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December 2011 – Healthy Weight
When
it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, balance is the key - balance the
number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or
"burns off." If you need to lose weight, it takes approximately 3,500 calories
below your calorie needs to lose a pound of body fat. To lose one pound per
week, you'll need to reduce your caloric intake by 500 calories per day.
Physical activities (both daily activities and exercise) help tip the balance
scale by increasing the calories you expend each day. The recommended amount of
physical activity is:
·
150
minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking or using an
elliptical machine) per week
·
Muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major
muscle groups – legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms
If
you need to become more “balanced,” resolve to do so in the New Year. Even a
modest weight loss, such as 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight, can
produce health benefits.
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Gloria
Dei Lutheran Church
