How I did it: I enrolled in an hour and a half long Pilates class at a local community college which met once a week. This was key in building muscle and boosting my metabolism in order to burn fat throughout the day. I also began to drink 2-3 cups of green tea each day. Green tea is proven to increase your body's metabolic rate, strengthen the immune system, lower cancer rates, and diminish belly fat... there's no excuse not to drink it every day!

I also began to focus on eating fruits and veggies; in particular spinach, tomatoes, green beans, salads, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. I ate low GI foods (low in sugar and don't raise blood sugar), as well as lots of brown rice, omega-rich salmon, and nuts and seeds. I supplemented my diet with a multi-vitamin and fish oil.

Between all of this, long walks, and trips to the local gym, the pounds melted away, and I was in the best shape of my life!

Lessons & tips: Hang in there during the first 2-3 weeks which are the hardest. Your body will be detoxing from sugar and junk food and you might not feel very well. Once you get past this phase, the unhealthy cravings will subside, and you will actually begin to crave the nourishing, healthy foods that your body needs.

Once you start seeing results, it gets easier and easier to stick with the plan, as people will notice your skin is glowing, your hair is longer and shinier, and you are looking slim and trim. The positive feedback is a big incentive, as well as how great you will look and feel, and the fact that you are no longer embarrassed to walk around in that bikini! Hang in there, it's worth it!

Resources: Consulting with a nutritionist to educate me about healthy diet, Pilates class, Metagenics vitamin supplements, gym membership, healthy and high-quality groceries from markets like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

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Jan 12, 2010, 12:34PM PST | 0 comments | 4 cheers