D & E- Day 31

I always wonder why so many people have such a hard time with diet and exercise. It feels like everyone has a never ending struggle with food and weight. While I am no expert on the subject, I have invested many hours with a certificate in Women's Health and Fitness and also made sure all my electives in college had something to do with Women or Health. I thought I would offer up some advice to everyone based on what has worked for me. I know it has worked because I feel great physically and emotionally, and I never feel an ounce of guilt when I do eat something "bad". So here it goes, take it or leave it.

1) DO NOT DIET!!
Diets are temporary and leave you fatigued and grumpy. You are most likely not eating foods that will keep you strong and healthy. Diets are dangerous and you will not be taking the needed steps toward changing your food habits permanently.

Instead, change your food habits. Here are some ideas:
Breakfast:
Oatmeal or Cereal : get that fiber and folic acid so needed in a female diet! (I am not talking about Captain Crunch either) Kashi has some good cereal choices. Get calcium (also so needed) from low-faw milk.
Blueberries (or any other fruit you like): get those antioxidants that fight disease.
Wheat Toast: Carbs do not kill- they are needed for energy!
Yogurt: organic or low fat

Snacks: snacking is good! Keep your metabolism moving and remember to snack healthy
Almonds (just a handful): get that vitamin E for pretty skin and so much more

Lunch:
Soup: I do not know why (maybe just a childhood favorite) but I love soup for lunch. Pick something light with veggies and protein.
Salad: skip fatty dressings and go for some oil and vinegar. Try to get salad with some protein like eggs or chicken
Wheat Pasta with Olive Oil (add whatever else you like): pick whole wheat over white every time.

Snack again: pick something light and healthy (at your own discretion).

Dinner:
Turkey Burgers: yum! cook it in a pan with olive oil (cook everything in olive oil). Get rid of butter all together
Broccoli: the powers of broccoli... sooo many nutrients. Remember the greener or darker the fruit or vegetable the better. Steam your veggies too! Drizzle some lemon on it for flavor.
Rice: whole grain or brown

These are just ideas, but hopefully you get the point. What I try to envision with food is how it is supporting my longevity. Most of us want to live a long time! Food is a huge way to get there! I ask myself how this is killing disease and making me a happier person? I have also learned the more healthier I eat, the less I crave the bad things. Your body will be sustained if you are eating right! So when you are at a party and crave something yummy or someone has made a to die for dessert, you will not feel bad about indulging.

Now on to Exercise.
Tip: Do not go crazy on yourself. Make a goal of 30-90 minutes of exercise four to five times a week. Try the elliptical, buy some DVDs, or go hiking! My favorite is the Biggest Loser work outs or a 40 minute run.

I hope this helps someone. Our world is full of (sorry to be blunt) chubby, unhappy women. Let's empower ourselves and make good choices.

I have one more complaint. Pregnant Women are NOT Fat. If you are having or had a baby, be easier on yourself. Your body changed or is changing for a reason. Gaining weight is critical to the health of your baby. Remember to love the changes in your body because they happened or are happening to create life. Your focus should be health not six pack abs and a model figure!