LAST WEEK'S column on Janet Jackson's weight loss generated a huge response from adoring Janet fans.
I also invited readers to e-mail me - and many did - for a sample 1,500-calorie-a-day diet, a nutrition log, rules for dining out and a simple, 5-minute morning workout.
Readers also sent suggestions for columns. And, as requested, I plan to offer more useful tips to improve your fitness, health and happiness. I believe it's your birthright to be joyously happy and filled with abundant energy and vibrant health.
Just commit to always give yourself your very best, and I have no doubt that you will reach whatever health, weight loss or fitness goals you set for yourself. Here's a sampling of the e-mail I received.
Support our group
I read your article on Janet Jackson's success with her new way-of-life plan. Several of my co-workers and I have formed a support group to promote healthy eating and changing our way of life regarding weight loss.
I would greatly appreciate you sending all of the aids listed in your article, so that I may share this information with our group.
- Cynthia Davis
Her issue's inactivity
My history is basic: I am healthy, a size 8, have never dieted, exercise on and off, but I am suffering from flab - especially now that I am getting older (37) and a flabby stomach is just not cute (or healthy, I'm sure).
I will say that I usually eat three meals a day. Breakfast is my favorite meal, so I eat a variety of things at that time. For lunch I bring a sandwich to work, and dinner is basic. Since I am single, I don't spend a lot of time on that meal.
I think my issue is inactivity. I love to relax, I will admit. But I would love to work with a personal trainer to shed the flab, not so much weight.
- Stephanie Belo
Growing up with Janet
Thank you for the article on JJ (Janet Jackson). I, like many others, have grown up with Janet and watched her weight go up and down along with my own.
Many people continue to look for that quick fix, and, yes, it's easier to blame the fact that "celebrities" can afford to have trainers, chefs, etc. As easy as that sounds, the bottom line is, IT'S A DISCIPLINE... TOTAL LIFESTYLE CHANGE!
So again, I'm on track and focused to shed my 20 pounds that have plagued me for the last year.
P.S.: When you get a chance, can you address in one of your articles the new craze of the super cleanse. That involves cayenne pepper, organic molasses - and I can't remember the rest of the ingredients. One of my friends is on it.
- Dawn Summerville
Don't fight that feeling!
I just finished reading your column on Janet Jackson. It was very inspiring. I am sure that will only last for minutes but I thought I would e-mail you before I lost the feeling.
I really enjoy reading your column and I am working on trying to do the right thing. Thanks for your encouragement.
- Debbie Johnson
Giving up on diets
I thoroughly enjoyed your article about Janet Jackson's weight loss. Reading it confirmed what I already planned to do: give up dieting. I now realize, after dieting for years, that effective weight loss is through lifestyle change.
- Zimbeana Powell
OK, Ms. Garrison
I'm a 5-foot-10-inch, 50-year-old African- American male, living in Northeast Philadelphia. Always been athletic. I have recently lost 18 pounds (from 245 to 227) through diet (small portions) and exercise (walking and basketball), and I'm feeling and looking pretty good.
My goal is 220 pounds, and I'm struggling to get past the 225-pound mark.
One thing I would like to see more focus on in your articles are the health concerns of African-American men. Thanks so much for your commitment to the health of all.
- Darrell S. Rainey
Her idol
I was reading your article today about Janet Jackson's weight loss. SHE IS MY IDOL. I admire the determination that it takes to shed those extra pounds.
Over the years, it seems that there is always a period when she, like every one else, puts on a few pounds. But after hard work and with determination, it seems the pounds just melt right off.
I would just like to acknowledge that all it takes is diet, exercise and determination. I myself am what would be considered a plus-size woman, wearing a size 16 jeans. But I have always been a little heavy.
I have found that yes, there are times we gain a few extra pounds, but when the time comes to shed those pounds, if your body has just a little muscle tone from daily exercise (or a little routine workout), your body will shed those pounds and bring out those natural curves that every woman has.
I think those women in the ladies room might have been a bit envious of the way Janet looked after she lost the weight. (BEAUTIFUL.)
- Diane Yvette Smith
Janet's example
I lost 20 pounds two years ago and just recently put on 10 pounds. I have Janet on my wall to show myself I can look like that too, with exercise and watching what I eat. *
- Jessica White
Comments (3)
I recently commented on Janets' weight-loss and how good she looked and one of the women I was speaking with responded that Ms. Jackson had lipo-suction. I have known women who had lipo-suction and they don't have the muscle tone Janet Jackson has. Also the fat comes back and redistributes somewhere else. Janet Jackson looks good because she has earned it through hard work.
TK
Posted by Toni Kersey | August 24, 2006 4:06 PM
Posted on August 24, 2006 16:06
I want to loss weight like Janet in 3 months, can I do it.
Posted by mariya boddi | September 26, 2006 10:35 AM
Posted on September 26, 2006 10:35
I am so proud of Janet. I, like others have grown up with Janet. Of course I dont look as good at 180 lbs as she did. But I am so proud of the sensible way she lost the weight. After serving 8 years on active duty in the Army, I know far to well the importance of exercise to keep the weight off, but I got an attitude when I left the military and would no longer exercise with out the job requirement. Now I am facing the consequences of that choice. I no longer have the muscle memory that Janet has. But she has inspired me to re-add exercise to my daily routine. I had already began changing my eating habits, when I 1st saw Janet at 180, now I am adding the move your body factor back in as well. There is no magic formula to exercise. Just move. Dedicate 30 mins a day. Work the whole body and then target the problem areas. You dont need a trainer, unless you feel like you have to pay someone to motivate you. The motivation still has to come from within you. Just Do it and stick to it.
Posted by LLBK | September 26, 2006 12:45 PM
Posted on September 26, 2006 12:45