HealthEvolution

Since I started to focus on exercise and losing weight, I picked up pilates as a workout that would not only provide me some cardio exercise, but would also give me the benefits of resistance training.  This was an ideal situation because I could work out at home and it didn’t take a lot of time, either.  I was out of shape, incredibly heavy, and working out was not fun and certainly very difficult for me.  But with pilates, and in only 20 minutes, I could get a good enough workout that I was tired and sweaty.  It was a different type of workout than I was used to, though, because I also experienced the benefits of meditation and relaxation.  I hadn’t really ever experienced that during exercise before.  The workouts I was used to were much more traditional - elliptical trainers, kickboxing classes, weight training.  So boring and painful!  Pilates allowed me to get a serious workout, but close my eyes and relax while I was exercising.  I felt like I was getting stronger and stronger every day and I was able to quiet my mind for the first time. 

What should you be eating if you want to lose weight?

Most people are so overwhelmed by all the different diet plans and nutritional eating programs out there that they usually create a weight loss plan that’s impossible to stick with.  People know they need to eat less calories to lose weight, but that doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself!  People know that they should be eating more fruits and veggies to help them fill up and boost their metabolism, but that doesn’t mean you have to live off crappy salad mix and carrot sticks!   I had to get creative during my weight loss process because I am definitely an addict and I enjoy the taste of food. 

 Here’s a concept that is so often overlooked:  Eat something good for you, that tastes good, too.

There must be healthy things out there that you actually like.  I found some that I really love and started incorporating them into my diet more and more.  They provide me with that basic satisfaction because they taste good, I enjoy eating, but I also enjoy the experience more because I know that the food I’m eating is also doing good things for my body. 

Here’s part of the problem, though.   People have this idea that some healthful foods are actually bad for you - cheese, for example.  Cheese is not bad for you.  It’s actually a good source of dairy, protein, and gives you that satisfying feeling of comfort.  But, like most things, it depends on the context of what else you’re eating!  Most foods that have cheese in them are terribly bad for you - like pizza, cheeseburgers, pasta and, burritos.  So, if that’s where you’re getting cheese, then it’s definitely not a healthy choice.  But cheese, by itself, in a reasonable amount, can really enhance the taste of something that would otherwise be nutritious, but boring and bland - like veggies!