Fitness and Health, Fall 2008

You've heard it before but you know it to be true: Keep up with your fitness program and eat healthy this holiday season. Sounds simple, doesn't it? During this time of year, we become very focused on giving and sometimes we forget about the receiving part. We tend to forget about ourselves. But we have to take care of ourselves or we won't be able to take care of others and we certainly won't enjoy the full potential of the season.

Continuing your exercise program is a great way to keep things in balance. Starting an exercise program would also be a nice present for yourself and will jump-start the new year. The first step is to get up and move. Even 10 minutes of aerobic exercise a day is beneficial for healthy adults.

Be Creative and Find Some Positive Energy

Take the stairs as often as possible.

Park your car a long way from the entrance to wherever you are going.

Walk to the convenience store or grocery store for a few items if you can safely do so.

Put on a coat and go to the park. Play with your kids/pets/grand kids/life partner/strangers. ;-)

No time for the gym? Buy some hand weights for the house. Lift weights for 10 - 15 minutes in the morning or evening.

Take a quick walk during breaks or your lunch hour.

Sign-up for a local race, walking or running. If you have not been training for a longer race like a 10K, most of these events have a 5K. Go for it!

Host a party. That's right. I said you can party! You'll be on your feet entertaining and you'll spend less time eating. I can't say whether or not you'll spend less time drinking though!

Smile! That's right. You'll feel better and so will others around you.

Food for Thought

First of all if you still have any Halloween candy left in your house, GET RID OF IT NOW! You can take it to work and spread around the calories allowing others to hopefully enjoy it in moderation. You could also make cookies with it (if you have Snickers, Reese's, M&Ms, etc.) and take them to work or a party. Let me know if you want a recipe. I just did this recently and really liked the result. Or, I hate to admit this, but some of it probably needs to go in the trash. Go ahead. I won't tell!

I know it's party season. We will all probably receive more invitations that we can manage. Here's some survival techniques:

Try to avoid going to every party that's made available to you. Your friends will understand if you can't make it.

Eat a healthy meal before the party. At the party choose only your favorite foods for snacks and don't be afraid to toss something you tried and didn't like. Eating a so-so high fat treat isn't worth the calories.

I've said it before but I'll say it again. Watch the alcohol consumption. That means limiting the number of drinks not watching the bottles or glasses empty themselves. Try not to hang out at the food table!

If dancing is available, just dance. Can't dance? So what? Just get up there and move.

Finally, whatever you do, I hope you have a healthy, happy, and joyful holiday season.