The Best Way to Lose Weight

Yesterday my boyfriend asked me how he could lose 5 pounds by the end of the week. Of course, he asked me this after we had a large meal of steak and potatoes. He felt a little fat and bloated (much like I did!). My response to this silly question was that it is virtually impossible. I told him to think about it and do the math. I tried to explain it him like this:

It takes a deficite of 3,500 calories to loose 1 pound.

He weighs around 150 pounds and moderately active (exersises between 3-5 days a week). He should consume around 2,400 calories a day to maintain his weight.

If he didn't eat for 7 days straight he would lose only 4.8 pounds!

Not eating for 7 days is definitely not healthy and that is not the way we want to lose weight. There are so many books out there that tell you the best way to lose weight: no carb diet, vegetarian diet, carrot diet, high acidic diet, mediteranian diet, blah blah blah. Some of these diets are no doubt good for you, but no one is better then the other. It always comes to down to numbers.

It simply comes down to: How many calories are you consuming each day & how many calories are you putting out. That's it!

All you need to do is follow this simple formula to lose weight & to do it healthily!

Calculate your RMR (resting metobolic rate) and BMR (basal metobolic rate) here

Then take away 500 calories. These 500 calories should be taken away because either you are eating less or exersising more (my recomendation is doing both 250 from eating & 250 from exersising).

If you do this everyday, you will lose 1 pound in a week (7 x 500=3,500). Double it and you will burn 2 pounds in a week! Simple & fun if you want it to be!

The Importance of Water

"Water, Water, Water!" You hear it all of the time and I'm probably one of the people who you will hear it from. I tire from people telling me to do things I really don't want to do but HAVE to do. I'm telling you, Water is something you HAVE to do. Especially, if you want to see results in weight loss. I guarantee you (or money back!) that water is the key to losing weight & keeping it off. If you aren't serious about losing weight, then, go ahead, skip the water. BUT if you ARE serious about weight loss and feeling good DRINK WATER!

First, I'll tell you how it makes me feel and what it has done for me.

I hate water. It looks boring and tastes boring. There is nothing exciting about it. In fact, I'm dreading putting the water bottle on my desk up to my lips. I started drinking water when I was really persistent about my weight loss. I had read so many things about the positive things it can do for you and so...I took up my bottle, filled it up, sighed, and chugged that baby. I haven't stopped since.

The first things I noticed were 1) I lost 5 pounds in one week, 2) I was not hungry as often, 3) my hair looked shinnier, 4) I got tons of compliments on my skin, and 5) I was regular in the bathroom (and I'm not just talking about peeing). All of those things made me feel so good about myself! I couldn't believe just drinking water could do all of those things for me...

I currently drink about 100 ounces of water a day. I'm talking pure water, not soda or sports drinks, pure water. I still drink soda and sports drinks every once in while, but I make sure I keep drinking that 100 ounces of water a day. It took a while to get accustomed to drinking so much water because it is so bland and boring, but the possitive aspects of the stuff way outways the negatives.

Now, your turn! Tell me water has done for you!

Work out & Still Look Great

I don't know about you, but I love going to the gym and feeling good about the way I look. Not just in my body but what I put on my body. I like to look uber cute when going to the gym but I have always had a hard time finding clothes that 1) suit my style, 2) don't show sweat marks on my butt, and 3) affordable.

So girls, this post is for you. Here is some cute & affordable work out gear that I have come across that I either adore and wish I had or already hanging up in my closet!


Protokolo Aloha Set

I must say I love this two piece because I am a hippy at heart. The peace sign on the front is adorable & it fits my personality perfectly. I would wear this anywhere with a zip hoodie when I'm not working out! $98.00

Check this out & more styles @ NelaSportswear.com

Rio Dutchess Bra

Sometimes basic is better--especially when it comes to supporting my boobs (even though mine are pretty small). This bra is not so basic though! I love the double straps and how it comes in black, white, or purple. It's easy to choose a color that would go with any of your cute bottoms! $42.00

Check this out & more styles @ Body by Brazil

Vicky Short

I'm not a "shorts girl" when it comes to the gym, but I would definitely rock these on occasion. I love the girly waste band with the ties on the side and the stretchy lycra fabric. $48.00

Check this out & more styles @ Body Language Sportswear

Fitness Fit Zipper Pant

Like I said before, simple is sometimes the way to go. Simple can be sexy & cute without looking like you are trying to hard. I like these front zipper pants because they look really comfortable & won't show my "butt sweat" when I'm working out. The supplex/lycra will hide the this little flaw and make you MUCH less self conscious. $69.95

Check this out & more styles @ SanDiegoFit.com

2010 Fitness Resolutions

Happy New Year to all my readers!

I am sure most of you have made new years resolutions to get in the gym more and eat better. I know, I make this resolution every year. It's hard to keep up with resolutions because some of them are to hard to reach for even the best athletes. That is why you should have goals instead of resolutions when it comes to your eating and work out habits. One small step at a time!

First of all, I must say cutting calories, alone, will not keep the weight off for good. You must incorporate some type of exercise in your diet regimen. You will not keep the weight off if you do not do this! Personally, I swear by the handy dandy treadmill. You don't have to start of by running-try walking, then run-walk, then run! This has helped me keep my weight off and stay around the lower end of my BMI.

Here are few inexpensive treadmills that have great ratings:

Golds Gym 450:

The Golds Gym 450 is not recommended for running because it is not very sturdy, but can be used for walking. It can be folded up and has an incline. It's a steal for $400!

Sole F80:

If you are looking for a good, all-around treadmill the Sole F80 is sold for around $1,500. It's surdy enough for running and has a 15% incline. It also folds up!

Landice L7 Cardio Trainer

This little piece of equipment is extremely heavy duty. If you are serious runner and consider your running something you need to do everyday, the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer is the guy for you. It's very sturdy and powerful. The average price for this treadmill is a steap $3, 775.