Dear Hungry-Girl,

You write about food all the time but rarely talk about exercise. Do you think it's important? And do you exercise?

~ Wondering About Workouts

Dear Wondering,

Yes, I absolutely think it is important to exercise, and I do it A LOT. But I'm going to be truthful: I used to hate to work out. A long time ago, I would avoid gyms and gym equipment at all costs. They intimidated me in a huge way. I would attempt intense workouts that were unreasonable or "scary," and then I'd quit and feel bad about myself. Then I changed. I started to do some simple weight training to build muscle, and I began doing low-impact cardio as well. I WISH I were the type of person who could easily run a few miles every day, but I'm not -- so I walk, usually on a treadmill, just fast enough to get my heart rate up a bit. And the thing that keeps me happiest while walking on a treadmill is watching TV. I have a TiVo in my treadmill room, and I watch my favorite shows while I walk. (These days, I like The Next Food Network Star and The Big Bang Theory !) TV helps distract me and makes exercising almost fun. Truly. I typically walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes to an hour, four to five times a week. The key is to figure out what works for YOU -- working out with a friend, listening to upbeat music while you exercise, watching movies while using cardio equipment... ANYTHING that can help make your workouts fun. Now I actually look forward to my workouts. Another thing I learned (thanks to my fancy schmancy Bodybugg!) is that doing simple household chores or even going to the mall can be a good workout. The other day I actually burned more than 200 calories trying on clothes at Nordstrom Rack. (Yes, I tried on A LOT.) Amazing! I also love to play a video game called Rock Band with my husband (I'm the drummer), and I burn about 20 - 35 calories per song while playing. The lesson here? You can find ways to exercise in th e most unlikely places, and you can actually have LOADS of fun doing it. So start exploring and get moving!

www.hungry-girl.com