by Kathryn Hood

Created on: March 22, 2009

Top 10 Simple Ways To Stay Fit

Staying fit is a lifelong journey. It takes discipline, concentration, and in many cases, sacrifice. The great part is you can begin the journey at any point in your life. Staying fit begins with today. Remember today is tomorrow's yesterday. So by doing something TODAY you will be changing your future and your past. All you have to do is get onboard the staying fit train of thought. Below are ten simple ways to accomplish getting and staying fit.

1. Change your attitude. Stop thinking in terms of "diet" and "I can't have the foods that I like anymore". Instead, concentrate on the new healthy, more energetic person you will become. Think about non-food ways that you can reward yourself, such as a vacation, a hobby you can now indulge, or the wonderful new clothes that you will be able to wear. (If you are already at your ideal weight and want to maintain it, this theory still works because you always can reward yourself for your efforts. You deserve it.) Once a month you can treat yourself to a weekend of whatever you want to eat. This way you won't feel like you are depriving yourself forever. Once the weekend is over you can go back to the healthy lifestyle, knowing You have made the choice. Food didn't' make the choice for you.

2. Hydrate yourself. Drink lots of water (at least ten eight-ounce glasses a day). If you dislike drinking water, try drinking it at meals (the flavor of the meal will help take away your dislike of water). You also can get hydrated by drinking ice teas, flavored waters, or by eating popsicles (many come sugar-free and with low calories). However you can, you need to give your body the powers of hydration.

3. Eat salads. Lettuce and spinach contain fiber (spinach is higher). Fiber helps the body get rid of waste. By eating salads you are getting the benefits of low calories and a way of cleansing your system.

4. Eat smaller portions. Growing up many of us heard "clean your plate". Being wasteful of food is never a good idea. But eating too much just so you can make a "happy plate" is not the solution. Instead, use a smaller plate. Keep the dinner plates as serving dishes and use the sandwich plate or saucer. This simple trick will have you eating less each meal.

5. Stop snacking. When the urge to snack comes along, find an alternative. Get up and do something. Try a few sit-ups or push-ups. The exercise will get your mind off the snacking urge. This may even train your brain to stop thinking of snacks. If

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