Weight management is a serious, often overlooked, health challenge that now affects over one third of the U.S. population. Many people in the United States have chosen to pursue a lifelong commitment to healthy weight management that includes lifestyle changes, exercise, and proper nutrition.
The typical Standard American Diet (SAD) makes it challenging to maintain a healthy weight, in many cases, because it encourages adhesion to a low-fat, high-carb diet. The truth is that fat in the diet does not necessarily lead to fat in the body. The greater challenge is the excessive consumption of high-carb, nutrient-void, high-calorie foods. Highly processed and refined foods may be billed as 'low-fat' but, because they are low on real nutrients in a bioavailable form, these foods actually leave the body feeling hungry for more. That's because the body may be literally malnourished when it comes to the key vitamins and minerals. The body often responds with incessant cravings (often for more quick energy carbs).
Creating a lifestyle of healthy weight management begins with changing the diet, focusing on whole grains, low-glycemic "good carbs", fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein. Exercise is the second key. In addition to diet and exercise, it is also helpful to utilize strategic supplementation to maintain healthy vitamin and mineral levels.*