The old in and out....

Chewing the fat, as it seems, is on everyone's minds these days. Stepping into any social situation you will encounter anecdotal evidence--tips and tricks if you will--of an individuals weight loss journey. Regardless of how ludicrous the advice is, I have found myself derailed on my own personal journey by listening into some of this wacky advice. "Don't eat after 7pm" "You're not dropping any more weight because you are changing your body composition" "Eat like a cave person" "Run slower and steady to burn more calories." "Atkins"-need I say more. Simple math is required to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Achieve: Exercise + fuel consumed - fuel needed = negative calories or weight loss. Maintain: Fuel consumed - fuel needed = 0. My recommendation, (and this is not wacky advice) go to your local University or physicians office that has a Bod Pod and step into the future of fitness. This marvel of modern medicine will give you 99% accurate health screen. It will not give you analysis of your cholesterol or any internal organ health, but the results that are calculated help you establish a better plan for your life. Fat %, Lean Muscle %, and rock bottom caloric expenditure, that is your bodies calorie burn if you sat in a chair doing nothing for a 24 hour period. For some reason it also gives you your bodies volume, which is silly, unless you have a hallowed out ice sculpture made for a party then you know how much punch you will have to pour in. For instance, I am 85.something liters and that is a lot of punch. My point...if there is one, guidelines to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle does not require sorcery, a deal with the devil, rabbits feet, deprivation, or wacky habits, but it does require dedication, moderation, healthy fuel choices, mental readiness and time. The last portion is possibly the most essential. My favorite cartoon in the health related category: Picture a rotund gentleman in a doctors office, the doctor holding a clipboard as he speaks to the patient. Caption: "What works better for your schedule, 1 hour of exercise or 24 hours of being DEAD?!!" Think about it.