May I ask why you do not lift weights? It is important to have both components for a sound workout routine. You do not need to fear having a bodybuilders body from lifting weights b/c they get that through fine tuning their diet according to their macros and workout on average of 6 days a week, twice a day. I know some bodybuilders and they are amazing arts of work, but like you, I just want to be fit and healthy and the only time I've had a six pack is when I was working out and eating like a body builder, w/no cheats!!!! Ya, that only lasted a few years then I found ice cream again...
The idea behind eating 5 to 6 small meals a day is to rev up the metabolism. Our bodies temperature rises during the digestion process and when our bodies temperature rises, we burn calories at a higher rate (thermogenesis). So, by eating 5 to 6 small meals a day you are reving up your metabolism. Larger meals less frequently tend to store more as fat b/c we can only process x amt. at one time, whereas w/the more frequent small meals, it will almost all be used for energy. There are also blood sugar benefits to eating smaller more frequent meals. If you've noticed, after a huge meal we crash. This is often b/c of a spike in blood sugar, which when it crashes, so do we. This is not experienced w/5 to 6 meals a day. Of course, quality is key as well!!!
Well, I'm rambling and I hope that made sense and did not seem too confusing!!
Eating for Life?
. I wouldn't mind buying some weights to use at home, but I'm not quite ready to invest more than @ $100 towards any type of weight system. I have some resistance bands and although I can't really use the video that came with them, I have been doing some exercises that I found online (biceps curl, inner thigh stretches, etc.). I have also been considering an Easy Shaper, but I haven't heard enough about it, good or bad, to make an informed decision. After being so heavy for years, I have really messed up my feet, knees, and back and I could definitely use any low-impact toning suggestions. While my primary goal right now is to lose pounds, losing inches and toning up my flabby "leftovers" is going to become increasingly important. I'd like to start adding a 20-30 minute toning routine while my youngest son takes his afternoon nap, so if anyone can provide some ideas on the best way to do that cheaply, that would be great!
