Hit the Gym, Jack

It's that time of the year again when people are rushing to gyms that they haven't been to all winter. Took the time to have a good look at people's faces last week, and you wouldn't believe how determined these people are to get back into shape. I'm just hoping that they're doing everything they can even outside of the gym. That they're not following those fad diets they hear work for movie stars like the cabbage soup diet, South Beach diet and my personal fave...the 7-DAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT DIET (not as good as it may sound). Studies show that people on diets only last no more than 42 days, and that you're more likely to gain all that weight back anyway! So if you're one of these people, let's do it right this time around. Let's stay committed to our exercise plans, and eat right...for longer than 42 days.

In summary: FIVE FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT EVERY DAY

1. Whole grains (at least 3 servings)
   
2. Dark-green leafy vegetables (at least 1 cup)
   
3. Nuts & seeds
   
4. Low-fat milk and yogurt (at least 8 ounces)
   
5. Tea (green tea, up to 4 cups)

One other thing I'd highly recommend doing is keeping a food diary where you can track keep track of everything you eat! (Yes, that includes that piece of chocolate you slip in secretly throughout the day.) You'll be surprised by the amount of food you put into your body! With that said, I'd like to share with you a very handy source: www.myfooddiary.com. It's a great source for people with access to internet throughout the day providing an online food diary, exercise log, charts & reports to track your progress, and even a discussion forum!

Last but not least, one overlooked factor that every person trying to get in shape needs is...MOTIVATION! MOTIVATION! MOTIVATION!

So whether it be that yellow polka dot bikini, or that t-shirt in SMALL instead of the usual baggy look, figure out what it is you're doing this for...and GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT!