To fit into the next lower size, be a role model of health for your child(ren) or just plain make a change in the way you are and how you feel? It is helpful to do some of the following:



1. Take measurements of your body, arms, legs, waist, hips, and chest. You can go on-line and get information on body mass index. Keep in mind though, that if you are small in stature or very large boned, this is not taken into account. The BMI does give you an idea of what your ideal weight should be. You may even want to go and get a physical and discuss your goals to your doctor. This also ensures you have no underline conditions and are good to go with your plan.

2. Take into account what you like to do. For example, dance, walk, work out with a video, do the treadmill or join a gym. What will help you continue in your goals? Write it down what you will do in order to obtain a healthier you. Or if the gym is your decision, go and sign up soon and see about instructors or even a personal trainer if available and you can afford one. If not, see if you can get a friend to join in your regime, and encourage them to encourage you.

3. Eating habits are important too in obtaining a healthy you. First label this as "Good Choice Eating Habits" not a diet. Discard or give to a food bank, any foods that are not good for you. You want to stick foods like veggies and fruits, poultry, lean red meats, low-fat dairy, beans, and low carb foods into your refrigerator and pantry. Just as an insight, I personally stay away from snack foods that are the 100 calorie individual packages, because I just seem to eat 3 of the packages at a time!

4. Write down what exercise you will do and do not attempt to change your schedule. For example, when starting, waking up early may not be for you. But if you skip your high calorie cappuccino of plain coffee, park further from the doors in the parking lot and take the stairs it may be a start for you. Then from there, walk at lunch or after work, hit the gym and do a few reps of each machine or go home and turn on your favorite tunes and dance your "self healthy".

5. Write down food that goes into your mouth, each and every time. Plan the night before what is for breakfast. Then, start a plan by packing your lunch with healthy foods (you can even do this if you stay at home and stick to what is bagged for you that day-You will not look further into the refrig.) For dinner try to keep it simple with mostly veggies and a "fist-size" portion of meat/protein. Eating healthy is not always simple to start, because it does require some preparation, but after you cut up veggies, put fruits in front of the bins and get rid of fatty foods, it is all worthwhile.

6. Do not weigh yourself everyday, do not expect immediate results and do keep a diary of how you are doing in your eyes.

7. Remember Rome was not built in a day, so go for the long haul and make it an everlasting routine.

8. Last but not least, you can enjoy a treat now and again within reason. You don't have to exercise every day but do try 4 times a week and at least for 20 minutes. And look at this entire change as positive and worth all of it... just for you!