BASIC TRAINING

Q: Help! I've tried every type of diet and workout and nothing works. Even if I lose weight, I always gain it back. How can I lose weight and keep it off for good?
A: You can't even imagine the number of times I have received this plea for a solution to yo-yo dieting and on-again, off-again body fat.

People who have a problem keeping weight off usually have to

address these issues:

1. Are you an emotional eater? Not sure? Do you eat when you're sad, lonely, angry or upset? Usually emotional eaters are covering up some type of emptiness they have in their lives. This could be a result of many things, including a lack of self-confidence, an abusive relationship, physical or mental abuse, death of a loved one, loss of a job or financial stress. I suggest addressing the problem with therapy and guidance. so you can learn how to love yourself properly.

2. You must accept that the current physical shape and health that you're in is the result of the choices you've made. Nobody forced you to overeat, sleep in, work 16-hour days or eat burger and fries or Cheese enchiladas with a large soda. Nobody forced you to work 16hour days. Nobody forced you to sleep in. Nobody forced you to sit on the couch watching "American Idol" with a bag of chips. instead of walking on the treadmill with a of water.
You made those choices, and now you're suffering the consequences which there are so many I won't even go there. The good news is you can make new choices that lead to an active life, full of energy, looking good and feeling great!

3. There are no quick fixes. A great body on the inside and out is a way of life! Making healthy food choices and exercising is something that needs to be part of your life everyday. Of course, we're all human and even the healthiest person is going to go weak in the knees for Mom's apple pie. But that only comes around once a month. Choosing to have a fresh salad with salmon for dinner or stopping at the gym for a 30-minute workout on the way home from work should be as normal as brushing your teeth.
As you have learned in the past, when you make the right choices you

lose weight, and when you make the wrong choices you gain it back.
It's time to keep it off for good and accept that it's not a diet or a quick fix but a way of life - and it is the only choice.
Jeanette Jenkins, founder and president of the Hollywood Trainer fitness company, has a bachelor of science degree in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa. A 14-year industry veteran, she has worked with actors and professional athletes, including Queen Latifah, Taryn Manning and Terrell Owens. A resident expert on the Food Network's weight-loss show, "Weighing In," she is the official spokeswoman for the BET Foundation's "A Healthy BET Campaign," and is one of 17 experts chosen for Nike's Elite Athletes program. For more information, visit www.thehollywoodtrainer.com.

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