exercise
I have to agree that exercise is the most important aspect of losing weight. I was a runner for a few yrs. I ate what I wanted to but since I was exercising I WANTED to eat healthy. It is important to exercise while dieting so you dont lose muscle and if you gain muscle while you exercise thats even better since one lb of muscle burns 50 cals per day... the more muscle the better. Besides that when you exercise you burn lots more calories that if you dont and you keep burning more calories even after you stopped exercising.
Exercising gives you a natural high as well! if you are feeling down go outside an go for a nice LONG walk! see if you dont feel better! you dont have to be a fitness fanatice to enjoy the benefits of physical activity!
Ever know a woman the is addicted to cleaning her house? I have a friend who cleans her house top to bottom 2 or three times a week. If she didnt have other commitments I am sure that she would do it everyday! I figured out why too.. not only do you get a clean house but you get a workout and you get that natural high feeling too. thats probalby why she is so positive all the time that we all want to... well I can write that...ehehe...
Other benefits of exercise...increase you bone mass... very important for women over 30, keeps your appetite down, nice legs..help you sleep better at night, which in turn allows your body to repair itself, so many benefits!
one thing about stairs though.. they are really good! but start off very slow you wouldnt want to hurt your knees or get shin splints!