7 Ways Dieting Can Be Fun …

7 Ways Dieting Can Be Fun …

Dieting doesn’t have to be a drag… in fact, there are lots of ways dieting can be fun! While those in the midst of a nasty plateau may disagree, think back to these tidbits and even you’ll agree. I mean, really, dieting doesn’t have to be all sacrifice, no sunshine! Here are some thoughts…

1. New clothes!

At the top of the list of ways dieting can be fun, for any fashionistas, is that fact that weight lossmeans new clothes! If you can afford it, think of how much fun it will be to shop for new clothes, and how nice it will be to show off your new curves! If you can’t afford to shop for new clothes, host a swap with friends or check out the thrift stores… also fun!

2. More energy!

You used to barely be able to drag yourself home from work and onto the couch in front of the TV, but now you’re a bundle of energy! You weed the garden, cook a light meal, and still have time for a quick mini-pedi before bed… losing weight or just switching to a healthier diet means more energy!

3. Tasty foods!

Let’s face it: once you start dieting, eating more nutritious foods, fast food doesn’t taste very good. Compared to fresh fruits and veggies, not much does! Dieting can be fun because it can expose you to a number of tasty foods you haven’t tried before… your palate will adapt surprisingly quickly, making skipping the Big Mac a near-necessity, in favor of other, much tastier foods!

4. Workout buddy!

I love dieting because that means I can spend more QT with my workout buddy, who happens to be one of my best friends. I rarely get to see her outside of the gym, so dieting is fun for me because I get to spend time with her again, almost every day!

5. New adoring fans!

You’ll notice a slew of new fans not long after you start dieting, and what could be more fun than a fan club? The compliments, the appreciative stares, the whistles… the dates! Best of all perhaps are the envious looks from your worst/best frenemy… shallow, I know, but it’s so much fun!

6. Better in bed?

More confidence in your new body may equate to more confidence in bed, which is a big, big turn on for your guy… which may be a big, big turn on for you! You’re sexy and confident and what could be better than that?

7. Two words: bikini!

Okay, I know, that’s one word. But the joy of choosing a flattering two piece swimsuit after hiding your body in a one-piece (with a skirt) deserves two words, in my view. Is there any other ay dieting is more fun than this? I think not.

So see? There are lots of ways dieting can be fun, and these are just a few of them! If you’re on a weight loss journey, what’s been fun about it for you? Or have you done something in particular to make it fun? Do tell! We dieters need some encouragement!

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8 Ways to Improve Your Health Today …

8 Ways to Improve Your Health Today …

It can seem a little daunting to think about how to improve your health and well-being. You know you should eat better, but how? And what else, besides dieting, do you need to do to improve your health, right now, today? I can help! I’ve chatted with my personal trainer and my physician to compile a list of the things you can do today… and none of them are ridiculously challenging or expensive.

1. Stop smoking

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Well, I start off with a big lie. I said none of these would be ridiculously challenging, and this one probably is. If you stop smoking now, today, you’ll notice better health in as little as a week. That is, once you’re not clawing at the walls, dying for a smoke. The health risks associated with smoking are well-known and documented. Bottom line: it can, and probably will, kill you. What’s healthier than not being dead?

2. Start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables

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Most adult women are supposed to get about 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, but most of us only get two… maybe three. One of the easy things you can do to improve your health today is to grab an apple or a handful of carrot sticks and start munching! If you’re not a fan of the fruit, then try sneaking in a serving by drinking it as a juice … or by experimenting until you find a fruit or veggie you love! Pomegranate or Asian pear, anyone?

3. Get your grains

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Along with adding more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet, you’re probably also in need of fiber and all of the other health-boosting goodies in whole grains. This one is easy: swap your Sunbeam or Wonder Bread for your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for whole wheat. If you’re feeling particularly daring, switch your breakfast cereal to whole grain, too.

4. Get moving!

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We all know we’re supposed to be at least somewhat active, but at the end of a long day, that couch, parked right in front of the TV, looks so much more appealing than the treadmill. But, sweetie! I know it’s hard, and that you’re tired, but truly, this is one thing you can do to improve your health today! After dinner, load the dishwasher then go for a brisk walk. You’ll feel invigorated, energetic, and you’ll sleep better, too!

5. Watch your sexual health

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When you start having periods, and especially when you become sexually active, it’s time to start seeing a gynecologist annually for a pelvic exam and once every two years for a Pap smear. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice concerns. Sexual health and well-being is completely in your control, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Trust me, whatever questions you have aren’t the strangest, nor will your doctor judge you.

6. Don’t stress!

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If your schedule looks anything like mine, you barely have time to sleep, not to mention eat well and exercise… but all three of these work together to help you combat the negative effects of stress. Add a session of yoga or meditation to your routine. Start saying “no” when you feel overloaded. It’s time to de-stress a little!

7. Wear sunblock

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Your risk of skin cancer increases dramatically with every sunburn you get, even just one! Improve your health today by lessening that risk — by wearing sunblock. Any dermatologist or doctor or nurse or cancer survivor will tell you that your golden tan isn’t worth the risk. Besides, that’s what bronzers are for, right?

8. Drink water or milk

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During our childhood and young adulthood, our bodies are busily storing the calcium and other nutrients we’ll need for strong, healthy bones and lush, gorgeous skin. Once we reach our early 20s, that calcium storage stops, so be sure to drink milk (or other sources rich in calcium) to be healthier, now and in the future! It’s also important to drink water to keep hydrated. The jury’s still out on whether water will make your skin prettier, but we know it’s good for your digestive and renal systems.

Aside from quitting smoking, none of these are terribly difficult, but they can all make a difference, starting now! I admit I’m having a hard time with the stress… but that’s just me! Which of these ways do you think you’ll improve your health today? Or is there something else you’re doing to take better care of you? Please share!

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7 Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go …

7 Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go …

Most days, I feel like I practically live in my car — commuting, driving my daughter to and from school, dance class, dental appointments, shopping… it never ends! While the gas prices alone are enough to make me loathe my on-the-go lifestyle, worse still is the junk I end up eating. But no more! I resolve to eat healthier, even while I’m running around. And here’s how! Here are 7 tips for healthy eating on the go!

1. Bag them ahead of time

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This is a tip I follow all the time. When I go to the grocery store, I buy loads of fresh fruits and veggies, then as soon as I get home, I wash them, cut them up, then put them in little containers or baggies. It’s a little work on the front end that saves loads of time and effort during the week. When I’m headed out the door, I grab a few baggies or containers, and go with a day’s worth of nutritious snacks.

2. Don’t buy junk

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It’s simple. If you don’t BUY junk food, you won’t be able to snack on it. So when you go to the grocery store, stock up on healthful options, like the pre-packaged 100-calorie snacks or (better yet) lots of fresh fruits and veggies, so you can make your own snack packs. Now you’re ready for healthy eating on the go, no matter what you’re craving that day.

3. Know what to choose from a vending machine

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Sometimes the urge for a snack strikes when you’re not prepared… and that vending machine down the hall beckons. As long as you know what to choose from that machine, you can still enjoy a snack without sacrificing your diet! Look for trail mix (without chocolate in it), pretzels, or baked chips. Avoid anything fried or anything overly sweet. See? Not bad at all!

4. Know your healthy fast food options

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I am completely addicted to fast food, but I still eat healthy on the go because I know what to order from their fat and calorie-rich menus. Most fast food places offer salads, which you can enjoy without the fried chicken or dressings on them. Even Taco Bell offers a healthier menu… oh, yum! Taco Bell!

5. Bring water, not soda

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Even if you’re drinking diet or zero-calorie soda, it’s still not as good for you as water. So stop carrying a bottle of soda with you, and choose a bottle of water instead! There are endless flavor additions you can use, too… I love the Crystal Light lemonade!

6. Keep a snack in your bag

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Backpacks, workbags, gym bags, handbags — all of these are the ideal place to stash a snack, so no matter where you are, or what you’re doing, you’re prepared for healthy eating on the go. I even keep a little something in my glove box!

7. Get an app!

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Healthy eating — did you know there’s an app for that? Actually, there are hundreds of apps for that! Download a few free trials and see which works best for you before you buy one. Calorie counters, portion recommendations, menu, and more… the app options are endless!

Now that I’ve shared these healthy-eating-on-the-run tips with you, I promise to try and follow them myself! Do you have any other tips to share? I’m all ears!

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