For two years in a row, the magazine has voted Texas' oil capital as the city with the widest girth.

In reponse to Men's Fitness magazine, the city through its Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Shape Up Houston held "Houston's Challenge Day 2002."

With Denise Austin, fitness expert and Sumbeam Health-o-meter® spokesperson on the lead, the city held a fitness walk around the Seymour Liberman Jogging Trail.

Austin also demonstrated warm-up activities with Houston City officials and all the participants before the fitness walk.

Denise Austin did not just "walked the talk," she also gave tips on how to eat right;

1. Eat in moderation. I eat well 80 percent of the time and enjoy treats 20 percent of the time.
2. Try not to eat late at night. I try to allow three hours to help metabolize my dinner before bed.
3. Drink plenty of water. Water is critical to help metabolize fat.
4. Be a smart shopper. I try to shop the perimeter of the grocery store first, because that is where all the fresh produce, meats, fish and low-fat dairy products are located. Plus I read labels for fat, sodium and fiber content. Nothing enters my basket that I haven't read about first.
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions when dining out. I believe in ordering exactly what you want. So ask how foods are cooked -- don't be embarrassed to take control!
6. Keep moving! I work out almost every day for 30 minutes. Schedule those activities into your calendar.
7. Be positive! Be proud you are a unique, beautiful person -- the one and only you! Be confident, healthier and happier. You are worth it!

Work deadlines, parent-teacher conferences, diapers, errands -- it's easy to let our busy schedules get in the way of regular exercise. First step: Identify your exercise obstacles. Then find ways to deal with them one by one. Here are some simple solutions to get you started:

Problem: I don't have time to exercise.

Solution: Who does? We need to make exercise a TOP PRIORITY! Successful exercisers make workouts integral parts of their daily routines. So schedule daily appointments with yourself (write them down in your day planner or on your calendar!) and treat them as you would a doctor's appointment or business meeting -- you're going to be there, no ifs, ands or buts.

Problem: I have to take care of my family.

Solution: Plan fitness activities that include your kids -- ride a bike, play kickball, go ice-skating, bowl or throw an impromptu dance contest in your living room. If you have a little one, use a baby carrier and climb stairs or power walk at your local mall.

Problem: I'd rather spend time with friends.

Solution: Make exercise a social activity. Organize a mixed-doubles tennis match, recruit friends for a hike or long walk or join a local bicycle club with your buddies.

Problem: I'm too tired.

Solution: OK -- then just exercise for five minutes. You owe yourself that. Chances are, though, if you make it through five minutes, you'll make it through 10, and before you know it, you whole workout! Those first five minutes are always the hardest, but you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish once you start. You can avoid lethargy by making sure you have plenty of fuel -- grab an energy-boosting snack like graham crackers, low-fat yogurt or a banana.

Problem: I'm just not motivated enough.

Solution: Find an exercise buddy. Research shows that having a dedicated partner makes you more likely to stick with an exercise program. You won't skip your power walk or date at the gym if your friend is waiting for you on the corner! Afterward, you'll feel doubly great because you not only had a great workout, but you also overcame procrastination. It takes a little effort, but you can do it!