Control Your BMI and Control Your Health Care Costs

Guest blogger, Carol Dunlop is certified through FiTour as a Personal Trainer and through the American Red Cross as a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. She has competed and placed in several Fitness America and National Bodybuilding competitions. To receive your free E-course “How to Burn Calories While you Sleep,” visit her website: OptimumBodySculpting.com.

Starting in 2024, the federal government is requiring doctors to record your BMI (Body Mass Index), a measurement of your body fat and muscle mass based on your height and weight, in their electronic records. It doesn’t have to be a scary thing. If you start to address it right now, this extra piece of information can be used for your good health.

These three little letters have caused so much talk and controversy in recent days. Everyone is wondering how it will be used in the future against you, i.e., higher insurance rates, possible “obesity tax,” etc.

But, there’s no need to panic. You can take control of your situation by putting together a plan of action that includes sensible eating, regular exercise and lifestyle changes.

Check out these simple steps to put in place  now to avoid the “I’ve got to do something!” syndrome later.

1. Eat breakfast everyday: Eating breakfast keeps your brain sharp and helps you concentrate better. Skipping breakfast not only keeps your brain in a fog, but causes you to overeat later in the day.

2. Practice my “30/5″ rule: Move and get sweaty for at least 30 minutes, five times a week. This rule gets your heart pumping and excess fat burning.

3. Spread it out: To keep your metabolism in tip-top, fat-burning condition, spread your caloric intake throughout the day. Eating the bulk of your calories in 1 or 2 meals causes your blood sugar levels to spike and leads to fat storage instead of fat burning.

4. Start early: Studies have shown that performing cardiovascular exercises first thing in the morning helps you to burn more calories throughout the day.

5. Eat lots of “free” food: Veggies, veggies and more veggies. Since vegetables are mostly water, I consider them a “free” food. You’ll get lots of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, but no cholesterol, added fat or processed sugar in these puppies. Plus, they’re low in calories and high in fiber, so you eat more and feel fuller longer.

Also Read:

Understanding the Body Mass Index

How Electronic Health Records Can Help Americans Shed Pounds

Obama Health Care Bill’s Hidden Agenda

___________________________________________________
Guest Blog Series:
Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

Diets in Review - Weight Loss and Diet Blog

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *