The Perfect Fitness Plan...GUARANTEED to work
is...well, it probably doesn't exist.
We are always looking for a quick
fix, immediate results, and if we can find a pill to take to make that
happen, we're all in. America is on to this game of a quick pill or
supplement that will promise that you get results "or your money
back" you say, think again.
According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), "Americans spent an estimated $30 billion a year in 1992 on all
types of diet programs and products, including diet foods and drinks.
Marketdata, a market research firm that has tracked
diet products and programs since 1989 releases its findings in its biennial
study: "The U.S. Weight Loss & Diet Control Market." which in its
2007 study estimates the size of the U.S. weight loss market at $55 billion. It
is now estimated to have reached over $60 Billion."
The bottom line is that you HAVE to put
forth the effort in three major areas: 1) Resistance Exercise - it can be
weights, machines, BowFlex, resistance bands, etc. 2) Aerobic
Exercise - to name a few, it could be walking, jogging, bike riding, swimming,
recreational volleyball or basketball, dance, etc. 3) Nutrition - be
a label reader.
Here are 8 Steps to help you reach your fitness and
wellness goals, but it depends on YOU:
1. Eat 5-6 small meals per day
Trains your mind and body, Releases the body from
survival mode, Metabolism works in a higher gear, Eat fresh, (Canned chicken
& fish O.K. if packed in water.
Chicken (no skin) Eye of Round (best beef) and Egg Whites (No Yolk)
2. Stick to the schedule (Flex to fit)
3. Eat all the meals (Skipping interrupts the metabolic patterns
4.
Avoid the Enemy
Fat - (if it
stands as a solid at room temperature, it will “stand” in you system the same
way
Sugar – (Spikes
the insulin level to control. Body
spends its energy on converting extra sugar to fat for storage instead of
burning it up)
Sodium – comes
in many forms – causes the body to retain water, thus slowing down
metabolism
(Intake of
these…and the brain signals the body, “O.K., folks, we are back in storage
mode. Shut down the furnace.)
5. Water: Drink 8 – 10 eight ounce glasses
per day.
O.K.: herbal tea, green tea, black coffee and
regular tea…but without sugar.
AVOID: Excess
milk and dairy, fruit and vegetable juices, and commercial
smoothies. And as far as alcohol, avoid drinking to
excess. Even non-alcoholic beers and
wines are loaded with sugar.
6. No take outs and limit restaurants for 7-10
days. If you are serious about making progress, try
this. The reasoning behind it is:
You know it’s fresh
You know what’s in it
You know how it’s prepared
Choose grilled,
blackened…not sautéed or in crème
7. Exercise (Always recommended that you consult
with a physician before you begin a new exercise program)
8. BE and HOLD accountable, Commit to 30-60-90 days, plan exercise times.
Good luck, and remember: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection.
Get fit.
Stay fit.
Keith
