Man Cannot Live on Bread Alone...

So I learned throughout the years of trying to lose and maintain my weight loss, that simply changing my eating habits isn't enough. Sure the weight will come off initially, but it doesn't stay off. The moment I bite into that delicious meaty, cheesy, breadlike dish (ooohh I'm salivating over here) I'm at risk of not fitting into my favorite pair of jeans. Ohhh nooooo!!! Okay, maybe not that extreme. Now, of course a person's weight can fluctuate a few pounds throughout the day. However, if you expect to maintain a healthy weight loss you MUST incorporate exercise. At least 30 minutes a session, 4 times a week should do the job.

The benefits of combining a balanced diet and exercise:

1. Reduces the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease



2. Increased energy



3. Known to be a mood booster



4. Reduced body fat



5. Long lasting weight loss results



6. Plus, you'll look better in your clothes. Whether you're a man or woman we all want to look good in our clothes. Can I get an Amen?!?!

Maybe even better sex...LOL...You know for the endurance...

There are many more benefits that I could list but this is a blog not a journal entry so I chose the best ones.

If you're intimidated by the idea of working out, simply start with baby steps. You can increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as time goes on. Maybe a light jog or brisk 30 minute walk during your lunch break for cardio. Perhaps you can take a class at the gym. Classes are always a good option because the instructor tells you what to do so you don't have to worry about developing your own routine.

What's that you say...you can't afford the gym or can't make to the gym. Check out these websites. They give you ideas for workouts that you can do at home with or without equipment.

http://www.topendsports.com/fitness/home.htm

http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100230172&imageindex=1&q=Pushups

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/wraparound-ankle-touch?workout=6218

When I started to seriously workout a few years ago, I took baby steps as well. Initially I started out with a light jog on the treadmill at a low speed. In my mind I was Jackie Joyner Kersey. Now lets fast forward a few years and I've run a couple of races and I'm training for my first half marathon...not so bad for this SkinnyFatGymRat.

Remember you get out of your workout what you put into it, so GO HARD OR GO HOME!

;-)