Diet and Exercise: The Only "Fad" That Ever Truly Works

You know what galls me the most? The thing that really just eats at my nerves—fad dieting. Never in my life have I been the type to latch onto the latest hip product or drug that will "revolutionize" my workout or help me drop however many jean sizes in less than 8 weeks!

Give. Me. A. Break.

Listen, because this is something that I know for sure: Unless you have a medical condition which keeps you from losing weight effectively, the only weight-loss method that will ever work for you is combining a healthy, well-balanced, diet with 30-60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
This is not rocket science, it's just that simple.

Fad diets are a temporary fix to what can be a long-term problem, and those who tend to use the quick route are often those who either a) don't have the time, energy, or motivation to put in the type of work necessary to get in shape, or b) want to believe there's an easier way to remedy a problem that took them years to get to.

If that sounds harsh or insensitive, I apologize, but it is what it is.

Being fit, being healthy, and being the best version of the physical you that is humanly possible takes hard work—every day. It's not easy and it's certainly not something you can do for 12 weeks and then stop. You have to make a lifestyle change and stick to it. If you don't, you will eventually return to the the same you that you are hoping to leave behind.

That being said,  the only question you ever need to ask yourself before beginning a weight-loss plan is this: how committed are you—really?

Day Six: Money Isn't Everything...

At some point, your life will become less about what's pricey, than it is about what's priceless. Be sure to save the best parts of you for the moment when that happens.

People are far too obsessed with labels these days. It's all about whose name your wearing: If it's not (insert latest designer name here), then it's garbage. Or, if you're still wearing shoes by so and so, then you need to get caught up.

Well, my philosophy has always been, if it feels good, looks good, and the price is right, then I'm all over it—but I realize I'm in the minority. The point is, trends change. What was hot a year ago is not likely as hot now and chasing after what's "in" is bound to drive you crazy at some point.

You have to begin to understand the part of you that isn't obsessed or concerned about the materials you possess. You have to become cognizant that, in order to grow, you have to be deeper than the surface.

Why?

Well, believe it or not, at some point material things will play a secondary role in your life.  You'll want more for yourself than just a nod of approval from your "crew". You'll want to know that you are respected—no matter who you're wearing—because you are a person of quality and dignity.

Am I saying that there's something evil or wrong with wearing designer clothing? Absolutely not. But, when you take those labels and make them a criteria for judging the worth of yourself or others, then that's a problem.

It may sound cheesy but, in the long term, what do you want people to say about you when you're gone: that you were a great dresser or you were a great person?

Think about it.