It’s a secret. And a challenge. You on?

“Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cookies…”

When I heard that the first time, I laughed.  But then I thought about it some more, and realized – hey!  This is gold!

I think everyone I know is on a diet.  (thinking about that one skinny exception that binges without showing is something I prefer not to do…too often.)  That’s the slim petite figure inside them.  But then they smell chocolate cake, or watch TV with a bar of chocolate on the coffee table in front of them.  And poor little petite figure stuffed with fatty sweetness, and her voice gets all muffled, until she’s gone….quiet.

That’s why I decided to find one easy golden rule that gets results.  That if you make it unbreakable, it’s get you places.

Not 5 hours weekly at the gym.  That’s more in the torture zone for most of us (though, as I’ve probably mentioned more times than you want to hear – I LOVE walking.)

Not breakfast-and-supper-consists-of veggies.  That’s plain mean, and just totally unfair.

Not ______________________ _________________________ (I leave this blank for your imagination.  Conjure up your best [worst] diet nightmare.)

Just something fast and easy.  Clearcut.  No wishy washy uncertainties that make it too easy for black to go grey and then turn white and become permitted.

Something like-

Well…

hmmm…

Errr…

(20 minutes hard thinking later)  There’s no magic formula that’ll get those pounds peeling while you just sleep it out.  But there is this golden rule that’s fairly easy, and could save you 35 lbs a year.

No more soda!  It’s full of sugar, and even the diet ones stimulate your appetite controls in your brain, making you eat way more than you really need.  I’d even go so far as to say limit the juice intake.  Why get the extra calories?

So here’s the challenge.  A no-soda week!

I’ll keep you posted on how I survive the water-coffee-tea diet.

But, c’mon.  Be a sport!

You on?

 

Tags: best diet tips for women, diet, fitness, food, health, inspiration, lifestyle, soda, weight loss

Post Summer Blues

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurgh!

Winter’s here and my grand exercise schemes are fading out, slowly disappearing together with the vanishing warmth and sunlight.  That nightly run is getting cold, wet and painful, and that daily walk needs a coat.

I hate weather changes.  I’ve just about taught myself to like the heat, and now the cold’s creeping on.  And worst of all, that brand new serious walking routine is becoming a drag.

Yeah, I know.  The treadmill.

Only it’s not the same.  There’s something so beautiful about feeling the sun caress my face, the wind ruffle my hair.  They say exercise puts you in a good mood.  I think the great outdoors does, for me.

But now it’s slushy mud I’m walking through, with the cold wet chill of fall enveloping me in it’s fog.  Takes the whole joy out of the thing.

But I guess life can’t be one long summer all the time.  There’s winter, to wake you up with it’s frosty tinge and spur you on to movement – you can’t really stagnate in such crisp invigorating air.  There’s spring, when you’re just starting out that new project and wondering how it’ll turn out, hoping for success but still doubtful, still waiting.  There’s fall, or autumn as we call it on England, when the leaves fall down and die and you know you’ve got to keep on moving and plodding through life anyway.

Who am I kidding, though?  Summer’s still my favourite.

And uuuuuuuuuuuuurgh.

It’s going.

Going.

Gone.

Tags: fitness, health, life, reflections, running, seasons, summer, walking, walking in the rain, weather

Why I Fool Myself All The Time

Yeah, I know.  I’ve been totally irresponsible and unforgivably BAD.  I haven’t posted in so long you probably forgot I was out there.  (Those of you kind enough to read my stuff loyally, anyway.)

But I am going to make up for it.  I henceforth promise to be good.  To post regularly.  To make sure this blog has something new, and valuable, every single bingle week.

Blah.  

That’s never going to happen, and I know it.  Life’s so busy, and so many things come up all the time.

It makes me wonder.  Who am I kidding?  And what on earth’s the point of kidding myself?

I remember that time I finished a whole chocolate bar in a sitting, and then, belly aching, pretended that the bar had only had 3 pieces left when I started it.  Then there’s the time I came late to an important meeting, and tried to blame it all on traffic. There’s also the time I forgot to feed poor Elmer, the wee mousie as we called him, and he died, but I thought (and said) it was the cold. And then-

-but you get the picture.  And I’m NOT going to ramble.

So why?  Why do I fool myself?

I guess it’s for the same reason the ostrich buries his head in the sand, and 5 year old Jason, my little nephew, covers his eyes when he sees something scary.  It’s just plain simple…cowardice.  It’s to block out reality, and pretend everything’s great.  It’s to drown out the idea that anything’s my fault.

Ugh.

That big evil ego, there again.  I’m perfect.  And when I’m not, well, pretend I am.  Because I’ve really got to be.

Sometimes I think that if I strip away the layers to the real naked me, the me that even I myself try not to know, the me that isn’t perfect, but tries to be, it might be easier.  It would definitely be more honest.

But grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.  Scratching those layers off hurts.

And so, I promise seriously to write in this blog once a week.

Bah.  Who am I kidding?

Tags: fooling myself, inspiration, lifestyle, motivation, personal, thoughts, why I lie to myself

Ten Best Weight Loss Fruits Your Diet Can’t Afford To Miss

If you’re losing weight, or trying to lose weight, you’ll know that most diet food recommended is boring and tasteless.  Dry crackers.  Tuna salad without mayonnaise.  Bought weight loss snacks that taste like sawdust.

Well, if you’re trying to limit the calories, fruit is one of your best options to go for.  It’s filling, it’s healthy, it’s low calorie and it’s good.

In fact, fruit is key for successful, permanent weight loss, and a study done proved that successful dieters (those who’d lost weight and kept it off for over 5 years) all made fruit part of their diet.  But of course, some fruits are better than others.  Bananas and mangoes are higher in calories, and though sweet and filling, aren’t the best choice for reducing your waistline and getting rid of that excess weight.

So what are the best weight loss fruits?   I’ve compiled a top ten weight loss fruit list, based on calories and flavor, so that you can pick your own favorites and enjoy eating healthy.

#1:  Strawberries – I love strawberries; they make it feel like summer all year round!  At only 49 calories a cup (halved), and high in vitamin C and potassium, they make the perfect weight loss smoothie shake ingredient, too.

#2:  Grapefruits – this one’s made it big in the weight loss world, as a fat burner as well as a filling low calorie fruit.  Half a medium grapefruit (that’s as much as I can eat in one sitting for a snack) is a meager 40 calories.

#3:  Grapes – Eat them frozen for a real flavor filled crunch.  1.5 cups gives you 30 calories.

#4:  Oranges – This acidy fruit is one of my favorites, and it packs a mean vitamin-C punch!  It’s 40 calories for a medium sized orange.

#5:  Cantaloupe melon – I love this one for its classy look at the dinner table and great taste!  No one would dream that it’s this low in calories – only 50 calories for a cup of this great weight loss fruit!

#6:  Blackberries – At only 74 calories per cup, I love this one as a great cereal topping, weight loss shake ingredient, low fat yoghurt accompaniment or just plain on its own.

#7:  Blueberries – This one’s 7 more calories per cup than blackberries, but worth it!  It also helps prevent and treat bladder infections.  81 calories for a cup.

#8:  Apricots – You get to eat 5 fruits for 80 calories, so no more complaints about diet hunger here!  High in fiber, potassium and Vitamins A and C, this fruit’s a really healthy weight loss choice.

#9:  Kiwi – Its high fiber and vitamin C content, with its tart yet sweet flavor makes it another of my weight loss shake favorite ingredients.  40 calories per medium fruit.

#10: Raspberries – Not one of my personal favorite flavors, but so low in calories that I just had to include it!  At only 60 calories per cup, go for this berry as your breakfast accompaniment or weight loss snack if you like its flavor.

Just remember, moderation is KEY in all your weight loss attempts!  Don’t be tempted to go overboard just because it’s a healthy diet snack.

Tags: best fruits weight loss, diet fruits, food, fruits lose weight, get skinny body fast, health, help me get skinny, help me get skinny fast, help me lose weight, help me lose weight fast, how to lose weight fast, life, lifestyle, low fat fruit, weight loss, weight loss snacks

Quick, Easy Weight Loss – The Secret Factor To A Skinny Body

You know those awful, depressing days of trying to lose weight and just not getting anywhere?  The days you feel like picking up that damn scale and smashing it onto the floor with all your strength, and watching it shatter into a thousand pieces with a vindictive smile.

Well, maybe you’ve got a nasty little enemy that’s stopping you getting there.  His name?  Stress.

Modern life is full of stressors, from tight schedules to traffic jams to pressurizing bosses, difficult ‘friends’, and deadlines, and you’d be surprised at how much this constant stress is contributing to your belly flab.  Several studies have proven the incontestable relationship between stress and weight gain, and unfortunately, it’s particularly around your middle that the weight piles on.

The science behind it is easy to understand.  When you’re stressed, your body is flooded with stress hormones like cortisol, which has several nasty side effects.  Too much cortisol means your abdominal fat cells get bigger and you get more of them, you feel hungrier and also crave more sugar.  In a nutshell, too much stress makes weight gain almost certain, and permanent weight loss practically impossible.

But the good news is that you can manage and considerably reduce stress (and weight!) in your life easily, using the following two quick stress reduction tips.

Tip #1:  Fill up on green tea

Yes, that magic potion that has taken over the weight loss world in a big way can also help alleviate your stress!  Green tea contains L-theanine, which reduces stress and improves the quality of your sleep, among others.  Take between 150 – 300 mg, one to three times a day, depending on how high your stress levels are.  You should feel the effects within half an hour.

The great thing about drinking green tea is that it helps you lose weight, too, by revving up your metabolism by 4% (!), inhibiting and slowing fat absorption and reducing your appetite.

Tip #2:  Do a 5 minute breathing exercise

Even with your busy lifestyle, you owe it to yourself to find 5 minutes of quiet time when you can just relax.

• Find a quiet, comfy place and sit, feet slightly apart, with one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest.
• Get all disturbing thoughts out of your mind – make this a pleasant, relaxing experience.
• Inhale slowly through your nose, counting to four and then exhale through your mouth.
• Do the above for 3-5 minutes at a time, though you can do it for longer if you wish.

Repeat this exercise whenever you feel tense, stresses out, or angry, however many times a day you feel you need.

So…

No more unsightly bulges around your middle, crazy cravings for sugar and hunger pangs that have your nose buried in the refrigerator, or the pantry for an embarrassing amount of time.  Here’s to a happier, healthier life, and a slim, fit body!

 

 

 

 

Tags: get skinny body fast, health, help me get skinny fast, help me lose weight fast, how to lose weight fast, life, lifestyle, lose weight stress, stress, stress weight, weight gain stress, weight loss, weight loss and stress

Walking Off Weight? 11 Tips to Keep Walking For Weight Loss Fun!

Want to lose weight but hate exercise?  Find out how to make it fun and maintainable so that you actually WANT to go on that walk.

With most weight loss gurus recommending walking as the ultimate weight loss exercise, with great health and slimming benefits, many of us have donned our sneakers and taken to walking.

And it’s true.  Walking is great for weight loss, and has terrific health benefits, too, including lowering your blood pressure, reducing your chances for certain cancers and type 2 diabetes, and just lifting your mood, and making you feel great!

The problem is that you don’t love exercise.  Ok, make that hate exercise.  So you try walking, and you stick to your walking plan for a week, but then you stop.  Only for a day.  Then two days.  Then three…

Before you know it, that walking-to-lose-weight-and-get-skinny-and-stay-skinny-forever plan is history.

So here are 11 ideas to make walking fun, achievable and maintainable:

#1:  Get a buddy.  Someone who wants to lose weight, who’s no slacker, but most of all, who’s company you enjoy.

#2:  Listen to music.  Grab your iPod, mp3 or even old-fashioned Walkman, and get going.  The livelier the music, and the quicker the tempo, the faster you’ll walk.  I mean, run.

#3:  Change your route.  Same old, same old gets boring and hey!  There’s so much to see out there.  You can enjoy nature’s beauty or walk through the mall for window-shopping heaven.   Your choice.

#4:  Compete.  Find someone who’s walking just a little faster than you are, and see how long it takes for you to get ahead.

#5:  Make a game of it.  Decide that you’ll walk until you see three white cars, or four kids playing ball, or whatever you choose.  Once you’ve found that, set yourself another goal, and race with your buddy to see who gets ‘em first.

#6:  Catch up with your pals.  Bring your phone along and make those social calls to the people you love to speak to.  That’s why cell phones were invented!

#7:  Raining?  Get onto the treadmill and watch TV while walking the fat off.

#8:  Make it a hubby-wife, or mom-daughter experience.  Go out together and use the time to connect, and revitalize the relationship.

#9:  Dog time.  Take the dog and let him lead you.

#10:  It’s your day out!  Go walking with a friend, and stop every so often at places that interest you…an old curiosity shop, the park, or a tea shop.  Enjoy!

#11:  Downtime.  With life so busy, who gets time to just plain think?  Use your walk to relax your mind, meditate, and ponder.  You don’t want to let time pass without taking a break to remember the joy of life.

So grab your sneakers and head outdoors for the ultimate walking weight loss experience, and watch your waistline shrink!

If any of you readers have any more great ideas, please add them in the comments below!  I’d love to hear from you!

Tags: best weight loss exercise women, best weight lost exercise, exercise, fun walking, health, help me get skinny fast, help me lose weight fast, how to lose weight fast, life, lifestyle, lose weight walking, recreation, sport, walking, walking for weight loss, walking tips, walking weight loss tips, weight loss, weight loss exercise, weight loss exercise tips, weight loss walking ideas, weight loss walking tips

What You’ve Got To know Before You Start Walking

Walking’s great.  Yeah, right.  That’s like saying exercise is the ultimate christmas present.

But really, walking is great!  It helps you get skinny, it brightens your mood and makes you feel proud of yourself for taking care of your body.  And that’s without mentioning all the health benefits of walking.

Ok.  I’ve got you convinced.  (I wish.)

But before you strap on your sneakers, there are a few things you gotta know to maximize your weight loss effects.  Because, hey!  If you’re walking anyway, you may as well get the most out of it.

#1:  Running vs. Walking

You’d think that the faster you go, the more fat you burn, and the more calories you burn, right?  Wrong!  The calories you burn running for a mile are about the same as the calories you’d burn walking that same mile.  That’s without even considering that when running, unless you’re an Olympic marathon competitor, you burn mainly sugar, while with walking, you’re burning fat.  So, save your breath, and focus on distance rather than speed.  It will make walking more fun, and make you more likely to stick to it.

#2:  Short bursts, or all in one long walk?

Doing accumulative walking (e.g. 3 sets of ten minute walks instead of one long 30-minute walk) burns at least the same amount of calories as doing it all in one shot.  So fit walking into your schedule wherever you can- during your lunch break, in the morning, or whenever it’s convenient for you.

In fact, because the caloric burn continues even after you’ve finished walking, spreading out your walking throughout the day means you’re increasing the amount of calories your body burns throughout the entire day.  But with accumulative walking, make sure you’re completing your “quota” of walking time every day.  If you decided to spend 40 minutes walking every day, and do it in two 20-minute stages, don’t let yourself ‘forget’ the second walk!

#3:  Where to walk

Did you know that walking on different surfaces actually gets you to lose more calories?  You see, when you walk on sand, earth or pebbles, crunch on grass or up the hill, your body is meeting more resistance, and walking actually uses up more energy, meaning that without really increasing your exercise intensity, you’re losing more weight.  Walking on cobblestones has the added benefit of stimulating acupoints on your feet, increasing your energy flow and improving blood pressure.  So go for textured walking!

#4:  Keep it going

You don’t want this attempt at exercising and losing weight to peter out like all the rest of your ambitious weight loss plans did.  So try these three tips to make sure you keep it going:

• Make a walking plan at the beginning of the week, detailing the amount of time you’re going to spend on the go, then check off every day as you complete your walking time.
• Find a buddy.  You’ll feel more accountable and have more fun!
• Get a pedometer.  Knowing how many steps you make each day will stop you slacking, and motivate you to keep it up!

So get those sneakers on and start walking!

Tags: best weight lost exercise, health, help me get skinny, help me get skinny fast, help me lose weight, help me lose weight fast, how to lose weight fast, life, lifestyle, lose weight walking, sport, walking, walking for weight loss, walking tips, walking weight loss benefits, weight loss, weight loss exercise, weight loss exercise tips, weight loss walking tips