Jillian's Top Tips

Weight loss has been shown to increase happiness, improve health, and add years to one's life. The more overweight a person is, the more likely they are to have increased health problems: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breathing problems, cancers...

Jillian Michaels offers up four of her top tips on changing your body:

1. Count Calories.
 Jillian's number one mistake is not counting calories!  Use whatever medium you're on most frequently. If it's the web, both caloriesperhour.com and weightwatchers.com are great resources. You can also use an iPhone app, or carry a pocket calorie counter with you.

2. Avoid Processed Foods At All Costs.
Processed foods are loaded with preservatives and chemicals. If it says high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated anything, artificial coloring or sweetener, stay away!

3. Do Five Intense 30-Minute Workouts Each Week.
Go walking with friends, plan a family outing, and if it requires you to get up a little earlier, do it.

4. Inspire Yourself.
Establish the why: Why do you want to change your life? What's inspiring and motivating you? A long life? To wear your skinny jeans to your 10-year high school reunion?

[Source: http://www.cbs42.com/content/health/story/100-Pounds-and-Counting/2HjRsvK6rEqH3Gxgp8CHLA.cspx]