Americans seem to fall into two categories  —  those who take care of themselves and look good and those who do not.

Kuwait has the highest rate of obesity in the Arab region. About 75 percent of women in the age group 20-60 are overweight and obese as are 50 percent of men.  Obesity has also become a major problem in other Gulf countries.

Once you find yourself overweight it is not easy to change your habits and having run a slimming club for 12 years I am aware that there is no quick solution that works long term. It can be done successfully but the secret is to gradually change habits and start to be more active.  Keep trying and eventually you will find yourself in a healthy routine that comes naturally. Feeling strong and healthy is a great feeling and is worth the effort. The food industry needs us to keep eating processed food, as this is where they make their money. The chocolate and snack food manufacturers, carbonated drink companies and the processed-food industry deliver a message to our children that these foods are fun to eat.  But we don’t want processed junk food marketed to our children with cartoon characters and enticing packaging.

The food industry suggests that the reason why we are so fat is because we are just lazy and sedentary. We don’t exercise enough. Yes, we should be more active, but we also want to be able to buy healthy food. And we don’t want processed junk food marketed to our children.  To combat these strong messages we need to prepare our own food and make simple dishes and take the time to educate our children about healthy eating and to be aware of advertising of junk food in attractive packaging. We need to teach our children to eat smart.

In the United Kingdom, particularly among the children of the less well-off, are being brought up on quick, convenient, ready-made meals in plastic dishes. Here cooking skills are not required — read the label and put food in the microwave oven. Cooking skills are being lost.

Home cooking may not look as perfect as shop-bought ready-made food, but it always tastes better. A ready-made microwave meal is soulless compared to a home- cooked meal prepared with love. On a recent visit to the beach in England I was amazed to see the number of overweight children following their overweight parents — all eating.

So what is the cure? Eat smart and exercise more.  The health and emotional benefits of regular exercise are undeniable. Countless studies show that exercise for just 10 minutes a day will dramatically reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It will improve your mental health and cognitive ability. It improves your energy, stamina and longevity. And the list goes on. So you should exercise daily. For a copy of my award winning workout e-mail me at [email protected]

Early morning exercise is a good place to start because you can do it on your own in your own home
 

The diet I recommend is a balanced one. Three balanced meals a day with two healthy snacks such as fruit and one small treat. To have my free healthy eating guide, send an e-mail to [email protected]
 

All about healthy living, fitness & happiness! Each e-mail will be packed with tips about living a happier, healthier life. Just send an e-mail to [email protected] to be added to my mailing list.
 
 
Depending on their level of disability, most people can do some form of exercise to boost the circulation and keep the body flexible. If you are housebound, it is important to get fresh air. E-mail to [email protected] and I will send you a copy of my bed exercises. You should also follow my healthy-eating guide. Show these to your doctor first to see if they are suitable for your condition. Regular exercise provides a lot of benefits. Apart from increasing your energy expenditure, you’ll also be increasing your flexibility and muscle tone as well as improving your balance and mobility.