Product pricing and earnings updated August 27, 2007
Most of us, including me, are constantly “working on it”. But there is nothing like a special event- like a class reunion, wedding, romance, or new job to get us motivated.
Looking your best takes a combination of discipline, willpower, and advanced planning. It is a mindset. And, like those stars on the red carpet, before a big event, you have to make the time to make your looks a priority. Envision what you want to look like for your big event and take the steps to get there. Want to look great at that 10 year class reunion or at your wedding? Lace up those sneakers (running shoes, gym shoes, tennis shoes, or whatever else they call them where you're from) or grab a yoga mat and let's get started!
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Whether you're already somewhat fit or just getting started after years of couch-potatoitis, regular exercise will benefit your health throughout life. You already know this; it is perhaps just time to build regular exercise into your schedule—just like making time for your morning latte. Be sure to include some sort of cardio training and don't be afraid of lifting light weights. Weight training will increase your metabolism and keep your calorie burn rate higher. There are also some important studies that indicate weight bearing exercise is a benefit to women prone to bone loss disease like osteoporosis. While weights help tone, cardiovascular exercise helps burn calories and keeps your heart healthy.
Good Nutrition is Essential to Looking Good
Nothing can help you look as good as a proper diet will. Your skin, hair, and nails will all benefit from good nutrition and there is an added benefit to your energy and stress levels, too. Start by writing down everything you eat to see where you need some focus. Avoid crash diets. After a trendy diet you may look okay on your big day, but after a few good meals on the honeymoon, the weight will return. Do not skip meals. Skipping meals will zap your energy and make you overeat later. Make lifelong nutrition alterations that can be carried into married life. Begin to think about heart disease, diabetes, and other problems that are a result of unhealthy eating habits. Learn to cook healthy meals that include lush greens and lean meats. Always consult your doctor before beginning any new weight loss or exercise program. There are a lot of success stories and testimonials with NutriSystem and e-Diets. Find the one that works best for your personality (slacker or motivated?) and your body type
H2O Essentials
Drink a lot of water. Add a sugar free mix, if you don't like to drink water. As a former Diet Coke addict; I was convinced that it was just as good as drinking water. No calories, no sugar, right? Wrong. Only water flushes out toxins and keeps you hydrated (a must during the scorching summer) and according to nutritionist Susan L. Burke, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE, drinking water between meals helps to curb your appetite. Can't quite handle the suggested eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day? Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are another source of fluids. Now, I'm not saying I don't give in to Diet Coke for a caffeine fix every now and then, but I have definitely noticed a change in my body since I started drinking water every day. This is especially important if you are exercising. You need to replace the water you lose during exercise. Be sure to drink before, during and after your workout to maintain proper hydration.
Portion Control
Be aware of portion sizes, especially when eating out. Restaurants serve such huge portions! The best way to manage this is to ask your server for a to-go box if it is a large portion. Cut the serving in half and put it in the to-go box before you start eating. If you're like me, you're tempted to clean your plate even though you may already be somewhat full. If you remove the temptation before you get started, you're unlikely to overeat. A serving of protein is the size of a deck of cards. Choose whole-wheat carbohydrates approximately the size of a tennis ball.
Good nutrition, portion control, regular exercise, and exchanging water for high calorie sodas will all help you get your weight under control and get you on the road to a better body. Of course, it is essential to check with your physician before you start any diet or exercise plan.
uTANGO merchants mentioned in this article include:
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eDiets.com is a premier online diet, fitness, and healthy living destination. |
| 1,500 Pts/per order |
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NutriSystem provides a weight loss program based on quality foods and a nutritionally balanced meal plan. |
| Earn 15 Pts/$1 spent |
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