This question is for in-shape women I am overweight I have been working on getting it off by

changing my lifestyle but I am running into problems. I wanted to ask the women out there who keep themselves fit on a daily basis, could you tell me your routine? What you eat and how much, how much do you exercize and what do you do for exercize? I cannot seem to get myself a routine that works. Also, if there is anyone who used to be overweight and now they are in good shape and health, please let me know how you did it. I am trying to get my body right and my health on track. Learning about others who keep themselves fit on a daily basis might help me understand what I need to change.

Thanks!

Eating at regular intervals throughout the day. You should eat 5 times a day like every 2-3 hours. 3 small meals and 2 healthy snacks. Your body works more effciently to burn the calories when you spread the food out over the day instead of skipping meals and trying to starve yourself or eating 3 large meals a day. Eat more fruits and veggies, and lean meat cuts and fish, cut out the red meat (beef) as much as possible. Make sure you are drinking enough water too. An easy way to make sure you are getting enough water is to drink your weight (but as ounces) at a minimum each day. Cut out the sodas and fancy coffee drinks. Every once in a while you are going to get cravings, do allow yourself to eat a small portion of something that you are craving. A small portion can satisfy the urge to go crazy and over indulge.

As far as exercise goes, it's really important to find activities that you like doing, it's easier to stay motivated to workout when you like what you are doing. Don't over do the workouts when you are first starting out. Definitely do cardio workouts and some weight training. Contrary to what women believe, you will not bulk out like a shewoman if you lift weights. What you will do is speed up your metabolism. Lifting light weights to start with lots of repititions will help to tone your muscles and your muscles will continue to burn your metabolism for a good while after your workout is over, much longer than the cardio. Remember that cardio is working out your vascular system and burning fat and it is essential to do both cardio and strength training. Do make sure to take a few sessions with a trainer at the gym that can show you the right way to use the equipment so that you don't hurt yourself and to get the most from your workout. Switch up your workout routines, if you do the same thing all of the time it is really easy to burn out and lose motivation.