[Travelvixen]

OK boyz and girls- let's get this straight- although we are all different there are some pretty basic weight loss principals and you don't have to spend a fortune to lose weight.

First of all, with the exception of maybe 1/2 of 1% of you, no, your problem isn't genetic.

Secondly- PORTIONS, PORTIONS!! You USA people- Way way too large portions. When I visit, I eat out in restaurants, usually two starters are more than enough for an entire meal as long as there's some protien. A serving of fish or chicken per meal should be no larger or thicker than the palm of your hand (not including fingers)

Protein with every meal- but make it lean- egg whites, skinless chicken, turkey, ostrich, or fish.

Vegies and fruit

If it comes in a package-leave it there! Think lean and green.

I read the book, the Zone and it truly changed my life. It explains a lot about nutrition, some of which I knew and a lot I didn't. I still reread it from time to time just to reinforce and reexamine some of the information.

On nutrition (to oversimplify it) I watch my sugar intake, no rice, no bread, no milk (yes to nonfat yoghurt) and very, very little pasta. Starches convert to sugars in our blood and this is more quickly converted into fat in our bodies unless we burn it off. Carbohydrates in the form of green vegetables are great for you- eat 'em.

Coffee- If you want to lose weight - stay away from coffee and black tea. It will raise your cortisone levels in the blood and keep you from losing weight. Green tea without sugar is great for you and will give you that caffeine boost in the morning that you may need as I do.

Exercise- Genie is wise! - You need to get your heart rate up. If you can only run for three steps and then must walk- do it, then walk a bit, then jog a bit. When I started running I could only do it for around 4 minutes without stopping. Now I am running 1/2 marathons. I'm slow, but I can do it.

Muscle burns fat. You need to build muscle. Stairs are great even if you do them slowly.

Yoga and Pilates- EXCELLENT!

Also for a terrific at home workout- I love David Kirsch. He has a book and DVD called the New York Body Plan. His workout which can be done on a yoga mat with some light weights, a medicine ball and a balance ball is incredible. He has a moderated workout for beginners.

The hardest part of working out is putting on those workout clothes and shoes. I know, I've been there. Sometimes I think I'll just put on the clothes but not do anything I feel so tired. Of course once you get started and after you're done, you'll feel great.

If some of you want to use a meal replacement cause you're on the go or don't have time to always shop- STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM SLIMFAST!!! Full of bad stuff. I swear by an incredible meal replacement called The Ultimate Meal. I love it and especially at night, I sleep better and feel better in the morning after I've had it. It is kosher, nonfat, good for diabetics, vegan and more. Look it up on the net. David Kirsch has a great after workout shake I like in Vanilla and Chocolate- it's called the meal replacement shake. I love it- it tastes great and doesn't have the junk that slimfast does.

So save your money on the "quick fix let us hold your hand programs" and do it yourself.

Last but not least- Water- drink water. Water. Water. Herbal tea too.

Good luck all and remember- you're losing weight for your health- it can save your life and give you the QUALITY of life in later years that you deserve.