Fitness Questions - Eating a Good Diet To Lose Weight & Burn Body Fat

Fitness Question:
I find you inspirational. You really look great, your hard work sure does pay off. I don't have as much of a problem exercising as I do eating 'clean'. The more I think about nutrition, the more I crave ice cream, and I will go out and get some. I'm sure you know the feeling of disgust after pigging out, but I guess that is what happens when we deprive ourselves of certain foods; we want them even more.

When I look at pictures of women like you, I have a hard time believing I myself could look that good. I feel like unless I ate things like lettuce and chicken 6 times a day, I wouldn't be able to get there. I am going to keep working hard and try to not let it take over my entire life.

I know that technically, I am in my normal weight group and I am very healthy. When I tell people about how I try to eat better, they just say things like, "Why? You're skinny enough as it is", or "Oh shut up, have some ice cream". It's hard to hear things like that because most people have a hard time agreeing with you that you shouldn't eat ice cream at 120 lbs. But I figured that someone like you would know what I mean.

What is more important, diet or exercise? Can I still reach my goal in 3-6 months just by continuing what I am doing now workout wise (with the occasional brownie batter bowl of ice cream)?

Thanks again for taking the time to respond, it's nice to know that I am not alone and that someone has once been in my shoes!


Fitness Answer:
To reach your fitness goals, diet accounts for about 80 % of our results. Yes, you can have the odd treat here and there but know that it will set your goal date back that much further. Try to watch your portion sizes, since there will always be another treat time...plus the smaller portion sizes will help to keep your metabolism sped up, so that your body burns calories more efficiently.

It sounds like your friends are having a hard enough time watching what they put into their mouths, let alone yours. When they comment, simply let them know that you are fine for treats. They don't need to know that you are working towards a goal, as this will get them going even more with comments that may sway you off your path.

Plan ahead and have other treats when you are out, such as a yummy detour protein bar! These are the tastiest bars out there and are healthier then what your buddies may be asking you to eat. Be creative, plan ahead and most importantly, be mentally strong. No one should ever stand between you and your goals.

Fill your day with other activities, rather then watching TV and sitting around. The busy you are, the less your mind will be thinking about food, and the more calories you will burn. Going for a walk to a park, and taking 30 min to read may be a welcome change of pace also. Make time for you, and know there is more to life then hovering
over the kitchen counter.

Know that there will be a day, by being dedicated when you are seeing the body on you that you want. Yes, you may be 120 and that's wonderful but I know that you would like to firm everything up and look more fit then you are now. Sculpting your body takes time....and once you have reached it, there comes maintenance but by this point, working out and eating clean will be normal for most importantly comfortable for you.

I am with you in spirit.

Are you living your day as you would like? Life is not about how many breaths you take but how many moments take your breath away. Enjoy!

By Fawnia Mondey