I’ve been debating the best way to share with everyone the ways I changed my diet/lifestyle to get back in shape. I think “Quick tips” posts are the best way to do it.

Quick summary: I moved to SoCal in May 2008. I completely messed up my diet, and by November of the same year I was nearing 200 pounds (+55 lbs since moving). I couldn’t believe it when I finally stepped on a scale, so from then on I changed things up to get in the best shape of my life. It took close to a year, but now I’m finished with weight loss and it feels great. The next step for me is muscle building.

If you’re looking to get in better shape, I really hope these tips help you. Life has never been better, thanks in part to getting in shape. Feel free to leave questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.

- WATER. TEA. SKIM MILK. Do not drink anything else. Sodas – even diet ones – are complete crap and do nothing for you. Despite being calorie free, these things are still filled with random, mysterious ingredients that are working against you.

- Go to the gym 5 – 6 times a week. You are not too busy to spend an hour at the gym. The President of the United States goes to the gym. Are you busier than the President? If you’re fooling yourself into believing that, it’s because you’re lazy. Go right after class, go right after work, go the minute you wake up. As the folks at Nike say, “just do it”.

- Switch to fat free, low fat foods and stop snacking. This statement may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most important tips. These fat free/low fat foods aren’t the most fun to eat, but it’s part of the process. I highly recommend Lean Cuisine meals – they’re delicious and help you easily manage calorie intake.

- Buy a pull up bar for your home. To build muscle, the body must break down the existing muscles and rebuild them (that’s how it works in a nutshell). By rebuilding these muscles you’re also burning lots of extra calories after working out. This is why I recommend buying a pull up bar. Install one of these babies in your bathroom doorway. Every time you go to the bathroom, do 5 reps (start small, build up to 20 – 30 reps). I do this and it has provided quick results. Look forward to tight arms, more calorie building, and ABS! (yes I have my very own 6 pack)

Helpful? I hope so. Don’t forget to leave questions if you have any. Did you know I have a Twitter account for getting in shape? @AndyActive.