Women Who Want to Get Fit

Let's face it. Trying to stay fit is a full time job. We all thought that we could do it part time because we wear so many hats but finally have to admit that unless you focus on it full time you are not going to achieve the results that you are after. I had a baby in my early forties which was my first child. I was very concerned about losing the forty pounds that I gained. I attended weight watchers and lost it all in about five months. I was so proud of myself!! Well then menopause hit, remember I am in my forties now, and gradually gained all of it back over a few years time. What is a woman to do when she is middle aged with a toddler and working full time? Who feels like exercising and trying to balance calories? That is where support and determination come in.

After trying unsuccessfully for about four years to undo the damage I finally took a steady and consistent approach over any quick fixes that don't last in the long run!! First of all, joining with other moms either online like with buffmother.com or cafemom.com is very helpful for ideas, accountability and support. You can also work out with your spouse or a friend so that you make each other do it! Next, I think lighting weights and I mean serious weights is a good way to go. None of these light weight with many reps because I am afraid to bulk up crap. I mean get after it and continually challenge yourself. Then add some serious cardio and mix that up too. So to sum it up, weights for about 30-40 minutes four times a week and some cardio about four times a week for approximately 30 minutes at a time. However, be patient!! Rome was not built in a day! Just concentrate on getting started in a routine and sticking with it first. If you are consistent, the results will eventually come and the habits will be formed so you can stay healthy & fit!!!

Now for the eating part which as they say is 80% of it. I know what you're thinking. I have to do all that work and then eating is 80%? Unfortunately, that's the way it works. You have to peel off that layer of fat somehow! I think the best way to structure your eating is around protein and vegetables and throw some fruit and good carbs in for balance. That would look something like this. Egg beaters or egg whites for breakfast. If you want to add some whole wheat bread that would be ok. For lunch you could have a big salad with some chicken or tuna or maybe just some meat with some steamed vegetables and a piece of fruit. Then for dinner something similiar. Remember to add nutritous snacks between meals to keep your metabolism from getting sluggish or overeating at the next meal. It is easy enough once you get the hang of it. Keeping track of what you eat is also helpful especially if you are not losing or hit a plateau. There are free online food dairies like fitday.com that work very nicely for that. Be sure also to drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system working properly and to hydrate yourself. Carbohydrates that you want to focus on are brown rice, whole wheat bread and maybe sweet potatos but these should be used in moderation.

This is achieveable for anyone who makes the committment to get serious and stick with it. Don't worry about falling off the wagon because at some point you will! Just get back on and don't be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself special occassions to eat the foods that you really love. I allow about two cheat meals a week and look forward to them. Looking great does not have to be reserved for the young. You can be in the best shape of your life at the age you are now. I believe it. Give it an honest try for a year. Next year will come anyway. Why not see how good you can look a year from now?