Elimate the 4 letter word...D-I-E-t

As so many of you head into the second week of your resolution to lose weight or get healthy, remember to keep it as simple and natural as possible to set yourself up for the greatest success.
 
There are so many "crazy" diets out there and many of you may have already tried them. But, I believe you should not be dieting!  The word itself speaks volumes!  It's no wonder you feel deprived and miserable on a diet...it has the word "DIE" in it! 

Instead, the changes you make in this New Year should be approached as a change in your lifestyle. Don't even call it a diet.  Your mind and body will already fight the word.  Then, begin making wiser and healthier choices when it comes to food. 

As difficult as it may seem don't think about just losing weight, but think of this time as the steps necessary to improve your health. Not just a quick fix, but a long term commitment to your life and body and an overall sense of wellness.
 
Exercising and eating well are the major factors here. If you are not exercising and you are on a strict diet-  for example the HCG diet, where you consume only 500 calories a day, you are heading for big trouble!  This is not natural, not normal, and has no logic!!  So, you are basically going against human nature and the way your body was designed to function. 
 
The body needs nutrients throughout the day to make new cells, to protect , to renew and fight infection. Any kind of crazy, extreme diet will not do that.  Moreover, when have extreme caloric restriction,  your body runs low on fats, carbs, and protein which are all essential for the body to function efficiently.
 
These are the types of foods your body needs: 
1) Proteins: Lean meats, chicken, fish, egg whites, turkey and protein powder. ( Stay away from 4 legged animals!)
 
2) Natural  Carbohydrates from the earth: natural grains (oatmeal, hot and cold whole grain cereals-low sugars), beans, potatoes, yams, brown rice, corn- as long it's natural.
 
3) Vegetables & Fruits: Eat a rainbow of colors, as much as you want on the vegetables and organic as much as possible. Fruits in moderation (because of the sugars)
 
4) Natural Nuts: a limited portion of these natural fats are good for the body.
 
5.) Supplements: Whey protein, multi vitamin/mineral, calcium, Udos oil, chondroitin and glucosamine.    
 
If you think you can exercise and keep eating the wrong foods and you're going to get you results- you are dead wrong! Exercise and eating well go hand and hand. They work together as partners. 
 
The benefits of exercise can be life-changing.  Just ask anyone who's dropped a lot of weight and improved the quality of their life! Just to mention a few:  feeling good inside and out, the change in your attitude about life and the people you encounter in it.
 
Exercise changes your mind and also changes your body:  you lose weight,  improve your strength, develop more energy, improve balance, and promotes longevity.
 
These are the types of exercises you should be doing for your rest of your life. 
1. Resistance training
2. Cardiovascular training 
3. Balance
4. Flexibility + Yoga
5. Functional Training
 
If you are not doing all the above, you do not have a well-balanced exercise program.
 
At some point you will need to adjust your program as to get older and it is very import that you accept the fact that we are all getting older. But, if we are healthy it can be a positive and rewarding experience!

Above all add value to your health because I know you are important and valued by your family, loved ones and your close friends.  These changes don't come easy but, don't stop exercising and eating healthy. It's a lifestyle that is worth it for you and those who love you!