“Overweight” and “obese” are very familiar terms in recent times, especially to bloggers. Whether we’re writing about it, reading about it, or living it, these words are a part of our daily lives.
Why are bloggers more likely to get obese?
Two major reasons:
As bloggers, we spend a great deal of time sitting at our desks, and it’s just so much easier to order in or grab fast food than it is to buy groceries and prepare a balanced meal.
Besides, who has the time?
The scary facts
Doctors look at our Body Mass Index (BMI) to measure our height, weight, body type and age against each other to determine a healthy weight range. Generally, people with a (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 are considered at a healthy weight, while people with a BMI of 25.0-29.9 are considered overweight and people with a BMI over 30 are considered obese.
According to the Center for Disease Control, over 33% of adults are obese and another 34% of adults are overweight (but not obese). While men are more likely than women to be overweight, women are actually more likely to be obese than men. Go figure.
There are many factors that contribute to excess weight and obesity to full time bloggers, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, and sometimes health conditions.
Is it too late to change your body?
The easiest way to maintain a healthy weight is to have parents that emphasized healthy eating and exercise. Well, that ship has sailed. After you take a minute to curse your parents’ lax take on eating habits, know that it’s never too late to change your mind and change your body. Here is 3 things you can do today to become a healthier blogger:
Consider a portion-based diet
Before you decide to start a radical new diet or jump on your new weight loss plan, check in with your doctor. Have her assess your current health and recommend a diet and exercise plan suited to your unique body and needs.
Tell your doctor what you do for living. Your doctor will need to know that your lifestyle as a blogger involves long hours in front of the computer and ask for advice in relation to the right diet and exercise. Many doctors recommend that you spread your food intake over 6 meals a day.
Reputable portion-based diets like Nutrisystem and Medifast work successfully on this principle. You don’t deprive yourself from your favorite foods, you just eat them in small amounts over a period of time.
Exercise 30 minutes a day
Most doctors recommend about 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day. This can be walking, jogging, biking, swimming, playing basketball, or anything that increases your heart rate.
The best way to get fit and lose weight is to find an activity that you enjoy so you’ll be motivated to keep it up. My introduction to fitness started with a yoga class and once I realized how out of shape I was (and how great everyone else looked), I was motivated to keep going and keep improving.
Since then, I’ve branched into rock climbing, running, biking, and other kinds of fitness classes. Try different types of activities out—you never know what you love until you try it.
Eat natural foods
Eat things that you could find in nature. Fruits, vegetables and nuts are all great sources of vitamin and nutrients that our bodies crave. It’s ok to occasionally indulge your sweet tooth or a craving for a fast-food meal, but don’t make it a habit.
The more natural food you eat, the better you’ll feel and the more weight you’re likely to drop.
Drink more water
Eat slowly and drink water. Our bodies can be very mischievous, and will trick us into thinking we’re hungry when we’re really not. Next time you eat a meal, whether it’s at a table with your family or alone in front of your computer, eat about half as quickly as you normally do. Take smaller bites and enjoy your meal.
It can take up to 20 minutes for our brains to process the “full” feeling in our stomach, so the slower you eat, the less likely you’ll be to overeat. When we’re thirsty, our bodies sometimes send a “hungry” signal to our brains.
Instead of reacting with a bag of chips, drink a glass of water first. Still hungry? Have some veggies and hummus or and apple and peanut butter.
This post is proudly presented by www.weightlossdiets4women.com, a blog put together by a team of qualified nutritionists and personal trainers who offer among many things reviews of some of the world’s biggest meal replacement services. Also, find out how Medifast can help you lose weight and a lot more.
Article by JaneSheeba
+Jane is the founder of Problogging Success. She is an expert blogger, consultant, freelance writer and blog designer. Don't forget to get your hands on two FREE Ebooks she offers.
Jane has written 287 awesome posts for Problogging Success.
{ 61 comments… read them below or add one }
I struggle the most with water consumption. I would have to say that water intake is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle.
Robert, a good water in take is a must. I can pride myself on it
Good post about trying to keep healthy.I would say to avoid neck pain maintain a neutral neck position and avoid having the chin come forward.
Amrik Virdi recently posted..How To Get Started With Guest Blogging
Thanks for the addition Amrik!
Nice concern. Health is one of important things that bloggers must know … thanks
Okto recently posted..Jasa Membuat Website : Pelajaran Berharga dari Babastudio
Flatly agree, there is no point in earning all that you want in life when you can’t even move from your bed.
Allen recently posted..PR – Dynamics, an API for developers and Social Cubix
Well said Allen!
Haha tell me about it!
My previous jobs were…….Chef………..then sales. So on my feet all day moving around. Now activity is at an all time low. I do get out and play squash a few times a week but it is deff starting show.
One thing i did pick up from the days of being a chef. It is cheaper and often faster to create food from scratch than it is to cook frozen processed food. The taste is usually much better too
Matt Kerr recently posted..Comment on Omega Speedmaster Professional – Specifications by Fadli
Oh ya.. I agree with you on that Matt. Cooking fresh food is cheaper and healthier.
Which dish comes out most delicious out of your kitchen?
If you like chicken and bacon you might enjoy my very unhealthy “chicken, bacon cheesy thing”…………
Chicken breast
Soft cheese/Le Roule (the rolled garlic herb soft cheese)
Red Onions
Bacon rashers (back)
Black pepper
Finely dice some red onion, add lots of freshly ground black pepper, and mix in with the cheese. Slap it on the underside of the chicken and wrap two rashers of bacon around using the wider section on the same side as the cheese mix, bacon rashers overlapping to keep the mix in.
Then stick it on the oven (180c/350f) for 40 mins. cheese side down fatty side of the bacon rashers up.
Matt Kerr recently posted..test
Seriously, bloggers put up weight so quickly. I’ve increased almost 8kgs within 4 months(that’s huge right?). It’s just because sitting so many hours in front of my PC and blogging.
Actually I’m a addicted blogger. I can’t pass my day without opening my blog or reading good blog posts by others(like this one)
Drinking water? Really helps? I drink more than 8 to 10 liters a day(weird,huh?). But I want to know more about this?
Rahul kuntala recently posted..Golden Rules for Powerful Blog Design
If just drinking more water can reduce weight then we will not see so many people having problem with obesity anymore. To maintain a healthy weight needs a combination of healthy diet and exercise. No short cut. We are what we eat. If you eat too much of junk food and deep fried food, you’ll tend to look fat or you’ll notice a ‘spare tyre’ in your mid-section. If you eat healthy food(lean protein, complex carbs and healthy fat), you’ll definitely look slim. If a healthy diet plus some exercise (weight training+aerobic), you’ll build some muscles,losing some fat, hence you’ll look a little muscular and that’s what we want. And one more thing, when I said weight training, I’m not saying to train like a body builder. We don’t have to train like that. We should train like an athlete instead. Try to increase weight in muscle mass and not body fat. Eat healthy, drink lots of water and exercise. These 3 must be combined to have a healthy body.
Peter Lee recently posted..New Technology allows for Smear-Free Touch Screens
Hey Peter,
I’ll add 2more now.. Eat early, sleep and get up early including your 3 suggestions
Thanks for giving a detailed explanation. I’m glad(I’ll be more happy if I follow them all).
I think I should control eating the junk food
Rahul kuntala recently posted..Golden Rules for Powerful Blog Design
Rahul 8-10 litres is nor weird. I do drink the same amount everyday. I can’t do without a bottle (with water always) on my desk.
8 kgs is a bit more for sure… I do walk on my treadmill everyday to keep it fit! Still gotta reduce about 5-7 kgs (that’s my goal for the next 2 months hushhh!)
I am very lucky , as far as this scenario is concerned . I am used to work 4-5 hours daily for my blog, yet, I’ve not increased much .
Though, the views you have shared are very useful and I will try my best to follow them properly.
Vignat Vora recently posted..Top 10 point and shoot digital cameras under Rs.10000 in India – April 2012
Some guys are lucky for sure Vignat
Aww. I had the same problem with my weight before, I think the best way to address being overweight is good time management skills. Take time to rest, eat the right food and exercise. After all money is easy to come by when you are healthy, than you are in a death bed.
John Exami recently posted..Can sleep be bad for you?
Haha “After all money is easy to come by when you are healthy, than you are in a death bed.” - Couldn’t agree more
This is a very loud and true statement, as a stay at home wife/mom. I do a lot of blogging, but am always busy cleaning, cooking, chores around the house. It’s not that I eat the wrong foods, I simply often forget to eat.. So it works both ways.
I also think I should get more water intake.
Great article, stopping by via our group We The Bloggers.
Thanks
Debbbie
ps… I’ve also followed you on your blog and any other place we may have in common.
Debbie recently posted..Living in A Virtual World
Debbie its so good to hear that you keep yourself busy with your household work! That’s really great coz you keep yourself busy, fit and healthy as well as you keep your house clean and organized
I started writing on my site two years ago and a few days back when I looked into the mirror, I found that I had put on a lot of weight. I eat the same, like I used to, but too many hours in front of the computer have taken their toll. Thank you for sharing this article, liked it a lot.
Jane,
Great topic here. I think it is easy for bloggers to be far to sedentary. It is very important to sit back work hard but miss the working OUT hard.
One a related side note, I saw the coolest health product yesterday (obviously no affil link) called the fitbit aria.
It is a scale with wifi, that will autmatically update and track your weight and bodyfat online everytime you measure yourself. (the Bodyfat is supposedly very accurate as it sends a very small electrical charge through you when you stand on it in bare feet.)
A pretty nifty tool…there are quite a few things out there that can help people lose weight…but as you pointed out here, ultimately you have to get out there and do these basic “right” things. Everything else is just frills and additions.
Steve
Steve recently posted..How Often Should You Send Email to an Affiliate List?
Eating natural, drinking a lot of water and daily long walk can give us good health. Because of water our skin,kidneys and stomach work properly. A person who drinks a lot of water never become patient of kidney and skin diseases. Regular exercise gives good impression of our personality.
Azam recently posted..Silpada Catalogues
These are really great tips, especially the water. That makes a huge difference as I’ve experienced personally in the last week. My energy is much higher and I have far fewer cravings for food. I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is getting rid of the all or nothing mentality. Take yesterday for instance- I only had 2 15-minute windows for which to get in some exercise. Rather than say to myself the day is lost, I got in 2 quick workouts. Obviously they weren’t within the optimal 45-60 minutes I usually shoot for, but I got them in nonetheless and I’m better for it.
Richard recently posted..Get Stronger AND Maintain Your Weight Class??
Hi Jane,
I think you are right about the overweight blogging epidemic. I am noticing that my pants don’t button as easily as they once did… I keep telling myself that I will start exercising more when it gets nicer outside… I will hopefully stick to that…
Thank for the tips, Jane!
Take care,
~Jeremy
Jeremy Ruggles recently posted..My First Interview Over Skype – Learn With Me
Hi Jane,
thanks for sharing this and creating awareness. I think the problem is wide-spread, not only among bloggers: Too much high-calorie and not enough physical exercise. I had to force myself to run more again in order to get on track again. I am also using targeted nutrional supplements.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Challenging What Is Part 1 - The Past
Great post, full time blogging can be a problem with regards to weight gain. The other problem is that many bloggers become reclusive and this does not allow for getting out to exercise. Good advice to follow here.
Neil recently posted..Zinc Deficient: Can chocolate help?
Hey Jane, Being a blogger is not even that easy. Not even blogger, or anyone else who has to work a lot in front of computer has to face a lot of health related problems even although I suffer from neck and back pain often.
The post is good and I think I would be able to have proper meals and have an exercise to have a normal or controlled weight.
Good Tips..
Debasis recently posted..Tools For Creating An Attractive Facebook Fan Page For Your Blog
Wow. Same pinch Jane
).
Right now I’m typing this while drinking(my mom will bring another bottle immediately after finishing this
BTW I don’t look fatty. I’m happy with my weight but I’ve to start doing exercise asap. Reading zenhabits to get more inspiration…
Rahul kuntala recently posted..Golden Rules for Powerful Blog Design
So what’s your height Rahul? I think that’s what keeps you from looking fat lol
I think so.. hmm 5’11(for life time), I can increase or reduce my weight anytime but not height
Rahul kuntala recently posted..Golden Rules for Powerful Blog Design
I totally agree. Before I worked a blogger I have a flat stomach because I have plenty to do, but since I became a blogger I just sit all day in front of my computer. Now as your story I have a belly stomach. I really want a flat stomach like the old time.
win recently posted..Proform Elliptical
Those of us with weight problems to start with have this issue magnified. Spending 8 hours in front of the computer each day only makes the issue worse. Anyone tried one of the standup treadmill desks?
I agree with Oliver, obesity is widespread and not just restricted to professional bloggers. That said, bloggers tend to spend much more time behind the computer. It is important to look after our health and weight.
Completely agree. Bloggers usually sit infront of their PCs for so long and they dont even get up. I mean we, we bloggers are too much passionate about blogging and that finally ends up in a heavy weight title.
Koundeenya recently posted..6 Internet Marketing Secrets To Get Started With
I can so much relate to this post. Since last 1 year I have gained so much weight. Blogging and working from home has its own pitfalls. At times the motivation to workout is simply not there. I think its essential to stay away from fast food and soft drinks as much as possible as they add to a lot of fat…
Wow! it’s a real factor to learn for me before starting the diet.Thank you for sharing such a eye opening fact!!!
Benjina recently posted..Low Carb Diet Overview
Bloggers have it tough, we get going at our desks and before you know it 2 or 3 hours have past. I think better time management is part of the key to helping bloggers with obesity issues.Just scheduling a break to go outside for a half hour will work.
Corey recently posted..Brazil Butt Lift Versus Yoga Booty Ballet
True. And quite possibly going to happen to you if you don’t do something about it.
Exercise on regular basis can be the first step to getting off that computer sometimes!
Samuel recently posted..Top WordPress Plugins To Reach The Top!
All tips are good, but the key to lose some weight is mindset!
David Webb recently posted..Business Plan
wow! great post, it concern a lot to those who is it, and this post hoping to get more learner to learn about maintaining their diet and health.
as bloggers, we may not just sitting in home. it’s impossible for us to online all the time. get to move is really needed for our body because they also help our body system to work properly
Hi Jane health is so important. Some one told me a saying a little time ago it goes like this and is very true……. You give up your health to get your wealth. When you have your wealth you cannot get back your health.
I tink this is a excellent saying
Thanks lee
Lee recently posted..Multi Pet Insurance
We bloggger have dedication for our work so much that we never think of our health. We have habit of seating in front of computer for long time continuously which make us fat and effect our eye sight. But we have quote that to get something we have to spare something
These are some really cool tips. However, ever since i started my writing business, i have noticed i ve lost a couple of pounds. Maybe because i dont get enought time to eat
Jenny Paul recently posted..Useful Argumentative Essay Writing Tips
Its good to know that I am not the only blogger who once suffered with this issue. The reason why it is so easy for bloggers to put on some weight is because they are at their desk most of the time without moving. The best way to avoid gaining weight is to exercise 30 mins first thing in the morning to get it out of the way and drink lots of water. You will feel much better and healthier.
Julie recently posted..Tips to Lose Weight in Your Thighs
What I do is work only during 30-minute periods then between each of them I take a 5-minute break in order to walk around, have a drink and rest my eyes. You can use a timer such as Pomodoro. It will also increase your productivity.
Hi great article these are my fav two subjects I run a fitness site for the over 40 and also talk to a lot of people who sit in front of there desktops all day and I give similar advice to this article. If you have a break and go and do some exercise not only will you get fitter but you will come back to your desk with some killer ideas
kevin redman recently posted..Welcome to Muscle building over 40
I am a blogger and I excersize regularly and don’t really have any weight problems at all. But then again I am still young, maybe thats my secret!
Robert recently posted..McDonald’s Big Tasty Review
Bloggers being suceptable to obesity is not suprising considering the lifestyle of your typical blogger. They spend lots of time sitting idly in front of a computer, order nothing but junk food washed down with chemically enhance sodas…With exercise out the window eventually such a ritual begins to feel comfortable, which is more bad news
Svetlana Koslov recently posted..Approve or Disapprove: Trendsetting Reverse High Heels
Great Post!
Bloggers often times forget how long she spent in the computer. So sedentary lifestyle mostly lead to obesity. I myself spent more than 12hours a day seating in my desktop. No wonder I gained 36lbs in just few months. Besides I indulge most on fast food so the amount of calorie intake is so high. Jane, reading your post is so helpful. Thank you so much. Namaste!
anwar recently posted..Vivekananda Yoga - Is It Hatha Or Raja Yoga? Who Is Right?
great article it is hard to get started towards eating healthier your suggestions are good ones that should help you get started on the right road to successful weight loss.
Sunny James recently posted..31 Day Fat Loss Cure Challenge – I Lost 14 lbs in 31 Days
I guess the pounds can add up really fast if you don’t exercise regularly. I try to dedicate an hour just to get my morning exercise routing going before blogging. My problem is that, i get tempted to snack a whole lot while blogging but i guess, i have to change that really soon.
Nice post Jane!
Sarafina recently posted..Personalized Metal Pet Tags for Only $1.99
I also agree with everthing above, I get started about 3 years ago using the internet and blogs. I am now 69 years old and for the first time in my life my wife stated that my time online has given me a beer belly.
correct.
Now this remark from her made me pay a little more attention and soon realised she was as always
She is always coning up with something new on my 69th birthday 4 months ago she bought me a Mini iPad, and her sugestion was excercise which included me and my new iPad makiing the 1 mile walk to the closest coffee shop.
It took some doing but I tried it and I enjoyed it, plus lost 11 pounds so far. Oh meeting all the folks at the coffee shop now everyday is very enlightening.
Also the remarks about water it does make a big difference, it was hard to get in the habit, but I forced myself every morning to get a good start with 2 glasses and go from there. It does make a difference health wise.
Jack
I guess to be able to cut off those unwanted fats then the best way would be to go for exercise and proper diet. If you have the craving to eat then do something else to distract like walk around or play games in your computer.
I blog quite a bit too, but i find that taking some time out for physical activity not only keeps me fit, it also relaxes my mind and helps me come up with new ideas. Now am nearly as addicted to staying fit as I am to blogging. I run a site on building muscle, weight loss and fat burning so I guess I also get lots of my ideas in the gym.
Andrew Carter recently posted..The Top 7 Muscle Building Exercises
I’m not really a blogger but my work requires me to sit down infront of PC 8-12 hrs a day. Imagine that! So yeah, weight gain is no shock. What I usually do, I do few minutes of Chair Yoga as form of stretching/ work-out. And yes, water really helps a lot in curbing down your appetite.
Hi Jane so many people get stuck in the rut of work and money and forget about the importance of healthy body and mind. Without these what have you got so these have to come first not the pursuit of wealth
Lee recently posted..Tummy Control Knickers
If just drinking more water can reduce weight then we will not see so many people having problem with obesity anymore. To maintain a healthy weight needs a combination of healthy diet and exercise. No short cut. We are what we eat. If you eat too much of junk food and deep fried food, you’ll tend to look fat or you’ll notice a ‘spare tyre’ in your mid-section. If you eat healthy food lean protein, complex carbs and healthy fat) you ll definitely look slim.
Agung recently posted..Cara Membuat Link Membuka Secara Otomatis Tanpa di Klik
I’m a little late to the party but… This is a fantastic article Jane.
When we think about bloggers, they’re usually talking up a lifestyle of working at the beach, staying fit and, in general, just having a great life.
Blogging is definitely fun and a nice way to earn extra cash, but it’s easy to get bogged down in a sedentary lifestyle and never get out of it. There are a lot of things that take the fall when discussing obesity, but lifestyle has to be put front and center more than it is.
Richard recently posted..What Causes Obesity In America? Sugar Protectionism?
Hi Jane
Thought I would just add to my comment a little while ago. This is a saying someone said to me
You give up your health to get your wealth. When you have your wealth you can’t get back your health.
A very opinionated point this one. Just thought I would share that with you.
Thanks lee
Lee recently posted..Summer Bucket List