Saturated fats are unhealthy fats that are associated with a myriad of health problems. They contain virtually nothing nutritious or good for your body, it's only role is it can be burned as energy. The fact is, you don't need saturated fats at all, but typical diet is jam-packed with them. For health reasons, you want to consume as little saturated fats as possible. Saturated fats are generally solid at room temperature and can be found in butter, margarine, dairy, cheese, and meats. I am not recommending you become a vegetarian and eliminate meat from your diet, but make sure when you are at meat counter you select lean cuts. You do not have to eat meat every day. There are many other good non-animal sources of protein including beans, soy, and tofu.

The truth is, some fats are health promoting and essential to life itself. I recently read a great book by Dr. Udos Erasmus, one of world's foremost experts on dietary fats. I highly recommend you read his best selling book "Fats That Heal, Fat's That Kill." Dr. Erasmus believes that eating enough healthy fats is just as important to maintaining health as eliminating unhealthy fats.

If money is an issue and you can't afford to buy equipment mentioned above, all you need is a VCR. There are hundreds of great video tapes designed for toning, weight loss and fat burning. If you don't want to go to a gym, this allows you to exercise in privacy and comfort of your own home.

All exercise video tapes are designed with music as a background. Music is a powerful tool when it comes to exercise. It lifts your spirits and increases your enthusiasm. Music also takes your mind off clock and makes your workouts seem to go faster.

Exercise to music that you enjoy. If you like music from 50's, 60's and 70's, Richard Simmons "Sweating To The Oldies", or Cory Everson's "Step In Time" are great beginner level programs. If you like martial arts and self defense, purchase a tae bo tape.

If you are in decent shape, semi-coordinated and like today's dance music, you can choose from several of MTV's "The Grind Workout Hip Hop Aerobics", Paula Abdul's, "Get Up And Dance", Milo Levell's "Hip Hop Body Shop", Kathy Smith's "Latin Rhythm Workout", or Christy Lane's "Funky Freestyle Dancing."

If you have two left feet like me, you will quickly be able to master Denise Austin's Xtralite Beginner's Aerobics.

All of these tapes and hundreds more are available for sale at most music and major department stores. If you want to check out a tape before you buy it, most of these video tapes can also be rented at your local video store.

Incorporating these simple principles into your daily routine will make it much easier for you to stick to program, improve your health, and move closer to your fitness goals.