EXERCISE Exercise. The evil word. This is, of course, a very, very important part of losing weight and staying healthy. If you are like me, however, it's very difficult to motivate yourself to go to the gym. I decided to walk. I walk one hour a day, rain or shine. Actually, walking in the rain can be very exhilerating (with an umbrella, of course). I began with just a plain old stroll. Then, I picked up the pace. I began concentrating on holding my shoulders back and my stomach in, and I could feel the waist band of my trousers swish back and forth. It felt kind of sexy, and it really whittled away the flab on my stomach. Holding in your stomach actually becomes a figure enhancing habit. That's all. You can start adding sit-ups and going to the gym later, if you want to, but just walking every day will get you into great shape. DIET Now, exercise is great, essential, but if you don't watch what you eat, it could all be for naught. I'll tell you what I ate, but you will have to decide what is right for you. Most people who are dieting try to eat their biggest meal in the morning or afternoon, but since I work in the evening, I eat a large meal for dinner, before going to work. Many dieters also count calories and food groups. I just try to be sensible. Here's an example of what I ate: Breakfast: one piece of toast with margarine Lunch: two eggs and a piece of toast or 1 banana, fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup orange juice in the blender (fruit milk-shake) Dinner: small piece of chicken, fish or beef, 1/2 cup of rice (uncooked measurement), steamed vegetables (any), and salad Snack: if I get hungry, I eat a small container of yogurt or a piece of fruit I believe that you can eat just about any quantity of vegetables that you want, and you won't get fat. Also, yogurt and pineapple are supposed to be good for your digestion. I also tried to cut out alcohol (except for the occasional glass of white wine) and all junk food. I religiously drank about a gallon of water a day and stopped drinking caffeine as well. Caffeine and salt may cause water retention, and when you are drinking that much water, you don't want to retain it. One of our viewers has contested the validity of caffeine causing water retention. I would suggest that you stop drinking caffeinated products in any case, as our goal is to have a healthy body. Your body, when provided with the proper diet and exercise, will tell you what it needs. For example, a craving for sweets will indicate the need for vitamin C. If you are loading your system with unnecessary things, it may interfere with the natural way your body reacts, and make it difficult to control your eating behavior. Like I said, it's up to you. If you're sensible, eat healthy foods, and exercise, you will lose weight. You don't need someone to hold your hand and feed you pre-packaged dinners. You can look to your inner-self for encouragement and motivation. Tune Up Your Web Site Free: Index Home Your Self-Image Keeping a Journal My Favorite Health-Related Links Reader Comments and Questions Click on the book pile to visit the Health and Fitness Bookstore.