Commit to Losing 10 pounds and keeping it off

The loss of 10 pounds can lead to a 5 to 8 percent drop in your cholesterol totals. If you commit this week, you could be down ten pounds by the middle of December. You can do this by joining an online weight loss community like, Spark People, Fat Secret, My Daily Plate, and Calorie Count. These programs are free.

If you need extra help and you don't mind spending the money, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig have excellent programs. I have a client who has lost 40 pounds on the Nutrisystem program and her cholesterol has dropped as well. Whatever program you choose, commit to lose at least 10 pounds and keep it off.

After you have started the nutrition program, add in exercise for a least 2 to 3 days a week.  Most experts will tell you, it is recommended to workout at the minimum, 3 days a weeks.  If you are super busy, for now commit to 2 days a week and when you can, sneak in one more day.  You want to do aerobic or cardiovascular exercise such as, walking, rowing, biking, stair climbing, skating, running, cross country skiing and aerobic classes for a least 20 minutes.  If you can only do 5 minutes, start with that and add a minute a week. You can also break up your 20 minute. Take a look at The Frugal Exerciser blog for more workout ideas.
http://thefrugalexerciser.blogspot.com

If you don't want a formal exercise plan, I would suggest getting a pedometer. Pedometers measure the amount of steps you take per day. If you are not active, you should start with 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day and your goal would be to do 10,000 a day, eventually.  Pedometers range in price from $10 to $100 on the high end but a $25 to $35 pedometer would be a better option, if you will be using it daily.

As I stated at the beginning if you commit to losing 10 pounds, that can mean a world of difference in your cholesterol levels.  Do it today!