Many people in today's society live sedentary lives. Hours are spent on the internet working, playing and socializing. Additional hours are then spent watching television. When fast foods are added to the equation, the results are increased incidences of heart disease and diabetes.
In the North American culture, a conscious effort has to be made to stay healthy. This requires making nutritionally sound eating choices, regular cardio workouts as well as incorporating a daily walking program. Unfortunately, these things no longer come naturally. However, there are some free websites that have excellent plans to keep track of weight, calorie and nutrient intakes, fitness regimens and walking goals.
Nutrition and Fitness
This free website – Spark People – has assisted many in reaching their nutritional and weight goals. New members can create their own personalized web page on the site with information about themselves, specify their goals and even upload photos. One of the most valuable components is the ability to track food intake – Nutrition Tracker. A meal plan is available for those who prefer. For others, who wish to create their own, every meal and snack can be recorded. To do this accurately, a small scale is required.
The system provides a breakdown of calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and other nutrients. Goals can also be set for water intake as well as fruit and vegetable intake. The site has recipes that have been created by its members for use by others. These recipes are low in calories with a focus on good nutrition.
The Fitness Tracker is available for those who want to include exercise as part of their plan. These can include upper body, lower body as well as the core. Demonstrations are available to ensure that they are done properly. All exercise can be tracked.
Having set a weight goal, a weekly weigh-in is required to track progress.
The website has a very active, supportive and encouraging community. People of similar interests can join together and form a smaller group and stay in touch. There are numerous informative articles available for reading. A blog spot is available to anyone who wants to write about their journey to better health. There are also message boards on various topics that can be followed.
The road to good nutrition is always easier if you have a buddy to join you. On Spark People, there is an opportunity to connect with others who have similar goals and exchange encouraging words.
Walking Plan
Walking is something that most people can do but, most have no idea how far they walk on a daily basis. One of the best ways to stay motivated is by investing in a pedometer. The Omron HJ-112 is one of the best. It is sensitive, accurate and durable.
This free website – Walker Tracker – enables walkers to log their daily steps and include some commentary about the day and even upload a picture. There is also the option to form a group, with those of similar interests, to keep up enthusiasm and to support each others goals. It is also possible to start one's own a group by incorporating friends and family who have also decided to make walking part of their life style.
For those who enjoy competition, there are all kinds that are available on the website and could spur new walkers on to achieving new goals.
Nutrition, Fitness and Walking Programs
Good health is a function of proper food choices and regular activity. The internet can bring some of these free programs right into the home and enable people to reverse the unhealthy trends that often entrap them in our society.
Vi Brown - Corporate/business management, real estate broker, author, world traveler, freelance writer for magazines and newspapers.
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