You've made the decision to get healthy. It doesn't matter whether it is the upcoming twentieth year class reunion or if you simply want to get out of the Woman's or Big and Tall departments. Congratulations. Where do you begin? Listed below in no particular order are some suggestions that may be helpful.
Check with your doctor before beginning any diet regime.
Decide which diet program works best for you. The most popular one right now seems to be the new HCG Drops Diet followed closely by the PX90 program. Find out if the diet program will suit your lifestyle and needs.
Join a weight loss group or find a buddy. A friend can create a miracle on a dreary day, and you in turn can become a miracle worker.
Keep a journal. In the beginning keeping a food journal may be helpful and revealing. The amount of food in volume and calories actually consumed may be shocking. This is especially true if under stress. The quality and types of foods consumed will also become evident. This should be an aid not a deterrent to better health.
The journal may be a place to record weight, pictures, thoughts, recipes and actually become a personal history of your journey.
Weigh and check your body fat. Weighing should be done on a digital scale upon rising if you want the most accurate reading. Weight fluctuates during the day with the highest reading at night.
When getting your physical exam, your doctor can measure your body fat or by entering height and weight on this site you can find your body mass index. The BMI will give you an indication of your body fat. This will assist you in establishing realistic goals.
According to the National Institute of Health <18.5 is underweight, 19.5 - 24.9 is normal weight, 25 - 29.9 is overweight and above 30 is obese.
Become a drinker. Drink lots of water every day, not soda, coffee, tea, or juice, just pure simple water. The standard is six to eight glasses a day, more if you feel hungry, fatigued, or have a headache. When drinking ten glasses of water, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D, in his book,Your Body's Many Cries For Water recommends increasing salt consumption by one half teaspoon. Drinking water sounds easy, but it is easy to forget and dehydration sets in. You can live without food but not without water.
When restricting food quantities, the quality of consumption becomes critical for good health. Green leafy vegetables have few calories but great food value. Raw seeds and nuts add a great crunch and are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals when added to a salad or used as a snack. Apples are a dieter's must. Low in calories but high in pectin they can satisfy sweet cravings while keeping blood sugar in balance. Vitamin supplements of C and B may also be a consideration.
Exercise - just move. One simply has to chose and begin the activity. In a very short time you will want to walk, run, swim, or play. Life will take on a whole new level of joy and satisfaction.
Begin today. To Health and Success.
