A healthy Top 10 list

OK i know that I said i wanted to talk about strip aerobics this week but well i changed my mind. Hey, I'm female I can do that. So instead let's talk about getting healthy. I know i know. Your thinking Damn Wendy I don't want to hear about all this healthy food shit. I'm not gonna tell you that you should go go to GNC and buy essence of puffer fish to chug or anything like that. We are just gonna chat about a few things that you need to be reminded of:

1. Water Water and more Water

The first thing is water. We all know it is a big part of what keeps us alive. But it does even more than that. It makes our skin clear, our hair shiny and keeps us level headed. Keep in mind most of the time when we feel like snacking we are actually thirsty. So Drink up. I'm not saying force it down but if you feel thirsty your body already needs water. So carry a bottle with you and take a few sips when you think about it. Don't force it that won't do anyone any good. If you don't like water try fruit especially watermelon. You'll get a ton of water there.

2. Watch what you eat
I don't mean watch it go from your plate to your mouth to your thighs. I mean really pay attention to what you put in your tummy. If you aren't one to eat breakfast make the effort to start but make it healthy. Not a bunch of empty calories. Also play a little common sense here. If you have a huge club sandwich for lunch have a broth based soup or a colorful salad for dinner. Also i know a lot of people will say don't snack between meals but two 100 calories snacks a day will help keep you from pigging out when meal time comes around. Also don't be afraid of protein. It is essential for building muscle. Even if you are a vegetarian you still need protein so find something you can live with.

3. Get moving
This is so important. I don't care what you do just move. If it means a class (like Strip Aerobics...hint hint) great find one you are comfortable with and can commit too. If a class isn't your thing find a workout DVD that you love. I have over50 so that I never have to repeat if I don't want too. I love the energy of a workout class but sometimes you just can't get a babysitter so a video suffices. But try to work some other forms of exercise in. Try a ballroom class or yoga or go for a walk. If nothing else put on some music at home and dance with you honey or the kids. It really doesn't matter as long as you move.

4. Take care of your appearance
Just because you are working hard at getting in shape and getting healthy doesn't mean that you can drag your sorry but around in sweatpants all day. You have to make sure you look good so that you will feel good too. Take the time to do a little hair and make up. It will make a world of difference. You will feel better and look better instantly.

5. Set Goals
When I say set goals be realistic. Don't expect to lose ten pounds in a week. Aim for about two pounds a week. Anymore than that and you are just hurting yourself. You'll be too miserable to enjoy the fact that you are losing weight. So don't think that it's all gonna happen right away.

6. Reward your Goals
So when you meet your goals reward yourself. This does not mean that because you were good all week you can reward yourself with chocolate cake on the weekend. It means you should maybe get a new pair of earrings or a new tube of lip gloss. When you reach a big goal like ten pounds then get you some new workout clothes or a new pair of running shoes or buy yourself a new punch card of classes at Rhythm N Motion. (I know that was shameless plug but hey a girl's gotta work.)

7. Be smart and realistic about it
Don't crash diet, Don't Starve yourself, and Don't think that just because you are on a "diet" the weight will fall off. You have to find what works for you and try to stick with it. No one is going to do it for you.

8. Sleep
This is a must. The less sleep you have the worse you will feel and the crappier you will look. Sorry just being honest. So make time for it. I know you have a million things to get done. But you won't get anything done if you are feeling drunk from sleep deprivation. Also you lose weight in your sleep. Believe me it's true? weigh yourself before and after you sleep if you get at least six hours you lose a half to a whole pound in your sleep. So Sleep is good.

9. Express yourself
I don't care what you do but find a way to express yourself. If you paint, write, dance, it really doesn't matter. If making macaroni art or blowing bubbles makes you feel better then do that. Just find an outlet so that you don't get in a mood and eat yourself into a food coma.

10. Don't get overwhelmed
To get healthy you have to make some big changes and not all of them are usually fun. but don't get in over your head just take it a few changes at a time and before you know it you will be eating better, you'll be more active, and you won't feel so heavy.

Well I've talked more than long enough. I'll let you guys go now. One of these days I'll get around to talking about Strip aerobics.

well til next time.

See ya