MANILA, Philippines—Does walking 10,000 steps a day really help one lose weight? I have been asked this countless of times as I have been wearing a pedometer daily for over two years now.

The Japanese have discovered that those who walk at least 10,000 steps a day have an easier time maintaining their weight.

Those who need to lose weight however must walk some 12,500 to 15,000 steps daily.

As I was preparing for my wedding, my husband and I would clock in as much as 44,000 steps a day.

As a result, my wedding gown, which could not zip up the month before, became loose on the big day.

Now for the bad news. Since it started raining last May, plus having a busier schedule that has tied me down to my computer, I have not met my 10,000 steps minimum. So I have gained a whopping 20 pounds without changing my eating habits. So yes, 10,000 steps a day really does work.

I advise anyone who wants to lose weight and keep fit to invest in a pedometer so one can motivate oneself to do more walking. It is such a high to see those numbers move up and one will be amazed at how the laziest office-bound person naturally does 3,000 to 5,000 steps easily so 10,000 aren’t really that much.

Strap it on the moment you wake up; remove it only when showering or you’re about to sleep. In choosing the right kind, get one with a cover or the reset button at the back so you do not hit it by accident because there is nothing more frustrating when it gets back to zero.

Where to buy: The Store Shop at Park Square 1 Makati or Avant. Prices range from P265 to P850. Go to any watch store to replace batteries at P100.

Help boost your weight loss by cutting down on carbohydrates and sugar. It is best to consult a doctor regarding a diet and do not stay on zero carbohydrates too long.

In my case, my extended Atkins of one year despite doctor’s warning brought about a painful gout attack. Look into South Beach or the likes of The Zone instead.

Green tea

That obsession for vanilla-scented body products has been replaced by green tea for now. I have found vanilla relaxes me too much I just want to lie down and eat dessert.

Energizing Citrus scents are pretty much identified with summer, like the Philippine climate, and autumn green tea is something that can be worn all year round.

Aside from the refreshing scent that perks one up (enough for me to hit the gym and concentrate on work), the skin product has antioxidant properties that help repair sun damage.

Below are products with green-tea ingredients.

Fragrance: Elizabeth Arden. Green tea is present in its Classic, Lotus and Revitalize lines. Classic has been the bestseller in EA the group for years now.

Bath and Body: The Natural Sources Daintree Mineral Salt Rub (P1,695) and Body Whip (P1,595); Godiva Green Tea Soap (P76) and SPF 25 Sunblock in tube (P224); Elianto shower gel (P299), body scrub (P499) and lotion (P399), facial wash (P339), and toner (P369); Brook and Ivy Tea Infusion shower gel (P165), body buff (P265/185g jar), body milk (P195) and Skin Scent spray (P225); and Dove Beauty Body’s Fresh Moisture wash with cucumber and green tea.

Brook and Ivy available at all Crossings Department store and Landmark with kiosk at Robinson’s Galleria. Check website at www.brookandivy.com.

Elianto available at SM Pampanga, SM Mall of Asia while TNS has branches at Bonifacio High Street and Glorietta 4.

E-mail the author at kinnysalas@yahoo.com.