Keeping in shape

That elusive hour-glass figure, something which every woman dreams of ! There are umpteen number of articles being churned out every single day about how to lose weight easily. In a week, in a month etc. etc. In India, we see these slimming clinics mushrooming in every nook and corner promising a woman instant sexy figure. There is no doubt that with increased awareness about health and fitness and models and actresses who look more like dolls than real human beings, there is an immense pressure on the woman of today to emulate them. No harm there. The harm comes into the picture when extreme steps are taken to achieve this goal.

A few nuggets of wisdom, I’ve gained over the years. It is very essential not to skip meals. There is this crazy myth in India that one can lose weight by skipping meals. It doesn’t work due to 2 reasons. The body needs continuous energy, if not the metabolism rate falls and one ends up burning much less energy. That fails the entire purpose of skipping the meal. It is essential to eat every meal and make sure that each meal is balanced. Proteins, carbohydrates, veggies at every meal. Snack on healthier foods as far as possible. It is very important to exercise everyday. It could be a brisk walk and nothing fancy. The key is regularity ! Don’t lose hope if the results don’t show immediately. Keep at it and it will happen. Don’t deprive yourself while eating but don’t overindulge. Always remember that the number of calories consumed should be less than the calories burnt in order to lose weight.

For women over 30, it is very important to do strength training. It means that one uses one’s muscles to lift weight, body weights or added weights. It is especially important for women to do because it helps to maintain healthy bone density. Women are prone to osteoporosis or brittle bones after menopause. Strength training along with adequate calcium intake helps take care of that problem. If done, 3 to 5 times a week; it helps tone or contour the body well to give it a leaner look.

Do a combination of aerobics, yoga, weights, walking, cycling, swimming; whatever suits you. Stick with a routine. Dieting is not good in the long term. It depletes the body of essential nutrients. A moderate approach is what works best. Most important thing to remember! Everyone’s body is different and genes are different. It’s best to realize what is practically achievable and stick with it. No point in aspiring for unrealistic barbie-doll-like proportions or movie star figures. No one knows how many times they go under the knife to achieve that. Some people will just not lose weight from certain body parts no matter how much they try. This is the only body you have got. Treat it with love and respect.

Lastly, remember, confidence comes from within. It does not matter what others think of you, what matters more is what you think of yourself. Don’t make one part of your personality as your point of focus and the determinant of your self esteem. Groom yourself, wear well-fitted clothes, styles and colors and cuts which flatter you and loads of confidence to go along with it. Remember you are a person with a personality: intelligence, sense of humor, caring nature and so on; work on those as well. There, you are good to go !