Tone Up and Trim Down the Healthy Way

With warmer weather comes less clothes with beach and pool activities. You can cover up your extra weight with more clothes in cooler weather. But now is the time to show more skin. You might have eaten a little too much ham, turkey or those great desserts for the holidays and gained a few pounds. The cooler weather, which we really didn't have much of this year, sometimes drives us into the house, sitting on the couch watching tv, playing video games or working on the computer.

How do you work off those extra pounds that you have acquired over the winter months? You need to eat healthier and be more active. Plain and simple, right? Not always. Here are a few tips to get you started.

I need to also practice what I preach. Start out by eating less meat and more fruits and vegetables. If you steam fresh vegetables, they taste so much better. You can also take advantage of sharing crops with organic farms. Check online for farms that deliver to Bowie. The one that I know is Taylor's Fresh Organics. I am not an expert so you might want to consult your doctor or a physical trainer for expert opinions. Drink lots of water, yes water. Bowie water is quite healthy or there is always bottled water.

That was the "eat heathier" part, now to the "be more active" part. Walking is probably the easiest way to be active. Find a partner or walk with your dog. Bowie has a great dog park. Throw the ball for your dog. Take your dog to Allen Pond Park and walk or run with him. Bowie has many walking trails. I like the ones that go to Foxhill Lake and by Berwyn Rod and Gun Club. You never know what you will see so bring your camera. It is so much more exciting when you can walk for exercise and get great photos along the way. If you have a Facebook profile you can upload your great photos. Bike riding is a fun way to get exercise too.

We also have many gyms and great public pools to join. Play tennis or racquetball if your knees can handle it. I just turned 55 and finally joined the Bowie Senior Center (yeah). I will be trained on the exercise equipment this Saturday so I will make great use of the center.

So shed those winter/holiday pounds, eat healthier and get out and enjoy the weather. See you at the pool or beach in your new body.