COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) – As we turn the page into the new year, one of the most popular resolutions is the commitment to better health and even dropping a few pounds.  The majority of resolutions, however, are often over about thirteen days into the new year. Dear readers, this writer is hoping to be in the minority, and with the help with some friends, I want to get jumpstarted, and make some long lasting changes to health, strength, and get a step closer to the Man of Steel. According to Strong Foundations Founder Lori Lapin small lifestyle changes can have impacts that last a lifetime.  These changes are mind, activity, and of course, diet.  Staying away from processed foods is the number one change that can have a major impact in health, and of course dropping those extra pounds that may have snuck up on you.  “If it doesn’t have a Mom,” she says, “don’t eat it.” Of course, a touch tongue in cheek, but the point is obvious – It is about choices.  Lapin’s Faster Way to Weight Loss provides the roadmap to making better food choices.  Lapin points out that the program is “not a diet,” but a lifestyle of choosing better foods that have a major impact on your goals.  She points out that losing weight and overall health can actually mean you are eating MORE, but the RIGHT stuff. Lapin stacked me up with reading material, so that I can educate myself on the foods that will give my body what it needs, without adding less “not so great stuff” we often reach for.  Natural foods, like vegetables, proteins, grains, fruits, and a ton of other tasty things are all part of the program. The right diet, coupled with exercise – of many types – will have a major impact on overall health, appearance, and of course, CONFIDENCE. Like many of us, I happened to find a few extra over the last part of the year…you know Christmas cheer and all, so I decided to enlist the help of my friends over at Balance Medical Day Spa, Kathy Ames and Dr. Tony Chauhan, who work with patients on various things, including weight loss.  According to Ames, with the use of semaglutides and other similar drugs, getting a jump start to weight loss is an attainable thing.  She does point out, however, that these drugs aren’t necessarily something that are meant to be used to control weight for the rest of your life.  She points out that they are a great way to start, but then overall lifestyle changes will maintain your health for the rest of your life.             So I decided to go ahead and pull the trigger – On Monday, I spent the morning at Stronger Foundations on Forrest Drive, learning about the program, and the importance of nutrition and exercise.   After a fun morning of education, it was off to Irmo where the good doctor gave me the extra little “boost” I needed to jump start my way to my end goals. After some online shopping with the Faster Way to Weight Loss guide, I felt like I was set-up for success. Over the next six weeks, with the help of friends, We’re going to find out first hand if it is possible to Make Superman!   ***UPDATE January 9*** It was a strength day – a great routine with Lori – 30 hard minutes, getting the heart up, worked the full body, with military presses, squats, planks, chest and back….whew!  One important part – Strength training paired with complex carbs and proteins for results paired with a 30 minute strength workout will be super effective! A great source of energy that will help burn fat includes potatoes, rice, veggies, and even CARBS – yes, CARBS!   Categories: Digital Exclusives and Features