Losing weight after the holidays

Last Christmas, most of us have eaten excessively. A lot of people gained weight and had higher cholesterol level. As a response to bulges and the flabs, many are offering different types of quick fix solutions such as easy-to-take diet pills, various fad diets and costly fat-burning equipment and procedures. But what do doctors simply recommend? Healthy food, a moderate lifestyle, and exercise! Although losing weight may take a while following these simple steps, the important thing is that they are the safest.


Eat right!

Here are some recommendations from medical experts on TV:

-Buy lean meat or cut off the fat from the meat you bought before cooking.
-Instead of frying, grill or steam your food.
- Use vinegar to add flavor instead of salty sauces.
- Consume oil and salt moderately.
- Use a small plate in gatherings. Do not take second servings.
-Before eating, drink a glass of water to easily feel fullness.
-Clear soup is better than cream soup.
-Consult with a doctor before you take slimming medicines.

Exercise!

Before beginning any exercise program, it is advised to check with your healthcare provider especially if you are pregnant or nursing, elderly, or have any recurring conditions. It is a must to exercise but it is equally important to know what possible adverse consequences to expect when we are to engage ourselves in any kind of physical activity.

Things to remember when exercising:

-Start with 5-10-minute warm up exercises (For example, march in place, then move your legs and arms. Or step side to side or do step touches).
- Find an exercise you enjoy. Common cardio activities can be latin workouts, hiphop dances, walking, running or biking. By simply standing and sitting down, you can already perform exercises effectively (if you want to build your balance, avoid touching the chair for support). If you want to just burn calories, a 30-minute exercise program is fine. If your objective is to lose weight, you may need to do longer cardio exercises.
-Do not forget to also cool down at the end of your workout. It is much like driving where you have to gear down first and then stop. It is bad for the heart to stop abruptly when exercising.
One awesome activity I know to achieve weight loss and overall fitness is called PraiseMoves. It builds strength, flexibility and balance.

(Warming up before the worship. We put on the Full Armor of God

with the Couples for Christ SB2B at MHC Gym, Paranaque)

No time nor budget to go to the gym? Enjoy working out in a cozy home-setting (or outdoor) with the new AM-PM PraiseMoves DVD! Warm up your body and begin the day by renewing your mind on the Word of God. Then relax and unwind at the close of day. Feel stress and tensions dissolve with PraiseMoves postures that lengthen and tone your muscles while refreshing your heart and mind in the Lord!


No equipment? No exercise device? With PraiseMoves, there are only a few things that you will need: Water to keep yourself well hydrated; an exercise mat or a towel, bear feet or socks (if you want to wear them), a facial cloth when you put your forehead to the floor when you get down, a scarf or a belt to help you with stretching your shoulders and arms back, and exercise blocks that you can use to help you reach the floor when you are stretching towards it.

But you know what is the really exciting thing about PraiseMoves? Being able to incorporate the Word of God into your workout. Visit www.praisemoves.com to learn how to transform your workouts into worship! Learn about other Christian fitness DVDs, classes and training to become a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor!