My First Steps

Most of us are always trying to improve our lives in one way or another. So many of us, men and women alike, are not happy with our bodies, with our health. Much of this disappointment comes from lack of knowledge, confidence, and support. We are not sure how to go about losing weight. Exercising and "healthy" eating can seem overwhelming - a BIG (no pun intended) demand on our busy lives! Afterall, who has time (or energy) for constant, exhaustive exercise - and who wants to force down bland, dry "diet" food all the time. NOT ME!

But a healthy lifestyle of exercise and proper nutrition is REALLY not about over doing exercise (that you hate) and depriving yourself of your favorite foods. It's about finding a balance in your life, and finding "exercise" and food that you love!

Exercise is many, many things - it's biking with your kids, hiking in the woods with your dog, swimming in a refreshing pool (or lake) on a hot summer day - it's playing volleyball on the beach or frisbee in the park. Exercise is also taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to the corner store instead of driving. And, yes, it's also weight training to develop and keep strong bones - but you do not have to be alone, we are here to help you.

And food - ah, yes, food - and no, not "diet" food. Do you realize "fat free" does not mean "calorie free"? So many fat free products are filled with sugar to give it some taste - so "fat free" doesn't mean "eat as much as you wish". And, you actually need some fat in your diet. You also need protein. But also Carbohydrates - YES, even them! So let's learn how to balance our eating and exercise habits and live healthier lives.

Let's go beyond knowing the information, but using it, keeping in mind that we are all human and, therefore, not perfect. Not perfect in our eating or exercising habits. And, that's OK, because this is life and we want to enjoy and enrich our lives with food and motion - not be confined or labeled by our "diet" and "exercise".

None of us became overweight or developed unhealthy habits overnight (or in a month), so none of us will lose the excess weight and become stellar nutrionists in a month or two either. So give yourself a break and let's get started.

And since I won't ask anyone to do anything I'm not willing to try myself, I'll be the first guinea pig. So, for the next year you will be following me, Kathleen (Kat), on my journey of weight loss and health - the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, honestly, right now, it feels more like the bad and the ugly. :0 So, join me in my adventures of obtaining a healthier more balanced life without "dieting". Let's get started - Kat's First Step