Weight Loss
Get Fit And Stay Slim
By
Apr 3, 2010, 22:24

Tips and tools that help you get fit and stay slim with a combination of a balanced diet and a simple exercise program.


(ARA) - It's easy to over-indulge in the rich foods that feel comforting and warm during the cold winter months. When it starts to be a challenge to get your pants buttoned, you know it's time to cut back. It's hard to put down the cookies and step away from the cream sauces, but it's even more difficult to reverse those extra inches and pounds you've gained.

Eating a healthier, more balanced diet is a great way to start. Along those lines, you might try to develop some new eating habits, like keeping a more limited supply of foods in your kitchen and focusing on buying fresh, whole ingredients more often, or switching your eating schedule so that your biggest meal of the day is lunch, not dinner. Whole, nutritious foods like greens and other vegetables are not only packed with vitamins - they're often more filling than manufactured products loaded with fillers and chemicals. And moving your main meal to the middle of the day allows you more time to work off some of the calories you consume than you would have in the evening.

Another important key is to be more active. There's a good reason that yoga is such a popular exercise option for many people - it helps to build strength and increase flexibility, but it's also calming and restorative. Because the countless poses can be adapted to make programs for people of all ages and ability levels, it's an exercise that can be practiced throughout your life. An added benefit is that you don't need a lot of expensive equipment - just invest in a high-quality yoga mat and you're ready to get started.

Low- and non-impact exercises are a great way for people of all ages to slim down because they build strength without putting too much strain on the body. Balance balls are a great way to tone your core muscles, like the all-important abdominals, without impact that can cause damage now or down the road. For a safe workout, it's important to use an anti-burst balance ball that is appropriate for your height - they typically range in size from 55 cm to 85 cm.

Even if you're exercising and eating right, you might still not feel comfortable in your clothes while you wait for the changes to happen - after all, the healthiest weight loss takes a little bit longer. While you're working toward your goal, a body shaper can help you regain the silhouette you're striving to get back to. There are numerous options for body shapers for women and men, many of which are virtually undetectable under your everyday clothes.

To encourage yourself to keep going toward your goal of slimming down, it's important to track your progress. While you might see some quick results, it's likely that changes will slow down and stay slow but steady over a longer period of time. Because it can be difficult to notice such subtle changes, you should be equipped with tools that can help you determine how far you've come and how far you have to go to reach your goal. A scale is an essential choice, but for a more detailed read-out, look for a scale that incorporates a body-fat monitor. Another worthwhile investment is a small, portable body fat analyzer that can give you an analysis in about five seconds. Some models have memory functions that allow you keep track of your past measurements so that you can see what you've accomplished.

Once you're on the road to a slimmer you this year, you'll feel more energetic and happier than ever. Shedding pounds isn't just important for your self-esteem; it's good for your health. For more information on slimming aids, go to www.sports-hoop.com.

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