Healthy B.P.M.

Nine out of every ten publications you pick up this time of year report on getting fit for the new year. Nine out of ten people that resolve to do so will be back to their old habits by Valentines Day. The diets, exercises and all the gizmos being touted are the same ones we hear about all year long. However, because January is the official start month of diets everything old sounds new again. This is the time of the year when we are gullible, bloated and have gained some extra pounds.

Now if you wish to shell out X amount of dollars for a product or plan, go ahead. If this is the time of year when you feel you’re going to make those all important changes, by all means have at it. Whatever you do just stick with it. Might I suggest though that you don’t lose yourself in all the hype. Overdoing it often leads to injury and frustration; which means sooner rather than later you’re back at square one. Gullible, bloated and with those extra pounds still there.

Think about this; you’ve got the rest of the year, the rest of your life to work on your wellness plan so slow it down. Trust me fitbuddies I know how frustrating it is to want those extra pounds gone. I entered the new year with a few extra myself. If you take it off fast it’s coming back fast, and will bring some friends.

Tackle one change a week. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear, but as long as you’re trying new things, try this one. For the first week add 10 more minutes of activity a day. What’s that going to help you ask? It will get you into the fitness frame of mind, help you to establish a routine, and most importantly prove that you can do it. If you’re already exercising those 10 minutes could be intervals; short bursts of activity where you’re working harder.

Once you’re used to the additional activity start with your diet. Not a diet plan, but what you eat and drink. If you add 1-2 glasses of water a day to your intake, your kidneys will work more efficiently. This in turn will keep your liver doing what it does best; metabolizing fat. How cool is that? Hey you’re on a roll now how about eating one more piece of fruit a day? Just look at how many healthy changes you’ve made.

Are you jumping on and off the scales checking your weight several times a day? Stop it already! If you feel you must check the numbers once a day, first thing in the morning is enough. Don’t let the scales rule you. Trek on over to the dollar store and get a tape measure, that is one of the best ways to determine what’s going on. Ladies if your waist measures 35 or over, it’s time for you to get serious. Guys, 40 is your magic number. Extra fat around your middle is not only unsightly, it’s unhealthy. That’s enough for now. Move, drink and eat.