Sunday, January 17, 2010

Denise Austin's Daily Dozen

Reason # 39,675 why I love my kids: when this book came in the mail for me from Hachette Books, my younger son read the cover carefully and quietly said to my husband: "I don't think Mom really needs this book, do you?"

Definitely a keeper, that one.

And he's right that my goals have more to do with fostering healthier eating habits and getting more exercise, than losing weight. Denise Austin is the perfect cheerleader in both these arenas.

The concept behind the book is that you do twelve minutes of exercise each day--a different routine for each day of the week, with a few extras thrown in for variety--and eat the low-calorie meals Denise lays out for you. The most helpful thing about the meal plan, for me, was her shopping lists for each week. When I saw that Denise buys more fruits and vegetables for one person than I buy for my whole family, I stepped up my produce purchases big time.

The exercise routines are doable and varied enough to keep me interested. Did I do them daily? No. Did I walk the 12 miles per week Denise suggests? No, but I got closer every week. Did I lose any weight? Nope. But this book will be a useful resource for me as I continue with my personal goals.

6 comments:

  1. What an awesome kid! And yeah, exercising and eating healthy foods are both good things to aim for.

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  2. That younger son sounds like he's good for the soul (and the ego!). Better not let him get away! LOL!

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  3. Cute kid :) I always feel like books that try to convince anyone they can loose weight in no time are unrealistic and disappoint people. But if a person can read it with the attitude you had -- taking advice and working on being healthy, regardless of immediate results -- then these books can be helpful.

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  4. This sounds like an interesting book. I need to get more active, but am having a hard time getting motivated. I could do twelve minutes a day.

    BTW, I have an award for you at my blog.

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  5. My favorite author of color is the late Octavia Butler. My favorite book is Parable of the Sower but I enjoyed each and every last one of them!

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