Fit.

Summer is approaching and it seems like most people are determined to shed their winter weight and slip into a swimming suit. We are no exception. For the past three months Rob and I have been embarking on a challenging new adventure: dieting. Surely your first thoughts after reading the dreaded "d" word are filled with visions of eating disorders, celery sticks, mineral water, and pounds and pounds of red meat (thank you Atkins). But I am relieved to report that our diet has not incorporated any of these evils. Rather, we have joined the ranks of Body for Life enthusiasts and we still have our sanity and appetites in check.

Unlike other diets, Body for Life teaches you how to balance your meals with protein, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables (Maggie Moos didn't make the cut). It also teaches you to drink a lot of water, exercise six days a week, and plan your meals in advance. But arguably the best thing about the diet is that we get one free day a week where we can eat whatever (and this time Maggie Moos fits in). In short, it has been just what we were looking for. Because is it just me or does it seem that almost every preventable and dreaded disease can be avoided through the same formula? Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, all of them can basically be prevented through diet and exercise. And we thought that it was finally time to take some action.

It has not been easy. Over the past couple of months we have had moments of severe weakness...admittedly, those moments have been more mine than Rob's. And for those of you who have tried to give up candy, crackers, chips, and other tasty treats you will be able to sympathize with me. There are moments of extreme temptation where I feel like if I don't eat a chocolate morsel that my stomach will eat itself. But luckily those moments are few. Because when it comes down to it, it feels satisfying to teach my body and my taste buds that I am in charge (and there is always the free day to binge on yummy things!).

Rob has taken to the diet like a champ. After just the first week he had already lost five pounds and his body has only taken off from there. He has outgrown his suit pants, jeans, and shorts and he is looking better than ever (way to go handsome). I on the other hand have experienced the opposite. Due to my new exercise regimen (run six days a week, aerobics twice a week), my once-feeble muscles are waking up and I have literally grown out of my pants! Instead of shrinking down, it seems like I am expanding. My only hope is that my new habits will make me look toned and healthy and not like an American Gladiator...

So since I now have some experience with diets I thought that I would share 5 "musts" of becoming a healthier, happier, and a more "beautifer" you. Because let's face it, as cheesy as it is, it really doesn't matter what size you are but rather how good you feel.

1. Must have a treadmill, elliptical, or other heavy-duty piece of exercise equipment handy. (Might I recommend a Sole treadmill)
2. Must have a Costco card to buy fresh produce, protein bars, and meat.
3. Must cut yourself some slack if you're not always 100%.
4. Must have a reliable dieting/exercising source (i.e. "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips).
5. Must be realistic with yourself and don't set yourself up to fail. Who knows, you might end up gaining weight like me!

And remember, "a balanced diet is having a cookie in each hand."