Health & Beauty Tips

Health & Beauty

June 22, 2007

Customizing Your Home Gym Exercise Routine

Filed under: Fitness — Health Information @ 2:34 pm


Different strokes for different folks. How true is that in so many aspects of life? One of those aspects is your home gym exercise routine and the exercise equipment you use. If you are exploring home gym exercise, then obviously you have already made the leap into the world of fit for life. On the other hand, you may already be seasoned exercise addict who has decided to give up your health club membership. For the apprentice, several areas should be investigated and considered.

If you are a beginner, your current physical shape is the number one consideration and your home gym exercise sessions should be designed around that important factor. If you have been a long-term couch potato, you will have to start out at a slow and easy pace and increase intensity by small increments. Goals and expectations are another issue. For the novice, shooting for the stars too quickly may create major disappointment. Starting small may be difficult to do, but very necessary. Time also becomes part of the dynamics of carrying out your home gym exercise plan. How much do you have to invest in this venture? Remember, this will not be a temporary change in your life it will be a permanent lifestyle change so your entire schedule should be adjusted accordingly.

For the exercise junkie, devising the perfect home gym exercise plan should be relatively easy. Your biggest problem will be avoiding boredom! Being innovative in your planning is vital to the overall success of your routine. Relying on the run of the mill, everyday work out you did at the gym may not be as satisfying at home. A change of pace will definitely be in order for your home gym exercise sessions.

Location, location, location. Where have you heard that before? It is typically associated with real estate; however, it certainly can apply in regards to your home gym exercise. A separate work out room is the ideal situation, except that a lot of us do not have the extra room to do that. So improvise, be inventive! Map out an area in the house where you will be the most comfortable and where you will gain the most from the work out. Create a place in your home where you will want to work out because you enjoy it and not because it is just another chore that you have to do.

You can also find more info on Home Gym Design and Home Gym Exercise Equipment. Homegym-fitnessequipment is a comprehensive resource to know about home gym, fitness equipments and gym reviews.

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Lose Weight By Watching What You Eat

Filed under: Weight Loss — Health Information @ 2:31 pm


Keep an eye on every little thing you eat. Watch what you eat. Keep a watchful eye on every thing that goes in. Sometimes the garnishes can richer than the food itself. Accompaniments too can be very rich. Remember that it is the easiest thing in the world to eat something without realizing that it was something that you should not have eaten. Selective memory you know? Control that sweet tooth. Remember that sweet things generally mean more calories. It is natural that we have cravings for sweet things especially chocolates and other confectionery. Go easy on theses things and each time you consume something sweet understand that it is going to add on somewhere. Fix times to have meals and stick to it.

Try to have food at fixed times of the day. You can stretch these times by half an hour, but anything more than that is going to affect your eating pattern, the result will either be a loss of appetite or that famished feeling which will make you stuff yourself with more than what is required the next time you eat. Eat only when you are hungry. Some of us have the tendency to eat whenever we see food. We use parties as an excuse to stuff our selves. Understand that the effect of a whole week of dieting can be wasted by just one day’s party food. Whenever you are offered something to eat do not decline it completely bit just break of a nibble so that you appear to mind your manners and at the same time can watch your diet. Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for snacks in between meals.

This is especially true for those who have to travel a lot. They feel that the only time they can get a bite to eat is snacks and junk food. The main problem with most snacks and junk food is that they are usually less filling and contain a lot of fat and calories. Just think about French fries’tempting but terribly fattening. Snack on vegetables if you must. You might get the pangs of hunger in between meals. It is something that you can very well control, or even better, try munching on carrots. They are an excellent way to satisfy those hunger pangs and are good for your eyes and teeth. Go easy on tea and coffee.

Tea and coffee are harmless by themselves. It’s when you add the cream and sugar that they become fattening. Did you know that having a cup of tea or coffee that has cream and at least two cubes of sugar is as bad as having a big piece of rich chocolate cake? Try to stick to black tea/coffee. Black tea or coffee can actually be good for you. But personally I would like to recommend tea rather than coffee. The caffeine in the coffee is not really good for you because it is an alkaloid and can affect other functions of your body like the metabolism. Count the calories as you eat. It’s a good idea to have an idea of the calories that most food items have. If it is a packed thing then the label is sure to have the calories that the substance has.

Have you heard about the new cure for weight loss? Get information about the controversial obesity cure that everyone is talking about by visiting http://www.weightlossisnatural.com today.

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June 16, 2007

Arbonne Skin Care To The Rescue - Earth Friendly and Cruelty Free

Filed under: Skin Care — Health Information @ 11:15 am


If you are looking for a healthy way to take care of your skin, and protect the environment, look no further than Arbonne Pure Swiss Skin Care, formulated in Switzerland and proudly made in the USA.

The high quality gentle soaps include a special line for babies and young children. Teens, with troubled skin, will find their needs met with Arbonne Clear Advantage. Young, middle-aged and maturing women will find the right product for their specific skin type: from hydrating to light moisturizing to anti-aging. The anti-aging comes in two different formulas - one for men and one for women. The anti-aging umbrella of products includes the ‘Before Sun? product line. This unique formula assists in getting aging under control before heading out to the beach, the garden or daily life!

Arbonne is a unique skin care line that includes vitamins, aromatherapy bath salts and body cream, and weight-loss vitamins.

Arbonne has taken skin care to the next level with their hypo-allergenic, botanically-based products. They look at the body holistically, as an entire entity, with the philosophy that excellent skin care starts within, by taking vitamins and eating wholesome foods.

The skin care products and vitamins work in unison. The different vitamin and skin care lines are designed to meet the needs of children, teens and adults.

Additionally, there is a natural skin care product for different parts of the body, (not just the face) that makes this line exceptional. Also, the cellulite cream is designed to work with the shower scrub.

Look under the ‘Vanish 8? series. This special body lotion for balanced skin comes in a pump which automatically dispenses the right amount for ideal use.

The Arbonne basic body and skin care line can be purchased at specially packaged group prices. Packages include the cleanser, toner, moisturizer (day and night), as well as specially formulated masks for your skin type. The body care line also provides special packaging to include bath and body products. Other enticing purchases are the PWP’s (purchase with a purchase) specialty items.

Arbonne skin care products are pH correct to insure maximum benefit and they are dermatology tested. Their products are never tested on animals nor do they use any animal products or by-products. Since Arbonne products are formulated without mineral oil or chemical dyes or fragrances, they can be used on even the most sensitive skin. If you have an extreme condition, however, please consult your doctor before using this or any other skin care product.

It’s one thing to take care of your skin, it’s quite another to do so naturally, without harmful chemical products, and without harming animals or the environment.

Linda Woods is a freelance writer and radio talk show host with a focus on healing, self-help and empowerment. Get all the latest on healthy skin care at http://www.rareskincare.com Be sure to check out our Arbonne Skin Care pages

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Used Bowlfex Home Gyms - Tips for Buyers

Filed under: Fitness — Health Information @ 8:52 am


Are you in the market for used exercise equipment? That is a very smart way to go, as many people sell their equipment after barely any use, after accepting that they will not make workouts a priority in their lives and have simply let the machines collect dust. Since that is the case, it makes a lot of sense to shop for exercise equipment in the resale market.

When shopping for used exercise equipment, you may experience confusion at the variety of models available for each type of machine. For the most part, when they are all from the same company, they do not vary a significant amount from one model to the next. So don’t worry about choosing the wrong model, unless you are specifically looking for one with more accessories, as those tend to be the more recent models. Otherwise, the main thing that sets them apart is that the company released them at different times.

There are many places to look for used equipment. Try surfing the online classifieds, in weekly circulars that come in the mail, or the newspaper. Or, if you prefer to shop in person and see many machines in person for the sake of comparison, go to used sports stores. There are many used sports store chains throughout the country. These offer a large assortment of sports and fitness supplies and equipment.

Merchants typically won’t have inventory they can’t move. Many used sports stores carry Bowflex Home Gym models because they know they will sell. The Bowflex Home Gym is one of the best buys you will find in the used exercise equipment arena. This is because they stand the test of time, even through multiple owners, because they are made so well. Even if the machine has been used quite a lot, it is probably in excellent condition. They can also be found for less than half of their original price when you buy used rather than new. That is a great deal! If there are a number of used sports stores in your area, you may want to check with all of them, in order to find the best deal. The most difficult part may be getting the equipment from the store to your home, unless you or a friend have a pickup truck or SUV with plenty of cargo room.

This is the internet age however, and we can shop for anything we want without leaving the house! If you prefer to shop for your Bowflex machine on the internet, you may be able to see pictures as well as get a great deal. Check on the shipping charges, as the Bowflex is heavy and can cost a lot to ship. Make sure you aren’t being charged too much to have the machine shipped to your home; you want to still be saving money when all is said and done. Also, make sure to insure the package just in case it is damaged during shipping.

Before you purchase an exercise machine from a former owner, ask to see it and even try it out before buying. Some people will let you have their equipment at a really good price just to get it out of their garage or basement or living room. If you get a great deal, congratulations! Good luck getting fit with your “new” Bowflex!

Kathy Hildebrand is a professional writer who is easily bored with her “day job” assignments. So, she researches anything and everything of interest and starts writing. Writing about an extremely wide variety of subjects keeps her skills sharp, and gives her food for thought on future paid writing assignments.

More of her research and articles can be found at www.lasertargeted.com/bowflex and other sites around the internet.

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Hoodia ? The Natural Remedy for Weight Problem

Filed under: Weight Loss — Health Information @ 8:50 am


Plenty of people frown due to the high costs and even with the harmful reactions they can get with prescribed medications. This is the reason why many people who want to lose their unwanted weight switch and stick to the natural way or supplements.Natural supplements are helpful means of losing weight, and one of these herbal remedies is hoodia. Hoodia is non-prescription herbal remedy that you can make use for your weight problem. Hoodia is a natural herb which was desired from a succulent plant from the milkweed family. It is a cactus plant that grows in the Kalahari Desert region in Africa.

This cactus plant has been used by the San people of Africa for thousands of years; they actually chew this plant when they are out for hunting trips in order for them to suppress their hunger and thirst, also to increase their stamina. Hoodia comes with different forms. These forms are Hoodia Balance, Hoodia Chaser and Hoodia Diet Pills. Hoodia Chaser is a liquid form of hoodia, so if you are having problem with swallowing pill then this form is appropriate for you. When you take it, hoodia will signal the brain and tell it that you are no longer hungry or thirsty. This signal happens with the help of the Hoodia’s ingredient called P57. P57 is an active molecule which works like glucose but it actually much stronger.Hoodia will definitely offer you a lot of benefits in terms of your weight problem. This herbal remedy is a natural weight loss product that can be purchase either online or offline and without any prescription.

So any dieter can purchase hoodia and can buy a month supply or even a year supply without going to the doctor for prescription. Hoodia can even improve or enhance one’s mood and can increase the stamina. So the person taking it or the dieter can certainly feel a burst of energy and will have the desire to be more active than before. Due to these, it can help in the process of losing weight.While using hoodia products, it is advisable that you drink plenty of water and other liquids in order for you to prevent dehydration. You may not feel thirsty but you have to drink a lot because your body will need it.

If even you felt hunger, it is recommended to eat healthy and stick to balanced diet. Eating healthy can help your body gain the right vitamins and nutrients that it needed. It can also help you will the process o losing weight. Eating healthy can also give you the right energy you need to go on with your daily routines and tasks each day.

Now, as a piece of advice, before you purchase a hoodia product, it is wiser to make a research about the product and the company to make sure you will be having the real hoodia product. You can use the internet to have the necessary information you need. You can even find reliable companies through the internet. Just make sure to check the labels and the ingredients.

If ever you are currently taking some medications or you are suffering from some illnesses such as heart condition, high blood pressure, and diabetes and so on, it is suggested to consult your doctor first before taking any herbal remedy for your weight problem.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson HoodiaStore.Org Hoodia Gordonii

Eliza Maledevic writes for http://Jump2Top.com - Real Estate SEO Company

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June 13, 2007

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer - An Excellent Budget Buy!

Filed under: Fitness — Health Information @ 4:08 pm


We would all like to drive the top of the line Lexus, but our budget may limit us to a Kia. That is true with elliptical trainers. A Precor rocks, but with a $3,000+ price tag, it is out of the range of most casual exercisers. Spending thousands of dollars can be a risky investment if you are considering getting back into shape, but have doubts about your commitment.

In the past, I’ve had reservations about recommending elliptical trainers under $1,000. To reach a budget price, the manufacturer had to compromise on the engineering and the quality of the components. Recently, I tested a Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer and was pleasantly surprised. It is a standout in the array of budget models. Overall, it had a smooth elliptical motion, and a sturdy feel.

Comfortable 18″ Stride

A common problem with budget ellipticals is a short, bouncy stride. With an elliptical, you want to feel like you are walking on air. The Schwinn 430 comes with an 18? stride. It is the right length for an average height individual. With the 18? stride you will find you keep more level, and have less up and down action. The stride is more elliptical than circular.

Articulating Foot Pedals

The popularity of elliptical trainers is the reduced impact. This is because there is no reverse action and consequently minimal impact. To further reduce strain and stress the Schwinn 430 comes with articulating foot pedals. These pedals angle with the elliptical motion. Many people complain about numbness in their feet when working out. Articulating foot pedals is an excellent solution to that problem.

Sturdy Machine Weight

In order to sell at a budget price, most inexpensive elliptical are lightweight. Although not a heavy weight machine, the Schwinn 430 weighs a reasonable 152 lbs. This extra weight will contribute to the stability and provide a solid feel. This is important for individuals who are carrying a few extra pounds. If you weigh over 200 lbs., you don’t want to be on a 100 lb. elliptical. You may end up bouncing it across the room.

One criticism of the Schwinn 430 is the short service warranty. It covers 90-days, which is typical for an elliptical at this price range. Although, you do get 2-year parts and 1-year electronic coverage. If you purchase the 430, I would suggest you consider an extended warranty.

It is also important to remind you this is a budget elliptical, which means it has limitations. I would not recommend this machine for exercise fanatics, very tall individuals, very heavy users, and multiple users. You should consider an elliptical in the $1,500+ price range. However, for a budget elliptical, the Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer is one of the better values.

Fred Waters was the former V.P. of Marketing for a fitness equipment manufacturer. He is author of the Elliptical Trainer Review and Rating site, where you can learn more about the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer and over 40 other models.

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Look Again On Weight Loss Tips

Filed under: Weight Loss — Health Information @ 4:05 pm


If you feel that you gained excess weight lately do not despair. Let’s remind ourselves about some rules that can help us to solve the problem, to get rid of excess weight. Follow some of them not as usual ‘from Monday? but right now and less than one month later great step to health and slim beautiful figure will be done.

Rule 1

Drink glass of water before meal especially before dinner party. Water will decrease your appetite and help you to control meal quantity.

Rule2

Eat wisely but not as less as possible. Hunger is not a way to get rid of excess weight. Reaction on lack of calories will be fat gaining and slow metabolism.

Rule3

Try fractional nutrition (5-6 times a day in equal intervals). It can reduce your appetite and maintain stable sugar level in blood.

Rule4

Keep food diary. It will help you to analyze your habits and estimate your day food precisely.

Rule5

Not fat soup. It can give you feel of satiety with few calories received.

Rule 6

Try not to have a snack if not with fresh fruits and vegetables. It is not as inoffensive as it seems. Small portions may have plenty of calories. Glass of peanuts has 840 kilo calories and 68gr (a bit more than 2oz) of fat for example.

Rule 7

Don’t be upset if you get rid of excess weight slowly. Concentrate on positive changes in your health during this time. Understanding that you feel yourself better on this way you will not give it up. You lost only 4kg (9lb) instead of 7kg.(~16lb) No problem you are on the right way!

Rule 8

If you eat at home take not big plates. People are often satisfied with smaller portions if they are on not big plates.

Rule 9

If you are a sweet tooth try to eat sweet fruits. But have one peach or banana not five at once.

Rule 10

Kitchen scales help you to know weight of portions. Try that portion of meat or fish will be not more than 100gr (3.5 oz).

Rule 11

If you hate to do exercises try other ways to increase your physical activity. Go upstairs (using no elevator). 5 minutes of this activity burn 50 calories.

Rule 12

Calculate calories in food you ate. If you received excess calories compensate them with physical exercises. 2 buns require 20 active minutes in gymnasium to ‘burn? them.

Rule 13

After dinner at home do not place yourself in front of TV and get dessert or new portion of sandwiches. Have a nice evening walk with your partner. If you make it as your tradition you will make a great blow on overweight.

Rule 14

Try not to eat all dishes but taste if you are invited for a dinner. If not than physical exercises or fasting day after that are for you.

Rule 15

Try not to bring delicacy home. You will eat all in any case. If your children want an ice cream then take them to tea-room and have a cup of coffee for yourself.

Be healthy,

Nataly

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nataly Orlova is a recognized authority on the subject of overweight and obesity problems. Her articles published in http://www.overweight-info.com provides a wealth of information on everything you’ll ever need to know about overweight, obesity and other health problems.

Food/points table can be found here http://overweight-info.com/foodpoints-table/

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June 12, 2007

Aloe Vera Gel For Healing And Rejuvenating Skin

Filed under: Skin Care — Health Information @ 2:05 pm


Aloe vera gel is an excellent herbal remedy for the skin. It is the most commonly used preparation from the plant itself. Herbalists have always liked to use the gel as a first aid for sunburn, wounds, and burns. From a long time ago, Romans and Greeks used the aloe gel to treat wounds received in battle. During the Middle Ages, aloe vera gel was used primarily as a purgative. In India, the aloe vera gel is used as a cooling tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine, aloe vera is used for excessive pitta (fire element). During the 16th century, aloe made it to the West Indies, where it was harvested as a crop.

Aloe vera gel helps in very dry skin and is useful in treating ringworm and other fungal infections. You can use aloe vera gel on mouth ulcers as well. In fact, research studies have found that aloe vera gel to be a promising treatment for breast cancer, liver cancer, and HIV. The gel is also very well known for anti-aging and rejuvenating properties for the skin and is used in many anti-aging skin preparations.

The aloe vera plant originated from Africa but it is now harvested around the world. The leaves and seeds are the two edible parts of Aloe Vera. The gel is usually described as moist, cool, bitter, and salty, while the leaves are said to be bitter, moist, and hot. Aloe vera’s properties are that it is a healing and purgative herb. It has also been known to help reduce blood sugar, increase bile flow, expel worms and lower cholesterol.

The aloe vera leaves are useful for other conditions, although they are not commonly used. They are a very strong purgative and can be prepared to help treat constipation that is very severe. Digestion is made more efficient and appetite may be increased by using the leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Aloe vera can be grown indoors in most climates. It is a very practical herb, since it can be used for several different purposes. To use as a herbal home remedy, simply split the leaf of the plant and squeeze out the gel. You can also use the gel from several split leaves to make an ointment. Use a steam inhalation that includes aloe for congestions. A tincture can also be made from the leaves to help stimulate appetite.

Evelyn Lim often uses a Herbal Home Remedy for treating various symptoms and ailments. She shares about what she does in her free newsletter. For free information and a bonus MP3 download on Herbs for Health, please visit her site at http://www.HerbalRemedyTips.com

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The Best Ways To Buy Treadmills Today

Filed under: Fitness — Health Information @ 1:56 pm


Treadmills are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercise - walking, jogging and running. The home treadmill has experienced substantial growth over the past few years. While other home exercise fitness equipment and infomercial gimmicks gather dust, treadmills continue to gain more popularity and get the results people are looking for.

Treadmill cushioning absorbs the force of your step; get good cushioning to lower the impact on your joints and ligaments. Some treadmills fold up for easy storage which makes them an ideal choice for those with limited space in a small apartment, small house or condo. Treadmill belt widths generally range from 17″ to 22″ and lengths from 51″ to 61″.

The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place. The more expensive treadmill models will offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill.

Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill. People, who don’t have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout.

One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance. The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features that you may not need.

Keep in mind that what feels right to you may not accommodate others around you as comfortably. The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. Before buying, make sure the deck area provides enough space for you to exercise in comfort and the belt should work smoothly without slipping or sticking.

When you’re reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they’ll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn’t operate noisily, start it up, step on it and test it out before you buy, if possible. Do your research; treadmills are an important investment, regardless of the price, and if it’s not right for you, you don’t want to find out after you’ve set the treadmill up at home.

Commercial club treadmills are reliable and well constructed; do look into a home version. Probably the most important thing to look for in a treadmill is to see how sturdy it is. Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well.

You’ll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower. You’ll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that’s strong enough to support the heaviest runner who’ll be using it. It’s best to buy a treadmill that has at least a one-year warranty. Most manufacturers of commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce home versions.

The more programs the treadmill has to offer the more you can vary your workout and you’ll be likely to continue exercising on a regular basis. As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to assist your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running. Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises.

Buying a treadmill over the Internet doesn’t have to be intimidating when you’ve done your homework. Take time to do your research, the same way you would any major purchase and buying a treadmill won’t be difficult. If you’ve never used a treadmill before, make sure to have someone show you the basics of operation before you buy.

For more information on saving money on treadmills and best buy shopping for treadmills online and offline go to http://www.Best-Treadmill-Tips.com

Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in treadmill tips, advice and resources, including information on treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews

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If I Can Lose One Pound I Can Lose Two

Filed under: Weight Loss — Health Information @ 1:55 pm


A couple of years ago I realized that my weight kept gradually going up.

I didn’t really know what to do about it. All I knew was I didn’t want it to keep going up.

It alarmed me.

I thought about what I would like to weigh. What was my ideal weight? I wasn’t sure, and I’m still not, but I remembered thinking that I wanted to weigh what it said on my driver’s license. Though it wasn’t my true weight, it was what I wished I weighed!

Like you, I had heard of different diets, what you should eat, what you shouldn’t eat, the ultimate exercise programs, etc.

It was very confusing.

But then I had a thought.

I thought, what is one thing I can do today, just today, to lose one pound of weight.

I mean, anybody could lose one pound of weight, right?

And the answer came to me immediately.

Give up sugar. Give up the chocolate chip cookies, anything with sugar in it.

I emptied the cookie jar into the trash.

Okay, that was good, so what was one more thing I could do to lose just one pound of weight.

Exercise. I’ll burn off some energy.

So I went for a walk.

And that was the way it went for the next 6-8 weeks.

Each day I thought of just one more thing I could do to lose weight.

It was gradual.

But each day it would be a new thing.

For example, I started increasing my exercise. Instead of just mowing the lawns, and working on apartments, I would also go for a bike ride and exercise at the local park on their free outdoor equipment, and after that I would think, okay, what’s one more thing I can do to lose just one more pound of weight? So I would ride down to the high school and run and walk around the track four times.

At home I would ask myself the same question. For a few days I got onto the meat only diet, but I didn’t like it because it felt unnatural. But I did start reducing the size of each meal. I’d make my hamburger smaller, or make half a burger. I’d order the child’s size Whopper when I was at the mall with my youngest daughter.

It was gradual, but ongoing. The exercise kept intensifying. I kept adding one more thing. Riding the bike, doing the exercises at the park, going to the high school, then stopping at the middle school track to do just two more laps, and ten more push-ups and twenty more sit-ups. I did more and more, and I ate less and less.

And gradually, not everyday, the weight began to disappear, pound by pound. Some days I would get discouraged because I hadn’t lost what I expected to, because by now I was exercising three times a day, and reducing the sizes of my portions more and more.

But then a couple days later I’d be pleased to see that I was down two pounds.

The fact that it was working kept me going, and I had a target weight I wanted to achieve.

Gradually my pants started not fitting.

Tenants began making comments like, ‘Are you losing weight? You look so thin.?

It wasn’t easy because I love chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, so I decided somewhere along the way that I wouldn’t give anything up completely, but I wouldn’t have so much of it, and I wouldn’t bring it into the house. If I were going to have a cookie I’d have to go out to the bakery and get it.

I stopped eating fast foods all together unless there was absolutely no other option, and then, like I mentioned before I would have a small portion.

It worked.

It wasn’t easy, but the one idea at a time method paid off because I kept looking for ways to cut back on food, and exercise more.

I achieved the weight on my license. I was thirty pounds lighter, and it took between six to eight weeks.

Okay, I had arrived.

Now what?

I wanted more. I wanted to lose another ten pounds.

But it didn’t work. I didn’t have the motivation, the real motivation. I tried, but it wasn’t there.

Not only that but I started gaining weight back!

I rewarded myself for achieving my goal by eating and taking it easy.

Unfortunately I learned it doesn’t work that way. You have to keep eating the smaller portions and exercising to maintain your ideal weight.

Bummer!

So now I try to regulate myself by watching the scale and keeping up the exercise. If I start to get over my ideal license weight by a couple of pounds it’s because I haven’t mowed a lawn, or trimmed a hedge, or gone to the park and done my routine of exercises.

I’m sliding.

It’s easy to do.

Also I find that doing work I enjoy keeps me involved and active.

I’m less likely to get bored and keep looking in the refrigerator. Some days I’ll be working on an apartment, painting, repairing, etc., and forget all about eating. I’m enjoying what I’m doing, enjoying the sense of accomplishment, so I just forget about food.

Other times when I’m starting to put on a few pounds I’ll actively look for some hard work like mowing, or trimming oleander and taking the branches to the dumpster to keep me moving, and if that’s not enough I jump on the bicycle and head for the park or market.

I try to build exercise into my routines and eat less. I believe that’s the key to it all.