Short Cut to a Better Body?

Long term - the short answer is NO.  I know, I know, how can that be with all the products on the market AND the fact that a lot of them fly off the shelf.  Everyone wants and some people get fast results from appetite suppressants, cleanses, toning shoes etc., but all for different reasons.  The problem is most of these people who may be seeing changes are only getting short term, quick fix results that are merely temporary.  The shoes, the pills, it is all modern day snake oil.  Remember, I said the LONG term answer is no.
The sure fire way to your personal best body? Dedication and perseverance.
 A decision has to be made and it is up to YOU to make it.  Only you can decide that your health is a priority.  Once that is done, there aren't any more limits or restrictions on what you can do.  First things first - FOOD.  You don't have to make time for that (we will cover getting to the gym later).  Walk into the kitchen, open the fridge, pantry and any cupboards that contain any and all food.   Now throw out the crap or donate it to a shelter if you can't bear to just toss it.  Chips, gone ice cream gone, processed sugar gone, fried foods, yes...gone.  Start reading the ingredients, if you can't understand it, need a degree in science to read it - out it goes.  However, you WILL still have delicious and savory foods to eat so don't fret.
Ditch the fad diets and jump into eating clean- it isn't a diet, it is a way of eating.  80% of how we look is what we put in our mouths and what our bodies use as fuel sources.  The adage, "through the lips and onto the hips" is absolutely true.  This is why it is so important to look not just at HOW MUCH is going into our bodies, but WHAT is going into our bodies.  I'm not talking about plain chicken, broccoli and brown rice every meal of every day, who wants that?  Staying away from boxed foods (frozen and otherwise) reduces the amount of preservatives and unnecessary chemicals in your body allowing it to work in its natural state without interference.  The cleaner and more natural the food you eat, the easier and more naturally your body can work at maximum efficiency and a higher metabolism.
Don't expect miracles, success comes in baby steps!  One step, ditch the processed sugars/foods.  Next step, replace those with whole, unprocessed foods you LIKE.  This step may take a little time and that's OK, nothing happens overnight.  Trying to force yourself to eat foods you don't like will turn you off of the idea of "healthy food" and back to processed you go.  Experiment, start with basics (ie brown rice, whole fruits, corn on the cob vs can, quinoa, grass fed beef and organic chicken) and work your way into integrating new vegetables and spices.  It is all about changing one thing at a time and giving yourself small victories and a chance at true success.
One thing I like to do is try a new recipe or food every week.  This keeps me out of the repetitive food rut.  New foods and new recipes = FUN!
Again, once you make the decision to dedicate time to taking care of you, every small step will help you get where and what you want to be, a healthier and more fit you.  Keep checking back for more clean eating, exercise and nutrition tips!
Until next time, your Better Body is waiting to be built.  Start laying the foundation TODAY!