your work place to help you succeed in choosing wisely.
  
  
• Drink one extra glass of water per day.
  
  
• Keep an eye on portion sizes, for example 1 serving of grains is 1 slice of bread, 30 g cold cereal or ½ c rice or pasta, for fruit and vegetables remember 1 medium size fruit or ½ cup is a serving, 1 cup of milk or 2 ounces of cheese of dairy and 3 ounces of cooked meat is a serving. Canada's Food Guide recommends between 5 - 12 servings of grains, plus 5 - 10 servings of fruit and vegetable, 2 - 4 servings of dairy and 2 servings of meat or alternatives per day.
  
  
• Reduce intake of pre-packaged, commercial products, instead choose more often fresh, wholesome food
  
  
• Involve family and friends to help motivate you to stay on track. Try a "turn off the TV night" and do a fun activity you enjoy - go bowling, swimming or walk the dog.
  
  
• Get involved with your community planners to suggest what steps your city could take to be friendlier for active living (e.g. create bike routes, sea wall walking paths etc)
  
  
• Spend time with people who make you feel good and do things that make you feel valued.
  
  

The Brent Morrison Golf Academy is located at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, 1025 Qualicum Road, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1M5. (250) 752-8786. For more information on instruction programs for adults and juniors, contact the Academy office.

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