Fitness Instructor, LaTosha Wilson stopped by Situations and Conversation to educate listeners and host Tra'Renee and producer Drea on some healthy eating and fitness tips for the new year!

 Tips from Tosha:

1. Drink more water - Your body needs water. More times than not, your body is dehydrated. According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration can cause dry skin, headache, constipation, and dizziness. Dehydration can also cause thirst, sleepiness or tiredness and dry, sticky mouth. These 3 symptoms could lead to weight gain if you choose to drink soda, get a latte or eat a candy bar. Some of your cravings can be minimized or eliminated if you try drinking water first.
2. Move your body - If you are moving, you are working out. Working out is about consistency. Do something good for your body everyday. If you are a beginner, commit to something easy like 30 squats or jumping jacks. You can do 10 in the morning, 10 during lunch and 10 at night. It doesn't sound like much, but after 365 day, you will have completed over 10,000 squats or jumping jacks. And who knows, you might enjoy it and do more. Also, find activities that you think you would enjoy. There are a ton of group classes such as Zumba®, Yoga, Dance, and Boot Camp style classes. There are even running and cycling groups. Tip: If trying something new, give it 3 tries before you decide it is not for you. And as always, please consult with you physician before starting any exercise program.
3. Create your diet - The definition of the word diet according to Merriam-Webster is a food and drink regularly provided or consumed or habitual nourishment. What things can you do to create good eating habits for a lifetime? Start with the foods that you like. Can you find a healthy alternative or a better option? For instance, you can still go to fast food places. Instead of getting a super deluxe burger, get one plain cheeseburger or have a salad. The salad would be a healthy alternative and the cheeseburger is a better option. It's your diet, so create one that you can live with for a lifetime.
4. Sugar or no sugar? - Natural sugars can be a healthier alternative to processed corn syrups. Try to keep your sugar intake to a minimum. Find beverages that have a sugar-free option. Avoid eating candy bars and packaged sweets. If you are going to have sugar, save the calories for those homemade treats on special occasions.
5. Track your progress - You will be more successful with hitting any fitness goals if you track your progress. Tracking your progress is like creating a budget for your body. You need to know what is coming in and how are you going to use it. MyFitnessPal is a wonderful app that you can use on your smart phone. It is a free app that helps you log your water intake, the food you eat and any activities that you do. You can also add your own food and recipes. MyFitnessPal will help you create a healthy diet that is your own and that you can maintain for a lifetime.