What? Don't Diet?

Yep!  You don't need to diet to lose weight and get fit.  Does that mean you can eat as much as you want of anything you want. No, of course not.

Losing weight and getting fit is about eating less and being more active.  I do not advocate extremes in either direction. 

• Eat less.  Either through smaller portions or skipping a second helping.  
• Limit snacks.  Go for a good piece of fruit or some veggies instead of chips or ice cream.
• Move more.  Park farther from the store entrance.  You will find a parking spot easier and the walk is good for you.
• Don't ban foods.  The second you ban foods from your diet, like ice cream or chocolate, you will start craving it.  If you love ice cream, have a small bowl.  Just don't eat the whole pint.

Losing weight, getting fit, and feeling better is about moderation.  You want to push yourself, but don't push far enough you fail.  Build on small successes, and suddenly you will find your goals are within reach.

If you need help in setting goals and coming up with ideas on how to lose weight, get fit and feel better, send me an email.  I would be more than happy to help.  Do it now.  The sooner you start, the sooner you feel better.

Small Gradual Changes Work!

Making small changes in your eating habits and activity levels does have positive effect on weight-loss/fitness.  It is how I lost my weight about 10 years ago and it has helped me maintain it since.  I am not the only one who has found that it works.  The website RealAge just this week put out a health tip on the subject.

"Part 1: Just walk an extra 500 steps every day.

Part 2: Trim a mere 100 calories from one meal each day (that's roughly equivalent to eating one less tablespoon of butter, drinking three fewer sips of soda, or leaving three or four bites at a meal). Pretty simple, right?"

My beginning tips would be similar.  Put a little less food on your plate.  Make sure you drink plenty of water.  And walk around the house during TV commercial breaks (going up and down stairs would be even better).  Once you have started, it is easy to find time to feel better.

So what are you waiting for.  Start today.  Don't wait until the beginning of a week or month or year.  Do it today!

If you would like help in planning out a fitness program, let me know.  I would be glad to help out.

Back to the Grind

I have finally gotten back to working out after having oral surgery recently.  I have not, so far, made the mistake that many people do.  I cut back on my routine by about 60 percent.  I don't want to get overly sore because my fitness level is lower.

When you take a break from working out, you lose your fitness level by about 5 to 10 percent per week.  So if you are starting back after a break you need to plan your work out accordingly.  Build back up to where you were slowly.  Don't expect to get back to where you were quickly.  Just know that by starting back on the fitness trail, you are on your way to meeting your goals.

If you are starting back on a fitness program after some time off and need some help in planning your workouts, send me an email.  I would be more than happy to help.