Starting out, setting goals, and achieving goals...

I am not a doctor, and before you start a healthier lifestyle you should always consult your physician before any strenuous activity on your body.

Here are some things that have helped me lose 40 pounds. I was at 300+ pounds a couple of years ago and I am now at 260.

-Watch your calorie intake
Yes, those labels on food packages actually do mean something, particularly the calories. A calorie is a form of energy measurement for food. The average person needs about 2,000-2,500 calories to perform during the day. If the body doesn't get that amount, it will go to the fat that is stored throughout the body. It is said that 3,500 calories is equal to one pound of fat. Keep track of the amount of calories you take in throughout the day. Keeping a journal outlining of what you have consumed at each meal is the best way to keep those extra calories in check.

-Eating healthier food
No more fast food. Not only will this save the calories, it will also be easier on the wallet. I've read studies where the average American's spend close to $150 per week on fast food. That is why 2/3's of American's are obese. Choosing whole-grains, vegetables and fruits, and low-fat meats are good ways to start a healthy lifestyle.

-Exercise
You've got to get the ole' ticker beating. Try to get up and moving for at least 30 minutes a day. That leaves 23 1/2 hours for you to do your other activities. Do some Cardiovascular activities such as a brisk walk or jogging, jumping rope, swimming, jumping jacks, dancing, boxing, etc. There are a ton of other activities to do that will get your heart rate up. Try to build on your exercise, for example, once you can jog for 5 minutes, take it to the next level and shoot for 10 minutes. Also, make sure you pick activities that you like. If you aren't interested in what you are doing, it's almost a positive bet that you'll give up.


Remember- You are changing your way of life. This isn't one of those "lose weight in a week" deals. You have to change the way you think about food and exercise in order to stay healthy.

That's very true. One place that you should always go and check for fresh fruit, vegetables, and even meats is the local farmer's market. Not only are you going to get the freshest foods available, you'll also be supporting your local economy and not some money grubbing corporation in a whole other nation!

One other exercising tip that we can give is to take a Pedometer with you when you go metal detecting. A pedometer will keep track of how many steps you take and it is said that everyone should get at least 10,000 steps per day.