Focus on Fit

A little exercise can go a long way, even if you struggle with your weight.  A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who are obese but fit, actually have an overall lower risk for death than people who are thin but not fit.  Exercising for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week is a good start.  So don't let that extra weight hold you back - exercise for a longer life.

Find Time to Exercise!

When exercise is really important to you, you can work a half hour of exercise into your schedule.  You've done harder things before.  You've had children, been married, worked for a living, right?  If you make the commitment to long-term weight control now, the necessity for exercise comes with it.  If you keep denying this fact, you will continue to fail at weight control.

If your schedule really is so busy that you cannot work in an hour and a half of exercise each week, then I suggest that you take a long hard look at your priorities and try to reorder them to incorporate routine exercise into your schedule. Walk, ride bike and lift!  What will you do today and on a regular basis?

Top Inflammation-Fighting Foods

All fruits and vegetables contain healthful phytochemicals, but scientific research has just begun to investigate exactly what each phytochemical does and which foods provide the greatest amount. Here are some of the top inflammation-fighting foods. 

Revamp Your Goals

• Focus on behavior instead of weight numbers.  Instead of "I'm going to lose 2# this week." (You can't guarantee yourself a weight change) say, "I'm going to nibble on carrots rather than potato chips this week." Realistically, you can only promise yourself behavior changes.
• Plan tangible rewards (non-food), for instance: Put a dollar in a jar after each exercise session.
• Schedule the extra time if needed for exercise or to shop and prepare low-fat, healthy meals.  If you leave it to chance, it might mean that you won't get to it.
• Weigh yourself once a week, always at the same time of day, preferably first thing in the morning after voiding and before eating or drinking.  Chart on a graph.