by Lorin Phillips

Created on: March 03, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

One of the most beneficial things a person can do to boost his/her health - probably THE most beneficial thing - is exercise. If you read the statistics you'll find that America has the highest rate of obesity in the world. With all the processed, microwaveable, "fast and easy" foods flooding the American market that are designed for the busy individual on the go, we're all subjected to foods that contribute to the obesity epidemic. Foods are not only prepared and packaged to be made into a "quick" meal, they are also processed in such a way that we really are not getting the health benefits from food we SHOULD be getting.

I believe in an all-over approach when trying to achieve one's health goals. This means we should eat right, exercise, and not overindulge ourselves in things such as alcohol or sweets, and we definitely should not smoke. Exercising alone makes a huge difference in our daily lives - how we feel about ourselves and how much motivation we have to do what we want and know we should do - but I do think a combination of eating healthy AND excercising is most beneficial. There is a world of truth to "mind, body and spirit", and this goal is attainable by everyone. Yes, it does take work, and it can be a challenge, but the more we push ourselves the easier it becomes, and before we know it we have incorporated regular exercise into our lives to the point where it is no longer a chore but a habit. Not only do we feel better physically when we exercise, we also look better, and that in itself can help to contribute to our overall sense of wellbeing. Exercise should not be just another way to look good, however. The main goal we should have in exercising is building a healthier body and lifestyle.

For the past four years or so I steadily gained weight, ever increasing my pant size, eating anything and everything under the sun (you can call it comfort food or whatever you want), not exercising and just not feeling good about myself overall. I decided to make a change when my marriage was under pressure because of how terrible I felt about myself. I was lazy, unwilling to leave the house because of my low self-esteem. I started a workout program and started buying healthier foods, and it's amazing how much this effort has changed my life. Most importantly, I did it for myself and no one else. Watching your waist get smaller and your muscles become stronger is incredibly gratifying. Aside from the obvious physical changes you see in the mirror, however,

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