Growing a Healthy Garden: The Key to Weight Loss?

Growing a Healthy Garden in hot climates.  Even though gardening in the Southwest U.S. presents a few challenges, it is still possible to grow a diverse range of fruits and vegetables right in your own backyard. In addition to the fresh taste and cost benefits of growing your garden, there are several health benefits offered.

If you are looking to lose weight, having a garden could be the key to dropping pounds while boosting your overall health.

Not convinced? Here are three reasons why “Growing a Healthy Garden” is one of the best ways to lose extra weight.

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables

The foods that are most available to you are the foods that you will eat regularly. Therefore, having quick and easy access to fruits and vegetables will ensure that you are consistently eating nutritious foods, and avoiding junk food.

Studies have shown that a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables helps lose weight. Among the top foods for rapid weight loss are peppers, broccoli, and cucumbers, which all grow well in the Southwest. To help encourage you to reach for the produce in your garden when it’s time to eat, plant the fruits and vegetables that you most enjoy.

Plant-based diet

If you are looking to try a plant-based diet to help you achieve your goal weight? Plant-based diets have helped many individuals lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Growing a garden with a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables can help you stick to a plant-based diet, and can be an excellent way to save money on some of the more costly produce items.  Read what the American Heart Association says about diet and lifestyle.

Gardening has its own health benefits

In addition to the healthy food your garden will produce, the act of gardening is beneficial for your health. Gardening has been shown to improve mental health and reduce stress. It also provides an opportunity to exercise, which aids weight loss efforts.

Although gardening is commonly thought of as a low-impact activity, the tasks needed to start and maintain a garden are quite rigorous. Lifting and distributing bags of dirt, regularly clearing weeds from the garden, and harvesting your crops are all activities that provide a significant amount of physical activity.

Is growing your own garden the key to weight loss?

Whether you want to lose five or 50 pounds, having your backyard garden can help support your weight loss efforts. Providing opportunities for exercise, as well as nutritious fruits and vegetables, a garden offers multiple ways to stay healthy and in shape. Learn how to grow your vegetables in the Southwest…Vegetable Gardening.