In With the New...Off With the Old!

• Happy New Year! For many of us, kicking off 2016 means dealing with what

  we picked up in 2015, like those extra pounds!

  By our age, we've all tried crazy fad diets that don't work, or we wouldn't be

  back in this same boat! While there are no “quick fixes”, the best rule of

  thumb to shed those extra pounds safely and permanently comes down to

  common sense.

  First, always check with your doctor before starting any diet, especially if

  you have a health condition. A check-up to make sure your weight gain does

  not have underlying medical issues too, like a hormone imbalance, is

  important and helpful!

  Aside from a check-up and counting calories, here are a few simple tips that

  can add up to big losses!

  1) Don't finish what's on your plate. Whatever you leave on your plate will

  not follow you to the scale.

  2) Don't eat late. The more hours between your last snack and bedtime, the

  better.

  3) Substitute your side dishes. Trade something like tomatoes for those

  buttered potatoes. You'll still be satisfied and you'll save unnecessary

  calories.

  4) Cut back on sugar and cutout soda completely!

  You'll also need to increase your physical activity, yes… exercise. Don’t dread

  it! It can and should be fun.

  1) Exercise with a partner! Neighbors, friends, or your significant other make

  exercising more fun. My favorite exercise partners are my grandchildren.

  When your partners are 2 and 5, it means hula hoops, jump rope, dancing,

  chasing or being chased by them. Children make wonderful partners because

  they're always anxious to participate. Remember though, there's a big age

  difference, just because they can do something, doesn't mean we can or

  should. Proceed with caution!

  2) Walking is a great exercise! Increase the distance each day and you’ll be

  burning extra calories in no time! Note: when your body gets used to a

  routine it doesn't burn as efficiently, so every three weeks change your
• pattern or direction to keep your body and mind guessing! Sports like tennis,

  golf or swimming are great too.

  3) Stretch, it’s important! Starting each morning with gentle stretching will

  keep you limber and help to avoid injury, especially before exercise. Be

  mindful of surgeries or joint and back issues.

  4) Sex....Partner and good health permitting, sex is great exercise! It's good

  for your health and great for your relationship.

  A few minor adjustments and before you know it you'll find yourself starting

  2016 with a great body and a lifestyle you can actually maintain! Look

  better, feel better!

  Next month’s column will focus on favorite beauty tips. If you have one you

  would be willing to share, I would love to hear from you!

  Please contact me at TimelessBeauty2020@gmail.com or www.fullips.com