Lose Those Last 10 Pounds

Excerpted from
Lose Those Last 10 Pounds: The 28-Day Foolproof Plan to a Healthy Body
By Denise Austin

Congratulations and welcome to a new world of better health and fitness-without those extra 10 pounds you've been carrying! By picking up this book you have just taken the first important step to a new lifestyle filled with countless rewards: a healthier body, more energy and a great new shape. And since you have made the first move by purchasing this book, I want you to know that from here on in, I'll be with you every step of the way.

Whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 50 pounds, the program here is a great beginning. We're going to work together to develop new health habits for the present and for the future-and help you slim down to the shape that you desire. I know you can do it; now you need to believe in yourself. Remember: You can have all the money, material possessions and friends in the world, but without a healthy body, it's tough to enjoy them. Consider the next 28 days an investment in yourself-one that will lead to a lifetime of better health and happiness.

If you're wondering why I'm writing this book, it's because people like you have asked me to do it. Each week I receive over 400 letters from all over the country, more than half of which ask for my advice on how to lose those last 10 pounds. Your written questions and feedback help me understand your feelings and concerns, so I can deliver the best possible information and advice to help you reach your goals. Now I'm sure there are a few skeptics out there who are thinking that I've never had to drop a pound in my life, so how can I possibly relate to you? Not true. As you'll read later on, after each pregnancy I had as many as 25 pounds to lose-and the last 10 were always the hardest. So I can relate to your situation. Even now, I work hard every day to stay in shape and to keep those pounds off. The good news is, I've found the secret to weight-loss success, and I want to share it with you.

In this book I'm going to teach you everything I know about losing weight, getting fit and changing your life for the better. After 20 years as a health and fitness professional, I have seen every fad, diet and crazy scheme for losing weight. But I've also seen what works, and I've streamlined these techniques in the program presented here. I'll help you to lose body fat in a healthy way-so you don't regain it over the long term. Together we're going to "rev up" your metabolism by eating right and exercising. I'm going to help you burn calories whether you're working out, sitting in a car or cooking dinner. No longer will you have any excuses to skip exercise. By incorporating exercise and movement into your daily routine, you can boost your energy, reshape your body and take off those unwanted pounds-and KEEP THEM OFF!

Best of all, with my plan, if you lose, you gain better health! Losing just a few pounds can dramatically affect your long-term health picture by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Losing weight may even help you reverse some of the damage caused by carrying extra pounds. Best of all, you'll feel better! You'll look younger, have more energy and gain confidence. The quality of our lives is amazingly affected by healthy eating, exercise and a positive attitude. Once you get a handle on these three things, everything else falls into place-including your personal relationships, your job and how you feel about you. You'll discover that a healthy diet can be delicious and satisfying. As you burn fat and build muscle, your body will actually decrease in size and shape. In four weeks, you'll notice that your favorite clothes not only fit, but that you look great wearing them.

This book provides you with a basic weekly framework and all the tools you need to get started. It includes 28 days' worth of meal plans and recipes. I've even added some extra recipes for you to mix and match-and to help you after the 28-day program is over. We'll work week-by-week and focus on the big picture, so you won't have to weigh yourself every day. I'll share with you my secret ways to sneak exercise into your day as well as my favorite cardio, stretching and toning exercises. I'll also explain what works for me and how I manage to stay fit with a full-time career, a husband and two young daughters.

As you'll soon see, you don't have to starve yourself or become a marathon runner to lose weight. By making a few simple but effective lifestyle changes, you can watch those 10 pounds melt right off. My fat-busting plan can work for you-whether you are a man or a woman, fit athlete or former couch potato, have just turned 20 or are celebrating your silver anniversary, have always carried a little extra around the middle or just had a baby and are eager to get your old shape back. It's for anyone who wants to get energized, feel good about themselves and get more out of life.

Now that we know what you stand to gain-and lose!-by embarking on this program, don't wait another day. Let's get going!