Venus Rising

Readers' Corner

Is It Really About Dieting?

For years I drank three cups of coffee per day combined with three to four sodas per day and basically ate anything and everything I wanted during the day. I was the epitome of a couch potato. As a result the pounds increased and I felt sluggish with absolutely no energy at all. After a while and some health problems I realized I needed to change to feel good again. I immediately stopped the coffee and sodas, cold turkey. Yes, it was difficult the first week then I was fine. I replaced the caffeine with water. Anywhere from 48 to 64 oz per day. Of course the occasional glass of wine always helps. I then decided that the donuts, chips, cookies etc. were doing nothing for me other than making my couch potato existence a little worse everyday. So, I cut all sweets and replaced those sweets with fresh fruits, yogurt and cottage cheese with fruit. Now when I need to “snack” the fruit fills me. I also avoid all salty and trans fat items like chips. Although, those Sun Chips are pretty darn good. They don’t have any trans fat so I do reward myself with a bag every now and then.

I’ve also incorporated eating vegetables at every meal. Leafy greens such as spinach, bok choy, chard and the like are a staple for me now. They’re great to combine in salads and also with beans, chicken or fish dishes as well as even pastas. Eating whole grain or wheat bread is the way to go when choosing sandwiches. Fiber is key to losing weight and cleaning out your system. I now eat fiber cereals every morning along with fruit such as oranges, bananas or pears which by the way have high fiber content. I eat anywhere from 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day. When choosing cereals make sure to read the labels on the box and check for fiber content.

As far as exercising it’s important to do what you enjoy because the key to exercise is consistency. If you are doing something you don’t enjoy you won’t continue doing it. Find what works for you. I personally enjoy walking and as a result have begun walking anywhere from a mile to five miles three to four times a week. It depends on how I feel, what I have to do during the day etc… but I always get in at least a mile whenever I walk. Lifting weights also helps tone the muscles and lose weight. I have a pair of dumbbells at home which I use daily. All of these things combined - healthy eating and exercise will help you lose weight and gain optimum health. It’s all a matter of choice and we are all different. Choose what you enjoy and the pounds will not only shed, but you will feel like a different person in no time. Take this from a former couch potato. I’ve gone down two sizes in a matter of a few months and I feel great. I have energy and my life has changed considerably. It’s in your choices and mindset. Make the change not by dieting but by eating right. You’ll see the difference in no time.