pinknfwuffy

Hey everyone! I know not all diets and workouts are right for everyone, but for me, this helped me lose 18 pounds in just a few months!

First, diet:
- Processed foods are really the ones that are full of saturated fats, preservatives, and calories that people hate. Instead, I tried sticking to natural, fresh foods. Incorperating more fresh vegetables and fruits into my diet really helped with not only weight loss, but was also a great energy booster!
- Water. Water, water, water. I replaced all of my soda intake with water. Reaching for the Diet Cola? Grab a glass of water instead! Half the time, when you feel hungry, it's really only your body telling you it's thirsty! Instead, when you get that feeling, drink some water. If you're still hungry afterwards, then eat.
- Three square meals a day might sound good, but sometimes, it's a part of the problem. Instead, try grazing throughout the day. It curbs the munchies, and makes your digestion process faster, and boosts the metabolism! Have small snacks throughout the day.. raisins, fresh fruit, granola and yogurt, crackers and cheese. They'll tie you over. Most fitness instructors and nutritionists say six small meals a day are healthier then three large ones.

Work-out:
- Start off simple. Just a little bit a day, and increase with time.
- Cardio is a great fat burner. Don't have a gym pass or aerobics class near-by? You don't need one! Turn on some energizing music (anything will work) and dance around your livingroom. As silly as it sounds, it has just the same affect as any cardio class.
- Weights. Start low. Grab a pair of 3 lb. wieghts and do a few reps of slow arm curls. You'll feel and see your arms responding. Don't push yourself too hard. Each day, add a new piece to your routine. Lift the wieghts slowly over your head, and back down, do lunges with them down by your sides, etc.
- Stretch. Loosening your muscles both before and after a work-out not only reduce muscle strain and ache, but help lengthen and tone thick muscle.
- Crunches help form a great core. But for best results, add on. Use a weight plate on your chest to intensify the workout. Lay flat, lifting your legs up so the are perpendicular to your body, sticking straight up in the air. Try crunches from that position. Even twist to the left and right slighty to work on your obliques, careful not to turn so much that you strain your back.
- Take the stairs. Two at a time even. Works your butt and legs.
- Tip-toes. Walking on your toes can really work those calve muscles and thighs. Try it when you go to get the popcorn from the microwave during a televeision show. Even that little bit will help.
- Stay motivated! As long as you keep at it, the workout will become a part of your daily life, and you won't even have to think about it!

Good luck! And again.. not every workout and diet works the same way for everyone, so try out different things and see what works for you!