Maintaining a healthy, safe and active lifestyle while living with hemophilia is very important for adults who have hemophilia and parents of children who have hemophilia. A healthy lifestyle does not just involve food but encompasses diet, exercise and a positive attitude to stay focused on being healthy. Here are a few tips for living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining it for a lifetime. Consult your doctor first before changing your diet or exercise routine.
Getting on the Right Track
Losing weight with hemophilia is possible! Review with your doctor the steps to take to reach your weight goal. Here are some things to keep in mind when you have that conversation:
+ Exercise Regularly – Even if you only do 20-30 minutes of low-stress physical activity per day, that is a great start. Try getting into a routine of exercising two or three days a week and build from that. It is important to start slowly.
+ Set Reasonable Goals – Weight loss does not happen overnight. Especially for those with a chronic condition, weight loss should be gradual.
+ Don’t Forget Breakfast – Skipping breakfast is not a good idea when it comes to losing weight. People who skip breakfast generally overcompensate or overeat later in the day.
Staying on the Right Track
Maintaining a healthy weight and healthy diet is so much easier than struggling to get back on track after gaining weight. Behind a healthy lifestyle is a healthy, motivated mindset. Studies have shown that children who are overweight are less likely to do well in sports. Here are some ideas to consider when maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
+ Eat Healthy – Keep your meals fresh and interesting with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Be careful about the salty, sugary foods that are easy to reach for but less healthy. Check out our recipes in the Recommended Diet for Hemophiliacs section of our blog.
+ De-stress and Sleep More – Several recent studies have shown that people who are less stressed sleep better at night. People who are overstressed and do not sleep enough have slowed-down weight loss. If you want to keep the pounds off, try to de-stress and get a good night’s sleep.
Sources:
Staying Fit with Hemophilia – http://www.hemaware.org/story/staying-fit-hemophilia
Type 2 Diabetes – 8 Steps to Weight-Loss Success – http://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/type2/managing/secrets-of-weight-control.aspx
Less Stress, Better Sleep May Help You Lose Weight – http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=651334
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