What works for you?

There are so many products and programs out there today to help you lose weight and get healthy. So how do you know what works and what does not?

If you are looking at different quick weight loss supplements, I am sure they all work, but what happens when you stop taking them? What are you putting into your body, and what side effects do they have? There are two reasons I don't normally recommend supplements to anyone. A few months ago, I believe it was Dr Oz had a show about raspberry ketones helping with weight loss. A few ladies were talking about it in class, so I watched the episode and decided to go out and buy some. Why not? What did I have to lose? (Ha-ha) So I started taking them, and two days later I had a horrible headache, which is not uncommon for me, so I thought nothing of it. After three days of the headache, my husband asked me if I had eaten something different. I thought it must be the raspberry ketones, so I stopped taking them, and the next day, no headache. Of course I stopped and never took one again. So I can't tell you if it works or not!

Programs like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, WeightNot, etc. can work for you too, IF you are going to follow the plan! Those of you who know me know that I am a "pusher" of eating fresh and not processed foods. I also know it is hard to change everything in one day; it takes time to make changes that last a lifetime. I know several women who have been successful with Weight Watchers, so if that works for you, great!

The other day in class some ladies were talking about the app MyFitnessPal, and they really seemed to like it! So last Friday I downloaded the app and I have been using it, and next blog I will let you how it's going and what I think about it. 

There are tons of different workouts out there also - something for everyone! Zumba, CrossFit, spin, yoga, and of course my personal favorite, kettlebells. When choosing a workout, it is important to make sure you not only get cardio in; weights are a must also- another reason I love kettlebells!
Ultimately, you need to find the workout that is going to work for you - one that you look forward to and one that keeps you wanting more. Sometimes it is not just the workout but the people you get to see there and friends you have made that keep you going. Since it is January lots of people made New Year's resolutions, but unfortunately, many have given up already.  When you start a new program you need to commit yourself for at least six weeks to really know if it is for you or not. No matter what the program is, it will be hard at first, so you have to stick with it to see if it’s for you or not. The same goes for any changes in your eating habits – you need to commit to change over a period of time to know if it is effective for you.