Welcome to Diet and Fitness Podcast, a free audio podcast sponsored by Diet.com. This is your fit, fun, and fabulous host, Lady Diet, ready to give you the skinny on the latest diet fitness health tips and news.

Despite the writers’ strike, we’re in the midst of some really exciting television time. Whether you’re hooked on playoff football or can’t tear yourself away from that Real World finale, it can be tempting to plop down in front of your TV and put your diet and fitness on hold. Worried about becoming a couch potato? Follow these tips and make the most of your tube time.

1. Relocate your exercise machine. Put your treadmill or elliptical in front of your television, then walk or run while you watch. Football games seem to go on forever. You could run a half-marathon before the final whistle blows!

2. Nibble something healthy. Apples fit easily into one hand, so you can still channel surf with your clicker while you munch on something that’s good for you. Not every couch potato needs to eat from a pizza box or snack bag.

3. Jumping jacks are for commercials. Maybe you thought that commercials were only good for turning to your significant other and discussing what’s happened since the last commercial break. But this is your opportunity to burn a few calories! Do some jumping jacks, march in place, dance with your children. Make commercial breaks a BREAK from sitting still!

4. Put some prep in your step. If you know that you’ll be too engrossed in your Shark Week marathon, fix yourself a hearty and healthy meal ahead of time. Feast on one of the many delicious recipes in our Recipes Section . Prep the food a day or two beforehand and you can relax, knowing that you’re eating well.

5. Portion is the potion. Television watching can lead to mindless munching. Keep yourself in check by portioning out small amounts of your favorite snacks. Eat chips out of a small bowl rather than a big box or bag. Or stock up on pre-portioned 100 calorie packs!

If you have taken an oath of loyalty to your television, keep in mind that you still need to be mindful of your health and diet. As important as catching that episode of What Not To Wear may be, your health is more important. Keep these tips in mind and you can make the most out of your must-see TV.

If you have any comments or suggestions about today’s podcast or any fun health diet or fitness tip, please feel free to email me at ladydietpodcast@diet.com.

Stay warm, stay informed and stay focused with Diet.com... this is Lady Diet signing off!