Here is a fresh approach to weight loss – try gardening. Gardening provides the benefits of healthy outdoor living, exercise and producing delicious, fresh foods for your healthy diet.
Imagine instead of heading to a stuffy gym and stepping on the same old exercise equipment, you could spend time outdoors getting a productive workout in the privacy of your own yard. Working in your garden can do just that. Studies show that working in your garden can burn between 250 and 500 calories per hour, depending on your activity level.
You can use a wide range of motions in gardening, and work out a number of muscle groups. You can start your gardening workout with a brisk five to ten minute walk and some stretching to warm up.
Jeffrey Restuccio, the author of “Get Fit Through Gardening†recommends creating a gardening routine in which you alternate more strenuous activities with less difficult ones. Try raking or digging for ten minutes, then weeding or some gentle lunges, then back to raking.
Of course, if you enjoy being outdoors and connecting with nature, you will be more likely to commit to getting out there and exercising. It is a satisfying and fun way to incorporate physical activity and stress reduction into your day as you create a beautiful and lush garden.
In addition to the physical activity gardening provides, you will benefit from the foods your garden produces. Fresh fruits and vegetables are one of the best food choices when your goal is weight loss and a healthier body.
Garden vegetables are not only low in calories, but have a high content of water and fiber, which make them a more filling food choice. The National Institute of Health recommends eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Filling up on these low calorie foods will provide you with a great source of vitamins and other nutrients as well.
Having fresh produce on hand allows you to substitute homegrown vegetables for processed foods, rice or pasta. Cut the amount of pasta by adding fresh chopped vegetables, and you’ll be filling up on fewer calories and more nutrients. Fresh vegetables should make up the major portion of your meal, along with small portions of lean protein and whole grains. Add a fresh salad to any meal to satisfy your appetite without adding calories and fat.
Fresh foods from you garden make excellent snacks and desserts as well. Plump berries or a juicy wedge of cantaloupe is a fresh and satisfying substitution for high calorie desserts. Pick fresh veggies to take to work for a mid-afternoon snack instead of choosing empty calories from the vending machine.
If you’re trying to lose weight, start living the healthy lifestyle that gardening provides. You’ll be amazed at how you will increase your activity levels, reduce stress and improve your diet by having your own garden.
Gardening can help boost your mood and your health. Gardening is also a great way to lose weight, so get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
Article from articlesbase.com
