Your Fit Quest
It has often been said that weight loss requires you
to eat less and to do more exercise. However, if it were that easy then the obesity problem in America would not exist.
Although weight loss actually does require eating less and moving more, these basic concepts ignore how most Americans live
their life today in 2010.
Most Americans live their life with minimal
physical activity and they consume too many high calorie foods. I have many clients that consistently say they
do not eat a lot of food but they just can not seem to lose weight. These indviduals also say they exercise regularly
but their body fat percent is still too high. If this is what you are experiencing then it is time to "fact check"
yourself. If you do not eat
a lot but you are still gaining weight then you may be eating high fat foods that pack a lot of calories in very small
portion sizes. Additionally, try not to forget about any beverages you consume throughout the day. Beverage
calories in the form of sugary soda, alcohol or punch can also sabotage your fit quest. If you are now saying to
yourself that you truly eat very little and your beverages are only healthy and not high in calories and needless sugar, then
commit to keeping a one month food diary and "fact check" yourself.
If you are exercising but your body fat percent is still above ideal then start adding
more exercise and vary your routine. Weight training, cardio exercises and range-of-motion exercises should all be part
of your weekly routine and exercise should be done daily. If your job is sedentary and your day has very little physical
activity built into it then you will need to do more structured exercise to see results. Again, commit to keeping a
one month exercise diary and "fact check" yourself.
I have found that with many of my clients (the ones who actually commit and keep a one month food and exercise
diary) are eating more and exercising less than ideal. So, the news may sound dismal but it is actually great news.
You only have to do two things to lose weight and to get in shape. You have to eat less and do more exercise.
The future is yours and only you can commit to improving it. If you want to be healthier then start changing your day
to include more healthy lifestyle habits. Drown out the voice in your head that tells you it is all too hard and start
telling yourself that it is too easy to get fit. Then do what is necessary and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Stay away from unhealthy habits like muffins for breakfast and lattes for lunch.
Your quest this year, for 2010 and for the rest of your life, should be
to get fit and to improve your health. When you hear negative self talk think positive and tell yourself - out
loud - that you will feel better when you make these positive changes. Surround yourself with positive people, thoughts
and actions and you will get results.
Information provided under the “Nutrition Tip of the Month” feature is for general, non-diagnostic
purposes only. The tips provided are not a substitute for the professional medical advice provided by a doctor.
