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The Healthy SC Challenge is an initiative of South Carolina First Lady Jenny Sanford and SCDHEC.

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Text Box: To lose pounds you need to burn more energy than you eat. Here are some healthy tips to help you lose weight.

Realistic – you won’t lose 50 pounds in one week. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is healthy weight loss. Some weeks you may not lose any weight. Remember that eating healthy is great for your body, whether or not the scale changes.

image of walkersActivity – include exercise like walking, biking, or lifting weights in your daily routine. It burns calories from foods you eat which can help you lose weight.

Instinct – use your instincts when judging trendy diets. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. For sustained weight loss, stick to a healthy lifestyle you can follow your whole life.

foods in a heart shapeNatural – foods like fruits and vegetables have a lot of vitamins are low in calories and usually fat-free. They also contain fiber which can keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Be slow – it takes your body 20 minutes to realize your stomach is full. If you eat slower you’ll realize sooner that you are full and you won’t eat more than you really need.

Often – Eating at least three small meals throughout the day will keep you from growing so hungry that you may overeat at the next meal. Incorporate healthy, low-fat snacks like fruits and veggies in your diet.

glass of waterWater – drinking enough water is important in weight loss. Your body may mistake thirst for hunger which could make you to overeat. You need at least 8 cups of water per day. Try drinking a glass before meals to decrease the amount of food you eat.

 

 

Text Box: More tips    Cravings – if you have a craving for something sweet, try fruit or chewing a piece of gum instead. Or wait 20 minutes and see if the craving persists; if so, have a small serving.     Diary – keeping a food diary of what you crave, when you eat, and your level of hunger (on a scale of 1-10) can help you keep track of your calories and learn where you can cut back.    Adjust – some days you may eat more than others.  If you plan on celebrating by eating out, eat fewer calories at breakfast and lunch, or try working out for an extra 20 minutes.

My Committment

Text Box: To help lose weight and live a more healthy life, I will:    1.          2.          3.

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