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).