Zen Responds To Your Questions

Hi everyone! Thanks for posting all your comments and questions. You can always find me at myspace or my website, but I'll do my best here :) OK...

Stacy, motivation is the most powerful force in this whole "eat right and workout" equation. You need a motivational strategy, whether it's a personal trainer, workout buddy, family member to check up on you, etc. You need to stay accountable to SOMEONE if you have trouble staying on track. Good luck, baby... you can do it!

Tom, go to acefitness.org to check out certified personal trainers near you.

lisapatti, I know they're good, but you gotta save the peanut M&M's for the weekend. You don't need stomach exercises... you need to drop body fat... and the best way to do that is to kick that wonderful sugar addiction you have. I'm not saying NEVER eat them, ok? Just wait for the weekend and then you won't have to feel guilty :)

Doug Silverman, we all have emotional connections with food and exercise. You have got to change that first and realize that you deserve to be loved. YOU DESERVE GOOD LOVIN' MAN!!! Know what I'm sayin'? (wink, wink) It's also been proven that MOTION creates EMOTION. So, look at it this way... start smiling. Then you'll FEEL like smiling. Same thing with working out. Start working out... then you will FEEL like working out!

Hey Spudster! There are TONS of great workout tips in the body by bravo videos. You'll have to check with your doctor or physical therapist about specific exercises for that back, though. I can't do it over the internet.

Charlene, again you've got to get your doctor or physical therapist to help you with specific exercises. BUT, your diet is going to be key with your weight loss! If you can't afford a nutritionist, make sure you're eating small portions every 3-4 hours and they consist of lean protein and carbs (fruits, veggies and whole grains). Eat whenever you're hungry... but eat the good stuff. If you're not used to eating smaller portions, it will take your stomach about a week to shrink. (A portion of chicken breast is about the size of your palm. A portion of veggies is about a cup or a fist size. Just eyeball it.)

Leisa Carr, believe it or not, you're one of the lucky ones! You know what you want to do. You KNOW your dream! Most of us are just flailing around trying to figure it out. So, you need a plan, that's all. Sit down and write out what you want to accomplish... and what you need to make that happen. For example, you want to stop smoking. Other people out there have done it, so you can, too. Right? Perhaps you need a patch, or gum, or hypnotherapy, or just a rubberband around the wrist to snap if you have a craving. Just keep trying! It's not about falling down. It's about getting back up! And if you don't know the person can help you with your tennis dream, then write down what TYPE of person can help you and you'll be amazed at what happens. Good luck!

Karla, please contact me and leave your email address so I can motivate you! OK, I'll continue answering your questions soon! Thanks again for all your love and support!

Health & Happiness,

Zen