(inside cover)
Part of being healthy is getting to and staying at a health weight. We're not talking about being model skinny either!
We're simply talking about how you can get to a weight that reduces your risk for diseases, like diabetes, in the future.
You'll also find that being at a healthy weight gives you more energy, improves your mood and helps you tackle those day-to-day challenges.
Have you tried to eat better or be more active? Most women have. Sometimes it is hard to do because we are surrounded by unhealthy choices and we try to make big changes all at once. Making small changes is easier and they add up to a healthier you in no time at all!
This booklet offers ideas for small changes to help you eat better and move more so you can get to a healthy weight.
(page two)
Before your start any journey it's a good idea to know where you are going. But before you hit the road, take the time to celebrate yourself. Focusing on the positive and loving yourself can be great motivation, and it just feels good!
Name some things that you love about yourself.
(Answer here)
What makes you feel beautiful?
(Answer here)
Why do you want to be at a healthy weight?
(Answer here)
GREAT! NOW LET'S GET STARTED...
(page three)
If you know how tall you are and how much you weigh, you can learn your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a number that health care professionals use to let you know if you are at a healthy weigh. Having a BMI that is too low or too high can put you at a higher risk for many health problems, regardless of how you look and feel.
BMI is usually a number from 18-40. You can use the table below to find your BMI.
HEIGHT |
100 |
110 |
120 |
130 |
140 |
150 |
160 |
170 |
180 |
190 |
200 |
210 |
220 |
230 |
240 |
4'9" |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
5'0" |
20 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
|
|
|
|
5'1" |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
|
|
|
5'2" |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
|
|
5'3" |
18 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
37 |
39 |
|
|
5'4" |
18 |
19 |
21 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
|
5'5" |
|
18 |
20 |
22 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
5'6" |
|
18 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
37 |
39 |
5'7" |
|
17 |
19 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
36 |
38 |
5'8" |
|
|
18 |
20 |
21 |
23 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
29 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
35 |
37 |
5'9" |
|
|
18 |
19 |
21 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
34 |
36 |
5'10" |
|
|
17 |
19 |
20 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
29 |
30 |
32 |
33 |
35 |
5'11" |
|
|
|
18 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
31 |
32 |
34 |
6'0" |
|
|
|
18 |
19 |
20 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
(page four)
Under 19: Underweight - Add some pounds
You may have bone loss, low iron or no monthly periods. You may get sick often or feel sad and tired. Getting pregnant while underweight can also be risky and lead to health problems for both mom and baby. Ask your health care provider about what you can do to put on weight.
19 - 24: Healthy Weight - Congratulations!
Keep up the good work by eating smart and moving more. The tips in this booklet can help keep you going strong. Check your BMI at least once a year to make sure you stay on the right track.
25 - 29: Overweight - Let's get started!
You are more likely to develop diabetes and high blood pressure. Getting pregnant while overweight can increase health risks for both mom and baby, such as premature birth and certain types of birth defects. The news is you can improve your health by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds. Follow the tips in this booklet to help you move toward a healthier weight.
30+: Obese - Ready to make a change?
You may have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure and are at a higher risk for stroke and certain types of cancer. Getting pregnant while obese can increase health risks for both mom and baby, such as premature birth and certain types of birth defects. Follow the tips in this booklet. Making small changes over time will add up fast and move you toward a healthier weight.
(page five)
There are many ways to set goals to reach a healthy weight. See the ideas below. Choose one that works for you.
Weight Goals
Check the green area of the BMI chart and choose a final destination weight goal based on your height. For example, if you are 5 feet 4 inches and weigh 180 pounds, a healthy weight for you is between 110 pounds and 145 pounds.
What is your final destination weight goal? (Answer)
Now let's get real and creak this down into weight goals to reach along the journey. The good news is each pound lost will move you toward a healthier weight and will lead to health benefits for you in the long run.
Weight goal #1_______________________ Actual pounds lost__________________ Date______________
Weight goal #2_______________________ Actual pounds lost__________________ Date______________
Weight goal #3_______________________ Actual pounds lost__________________ Date______________
OR
CLOTHING GOALS
Don't have a scale but have a favorite piece of clothing that is now too tight? No problem. Let a pair of pants, skirt or dress be your guide as you make changes to move toward a healthy weight.
Clothing item:______________________ Does it fit?_____________ Date___________________
Clothing item:______________________ Does it fit?_____________ Date___________________
Clothing item:______________________ Does it fit?_____________ Date___________________
IF YOU DO NOT REACH A GOAL, DON'T GET DISCOURAGED. MAKE YOUR GOAL SMALLER AND RY AGAIN.
(page six)
If your BMI is 25 or greater and you've decided you want to lose weight, then you will need to make healthier food choices or move more or both! Many women want to lose extra weight fast. But if you make small changes over time (losing 1 to 2 pounds per week), you will be more likely to keep the weight off.
Healthy weight loss is not about a "diet" or 'program." It's about what you do every day and it includes long-term changes to your daily eating and exercise habits.
If you feel you have a long way to go, think about the changes you will make as small steps on a journey instead of a sprint to the finish line.
TO START YOUR JOURNEY
Healthy Habits
- Rethink your drink
-Tame the tube
-Right-size your portions
-Move more every day
-Enjoy more fruits and veggies
-Prepare more meals at home
-Breastfeed your baby
-Take a multivitamin every day
-Keep track of your progress!
(page seven)
We all love a refreshing drink with a meal, as a snack, or after physical activity. Sodas, sweet tea and other sugary drinks may taste good, but they have a lot of calories and no nutrients. Next time you're thirsty, re-think your drink.
Drinking several sodas a day? Start by replacing one with water. Once this becomes a habit, replace two or more sodas over time. If you like sweet tea, try mixing half sweet and half unsweet until you get used to the taste. Or drink unsweet tea and add a little less sweetener each time. Before you know it, you'll get used to a less sweet tea and enjoy it just as much.
Your Checklist for Rethinking Your Drink
__ Try water with lemon.
__ Drink low-fat or fat-free milk instead of whole or 2 percent.
__ Choose calorie-free diet sodas or tea instead of regular drinks.
__ Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day.
__ Replace fruit "drink" with 100% fruit juice.
List at least two of your own ideas on how to rethink your drink:
1. (line)
2. (line)
(page eight)
Many of us say we don't have time for physical activity, yet we spend 3 to 4 hours in front of the TV every day. Not only are we inactive while watching television, we often snack on high-calorie foods at the same time. Try cutting back just one hour every night to start. Trade TV time for activity time—walk, run, bike or play.
Your Checklist for Taming the Tube
__ Do something active while watching TV commercials. March in place or do jumping jacks.
__ Get the TV out of the bedroom.
__ Set a daily limit for yourself of "screen time"—you'll be amazed at how much free time you discover.
__ Set clear limits and be a good TV role mode for your children.
List at least two of your own ideas for taming the tube:
1. (line)
2. (Line)
(page nine)
Larger portions = extra calories = extra pounds! How big are your portions? Eating large portions adds extra calories, and extra calories means more pounds on you! Most of us think we eat less than we do. Eat smaller portions of foods and drinks at a leisurely pace to fill you up, not out. So next time, remember to right-size your portions.
Your Checklist for Right-Sizing your Portions
__ Use smaller plates to trick yourself into thinking your plate is full.
__ Avoid eating straight from the package. Divide contents of one large package of snack food into several small bags, bowls or containers.
__ Share your restaurant meal with a family member or friend.
__ Choose fast food only occasionally. Eat and prepare more meals at home.
__ Don't super-size. Super sizing usually provides more fries, bigger soft drinks and more calories.
__ Think twice when ordering the value meal combo—they usually contain larger serving sizes.
List at least two of your own ideas for right-sizing your portions:
1.
2.
(page ten)
You don't have to belong to a gym to get moving! Walk, dance, play, work in your yard or do housework. Take a walk with a friend, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or work around the house. Dancing works, too, and is great fun! Thirty minutes or more of activity for adults and 60 minutes for children on most days can help you get in shape and feel good. Can't find a 30 minute chunk of time? Break it up throughout the day. Every minute counts.
Your Checklist for Moving More
__ Take a walk (10 minutes).
__ Choose the stairs instead of the elevator (5 minutes).
__ Park farther away and walk (5 minutes).
__ Dance with your children at home or walk them to a local park (10 minutes).
__ Vacuum the house (10 minutes).
List at least two of your own ideas on how to move more:
1.
2.
(page eleven)
What are low in calories, full of essential nutrients and can help reduce your risk for health problems like diabetes and cancer? Fruits and vegetables! Make fruits and vegetables half your plate at every meal and use fruits and veggies as snacks. Fresh, frozen, dried, canned—it all counts. Frozen vegetables are an inexpensive way to get veggies at every meal. Shake things up by enjoying a variety of colors to stay healthy.
Fruits and Veggies Checklist
__ Include vegetables and/or fruits at every meal and snack. You can't get too many and they help fill you up!
__ Let your child select a new fruit at the supermarket.
__ Take a family trip to the farmers market or produce stand. Some accept EBT, too.
__ WIC recipients may receive cash-value vouchers for many fruits and veggies.
List at least two of your own ideas for enjoying more fruits and veggies:
1.
2.
(page twelve)
All of us can benefit from eating more meals at home. Healthy meals can be quick, easy and inexpensive. Home-cooked meals also bring families together. Try using the "rule of thirds". Fill two-thirds of your plate with fruits, vegetables and grains, and one-third with meat. Busy families can reduce preparation time by using simple, healthy recipes and by getting the family involved.
Your Checklist for Preparing more Meals at Home
__ Try planning one week of meals in advance. Use the internet to find recipes or swap recipes with friends as a way to build your own cookbook.
__ Using your weekly meal plan, shop smart by making a shopping list so you can make fewer trips to the grocery store. This can also save you money by making sure you only buy what you need.
__ Fix meals based on your plan and get some help from your friends and family.
List at least two of your own ideas on how to prepare more meals at home:
1.
2.
(insert)
Weekly Meal Planner
Mon:
Tues:
Wed:
Thurs:
Fri:
Sat:
Sun:
Shopping List
Fruits:
Veggies:
Meats:
Dairy:
Breads and Cereals:
Other:
(page thirteen)
It's the best gift you can give your baby. Breastfeeding fights disease and childhood obesity and helps babies' brains develop—making your baby healthier and happier. You'll feel better, too. You may lose pregnancy weight faster and you'll lessen your chance of getting weight-related cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer. And best of all, you're giving your baby something that no one else can. Contact your health care provider or local WIC office for help with all of your breastfeeding needs.
Take a Multivitamin Every Day!
Along with eating smart and moving more, taking a multivitamin every day is important for good health. This the easiest health tip ever—simply take one multivitamin every day!
Most multivitamins contain 400 mcg of folic acid. If you become pregnant, having enough folic acid may help prevent certain birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida. Check out your local health clinic; many give out multivitamins for free.
A common myth is that multivitamins increase hunger or cause weight gain. The news is they don't!
(page fourteen)
Most of us do not know how much we really eat or how we are each day. But if we write it down, we pay closer attention to our habits. Studies show that keeping track of what we eat each day can double weight loss! So, keep track in a notebook, on a scar of paper or even on a napkin—just get tracking. You can start with the Food and Activity Trackers on this page.
Food and Activity Tracker
Date:
What did you eat and drink?
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Snacks:
What did you do? (list physical activity)
1.________________________________ Time:
2.________________________________ Time:
3.________________________________ Time:
How do you feel?
Did you take your multivitamins?
__ Yes
__ No
Food and Activity Tracker
Date:
What did you eat and drink?
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Snacks:
What did you do? (list physical activity)
1.________________________________ Time:
2.________________________________ Time:
3.________________________________ Time:
How do you feel?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you take your multivitamins?
__ Yes
__ No
(back page)
My Eat Smart Move More North Carolina - www.myeatsmartmovemore.com
Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less - www.esmmweighless.com
Be Active NC - www.beactivenc.org
North Carolina Preconception Health Campaign (North Carolina Folic Acid Campaign) – www.getfolic.com
Every Woman NC - www.everywomannc.org
CDC: Healthy Weight - it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle! - www.cdc.gov/healthyweight
CDC: Physical Activity - www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity
Fruits and Veggies Matter - www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html
My Bright Future -www.hrsa.gov/womenshealth/mybrightfuture/menu.html
FitDay: Free Diet & Weight Loss Journal - www.fitday.com
Livestrong - www.livestrong.com (Free daily tracker: My Plate - www.livestrong.com/myplate)
Sparkpeople - www.sparkpeople.com (Create an account to access a free daily tracker)
Shape up America! - www.shapeup.org
Small Step - www.smallstep.gov
My Pyramid - www.mypyramid.gov
Let’s Move - www.letsmove.gov
Eating Well - www.eatingwell.com
Aim for a Healthy Weight - www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/index.htm
Content adapted from Eat Smart Move More North Carolina, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion ) and the Weightcontrol
Information Network (WIN).
NCPH logo |
Eat Smart Move More logo |
North Carolina Preconception Health Campaign logo |
March of Dimes logo |
State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, Women’s and Children’s Health Section Women’s Health Branch
www.ncdhhs.gov 919-707-5700
Supported in part by project H5MMC10862 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child
Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act). 115,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $23,000.00, or $0.20 per copy. (8/10).