MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- In the past month and a half an abrupt change in eating habits might have occurred because of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. With the holiday season now gone, our bodies still might be recovering from the damage caused in that period of time.
Lose weight and eat less junk food may be the items at the top of many New Year's resolutions this year. But sticking with those good intentions is not easy. The beginning of the new year is an excellent time to start on a positive note and build the foundation for the remainder of the year.
The beginning of a new year also welcomes new diet trends and quick schemes to lose weight.
According to the MSN Web site last year many people tried the latest miracle and diet bought all the hot new diet book right off the best-seller shelf. At first, many people experienced a significant weight loss. Then the weight loss slowed down. Suddenly the fad diet didn't seem so new any more; the special diet food packs were expensive; the new diet just didn't feel healthy.
"Fad diets are not the keys to healthy living. One of the key factors to maintaining your New Year's resolution of staying in shape is understanding that it must be a gradual process," said Charla Truesdale, Marine Corps Community Services fitness coordinator. "Most people give the process until January or February and expect immediate results. The most successful people are those with a positive attitude that know getting in shape is something that will take several months and are willing to be patient."
Truesdale also added "It is important that you take it one day at a time. And for the times that you have relapses its OK, that should not be a reason to give up on your plan. After a brief stumble that is a good time to learn from your setback and continue with your yearlong goal."
In addition to with having a positive attitude, nutrition is key element in getting your body in shape.
"It is important to have portion control and to not eliminate what you eat regularly. As long as you eat them in small amounts it's OK to continue your eating routine. Foods with healthy nutrition, values are another key to healthy eating, along with making sure that fast food is not a part of your daily diet."
In addition to maintaining a proper nutrition process, physical training can put the finishing touches your plan to stay in shape.
Try to find several physical activities that can be alternated between days, said Truesdale. When only one exercise is performed, usually the body adapts and does not stimulate the other muscle groups, added Truesdale. The tread wall is one of the activities available to anyone at any time of the day, there will also be an orientation class for those intimated or unsure how to work it.
"Here at the IronWorks Gym we have plenty of programs that can help you accomplish your objective," commented Truesdale. "Some of the classes we have available to everyone are aerobics, indoor cycling, step classes and cardio challenge."
IronWorks Gym also offers less physically strenuous activities. Yoga, strength and stretch and palates are just a few activities available for all who are interested.
Truesdale ended by adding regardless of your plan to get in shape, having a workout partner can make your plan less intimidating allowing you to reach your target.