Healthful Tips.

I think we've all been there, or at least thought of it. The horrible and scariest word on this planet. DIE-TING.

America's beautiful picture isn't exactly curvacious, big hips and a big be-hind. (although I do have to credit that some ideas are changing about the way a real woman look). So the reason I am writing this blog is to alarm everyone and inform everyone not to fall in this treacherous path of this type of dieting. Although I do have to admit that the only right way to do any type of drastic change to your body is by healthy eating and exercising.

As an ex-slave to crash dieting, I am proud to say that I have been clean of crash dieting for almost 2 years. I've always struggled with weight issues since I was in preparatory school. I was really overweight and I was desperate to lose the weight. So I found myself in the crash dieting, yo-yo effect for years. In truthness, this type of dieting is worthless and puts harmful and unhealthy effects to your body, depriving your system of healthy nutrients that your body needs.

These are my secrets to maintain a healthy weight, a healthy body and most importantly to still be able to satisfy one of the most pleasurable things on this planet, EATING! (applause).

The commandments of a healthy lifestyle:

-First things first, one must change in mentality. See this challenge as a way of getting healthy and feeling good. Don't look it at in numbers, or in how many inches or lbs you are losing. Numbers are important in calculating if you are making progress, but don't obssess!

-Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. If you have a healthy and satisfying breakfast, you won't overeat in lunch.

-Portions, portions, PORTIONS! The key to everything. Look at food labels. Check out the serving size. Want some icecream. Try some low-fat icecream, and eat the serving size. You'll know exactly how many calories you are eating. If you need to, get out those measuring cups and measuring spoons.

-Satisfy your sweet/salty tooth. Just remember the commandment of portions.

-Carry healthy snacks.

-Water, Water, Water. But don't be exclusive to that. Many of your favorite brands have reduced sugar, or zero calories beverages. Mix it up! examples:

• 
  
  coke zero (it's really better tasting that diet coke)


• 
  
  powerade zero


• 
  
  diet nestea


• 
  
  diet green tea


• 
  
  sprite zero

And most importantly! Exercise. Some of your local gyms now have great options rather than just staying on the old boring treadmill. In the last couple of months I've picked up Body pump, cardio-boxing, spinning, etc. These are fun alternatives to your typical workout routines.

...and use your resources! Ipods. Mp3's etc. Load up your favorite tunes into a playlist and rock it on the treadmill or elliptical. Believe me, you'll forget about the time when you are tunning into your favorite old time songs.

And, just because you've reached a certain weight or feel cofindent in the now, don't forget that fitness is not a goal. It's a life time commitment.