Getting Started

Ok fellow health seekers, here's a list to get you started on the this journey.

1.  Decide you will succeed. Without determination and mindset you won't see a change.

2.  Obtain a good pedometer. I use the Omron from Walgreens for $30, It got great reviews and not only tracks your steps but also aerobic steps, calories burned and distance. Your going to be wearing it daily so it's worth the investment.

3. Start wearing the pedometer for at least 3 days without altering your normal routine. At least one of these days should be a working day and one a non working day. This will give you an idea of your average steps before changes. The Omron resets at midnight and keeps 7 days worth of info.

4. Start journaling your intake. Write down everything you eat and drink.

5. Obtain your weight. Measure your true waist (this is above your naval), your abdomen (below naval at the widest part), your hips and the largest part of your thigh while bearing weight. Also take some 'before' pictures as these make great motivators! It's best if your wearing clothing that is form fitting to show your shape. Get a profile of hips and abs as well as full body from front and even a rear shot!

6.  Set your goals. How much weight do you want to lose? Do you want to lose a certain number of inches? Fit into a smaller size? Tone up? Be able to walk or run a certain distance? Write down your goals and be specific.

7. Talk with your spouse or housemates about your goals to improve your health. Let them know you won't be eating certain foods for awhile and will have set exercise goals each day. Share how important their support will be to your success! :0)

8. Make a shopping list of all your allowed to eat. Shop and make the free soup. Plan ahead for your working days and make your lunch the nite before.

9. See what your steps are averaging. Set your goals to add at least 500 more steps each day to what your already doing. Then the next week shoot for even more! Exercise using the bar method (or your choice of exercise) at least 3-5x weekly.

10. Follow the diet and weigh yourself the same day each week. Measure yourself about every 3-4 weeks.