Ask Lara
Lara helps with questions like these every day. Have a question of your own? E-mail a Lifestyle Coach now or call 1-866-498-9806 for the personalized, one-on-one support and information you need.
Q: I’m so busy with work these days. I can never seem to fit in exercise. How can I fit it in and make it count?
Lara: Planning is key. Make the most of your limited time with these tips:
- If you plan to exercise after work, put your gym bag in the car each morning. Change into your gym clothes at work before driving to the gym.
- If you exercise in the morning, set your workout clothes out the night before.
- If you’re short on time, increase the intensity of your workout, taking care not to push yourself beyond your body’s limits.
Q: Is walking really a good cardio workout?
Lara: Yes, when you walk with intensity. Any walking is good, but when walking for cardio exercise, be sure your intensity is high enough to burn calories and make a difference. Gradually working your way up to a 15-minute mile pace on your neighborhood walk or treadmill – and keeping it up for three miles – will make a difference.
Q: What sort of things should I pack for healthy lunches on weekdays?
Lara: Plan ahead. On Sundays, shop for raw veggies, fruit, part-skim cheese sticks, raw nuts, fish and chicken.
- Bake two filets of fish in the oven while cooking three chicken breasts in some low-calorie marinade. Take one filet or breast to work each day.
- Spray cauliflower with fat-free, butter-flavored spray, sprinkle with garlic salt and put under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Or, lightly sauté veggies in garlic, ginger and soy sauce with 1 teaspoon sugar. Divide the vegetables into five 1-cup servings.
- Chop fruit and make five 1-cup servings to eat with nonfat Greek yogurt (a rich and creamy strained yogurt).