1/5/2010

The most popular New Year's resolution is to lose weight. It turns out that it's also a popular resolution with some of your favorite country stars. 

Carrie Underwood has struggled with her weight believe it or not. She says, "Genetics are not exactly on my side. Once I got out of high school I packed on about 10 pounds, and once I was on American Idol I packed on another 10 pounds...I carry all my stress weight, all my potato chip weight around my mid-section. You've got to fight genetics sometimes." Carrie says that she and her fiance Mike Fisher enjoy working out together and Carrie is committed to a healthy diet. She opts for a local grocery store over catering while she's on tour. While she's not on tour she works with a personal trainer and says he's kicking her butt. "I need it. Especially with a tour coming up and a wedding to look good for." Still no date announced for their wedding. 

Since most of us don't have the luxury of a personal trainer to work out with every day here are some tips that may help you drop some pounds in 2010:

1. Take three bites less of everything. This will typically shave off 100 calories.
2. Go ahead and order pizza, but cut the meat toppings and cheese.
3. Watch less television. Previous research shows that people who watch more than two hours of TV a day tend to be overweight. Or catch your favorite show on the treadmill or while core training on a balance ball.
4. Instead of cooking with oil or butter try nonstick sprays.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Adults should get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep 8 being ideal. 
6. When you're making homemade goodies, cut the sugar in the recipe by 1/3 you won't even notice the difference.
7. Hungry? Snack on fruit and veggies instead of candy and potato chips. Do this once per day and you'll save a whopping 100 calories.
8. Thirsty? Drink water. 
9. When possible, stand instead of sitting. Fifty minutes of standing actually burns up to 100 calories!
10. Cut your portion size the easy way: use smaller plates. (measuring portions is always beneficial too)