Want to lose weight and become fit and healthy? You do? Well, the first step to taking control is to become educated! Consult your doctor, read books, speak to a fitness instructor...
A few basic steps to get you started are as follows:
1)Walk. If you're cleaning the house and you have a bit of extra time, make five trips instead of gathering everything at once. Bundle up and go out or if it's too cold, go visit a mall and use it as an indoor walking track. Every extra step you take will add up and help!
2)Hydrate! I cannot stress to you the importance of drinking water and keeping your body properly hydrated. Your skin tone will improve. You'll feel better. It'll cut down on false hunger (you think you're hungry, but you're simply thirsty). It'll help your liver function better. It'll flush toxins and whatnot from your body...
3)Add a little bounce! If you have to vacuum, turn on Aerosmith's Dude(Looks Like a Lady) and go to work Mrs. Doubtfire style. Dance around in your pjs. Walk briskly and/or swing your arms while walking.
4)Incorporate your friends/family. Plan activities that'll keep you moving from place to place while spending quality time with everyone. Go biking together. Swimming is great. Hiking is fun, as well!
5)Strength train! Strength training will not only help you burn more calories throughout the day, it'll also transform your body. Lean muscle may weigh more, but it takes up less space than fat. If you don't have any dumbbells or resistance bands (I firmly recommend a resistance band...it's very versatile :-p ), you can use things around your house. A twelve ounce can of corn weighs one pound. You can curl cans of corn...lol. I know it sounds silly, but it'll work in a pinch.
6)Sleep. You'd never believe how greatly sleep factors into your ability to lose weight and whatnot. It, however, does indeed play a huge role. Resting properly will allow your body to better handle its business! You'll feel better, look better, and be better able to cope!
7)Eat. It's crazy how often people forget proper nutrition. Like tuna? Trade in your crackers/bread for a dark green leaf of romaine lettuce. Top it with banana peppers, diced tomatoes and onions and voila! A fabulous tuna wrap is yours!
If you don't give your body enough fuel, you'll go into ketosis. Ketosis is the state in which your body begins to metabolize your extra fat. It's important to remember that ketosis is basically the last step before starvation and should not be considered as a quick and permanent "fix". If you think your body is in ketosis at any point, consult your doctor and go from there.
Whatever else you do, don't wait! If you mess up one day, don't give up. Do an extra thirty minutes of cardio or strength training and keep on trucking.
