A Working Mom Gets Swimsuit Ready
Ok, I have packed on a few pounds over the winter and need to get it off because I refuse to hide under a tree, another summer, sweating to death while my more fit friends enjoy the weather in their bikinis. Now, here's the thing, as much as I appreciate and envy the woman who is forever working out at the gym, who gets up at 5:00 am to do yoga and who is an expert at Pilates, I unfortunately don't have that kind of dedication or time. You see, as a working mother, PTA meetings and ballet class trump in importance. So, what do the woman who are short on time and are not as trained in the art of spinning do to lose a few pounds for the spring?
I set out to do a little research and found some more practical ways for a gal like me to lose the winter flab.
The first thing we have to do is create realistic goals so, it's important that you take into consideration your time commitments, your level of dedication to determine a realistic goal for yourself.
Getting fit or toned doesn't have to be a drag. Sign yourself up to a local salsa or hip hop class with your friends. Its fun and going once per week will certainly help to tone up.
No time to get to the gym? There are many effective fitness DVD's that you can do right in the comfort of your own home.
For those who are really pressed for time here's a website that teaches you how to work out at the office! exerciseworkouts
No fitness plan would be complete without a nutrition plan.
Calorie Counting is an 'oldie' but, it works for those who haven't been monitoring their food intake. Some experts say that a 1200 to 1500 calorie per day diet is the key and other nutritionists site the following formula; For sedentary people (less active): Weight x 14 = estimated calories per day. For moderately active people: Weight x 17 = calories per day. For active people: Weight x 20 = calories per day.
Many women swear by cutting out or decreasing the amount of red meat they eat and as always carbs are a no-no. Using sweeteners instead of sugar in your morning coffee and switching that sugary soda to flavoured water or even replacing that banana muffin to bran for breakfast are always better options.
Most of us have the notion that diet or reduced fat foods are not as tasty or fulfilling however, substituting with less fatty snack foods can make a noticeable change in total calories consumed over time. So opting for those low fat tortillas just may pay off in the long run.
If you need more than a few adjustments to your daily intake of food, as I do, than a web-based program may be beneficial to your schedule and wallet. The following seem to be the most popular:
Health should be the major factor in wanting to lose weight. Losing as little as 10 pounds can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But, it doesn't hurt that we'll feel better in that killer bikini does it?
By Shawna Thibodeau
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