for fun alternatives to watching TV. Or search the following categories:According to at least five studies in the The Journal of the American Medical Association, TV is related to increases in weight. In fact, men and women, who watch three or more hours of television per day are almost twice as likely to be obese than people who watched less than one hour per day.
Of course, if you (like me) spent many years as a couch potato more effort may be needed to get into shape. In this case, turning off the TV is only the first step in reclaiming your health and fitness. There are many great programs and products out there.
In fact an inspiring ebook has just been released, co-authored by a highly respected fitness guru, Tom Venuto. It is Fit Over 40:
_________________________________________________________________Click here to discover the secret: http://www.fitover40.com
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Exercise, exercise, exercise
The main key to weight loss I have discovered is to exercise. I have never lost weight without exercise. I will not bother even trying to lose weight if I can not devote significant time, an hour per day, to exercising. It is pointless. My metabolism will drop to nothing before my body will lose weight. This idea is also echoed by fitness guru Tom Venudo.
According to Tom Venuto: "An effective fat burning program must have four crucial components:
1. Aerobic Exercise
2. Weight training
3. A nutrient dense diet of natural foods with a mild calorie deficit
4. Goal setting, motivation and a positive self image
Much more information can be found in Tom's 337 page e-book Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle.
Getting more exercise can be as simple as taking a good walk outdoors, chasing your kids, playing sports, or going for a bike ride. Or you can go for a more intensive workout with exercise equipment:
Treadmills, home gym
, exercise bikes
, skiers
, steppers
, rowing machines
. Or browse one of the largest exercise equipment stores on the internet Mega Fitness.
.
Again, when exercising follow basic principles of getting 30-60 minutes per day of exercise, but do something you will enjoy. If you have turned off the TV, it should be easier to find the necessary time.
Focus on benefits
Personally, the idea of 'getting fit' is more appealing than 'dieting' or 'losing weight'. If you think of it as losing something, it will be harder to achieve, no matter what program you try. Focus on the benefits: better health, more energy, increased strength, and vitality.
Nutrition is essential
Focus first on nutrition. There is no sense in depriving the body of nutrients to 'lose weight'. A good basic ebook of information and recipes is The Ultimate Health Library. There is a lot more to nutrition than just carbs, proteins, and fats. Dr. Weil is also a credible source of information about nutrition and he has channelled his expertise into a comprehensive new website, Dr. Weil's Optimum Health Plan. Get a free health assessment when you join.
Listen to your body
One key to nutrition that I have discovered is to listen to your body. Feed it what it needs, good nutritious food-- not fast food, not the food that is peddled on most commercial--but fruits, vegetables, and quality protein. If you can listen to your body, it will most often tell you what it needs. That was one of the main points made by Wallace Wattles in his classic book The Science of Being Well. Click the link for a free copy of Mr. Wattles' book. Eat only when your body is truly hungry and stop when it is sated.
Everyone is different too. That is why some food regimens work well for some but not others. Dr. Mercola, author of one of the most prominant web sites on the net has formulated a free test to measure metabolic types. There are many other tests out there too, but the most important thing to do is just listen to your body. If you feel great with a low carb diet, then follow that. If you feel heathier and more alive with complex carbohydrates, then eat them.
Additional note about sweeteners
*Many people have claimed that ASPARTAME, and the other chemical sweeteners, are poisonous. This product is commonly used in the effort to cut calories. My pediatrician warned me about aspartame several years ago, saying her clinic saw people with significant nerve damage resulting from its use. I therefore stopped using it. Dr. H.J. Roberts is a prominant physician who has written several books about aspartame, advising against its use. Dr. Mercola has also come out against its use.
Stevia, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener. I have used
Now's Stevia Balance W/ Inulin And Chromium
, and I personally find it to be sweet and it helps boost my energy level.