QUESTION:
Hank,
I have recently started walking 3 miles per day. I am 36 and I weigh 148. I
have a problem with losing weight and can't find a good program for me to try to diet.
I also would like to know if there are certain excerises that would be good for losing inches from my hips, tummy (below my belly button), slim my thighs and shape up my tush, and is there a good solution for helping with the nasty cellulite on the back of my legs? Thank you, Lisa

ANSWER:
I feel for you. With the plethora of books and "experts" out there touting their particular methods of dieting, it can be a little overwhelming for the person who "just wants to lose weight."

• Which program should I choose?
• How do I know it will work?
• Will I waste time or money?
• Is it healthy?

All those questions and more typically run through the head of the would-be dieter.

For me, the best way is to ask others that have tried a particular method of dieting. Ask them what they felt were the strong points of the diet, and what did they not like. Also, look for testimonials from others that have tried the program you're interested in started. The best testimonials are before and after photos. Because someone saying they've lost 35 lbs sounds great, until you realize that person is still 50 lbs overweight, and looks it too.

Hank Johnson

Your definitive guide to looking better and feeling better. Got ?'s: support@thehealthand fitnesschannel.com

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Finally, don't get stuck with "analysis paralysis". The old adage, "just do it" applies here as well. Try any diet...if after 2 weeks max you don't see success then drop it. If you don't get results straight from the start then the diet won't work for you. Just make sure not to modify it to your taste and follow it as the originator intended. This is a mistake most people make.

As for your problem areas, congratulations on at least starting with an exercise routine. This is a good start, but only a start. I can tell you from experience that it takes a lot more than walking to get into the kind of shape most people are trying to achieve. You'll have a very hard time losing inches from the areas you're looking to lose it from unless you step up the intensity and try more taxing forms of exercise - like weight lifting and higher-intensity forms of cardiovascular exercise. I wish there was an easier way...there's not. This is not meant to discourage you, only to show you that there is hope in getting the body of your dreams, provided you are willing to do what it takes.

Understand this doesn't mean you'll spend your life in the gym. On the contrary, the very best forms of weight-training and cardiovascular exercise will have you in and out of the gym in less than 1/2 hour. This means for less than 3 hours per week you can achieve exactly the goals you're looking for (assuming 4 days per week of weight training and another 3-5 days of higher-intensity cardio).

Finally, don't worry so much about finding exercises that target your problem areas, just concentrate on eating correctly (per my guidelines in this month's newsletter) and exercising and you'll find those areas will all slim down quite nicely.

Good luck Lisa, and great success!