by: Tim Frady

America is getting more obese every year. Even our children are
becoming dangerously obese, even though we are more self conscious
over our appearance. So what's the magic bullet to getting trim and
fit. Well, I'll be honest, there isn't any. First, we are all
limited by our heredity. If your father has a spare tire, you're
probably going to be predisposed to have one yourself if your a man.
If you're a woman, you are going to have fight off your mother's big
hips. Today Americans have more money than they ever have before. No
matter what people say about the economy, gradually over the years,
Americans have become richer, and they eat to prove it. Even poor
families eat more than middle class families of previous
generations. Poor families often find it even harder to lose weight
because junk food is cheaper, and they don't have enough money, or
as much time to be active, other than working.

If your job requires you to sit all day, you are in a world of hurt
as well. You are not going to burn very many calories sitting all
day. Plus boredom tends to create a desire to eat more.

So what am I suggesting? Here are some thoughts you might want to
consider. First of all, you really have to want to be in shape if
you are going to have a prayer of losing weight. It's not easy.
You've got to want it. Second, you have to make a decision in your
life to live healthier. Eat moderately all the time. Don't starve
yourself and set yourself up for failure later. Your metabolism is
just going to slow down anyway.

Most of the time people just eat too large of portions. Keep your
portions moderately sized, and eat more times a day. Stop eating
when you are full. There is no need to stuff yourself every meal.
And, contrary to what your mother may have taught you, you don't
have to eat everything that is on your plate. The smaller your
portions and the more times you eat the faster your metabolism is
going to be. Here is the biggest thing people don't want to do. You
have to exercise. Moderate exercise can bring you from obese to a
much healthier size. Find activities you like to do, and do it. The
more you enjoy it, the more you'll be able to stick with it.

No excuses. There really is no reason not to attempt to get into
shape. I heard something from a preacher's sermon that really makes
sense. He basically said that some men work half of their lives to
make money, and then give away the same money the other half of
their lives to try and regain the health they lost gaining the money
in the first place. The idea is don't put work in front of health.
Health costs are getting worse all the time. Unless your health
insurance is great, you can't make enough money to overcome the
health costs you are going to have if you don't take care of
yourself now. If your excuse is that you are too out of shape to do
anything, or you just can't cut back on your food because of
depression, boredom, etc. Then see your doctor and ask what you can
do to start heading towards physical fitness. You've got one life to
live. So don't waste it.

The biggest problem we face in America today is laziness. Pure and
simple. Did you know that working out helps you when you are
depressed or having problems with anxiety. The more you lay around,
the more discouraged you are going to get. It's a terrible cycle.
People say they are too tired from working. I can understand that,
but even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Work out during
the commercials while you watch television. If you've got kids take
them outside and play with them. Kids are doing nothing, but
watching TV and playing video games. If you play with your kids your
helping yourself and them at the same time.

It's a lot easier to keep it off than it is to lose it after you
gain it. So even if you think you are in great shape, don't stop
working out. It's a lot easier to keep up a steady routine than to
have to burn off extra fat. Your body tends to fight you when your
losing weight by giving you cravings for food. Just remember your
body is more important than your big screen. Don't just sit back
watching football all day. Go play some football. Live life don't
just be a spectator.

About the author:
webmaster of several site and weight lifter. check out these health
and fitness magazines for great exercise tips
http://www.subscribe-to-magazines.us/health_fitness_magazine.htm