A-Z Fitness - Junk Food

Having the right attitude about junk-food is certainly helpful. When I say junk food I mean candy, fast food, bakery, soda, highly processed foods and stuff of this sort. Of course when I mention junk food, generally people know exactly what I mean. Sure, it might taste good while you're eating it, but it certainly catches up with you. You know what they say, 'A moment on the lips, forever on the hips'. It's so much easier to take in the calories than to burn them off. Did you know McDonald's medium size French-fries has 380 calories and 19 grams of fat? A Starbucks Caffè Mocha has 260 calories and 8 grams of fat. A piece of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake can have as many as 1000 calories per serving? That's a lot of sit-ups! Something to think about next time you have a craving for junk food.

Tips: You can still eat out or buy snacks without it being 'junk food'. Look for foods low in calories, low in fat and unprocessed. These foods are much healthier for you and make you feel better physically and mentally.

Remember: Junk food is just what it says, junk. Americans especially have gotten into the habit of using junk food to replace wholesome nutritious meals, and I'm just as much at fault as anyone. Sure, it's fast and easy but at the end of the day, it takes it's toll on the body.

Goal: Try replacing a high fat item you enjoy for a low calorie one this week. Enjoy French fries with lunch? Try a bag of baked chips. Drink Caffè Mocha's in the morning? Why not replace it with a regular black coffee. Enjoy cheese cake? A cheesecake flavored yogurt will do the trick. Can you think of other substitutions you can make? Why not make a list and share them here?

Last Weeks Goal: So what did you decide was your ultimate initiative for wanting to keep fit? Did you figure one out? I kept coming back to thinking my main initiative is to encourage others. Of course I've been struggling with my weight for a few weeks so I wonder if that's enough? How about you? What did you come up with, and what did you discover about yourself because of it?

What fitness words starting with the letter "J" inspire you?