Not All Lifestyle Rules Must be Etched in Stone

Summarized by Robert W. Griffith, MD
September 11, 2007

Jeanie Callen Barat, is an ACE-Certified Master Trainer. Her passion for fitness inspired Callen Fitness as a 1-on-1 in-home personal training company. This developed into Callen Fitness Online, which offers a broad array of products and services for you at home. In this short piece, Ms Callen Barat advises mothers how to keep their weight under control in spite of busy lives. Robert Griffith, Editor.

The kids go to soccer practice three days a week. The dog needs a visit to the veterinarian every six months. You volunteer at church every other Sunday. Busy moms know the importance of structure and regularity in juggling all of life's responsibilities. But should you be so rigid when it comes to your health, nutrition and fitness routines and choices?

Having well-established habits and a consistent routine is great. But it's not healthy to assume every fitness rule is set in stone. It's important to be flexible in your habits. If you want to lose weight, get fit and live a longer, stronger life, then starting today become aware and conscious of the real effects of some of your nutrition and exercise choices.

Why 3 Widely Accepted "Fitness Rules" May Not Work for You Anymore

1. Eat 5 meals throughout the day. While it's true that eating throughout the day helps keep your energy up, your hunger under control, and your metabolism burning, it's important to not eat TOO much. Quite often small snacks or mini-meals turn into over-sized portions. So, even if you are making healthy selections, keep portion sizes in check. Think of the "handful" portion rule - a handful of nuts, a palm-sized piece of protein - and you'll be keeping portions in better perspective.

2. Stick to an exercise routine. Consistency is good, but variation is even better. Don't tie yourself to the treadmill when you could have fun with an occasional yoga class, or sign up for softball. I guarantee if you don't include variety into your exercise and fitness plan you will hit a fitness plateau. Although you will always be getting heart healthy benefits from any form of exercise, your body may not change unless you mix it up. Not ready to give up your favorite exercise? You don't have to! If you like walking or biking, add a few hills. Or go on a slower, longer jaunt one day and pick up the pace the next. More variety = more results!

3. Plan your meals ahead. We've all had those long days where one thing leads to the next and suddenly you're home tired, stressed and starving. And now you're less than thrilled with the chicken breast and broccoli you know has been waiting in your fridge. There's no need to be so rigid with meal planning. Mapping out meals before you get hungry is smart. But so is including enough variety to give you several appealing options. Keep your freezer stocked with healthy protein options like fish and lean beef. Fill your crisper with fresh fruits and veggies. And allow yourself to go for something tasty and satisfying within a range of smart and healthy options.

So don't forget to sometimes question those widely accepted hard-and-fast fitness and nutrition rules. Think about the real impact your choices have on your health and energy level. Be flexible in the range of options you create for yourself. And always remember that losing weight and getting into physical shape should be fun and eating should be a pleasure as well as a health choice.

Source

• Jeanie Callen Barat, ACE-Certified Master Trainer & Fitness Consultant ( http://www.callenfitness.com/index.asp

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