A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight for your body is achievable with the right eating plan and regular physical activity.
The key to maintaining a healthy weight is matching your energy input with your energy output. The energy (calories) you put into your body through the kind of foods and drinks chosen in your diet must be balanced by the amount of energy you burn through physical activity.
While fad diets are difficult to stick with and often impractical, the real secret to maintaining a healthy weight is combining a simple nutritious eating plan with daily physical activity.
The simplest thing we can do is to get back to basics by enjoying a variety of fresh foods everyday. Including fresh fruit and vegetables in every meal and minimizing the amount of processed or packaged foods you consume in your diet can help manage your weight. Aim to include a variety of foods from each of the key food groups daily including grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat & beans and healthy oils. A diet rich in fresh foods with less take-out treats combined with a daily exercise regime will help you maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight for your age, height and body type can help you fight a number of health problems including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- coronary heart disease
- certain types of cancer
The best way to check whether you are overweight is to ask your doctor or registered dietitian, who can also provide information on weight management strategies specific to your needs.
You can use our quick and easy BMI calculator to learn about the weight category you are in. Click here
Tips for healthy weight management
- Healthy weight loss takes time. Be realistic about your goals!
- Plan and commit to exercise - it could be as simple as walking home from work or walking to the store for your groceries instead of driving.
- Plan your meals before you do your grocery shopping. Check labels at the supermarket for information on sugars, fats and calories and skip foods that are not part of your healthy eating plan.
- Make realistic changes to your eating patterns and physical activity. Ensure that any change you aim to make is one you can stick with for life.
- Avoid fad diets. These may give short term results but may be harmful to your health in the long term. Commit to losing weight the healthy way by being sensible with your diet and choosing physical activity that suits your lifestyle.
- Seek advice from your doctor, registered dietitian or health professional when it comes to managing your weight.