Many American women devote much of their day to sedentary activities like working at a desk or watching television, and that can pack on the pounds. For a woman to maintain a healthy body weight, women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, encourages a regular workout program to get the blood pumping. Vigorous exercise in the form of jogging, swimming and dancing and other physical activities can all reduce disease risk and body fat. Since so many women are juggling responsibilities at work and home, pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, recommends walking around the block during lunch hour as a suitable alternative. Using the stairs instead of an elevator can also produce results.
The location of body fat has been shown to be a key factor in health conditions, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Extra fat located in the stomach area has been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, early heart disease and several forms of cancer. It presents a greater health risk than extra fat in the thighs and hips. Focusing on the abdominal region during workouts can help to keep a woman slim and trim while boosting her energy levels.
In the absence of regular exercise, high-fat and high-calorie foods can increase the likelihood of gaining weight. Marla Ahlgrimm urges women to eat a wide range of foods including whole-grain bread and pasta, vegetables, fruits and lean meats. These foods are lower in calories than donuts, cupcakes, muffins and other fat-laden sweet treats. Too many foods high in sugars,and starch can be a disaster for the waistline.
Unfortunately, snacks take up a significant amount of calories and fat grams in an average American’s daily diet. Unless nutritious treats are a major part of the meal plan, this noshing and nibbling often contributes to weight gain. A daily habit of binge-eating is also a major culprit, throwing a woman’s blood sugar level out of whack and threatening her ability to fight off injury and illness.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,