My No Fail Way to Help You and Your Family Lose Weight

I've got some great, no fail tips to help you and your family lose the weight!  Now, you must understand that to many people, especially families with children/teenagers, these may seem like drastic measures but I can PROMISE YOU that they work... why??? Because I implemented them at my house and though my 16 year old son may have thought he wasn't going to live through the first week... he has!! :)

1. NO SODA - Don't buy soda when you go to the grocery store!  If you take home a case of soda, I am sure you have noticed it is gone in no time at all.  If the only thing that kids have to drink at home is water, juice or milk then they will drink it.  They drink the soda when it is in the fridge not only because they like it but because it is easy.  It is packaged very conveniently.  You don't even have to get a cup.  Just grab the soda and head back to the TV. 
2. HEALTHY SNACKS - This goes without saying I understand but I used to buy chips for my house all the time.  Again, they were gone sometimes in one sitting... an entire bag!  Then I started buying fruits and veggies and to my surprise I found out that my son loves grapes, apples, plums, broccoli... shocker, I know!  He eats these foods constantly now and not only because he likes them (I'm sure he would still grab the chips first if he had the opportunity) but because he has no other options!
3. COOK DINNER AT HOME - Obviously this is the best option because otherwise you end up going through a drive-thru and eating completely unhealthy food filled with fat and calories.  I know that schedules these days don't always allow for a lot of "spare time" to prepare some elaborate feast but that isn't even required.  Make spaghetti at home with lean, ground turkey and whole wheat spaghetti.  It takes less than 20 minutes.  Another GREAT option if you have a busy day... crock pot!!! I love my crock pot!  I am gone from my house for about 10 hours for work and my commute.  I put chicken breast and frozen veggies with organic tomatoes and chicken broth in the crock pot and come home to a completely prepared, healthy, delicious meal!  There are TONS of recipes online that are not only cheap but easy for crock pots.  If you haven't used one... start! 
4. IMPLEMENT EXERCISE TIME - Why not go for a walk around the block after dinner?  Maybe get a family gym membership or buy a sports/workout game for your kids gaming system.  Again, I know that between sports that your kids play, work, responsibilities at home, etc. that sometimes it is difficult to find "extra time" in your schedule but I am sure it is there in 98% of families' schedules!  Not only will this benefit your families health and weight loss goals but you will spend some much needed, quality family time together!  I am sure your kids will enjoy teasing you about how silly you look when you try to bowl on the wii!
5. DITCH THE CABLE - This is where I am going to lose most of you I know but hear me out.  I did this!  I got rid of my Direct TV about a year ago and have never been happier and/or more productive!  First, you will probably be able to purchase a family gym membership for the same price you pay for your cable each month!  Next, if you sit down and watch ONE 30 minute TV show you could have gotten a good workout in, in the same amount of time.  Lastly, how many times have you sat down on the couch to watch one TV show and gotten up 3 hours later?  Really?  How about those very popular "marathons" that they run on TV... it is all to easy to end up watching episode after episode and waste your day away.  I am not saying don't ever sit down and watch TV but when I want to watch some TV (rarely) then I rent a movie.  When the movie is over, I get up and turn the TV off and I am productive again.  I have no choice when the movie is over, right!?

If you are serious about your weight loss and desire to get healthy then consider all of these options!  I can promise you that the cable company will sign you back up if you go a month and can't seem to live without it.  Our family "units" are suffering due to lack of quality time together.  Your kids not only NEED it but they WANT it, even if they act like they don't!  You need to talk to your kids, they have A LOT to say!  You can't talk to them if they are in front of a TV or a video game!  You will be surprised with how good of a conversation you can have with your kids playing basketball, walking on the treadmill, in the sauna, etc! It's a win/win! You and your family are getting healthier, leaner, losing weight and spending much needed family time with each other!

Give these tips a try for a month and reap the immediate benefits... you can thank me later! :)