There's a pill for that

People are looking for the quick fix regarding their health and fitness. I do not want to know how much time and money Americans spend in search of the magic pill that will give them more energy, less appetite, a trim body, a ripped physique, and more as I'm sure that number is staggering and would leave me shaking my head. Please understand me: There are certainly healthful ways to supplement your nutrition that will give your body balance and help a person make better food choices. That said, it is best to SUPPLEMENT your nutrition, not substitute your nutrition.Of course there are several solid, well-balanced sources to assist a person on their way to a healthier version of themselves but there simply is not a pill that will do it all for you. The weight did not come on by itself overnight. Your body did not get flabby in one week. Your body responded to your nutrition and exercise (or lack thereof) over time. That concept works both ways; to your detriment and to your benefit.

Time and time and time again it is proven; the most effective way to have the healthiest you is through good old fashioned sweat and a sensible food program. Period. Try all the shakes, pills, and potions you want--but if you're not doing them in conjunction with a balanced exercise/nutrition program you simply will not get sustainable results. We've become a society that knows "there's a pill for that" regarding what ails us. Our mental health, our physical health, something to offset the damage our nutrition is doing to our body, gain energy, and more. Please hear me: there is no pill for a healthy body that will give you sustainable results over time. I argue that most of the things we're reaching for could be achieved (to some level) by sensible nutrition and exercise.  

Want more energy? Eat a healthy snack (raw almonds, lean protein, healthy meal replacement drink, etc). Get more sleep at night. Get better sleep at night (don't eat right before bed as your body will try to digest your food instead of slumber, avoid alcohol before bed as, though it might help you fall asleep faster, will give you interrupted sleep, go to sleep 15 minutes earlier each night until you can wake up rested--finding your "sweet spot" for sleep). Exercise. Do jumping jacks for 2 minutes in your office. Walk the stairs. Go for a brisk walk. Get your blood pumping!

Want to lose weight? Eat better. This might include adding more calories to your program. (I know, I know, you're fighting me on this one already). Many of us are starving ourselves! Our body's needs are not being met and the body will respond by clinging to fat and eating muscle as it goes into starvation mode--leaving you bumpy and lumpy. If you're stuck at a plateau and can't seem to shake the pounds and have been exercising, eating well, and monitoring your caloric intake, try adding 100 - 200 calories to your day until you begin to lose weight.

Eat every 2 - 3 hours in your day. This does not include a candy bar, doughnut, slice of cake, or bag of potato chips. Give your body a few hundred balanced calories every few hours and make the calories something your body knows what to do with as this will increase your metabolism. Try to get away from the processed foods as best as your lifestyle will allow. Shop in the produce section. Get your fruits/veggies while they're in season--nicer on the pocket book. Buy lean proteins.

Write it down. Food journals will give you the best results over time. Write down every single thing you eat and drink during a day and figure out how many calories you're consuming. There are many sites that are free what will help you with this and even give you a breakdown of how that looks in carbs/proteins/fat. This is very valuable information if you're looking to make some real changes that you can sustain over time. Two great sites are myfitnesspal and fitday.

Want to gain weight? Skip meals. It's how Sumo wrestlers gain weight and fat so I'm confident skipping meals will help you gain weight.

Lift weights. No matter your age, your fitness, your gender, or your lifestyle--muscle is leaner and smoother than fat and looks great on every body. Muscle will also fire up your metabolism and help your body burn more calories through your day. Ladies--save your breath if you're going to tell me you "don't want to bulk up" or "get manly." Muscles are sexy--WAY sexier than fat. Period. Start lifting and, when your body gets to a point that you're satisfied with the results, maintain that weight. Stay there and do not increase your weight/resistance and your body will stay at that fitness level.

Get help from friends. Find a buddy that will support you (and you support them). Someone that when you feel like eating because you're having a rough day you can pick up the phone and call them and talk your way through. Strap on your shoes and have your friends join you for walks instead of drinks or dinner. Are you a recluse with few friends? Get online. Beachbody (my personal preference), Spark People, MyFitnessPal, BodyBugg, and many other sites have communities you can join and share. These message boards (communities) can provide you support, tips, and information to help you succeed. Stop making excuses and start making connections.

Exercise more days a week than not. Beachbody has some amazing programs that come with a nutrition plan to help you get a grip on how/what to eat as well as DVDs you can do in the comfort of your own home. Of course they have extreme fitness programs (P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire) but there are also some great programs for the less extreme (Power 90, Slim in 6, Turbo Jam, Body Gospel, and more). Walk. Run. Bike. Hike. Swim. Go the gym. Just do something that gets your blood pumping and your body working more days a week than not. 

Decide you're worth the effort. Commit to doing more for yourself. Quit sabotaging your efforts by exercising in the morning and then eating junk through the day and treat food like the fuel that it is. You will NOT find the answers you seek in the bottom of a bowl of ice cream, bag of chips, bottle, or by being a card-carrying member of the clean plate club.  Getting a grip on your nutrition is the fastest way to a healthy weight. Exercise helps your mind and releases some amazing endorphins but your nutrition is your building block for a better you. If you decide you're going to eat what you want when you want but workout you're likely not going to acheive a healthy you. If you'd like my help, I'm here. www.Commitment2Fitness.com.

Eat in moderation and exercise like your life depends on it because, well, it does.