Your personal makeover plan:
Get the facts, lose the fads

Most people would agree that a healthy meal plan and exercise routine is a great way to stay in shape and look your best. Chances are they’d also say the sticking point is sticking to it. But maybe the hardest part of the process is deciding on the shape-up plan that’s best for you. Don’t get discouraged: with the right information and a dash of common sense, you can learn to tell the bogus from the beneficial.

Trim the fat, keep the calcium!

Almost everything you read about toning-up tells you to cut calories and fat intake, while getting moderate exercise. Fortunately, with so many low-fat and fat-free dairy foods on the market, you can reduce the fat and still get the nutritional benefits of dairy.

In fact, dairy foods provide nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, and niacin (niacin equivalents). Women in particular need the calcium in delicious dairy foods to help prevent osteoporosis. That said, men should know that strong bones are also essential for their good health, too. And everyone needs protein to build muscle mass and improve muscle tone.

So, however you decide to rewrite your menus and retool your exercise regimen, be sure to work plenty of appetizing and healthy dairy recipes into your daily routine.

Stick with the Experts

Type “fitness trends” into your favorite Internet search engine and you’ll see lots of options for workout gear, plus lots of news about the latest fitness revelations. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor. Your healthcare professional can help your sort out the facts from the fads. A quick visit to WebMD can help you find out what questions to ask your doctor in order to have a more informed discussion about the nutrition and exercise that’s right for you.

Staying motivated: Reward yourself!

One other way to help you keep your personal makeover on target is to look for simple ways to reward yourself, let’s say, for a run well done or an aerobics session that really got you pumped. A trip to the mall to find workout wear that’s flattering as well as comfortable is a simple treat with zero calories. Of course, the more committed you are to sticking to your exercise plan, the sooner you will see results —it can also “justify” a return trip for some new street clothes, too. If you walk to the mall, you can even work in another workout as you go!