The Top Ten Things You Dont Want to Hear About Losing Weight

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(But What You Need to Know if You Want to Get Fit!)

10)� No, you won't end up looking like the latest hot young� model/singer/actress!

Let's face it:� your body is your body.�� It's the only one you've got.� Can you still look great?� Sure!� But there are some things you can't change.� You can't make your legs longer or your feet smaller.� You can't grow five inches or elongate your torso.� You have what you have, so work with it!� Concentrate on making a healthy and fit you instead of wishing you looked like someone else.� You don't have to be perfect to be attractive.� A strong, fit body as well as the self-confidence it brings can make any person attractive!

9) It's better to be muscular and weigh more than to be flabby and weigh less.

I've said it so many times:� I'd much rather be 135lbs and muscular than 120lbs and flabby.� I've been both, and 135lbs with a lower percent of body fat was definitely better!� I was smaller, stronger and had much more energy.� So, don't always seek that magical number on the scale, but look at your total body composition instead.

8)� You can't get fit in a week.

Okay, well, you can, but only if you're one week away from being in peak condition and you keep working out.� Otherwise, forget about it!� If you want to look good for that class reunion or because you'll be in a bikini soon, then get moving way before that.� Or better yet, get moving for your own health and not for "things" like reunions and bikinis.

7)� You need to put some effort into it.

You want to get fit?� You have to work at it.� You have to plan it, you have to schedule it, and, most importantly, you have to do it.� No excuses.� Sitting on the couch, telling yourself you should be doing something will not burn up a lot of calories.� If nothing else, get out there and start walking.� And while you're out there walking think about a plan of action for a healthier you and get started on it today - not tomorrow!

6)� You need to exercise.

Can you lose weight just by diet alone?� Sure, you can!� But if you want to get fit, you need to exercise those muscles, including your heart.� And that heart won't get any exercise if you're sitting on the couch, eating broccoli.� Lose the weight that you need to lose and you'll just end up with a thin, but flabby, body.� Get moving!� Weight training is ideal, but if you're really not into weight training, find an activity you like to do that work all your major muscle groups.

5)� You need to eat properly.

Putting aside any low carb/low fat/high protein controversies, the simple fact is, if you want a fit body, you need to nourish it.� Protein, carbs and fat are important, but vitamins and minerals are key elements that your body needs, too.� No matter what way of eating you're following make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals.� Add a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit to your diet.� The next time you go grocery shopping, linger around the produce section and not only pick out some old favorites, but experiment a little by trying something new!

4) You can't lose weight overnight.

You didn't gain it overnight -- or in two months -- and you're not going to lose it overnight� -- or in two months.� Think of getting fit as a train leaving the station:� you start off slow, gather speed and then off you go!� Patience is the key here.� Look for consistent trends.� If you're really not losing fat and getting stronger after a couple of months, then you need to sit down and honestly analyze what you're doing.� Keep a journal to help you know how you're really eating and exercising.

3)� You can't spot reduce.

Genetics will decide where the fat will come off.� Doing 1000 crunches won't reduce your belly fat.� Nor will 1000 leg lifts get rid of the fat on your inner thighs.� Your body does not burn the fat it needs from the body part that you're exercising.� Your body will burn fat much like an onion is peeled, a layer at a time, if you will.� So, don't overdo it on the exercise for one specific body part and look to getting your whole body in shape.

2)� There are no quick fixes.

That's right, you heard me.� There are no quick fixes.� None.� Put all those pills, potions, contraptions and miracle diets in the garbage where they belong.� Learn the basics about how your body gains muscle and loses fat, so you won't get sucked in by another scam again.

1)� Fitness is a lifelong commitment!

So, you faithfully work out and eat properly and you've reached your goals.� Now what?� Well, now you've got to keep doing it for the rest of your life, that's what!� You can't just work your way to being fit and then stop, because you'll end up exactly like you were before.� Fitness is a lifelong commitment.� And, you want to know a secret?� It isn't easy!� And anyone who says it is easy is trying to sell you something.� Make fitness a lifelong ambition and you'll reap the rewards of a long and healthy life, filled with energy, strength and an overall sense of well being.

Suzanne Hiscock has been interested in fitness and nutrition for over 16 years.� She is the owner of FitWatch Inc. and developer of the�FitWatch Fitness Tracker, an online food and exercise tracker.� You can visit the site at�http://www.fitwatch.com for a variety of fitness calculators and tools.