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When you were born you were given a unique one of a kind gift. You were given the genetic code to be YOU, someone unlike anyone else in the world. Whether or not it is the particular gift you might have wanted, it is the gift you have. You can choose to honor that gift or not.

You may have received the genetic code to be tall or short, large-boned or average, the tendency to be more of a pear shape or an apple, and so much more. No matter what your gift, I guarantee you that you are beautiful!

I encourage you to find a way to get fit and healthy for the body shape you have. You might lose weight and then again you might not. But in the process of getting fit you will look better, feel better, and reduce your risk for health problems both now and in the future.

Here are some of the many benefits you could have with a primary goal to get fit not slim:

1. One of the most immediate benefits is that you can have fun! Yes fun. There are many different possibilities for exercise to propel you on your path to fitness. Walking is always a good choice but why stop there?

How about hiking, or belly dancing, or pole dancing? Explore the options. There are hundreds if not thousands of ways to get active, burn calories, have fun and get in shape!

2. When you exercise, a healthy diet plan will not only ALLOW you to eat more food than when you choose to diet without exercise, it will REQUIRE you do so to avoid slowing down your metabolism. More food is good right?

3. If you are 35+, your hormones may have begun to dance in unpredictable ways. You may find it to be challenging enough just to maintain weight much less lose weight.

4. If hormonal changes aren't enough, your metabolism begins to slow down by age 40 if not sooner. Exercising to burn 100 calories a day could mean the difference between no weight gain and a gain of 10 pounds in one year.

5. Adding a little more muscle is a good! Yes, muscle weighs three times more than an equal amount of fat. But muscle burns more calories than fat tissue and gives you the added benefit of toning and shaping your body. New studies have revealed that women who lose a significant amount of weight WITHOUT exercising have MORE cellulite than those who have not added muscle or have not lost any weight at all!

6. With low calorie diets it is difficult to obtain all the nutrients you need. However, given that you can eat somewhat more when you exercise, it is easier to obtain the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber you need to stay healthy. Food sources of these nutrients are far more beneficial than most supplements.

7. Women who are slim are at much higher risk of getting osteoporosis. Having a little extra weight gives you the advantage of greater protection for your bones.

Seven solid reasons to get fit not slim. Go now and pick your exercise program, have fun, get fit, feel better and look better! Just remember to appreciate who you are each day on your path to fitness because you are already beautiful!

Lori Pirog, M.S. is a Nutritionist who shares her knowledge of healthy eating and weight management in her articles, blogs, and websites.