Now despite what you might be thinking, losing weight is actually really easy to do – and that’s with or without shift work. So why is it that so many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight?

Well quite simply because it’s also easy not to do it.

You see most people know exactly how to lose weight. The words “exercise, healthy foods, and water” are certainly familiar to most people. But the primary reason most people struggle in their weight loss ventures is because even though following these methods is actually easy to do, it’s also easy not to do it.

And unfortunately for most people – they take the easy option and choose ‘not to do it’ instead.

Let me explain …

* Now it’s not because there is a lack of fruit and vegetables – markets and grocery stores are full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

* It’s not because there is isn’t enough space or exercise equipment available to help us to get active – there are plenty of parks, gyms and other fitness style outlets out there to help you to get active.

* And it’s not because we don’t have enough time – we all have the same 24 hours available a day – it’s what you choose to do in those 24 hours that determines your overall health and happiness.

So there really is no excuse. Everything you could ever need to help you to lose weight and stay healthy is within your reach. The major reason that so few take advantage of all that we have is simply – neglect.

Most people would have heard of the expression “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Even though you may debate the validity of this familiar quotation – what if it was actually true? If by performing that one simple act - that one simple discipline - which could make you much healthier, would it not make sense to just eat that one apple a day?

Now assuming the quotation is true, why don’t more of us eat that one apple a day, every day – to maintain our health? If it is that easy, and there is such a tremendous reward attached to this discipline (weight loss and good health), then why do we not do it?

Because the things that are easy to do are also easy not to do.

You can fail in just about anything including weight loss, if you are simply neglectful. When we fail to do the small things that we should be doing every day, these small neglects have a way of becoming major oversights with the passage of time. And by this I mean that your weight gradually starts to increase and your health starts to decline as the years go by.

So if you’re serious about losing weight and achieving good health – don’t be neglectful.

Don’t use shift work as an excuse, because that’s all it really is – an excuse.

Failure to do the simple things that we could and should do (eat healthier foods and staying active), will result in a downward spiral of weight gain and ill health which once started, is very difficult to stop.

So make today the start of the new you where you begin to actually do things, instead of choosing ‘not to do them’. Your health and waistline will definitely thank you for it later on!

Did you know that recent studies have revealed that shift workers are prone to being overweight? It’s information that probably wouldn’t surprise you as many shift workers are struggling with their weight in some way, shape or form.

But what you might not be aware of is the strong correlation between being overweight and having poor sleeping problems.

So if you are a shift worker AND you’re over weight, then you really need to do something about it because your sleep deprivation is going to lead you to even greater health problems later down the track.

So quite simply if you want to get more sleep, then you need to shed some of those excess kilograms!

And one of the best places to start is by increasing the amount of exercise that you’re doing. Now as a shift worker you’re probably cringing right now at just the thought of doing any exercise because quite frankly, you’re probably too tired to do anything remotely energetic!

Sounding familiar? Well as a fellow shift worker I certainly “hear you” but just stick with me here.

You see everybody, whether or not they want to lose weight – benefits from simple, regular exercise. Why? Because our bodies are designed to do a certain amount of physical effort every day.

If we go back in time 100 years ago, it was actually quite difficult to live without doing some sort of exercise such as walking, doing manual work, housework, lifting or just carrying things around. But unfortunately thanks to today’s modern, mechanized lifestyle it is quite possible to live without ever fully exerting yourself. And this is unhealthy for three simple reasons:

1. The body has muscles that are designed to work everyday, and if they don’t the muscles get weaker and our body begins to store energy as fat.

2. Exercise is one of the best ways to flush out the toxins that stress can create in the body.

3. It is scientifically proven that exercise improves sleep.

So just by gently increasing the amount of exercise that you do everyday can help you to reduce stress, lose weight and even more importantly – help you to get a better night’s sleep.

Now if you’re a shift worker that has got to be music to your ears!