Food and Calories and Common Sense

Let's think about food. To maintain a healthy body you need to eat a balanced diet. When you burn off 1000 calories in the gym, but you eat 3500 calories a day, there are a possible 500 calories surplus. So the body stores this and you become over weight.

Lets talk about portions. Different families eat smaller or bigger portions which have been programmed in by their parents and relatives. So let's try and standardise the size. A tennis ball size is good, also a pack of cards for size and shape. Try and stick with these.

Michelle says that ladies should take measurements say bust, waist and hips once a week when you first start in the gym. As your body gets used to exercise the inches will start dropping off. Your weight will come off later.

Give yourself a target weight. Don't be to ambitious. You will know when you have reached your Ideal Weight and Fitness. Don't snack between meals or in the evening when you are watching television.

This is not a diet but new way of life. Drink plenty of water, and change your tea and coffee to decaffeinated, you will soon get used to the slightly different taste. Caffeine hinders water retention, because it's diuretic.

Don't forget the five a day fruit and vegetables. Try and cut out the butter and the spreads. I toast bread till it's like biscuit, and eat it dry or just a little jam.

Do not train on a full stomach. Michelle and I eat a good plate of cereal (not sweet). Use grape fruit or a bananas to enhance the flavour

Time in the gym? Don't do too much just get pleasantly tired. Go with a friend, and time will fly by.

An ipod or mp3 player will help to past the time. Just Enjoy.