Looking to get into shape? Consider signing up for fitness sessions with Norton Fitness, a personal training company serving Houston, Texas. The personal trainers at Norton Fitness undergo rigorous screening and training before they meet with clients. Each trainer must not only be nationally certified, but also insured, highly educated in the field, and personable. Having met these initial requirements, trainers are still required to pass another Norton exam that encompasses all the fundamentals of personal training, from diet and weight lifting to rehabbing bodies and medicinal approaches to fitness. And they must re-take the test every six months in order to stay on as a trainer, thus proving they haven't fallen behind as the various fields continue to advance.

Needless to say, Norton Fitness's trainers are more than equipped to propel any client toward their fitness and health goals. After an initial assessment, trainers create a one-of-a-kind workout plan designed specifically for the individual. They always take into account existing health conditions and other potential roadblocks, so clients only partake in safe exercises. With continuing education from nutritionists, doctors, a chiropractor, and even a psychologist, the trainers always come up with fresh ways to make fitness fun.

Norton Fitness
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 779-1902
www.nortonfitness.com
www.yelp.com/biz/norton-fitness-houston-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/timtak

If you’re in the mood for simple, filling Southern fare, head straight for Treebeards. Open for lunch only, this small chain of cafeteria-style eateries serves all of your favorite homestyle Southern dishes, including fried chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and flavorful jambalaya just like they make it in New Orleans. Fill up on meatloaf just like Mom used to make it, then add a side of seafood gumbo made according to the traditional Louisiana style. Don't skip the popular butter cake for dessert, provided that you’re not already too full, of course!

Enjoy your food at one of the wooden tables inside of the cozy, family-friendly eatery, or venture outdoors to the balcony to spend some time people watching over Market Square while you eat.

Treebeards is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. The restaurant is closed on weekends.

Treebeards
711 Louisiana St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-6677
www.treebeards.com
www.yelp.com/biz/treebeards-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr n_sonic

Sure, a diet involves cutting back on fat and calories, but that doesn’t mean that you should ever feel hungry. Here are some tips for losing weight without going hungry.

1. Don't fast. Trendy cleanse diets involve drinking only water, juice, or not eating anything at all in order to shed pounds. While you might lose a bit of weight at first, fasting actually slows your metabolism down and causes you to gain more weight once you start eating again.
2. Always eat breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day because it fuels you for the rest of the day. Try something with whole grains, protein, and fresh fruits and veggies to stay full without adding unnecessary calories.
3. Stay away from starches. While foods like potatoes and breads will make you feel full very quickly, these food are filled with little more than carbs. Opt for whole grains or sweet potatoes instead.
4. Plan your meals. If you plan your meals ahead of time, you won’t have to choose what to eat once your hunger starts to set in (which can lead to overeating).

Diet Myth or Truth: Fasting Is Effective for Weight Loss [WebMD]
10 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Without Starving [Men’s Health]
Losing Weight [CDC]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Joanna Slodownik