Health Tip For the day - Water

It is called water and if you want to be healthy, it is something you should start getting used to. The benefits of drinking water are seemingly endless. I myself am a water addict. Swap out those unhealthy soft drinks for water. If you drink soda, I urge you to begin to steer yourself away from it. If you research the effects of soda on the body, you will see how awful it is for you; not to mention, the added sugar and calories will wreak havoc on your diet. Substituting that carbonated sugary fizz for a glass of water is something your body is going to thank you for in the long run.
But water has no taste and is boring you say? Then try flavored water for a little zing.

Need to drop a pant size in less than two weeks? Have to lose weight in a hurry?

I have the answer for you in four words: High Protein, Low Carb.

If you are looking to shed pounds fast, you need to cut carbs and increase protein. If you are disciplined enough to follow the diet, you will shed weight faster than with any other regimen - and faster still if you incorporate some exercise. You can chose to do this in a healthy way or an unhealthy way. The unhealthy way includes all proteins, such as bacon, red meat, sausages, cheeses and others. The healthier way is to utilize only lean proteins. Google search high protein/low carb foods for your reference. My recommendation is cutting your carbs to about 20-40gm's while on this diet. Be sure to read your nutrition labels and PAY ATTENTION to serving sizes. For you soda drinkers out there, soft drinks are loaded with sugars and carbs, you have to drink water instead or if you can't resist at least reach for a diet soft drink. I recommend supplements as well, especially those that increase thermogenesis. You can also take visits to the sauna or take water pills for the short term, but please, keep hydrated. I personally drink more than the recommended amount of water per day (but please, don't swig down two gallons in 20 minutes and end up killing yourself). Keep in mind I have used all of the above methods with success.

At times I will embark on the high protein diet for a few days, especially if I need to trim my waist (along with a few hundred crunches). I do not follow the diet on a long-term basis however. But it is one way to jumpstart your initial diet if you so choose (along with my step 1 recommendations). Please note that when I talk about eating high protein to "slim my waist", it works for me because I am 120lbs and have reached my weight loss/health goals. If you are 160lbs, you will not see results in a few days. You need to "get fit" in order to "maintain". It takes work to get there and discipline to succeed in the long-term but you will get it done if you want it bad enough.
Step 3 to follow shortly.

Step 1: Game plan.

We live in a society of instant gratification. Before implementing a game plan, you must realize that long-term results will take time, planning, and commitment. It seems in this day and age we are all looking for that quick fix, but in order to maintain your fitness goals, you must commit to the long-term and approach this change in a well thought out way. I recommend 3 things to achieve health and wellness.

1. Working out
2. Eating Right
3. Supplements

My suggestion is to take these steps slowly. If you try to implement change too quickly, you may set yourself up for failure. Change is difficult for most people, so to achieve long term success, you should take calculated steps. I recommend you begin by finding a gym. Commit to working out at least 3 times a week to begin with. If you feel you can do more, then go ahead. If your goal is weight loss, hop on the cardio machines to start. Running on the treadmill burns fat. If you are too out of shape to run, you must begin by walking and then gradually work yourself up to jogging one minute at a time until you build up your stamina. Yes, it may take a little time, but I am giving you the exact blueprint to how I lost the weight and if you follow it, you will succeed as well.

If you have poor eating habits, become more aware of your choices. Do not cut out all of your fat and carbs when you begin working out, but CUT DOWN on them. Substitute a few of your unhealthy choices with healthy choices. By not denying yourself completely or totally changing your diet right away, you will be more likely to succeed in the long-term. One other important thing to begin to cut out is your late night snacking. If you are guilty of doing this every night, substitute a few nights by noshing on celery sticks, popcorn (without the butter), or a piece of fruit instead. When I began working out, I changed my eating habits by about 25%. I cut out 25% of the fat and carbs that I was taking in. Gradually, as I began to lose weight from the cardio I simultaneously began to eat more healthily.

My recommendation: Take these two steps in the first month of your commitment to health, wellness, and weight loss.

1. Join a gym and begin a cardio routine 3 times a week for at least 30-60 minutes.
2. Cut down on the fat and carbs you are consuming by 25% (if you can commit to more, then by all means, do it).

When I followed these 2 steps, in the first month, I lost about 5-7lbs. It is a realistic goal with real results that will keep you motivated for the next phase of your journey.

Congratulations, you are taking the first steps to resetting your metabolism and achieving optimum health. Pat yourself on the back.

**(If your goal is to shed pounds very rapidly because, for instance, you have a function coming up and must squeeze in to that dress you bought which is one or two sizes too small or if you need to look good in a hurry in your bikini for that trip you have in 10 days then please see my next post).

I have transformed myself from an overeating, overweight smoker to a physically fit and health conscious person. I want to help you with your weight loss and health and wellness goals. A strong and healthy body is not out of reach for anyone. There are a few key steps to take to get you on your way to the new, healthy you! The first key to health and wellness is your mindset. You have to WANT to make a positive change in order for the change to take place. Your first step is to: Assess - Take inventory of where you are at with your health and weight loss goals. Be honest with yourself about your habits and weaknesses. Take note of what triggers you to make negative health choices. This is not limited to just weight loss. Take a note of all of your unhealthy choices from food to relationships. Think about what has gotten you to where you are now and what you are willing to do to change it.