4) You can't lose weight overnight.

You didn't gain it overnight -- or in two months -- and you're not going to lose it overnight -- or in two months. Think of getting fit as a train leaving station: you start off slow, gather speed and then off you go! Patience is key here. Look for consistent trends. If you're really not losing fat and getting stronger after a couple of months, then you need to sit down and honestly analyze what you're doing. Keep a journal to help you know how you're really eating and exercising.

3) You can't spot reduce.

Genetics will decide where fat will come off. Doing 1000 crunches won't reduce your belly fat. Nor will 1000 leg lifts get rid of fat on your inner thighs. Your body does not burn fat it needs from body part that you're exercising. Your body will burn fat much like an onion is peeled, a layer at a time, if you will. So, don't overdo it on exercise for one specific body part and look to getting your whole body in shape.

2) There are no quick fixes.

That's right, you heard me. There are no quick fixes. None. Put all those pills, potions, contraptions and miracle diets in garbage where they belong. Learn basics about how your body gains muscle and loses fat, so you won't get sucked in by another scam again.

1) Fitness is a lifelong commitment!

So, you faithfully work out and eat properly and you've reached your goals. Now what? Well, now you've got to keep doing it for rest of your life, that's what! You can't just work your way to being fit and then stop, because you'll end up exactly like you were before. Fitness is a lifelong commitment. And, you want to know a secret? It isn't easy! And anyone who says it is easy is trying to sell you something. Make fitness a lifelong ambition and you'll reap rewards of a long and healthy life, filled with energy, strength and an overall sense of well being.

Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil

1-cup oil – olive is preferable, but any kind will do 2 tbsp. dried rosemary

Place oil and rosemary in a small saucepan on lowest possible heat. Let gently heat for 1 hour (longer is okay). Let oil cool, then strain out rosemary using cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Apply oil to your scalp and hair, making sure to get oil down to scalp, and to thoroughly saturate all your hair. Gently massage your scalp and comb oil through your hair. If you can get a friend to give you a scalp massage, even better! Leave on at least 15 minutes, then shampoo out. May take more than one shampoo to remove all oil. Rosemary is an excellent hair and scalp treatment; it stimulates hair growth and scalp circulation, keeping your skin and hair healthy. The oil helps improve luster and shine and works as an excellent detangler and conditioner. This treatment works best if do it at least twice a month, and is far more effective than synthetic conditioners, which can actually cause drying and scalp irritation in many people, due to chemical and petroleum components.

Herbal Body Powder

¼ cup baking soda ¾ cup cornstarch Powdered dried herbs or flowers (optional)

In a food processor, coffee grinder or blender, place 2 tbsp. herbs or flowers from your garden or local health foods store. Grind to a fine powder, and then combine all three ingredients together. Put in a recycled shaker container (Parmesan cheese containers work well) or in a widemouth tin. Use as an all-over body powder or as a daily alternative to store-bought deodorants. This powder also works well to help keep feet dry and healthy.

Suggestions for Herbs and Flowers to use: (box or sidebar) Roses – for delicate fragrance Lavender – to combat odor, and for an excellent unisex fragrance Mint – Makes a great foot powder Sage – has excellent odor fighting properties, works well for powder to be used as an underarm deodorant. Chamomile – soothing and gentle, excellent for rashes or as a baby powder.

Feel free to use your creativity to change and expand these recipes according to what resources are available to you. And don’t forget – these recipes make excellent gifts, especially if they contain herbs or flowers from your garden, or perhaps honey or citrus fruits that you have raised and harvested. You and your family will enjoy knowing that what you use to cleanse, powder, soothe and moisturize your body is as healthy and nourishing as what you put into it.