Many people believe that watching TV is bad for your
health. But, could it lead to an early
death?
Researchers recently published a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association
that states adults who watched more than three hours of TV per day were twice
as likely to die than those who watched less than one hour per day. For each additional two hours of TV watched
per day, the risk of death increased by 1.4 times. Computer use and driving time were not
associated with a higher risk of death.
Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez, MD, MPH, PhD, of the
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of
Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, led the study that concluded this sedimentary habit
poses a significant health risk due to obsessive snacking and lack of exercise.
What can you do to curb TV snacking?
· Eat as
you go. When you slow down and take
longer to eat, you’re giving the sugar a chance to hit your bloodstream which
makes you feel more satiated. Try eating fruits like oranges or pomegranates
that take a while to peel. Or, nuts,
like pistachios, which come in their shells (just make sure you portion these
out; they’re high in calories). If you eat as you continue to peel your fruit
or crack open your nuts, you’re giving your body more time to feel full — so
you end up eating less.
· Treat
your snack like a meal. Take the
time to put your snack on a plate, sit down and enjoy it like a meal. You’ll savor what you’re eating that much
more. You’ll also be more likely to feel satisfied and not overeat.
· Limit
yourself. Make it easier for your
discipline and don’t sit down with a full bag of anything – cookies, chips or
crackers.
· Turn off
the TV. Limit TV time and, at the
same time, limit your unconscious snacking.
Visit www.FitnessForHealth.org to learn how Fitness for
Health can help you create a fitness plan customized to assist you in reaching
your personal goals.
No comments:
Post a Comment