Lifestyle Change

From Denise Austin:
Motivational Monday
Call It a Lifestyle Change!
The word diet can have negative associations. It might make you think of that friend of yours who was desperately trying to lose weight last year for an upcoming class reunion. She was so obsessive about what she ate that it made you anxious! And when the pounds didn't drop quickly enough, she resorted to skipping meals (a definite no-no!) and working out until she reached the point of complete exhaustion. Not so appealing — or healthy, for that matter!

But you can relax, because that's not what my program is about! For one thing, it's about simply tweaking your eating habits so you're consuming less junk (processed foods, refined sugars, and anything loaded with saturated fat and/or sodium) and more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Basically, I want you to eat consciously by really thinking through what you're feeding your body!

The other huge part of my program is about incorporating exercise into your weekly routine. Following my Fitness Plan, which I've designed to match your fitness level, is just one way to do this. There are so many other things you can do to get moving! Exercise doesn't have to be a drag. You can make it fun! Bike around the park! Go swimming! Play softball in the backyard with the family! You name it!

Together, nutrition and fitness will help you feel great and stay strong — for the long term! That's the difference between my program and a short-lived diet plan. The healthy habits you're learning from me are meant to last a lifetime!