A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I know this site is generally for relationship advice but I have a query I'd love some help on, and I'm sure it's something many people can relate to or give advice on.I am terribly unhealthy. I eat way too much and exercise way too little. I am insanely fortunate that my metabolism and genes have insured no one else would guess how unhealthy I am, but I know I'm not going to be that lucky forever, or even necessarily for that much longer, and aside from the physical drawbacks of such habits I'm sure it's taking its toll on my health gradually in some ways. I honestly think my eating habits are a problem, and if I wasn't slim I'm sure someone would feel obliged to speak to me about it.So I guess my question is how do you curb your eating habits, how do you motivate yourself to be healthier, what exercise do you find enjoyable enough to WANT to do regularly, any dirty little tricks or secrets you've got would be much appreciated. Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (7 April 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThanks for all of your answers.I think all I really need in this situation is some willpower!I don't really eat much junk food like chips or sugary things, but I tend to snack way too frequently late at night when I'm bored. Not on things that are terribly unhealthy, but it's not celery sticks either!I'm planning to go for daily runs and then some various exercises to target other areas I'd like to improve.I'm also going to cut out alcohol for the most part. I find having a glass of good wine with dinner can become habitual more than anything else and I'd rather not slip into that habit.I know my problem areas and the times in which Im most likely to fall back into unhealthy habits so I'm being extra careful there. Thanks again for the feedback!
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (11 March 2009): Exercise and eating healthier seem to snowball farther, just like being unhealthy does too. Once you get going on the trend of being healthier it doesn't seem like such an extra demand all the time. I won't say it get easier but it gets into your habits and you find yourself too pleased with the benefits to want to drop it.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (11 March 2009):
 Wii Fit is the shiznits! But I digress, Find an exercise you like, be it swimming, cardio (elliptical for example - fun stuff), aerobics, running.. you name it.. Find yours :)
Make a plan ( for instants decide that Tuesday and Thursday you work out and STICK to it, no excuses)
Throw out all the junk food in the house - literally. When you go shopping for food EAT before you go and make a list. STICK to the list.
Be realistic when changing your lifestyle. You could talk to your doctor and get a referral to a dietist, who can help you form a plan as far as food.
It can all start with taking a walk for 30 min a day. Then adding other things to do.
Like Army Medic said doing it with a friend makes it way easier.
There are LOTS of good websites out there for getting ideas of what to eat and what to cook.
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A
female
reader, k_c100  +, writes (11 March 2009):
 You just have to find excercise that you enjoy - no-one on here can help you with that! Try lots of new things, any excericise is better than nothing!
Some people enjoy running, some enjoy swimming, some just like to spend hours in the gym. If you dont like getting sweaty and getting really out of breath then maybe try yoga or pilates, these are both great forms of exercise that can also be relaxing.
Even going out for walks in the country can be great for you, the fresh air is good for you and walking is just as good as jogging! If you are more of a social, team sports person then get a group of friends together and play basketball, or play tennis, anything like that.
With regards to food, the best thing to do is not to deprive yourself of the foods you love. This will only result in you giving up on your new healthy diet and bingeing on all the naughty foods! Have maybe one day at the weekend when you treat yourself to something like a takeaway or chocolate etc so you dont feel like you are missing out.
Your bad eating habits will be affecting you internally, skinny people can actually have worse hearts and other organs than an obese person. Cut down on fatty food, espeically ones high in saturated fats (look on food labels) as these are the fats that clog your arteries in your heart. There are lots of simple things you can do that wont make you feel like you are on a diet. For example, change white bread for brown, white pasta for wholewheat, white rice for brown rice etc as all the white versions of these foods are heavily processed and have no nutritional benefits.
If you are still slim then you shouldnt worry too much, just make some small changes to your lifestyle and you will feel better. Reduce your portion sizes a bit if you are eating too much, and increase the amount of veg on your plate when you eat. Change your snacks from unhealthy sweets, crisps etc to fruit and low fat yoghurts.
I hope this helps!
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A
male
reader, ArmyMedic +, writes (11 March 2009):
 Set yourself realistic goals and targets. I'm in the army and I find that the shouting physical training instructors don't motivate me at all, I see it all as a big joke and deliberately go against them. But I have just bought Wii Fit, and I have been doing 30-60 mins exercise a day, and watching what I eat.
I think you just have to find something that suits you, do you have any friends who feel in a similar situation? You could motivate each other.
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