Grab Best Fitness Blog Feed...By Karli Taylor
Yup, you read that right. You can be skinny and fat at the same time! In a recent survey only 45 percent of Americans strongly agree that body weight is an indicator of a healthy diet, and you know what? They're right. In fact, body weight isn't a good indicator of health period. Some of the skinniest people I know are also the least healthy.
In a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers found that among more than 15,000 patients, for those with a "normal, healthy" body mass index (BMI) who carried excess fat in their bellies, the risk of dying was no lower than those with BMIs in the "overweight" or "obese" category. In reality where you carry your weight and your day-to-day lifestyle are the true keys to optimal wellness.
Though I’m not saying that weight is not a factor in being healthy, I am saying that there is a much bigger picture that needs to be examined. To better grasp your health ask yourself these 10 questions — the more that you answer yes, the better:
- Do you consistently eat 3-5 servings of fruit or vegetables every day?
- Do you consistently eat whole grains and limit refined grains?
- Do you consistently limit your intake of processed and fried foods?
- Are you consistently physically active at least 30 minutes 5 days a week?
- Do you consistently get at least 7 hours of sleep each night?
- Would you describe your stress level as moderate to low?
- Is your waist measurement below 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men)?
- Are you a non-smoker?
- Do you consistently avoid saturated fats?
- Are you more focused on how you feel (energy, strength, endurance) rather than your size or weight?
Because many people keep focused solely on the number on the scale, they are willing to engage in behaviors that worsen their health. But those 'skinny fat' habits, like skipping meals, smoking, relying on diet pills and over-exercising are major health traps that can speed up the aging process and ruin your quality of life. At the end of the day, monitor your weight, but focus on your health.
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