Obesity is an ever-increasing concern Americans and the rest of the world’s population is facing. Bad eating habits mixed with toxic food is what is fueling the expanding obesity rate. In order to “fix” obesity, Americans must first fix their unhealthy eating habits.

The best way to lose weight is to never have it to begin with. Smart eating choices such as temporary fasting and healthy meals can prevent excess weight build up in the body. There are numerous ways to help make these smart decisions.

Instead of going in for a second brownie, try to sip on a glass of water. Water is an excellent solution to solve hunger as it takes up space in the stomach making a person feel full. Because of this, drinking water before a meal causes people to eat less.

It is important that it is water that is being consumed as well. Soda and other alternatives to water carry with it health risks. Water also happens to be one of the most accessible resources in America.

Water also reduces fatigue and increases energy, which are issues that plague many. Drinking sugary drinks has been found to increase fatigue and the feeling of brain fogginess among other negative health consequences. Drinking water not only prevents the ill effects of soda but also counteracts them.

Another way to prevent obesity is to have mandated or scheduled times that allow for the consumption of food. Limiting meals to two or three thirty minute or less periods will not only restrict the capability of food intake but will also assist daily routines. 

Being limited to only eating during certain meal times will also force the body to adhere to a cycle of food consumption and breakdown which, if adhered to, the body will adjust to. If the body is not forced to adapt to new food routines and instead sticks with a single familiar routine, it will adapt and become efficient at that particular routine, increasing health benefits.

The food that is being consumed also plays a role in health. The greatest indicator with regards to what should be eaten and what should not be eaten lies on the back of the box: the nutrition label. If something contains over 30% of the daily limit of anything per serving it is probably best to avoid, especially so for sugar. Sugar is linked to obesity and is eight times more addictive than crack cocaine.

Making smart choices about if to eat, when to eat it, and what to eat will lead to a healthier lifestyle. Obesity rates are doomed to decrease when people adhere to their own nutritional rules.