We want, what we want, quick. Especially when it comes to losing weight or getting into shape. I know I have good intentions of shaping up, but do minimal work most of the time. But it should feel effortless - that is after you've gotten yourself into a routine. The February issue of Glamour magazine has "50 tips from top trainers," that can help anyone get in the right mindset with their simple suggestions. Again, as I mentioned in previous entries, it's all things we've heard before. But maybe if we read it enough, we'll finally get it embedded in our heads and we'll do all these healthy things like we're set on autopilot.

In the past month, I have done the classic exercises and passing on the empty calories. My "diet,' (if we want to label this) actually began in December. I cut back on meat, chose healthier snacks, ate more little meals than gorging on bigger ones along with my cardio trips to the gym (2 to 3 times a week) with exercises everyday. Physically I don't feel bloated, I can walk up steps without getting winded and there are fewer lines on my stomach when I slouch (which I like to call fatty lines. Come on, everyone gets a line or two on their stomach!)

I also don't like to weigh myself unless I'm at the doctor. It's a misleading number in your life. One year, I gained about 5 to 8 pounds, but it was all muscle from playing sports. Another time not too long ago, I gained about the same! My doctor told me to weigh myself a week later, and it was all water weight. And what I call the freshman 15, my mother calls me becoming a woman. I guess I did not know what hips were until I came home complaining to my mom that nothing fits. My body just changed. Now those results: I won't get them quick because my original image of an ideal body just won't do. I don't want to look like the slickly boy figure I had when I was 18-years-old.

But I would like a six-pack - abs, not beer...right now.