If you're like me, the new year always gets you thinking about what
could be as much as what has been. To get this new year
started right, first make sure that you have finished off last year.
Then think ahead to your goals for this year and make a plan of action.
The Eternal New Year's Resolutions--diet and weight loss!
Whether you are looking to continue your regimen, start a new
program, or just improve your health, this is the time of year that we
all focus on diet and exercise. We've put together a list of resources
for you whether you are looking to try things on your own or join a
program. In addition, you will be seeing new features on our website to
help you with your goals! So pull our your George Foreman Grill and jump
on your treadmill with us in 2007!
Diet
The first step to getting healthy is eating right. There are many
different "types" of diets out there (see Commercial Programs below).
What is essential is picking something that you can stick with for a
duration of time. The
Food
and Nutrition Information Center (part of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture) is a great source for getting the basic information on
dietary supplements, dietary guidelines, and the food pyramid.
Water cannot be underestimated on any diet. I have a hard time
drinking regular water, so I have learned a few tricks over the years.
One is to drink at least 12 ounces immediately after I exercise. It is
just about the only time that I can down a whole bottle. Another trick
is keeping a bottle at my desk during the day and trying to get in a few
sips here and there without thinking much about it. You can also try
very cold water, ice water, or flavored waters (carbonated or
non-carbonated). To me, some of the best tasting flavored waters are
actually the generic peach that I get at Wal-mart or Marsh!
Exercise
No matter the diet you have chosen, exercise should be a part of your
daily routine. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or have any
health conditions that could restrict your exercise.
Two big exercise tips--get a buddy and set goals! Having a friend or
spouse to work out along with you will keep you motivated (and honest!).
Don't have anyone local? Join our message boards! (see Support below).
Set goals for yourself and hold yourself to them--whether it is the
number of steps you want to take a day, the number of miles you want to
be able to run, or the number of crunches you want to do each day--goals
lead to accomplishments!
Speaking of steps, strap on a pedometer and make sure that you are
getting in your 10,000 steps each day either on the treadmill, on the
stairs, or just in your daily routine. Haven't heard of that program?
Check out
Shape
Up America's website for more information.
Here's a simple Excel spreadsheet that you can use to log your cardio
and strength training progress. Just customize it and print it out!
ExerciseChart.xls
Commercial Programs
If you do not think that you can do it on your own, there are many
commercial programs you can join that will help you. Each has its
ups and downs.
SLIM SHAPE & SCULPT your body with Leslie Sansone's WALKBLASTER.
The FIRM. Guaranteed visible results in 10 workouts!
Support
Need a little support from your friends? We have now added a Diet and Exercise Support
Group to the
Message Boards. Come post your progress and support others like you
who are hoping to make 2007 a healthy, fit year.
Tricia Meyer
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