Choose the Right Foods to Control Your Weight

• 1). Most people don't know the difference between good and bad carbs. Bad carbs are added sugars and carbs from refined, or white, flour. These carbs can lead to huge spikes in your blood sugar, resulting in overeating and dramatic blood glucose fluctuations within your body. Good carbs come from whole grains and natural sugars from fruit and are higher in fiber, take longer to digest and can help you feel fuller longer.
  
  
• 2). There is also a big difference between good and bad fats. Bad fats are saturated or trans fats, which have been shown to increase your likelihood of developing heart disease. Good fats are monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, and they actually can help improve blood cholesterol levels. Many people take medications for heart conditions, so choosing the right fats might help decrease your need to take pills for conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.
  
  
• 3). Most people consume way too many calories from certain liquids. Each can of soda you drink has 150 calories and nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar. These are empty calories that go straight to your waistline and make you much more prone to having to take medications. Cutting back on sugary sodas, juices and alcohol can help you avoid a lifetime of taking prescription drugs.
  
  
• 4). Exercise is also a crucial component to helping you avoid taking medications. Exercise helps strengthen your muscles; increases your endurance; can help lower your blood pressure; and can help reduce stress and depression-related conditions. Getting just 30 minutes of exercise each day can have a dramatic impact on your life. Getting regular exercise can help you prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
  
  
• 5). Losing weight is one of the best ways to avoid a lifetime of taking prescription drugs. Obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for a number of conditions including coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. To lose weight, eat a healthy balanced diet filled with vegetables, lean meats, good fats and good carbs, and aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise five days per week.