September is Obesity Awareness Month : Herbalife Shares Expert Tips to Kickstart Your Fitness Journey

In light of Obesity Awareness Month this September, Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company and community, shares expert tips on building a fitness plan that aligns with one’s lifestyle. With the latest reports from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showing that obesity in the Philippines is rising,  the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition in achieving a healthy weight and overall wellness cannot be overstated.

According to the FNRI, 28.8% of Filipino adults aged 20-59 are overweight, and 9.6% are obese. For Obesity Awareness Month this September, we need to take a closer look at the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition in achieving a healthy weight and overall wellness.

As a committed partner in supporting individuals achieve their fitness goals, Herbalife provides nutrition education and community support in reminding the public that balanced nutrition and regular physical activity is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Engaging in regular physical activity can lead to positive changes such as better heart health, reduced stress, and mental clarity which can be seen as soon as you start an exercise routine However, barriers such as low motivation and lack of a plan or knowledge often delay the start of our fitness journeys.

To help address these issues, Herbalife leverages the importance of community and how it helps individuals stay motivated and driven in their fitness journeys. According to Herbalife’s 2023 Asia Pacific Power of Community Survey, 48% of respondents from Philippines find that friends and family are crucial to staying motivated in their health and fitness journeys.
 
Another reminder that people need to be mindful in their fitness journey is the importance of having a well-rounded approach to exercise. By focusing on balancing workouts with nutrition we can optimize our fitness results.
 
Herbalife research shows that structured training will help you to progress workouts more accurately, avoid unnecessary injuries, and enhance your overall training results, allowing you to meet your goals faster.  Here are  some specific workouts to consider when meeting your fitness goals:
 
Regular Stretching: Helps gain body confidence, improves joint stability and muscular flexibility, and alleviates muscular tension.
 
Cardio: Engaging in cardiovascular activity like walking, running, cycling, and dancing is good for your heart and great for burning excess calories. Regular cardio can lower your overall resting heart rate, which benefits long-term health.
 
Strength Training: Adding resistance-based training to your routine can help you lose excess body fat and gain lean muscle mass, improving your appearance and making your body more efficient at burning calories.

 
Besides a healthy active lifestyle, nutrition plays a critical role in achieving our fitness goals. You will need to learn how to balance your diet to ensure that your body has all it needs to be healthy and stay active. As an easy reminder, the three key macronutrients you need to keep in mind are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Susan Bowerman, Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife

 
Proteins play key role in muscle growth and recovery. Susan Bowerman, Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife, recommends that “30% of your daily caloric intake should come from protein rich sources such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes.”
 
Fat is also a crucial macronutrient that help our bodies store energy and process other vitamins.
 
Carbohydrates are the primary energy source of the body. It fuels the brain and muscles, prevent muscle breakdown, and accelerate recovery. Understanding how to fuel our bodies can help us work efficiently and consistently and give us an advantage when starting our fitness journey. Dr. Dana Ryan, Director of Sports Performance Nutrition and Education at Herbalife, emphasizes the importance of healthy carbs in working out.  "There is a common misconception that all carbs are bad. In fact, many types of healthy carbs should be included in everyone’s daily nutrition."
 
Reach out to your local Herbalife Independent Distributors or visit Herbalife Philippines to start your fitness journey today.