What I Know About Weight Loss and Fitness

You may ask yourself what makes me an authority on the subject of weight loss. Well, aside from my own personal experiences with dieting and exercise, I've studied nutrition and kinesiology. I've done extensive research and written numerous articles about fitness and weight loss…too many to remember them all! And, I've acted as a personal trainer and fitness advisor.

Okay…I'm pretty sure that I don't know everything there is to know about losing weight and fitness. But, then, who does? Yeah, there are plenty of 'experts' out there, and they know a great deal on this subject. But not everything!

So, I'm going to share with you some of the things that I HAVE learned along the way about getting rid of excess fat, getting in shape, and staying in shape.

Losing Weight and Being Physically Fit Takes Work

That's right! If you've ever had a weight problem, you know that those extra pounds don't usually just fall off by themselves! Wishing and hoping doesn't normally work, either! You've gotta coax that fat into leaving your body alone!

No! Wait a minute! "Coax" isn't the right terminology here! If only losing weight were as simple as "urging the weight to disappear!" Unfortunately, it takes a lot more than coaxing to slim down and stay slim.

How can you lose unwanted weight? Through diet and exercise!

I really hate the word, diet! In fact, I hate diets! Period! Don't get me wrong! I totally believe in 'healthy eating habits!' I simply do not believe in starving the body or denying the body certain food groups in order to lose weight! Our bodies need nutrients that come from every food group! And, our bodies need enough calories each day to function adequately without feeling tired and rundown…risking deficiencies and illnesses. (Of course, consuming TOO MANY CALORIES can also be detrimental to your health, as you probably know!) Most 'fad' diets are unrealistic. People cannot stick with them for very long, and often…after going off these diets…any weight lost (and then some) is quickly gained back.

Rather than going on some trendy diet, I recommend choosing a diet based on the U.S.D.A.'s Food Pyramid. By eating plenty of fruits and veggies, as well as moderate portions of the other food groups, you can lose weight and keep it off! There are a few successful diet programs that basically follow the Food Pyramid guidelines. This type of diet is one that you can survive on for the rest of your life!

In addition to developing healthy eating habits, you need to develop healthy exercise habits, as well! (And, I don't mean walking your fingers over a keyboard or lifting a fork to your mouth!) You need to get up and really move your body!!!

The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

According to Concepts of Fitness and Wellness, Vol. One, by Charles B. Corbin and Ruth Lindsey, "obesity, as well as lesser degrees of fatness, is not a disease state in itself, but is a hypokinetic condition associated with a multitude of far-reaching complications. Obesity is associated with serious organic impairments, shortened life, psychological maladjustments, poor relationships with peers, awkward physical movement, and lack of achievement in athletic activities. Obesity can be both a cause and an effect of physical unfitness."

Once you've become overweight, you've increased your chances of developing certain types of cancers, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease, respiratory diseases, and circulatory problems. Diabetes is also a common disease that is associated with being overweight. And, then there are increased risks of back problems and other musculoskeletal problems that arise among overweight individuals.

Through good nutrition and a more active lifestyle, you can shed any unwanted fat and reduce your chances of developing the above health problems.

Now, I don't know about you, but I much prefer to take precautions now to avoid having heart problems or cancer or diabetes or any other weight-related health problems in the future! I find that I enjoy being able to get around quickly and easily, without struggling for breath! I enjoy feeling good and being healthy!

Fitness has always been a passion of mine, and I suppose that passion has helped me to be disciplined in my eating and exercise habits. If you truly care about YOUR health, then let me stress the importance of taking care of yourself. That includes watching what you eat and staying physically active. If all you are physically capable of doing is walking, then, by all means, get up and take a walk! Every little effort can lead to better fitness. If you're just beginning an exercise program, try to make exercise a part of your daily routine. You'll be surprised at how much healthier you'll begin to look and feel, if you exercise…even if it's only 15 to 20 minutes each day!

If you think that you just don't have the time to exercise, remind yourself of how important physical activity is to your well-being. Get up a few minutes earlier to get in your daily workout. Or, take the stairs at work, instead of the elevator. If you really want to get into shape, you'll make the time to do so!

Good Eating and Good Health!

Because I eat well, and I exercise regularly, I feel great for my age…and, I'm over fifty! If you want to feel younger than your years, if you want to have more vitality…if you want to fit into that smaller size and look great in it, then take my advice:

Be conscious of what you put into your mouth! Eat a healthy, balanced diet in moderate portions! And, make exercise a routine part of your daily life!

By Cyndi Schoenhals
The "I Hate Diets!" Weight Loss Program