Shortcuts, Shysters and Shenanigans

New Year's Eve, around 1am. The festivities had died down and most of the celebrants had left. Talk turned to health, and stories began about a woman on the other side of the county that can diagnose all of your ills by looking at your eyeballs. There were claims about people being yellow and jaundiced being cured by said woman and her herbal remedies.

Then, the box appeared. Yep, you guessed it: an herbal cleanse/detox.

(sigh)

As many of us begin or renew our fitness-related resolutions, do not fall for the shortcuts, shysters and shenanigans that will be marketed to you here or elsewhere.

Track your eating and exercise, build supportive friendships, and learn the facts. Don't fall for the many myths perpetuated, many of which are only designed to make your wallet lighter.

Do yourself a favor and bookmark this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/457-unofficial-mfp-faq

There, you will find gems, like these...

The simple secret to weight loss: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390143-calories-in-vs-calories-out

Set realistic expectations: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390214-expectations-during-weight-loss

You will experience fluctuations: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390212-weight-fluctuations-why-do-they-happen

You don't need a "cleanse": http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390150-should-i-do-this-cleanse

Find advice from real docs, not Dr. Oz: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/402632-i-heard-dr-oz-recommend

In most cases, how many meals you eat a day is of no import: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/397321-should-i-eat-lots-of-smaller-meals

You won't turn into a fat gremlin if you eat after 6pm: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390149-should-i-eat-at-night

You don't have to starve yourself to lose weight: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390151-should-i-do-the-hcg-diet

Pine Cone Bird Feeders are easy and fun to make: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/409529-pine-cone-bird-feeder