The Best Way to Get in Shape...Don't Diet!

I can see you right now saying, "You're crazy, lady, there is no way I can get in shape without dieting." Well you are wrong! Changing THE WAY you eat, not WHAT you eat and adding some minor exercise can help you keep in shape!

Nine out of ten dieters use popular diet programs or weight loss pills, thinking "if I just take this pill three times a day, I'll be down 10 lbs in a week. Yea, right...you'll also be malnourished and starved!

Most weight loss pills or diet "food" are so full of chemicals or preservatives they can actually make you gain weight. Why take the chance, when all you really need to do is change the way you eat? Below I've listed several things you can do to change the way you eat and to change the way you exercise...or umm...don't exercise:

Changing the way you eat and get some exercise:

- Instead of prepackaged diet food, simply spend 1 hour a week writing down recipes that are healthy and nutritious, recipes that only take 30 minutes or less to prepare, then double them. Once they are done cooking, package the extra in plastic containers that you can take to work or quickly warm up at home. If you want a burger and fries, simply cut up some potatoes and bake them instead of frying a prepackaged bag.

- Park at the farthest point of the parking lot when going to work or shopping. The walk only takes a couple extra minutes and you will be exercising! Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. It really doesn't take that much longer!

-STOP eating packaged food of any kind!!! Use fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits in every meal.

- Put your home office in the basement, so you have to constantly walk up the stairs.

- Eat fresh cut fruits and veggies for snacks instead of sugary packaged cakes and candies

- Start a garden at home; not only will you be getting exercise from weeding, watering and planting, you'll be eating fresh, healthy food!

- Use your local school track to walk a mile every evening.

- Walk your dog

- Buy all organic food, today's organic food line has come a long way, take a look, you'll be surprised!

- Don't eat fast food!!!!! If that isn't an option, pick salads or yogurt, most fast food restaurants have quite a few somewhat healthy offerings.

- Cut down on dairy! Despite what you hear about dairy being so good for you, it's very fattening too! Take a vitamin-d supplement and some calcium instead!

It really is possible to lose weight by just following these simple steps. Try it for 1 week! Don't eat any prepackaged food or fast food, eat only fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and whole grains for one week. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and see if you don't notice a difference, not only in how you look, but in how you feel overall!