If it's important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.

The above title is my new mantra for 2012. I have been guilty of excuses, like everyone. And, I have found a way when it has been an important goal in my life.  I'm sure you have experienced both sides of that coin as well.  The 7-steps below are not mine, but I found them to ring true for me and something to remind myself of more often this year.  Maybe put them on a 3x5 card or a bulletin board and check in periodically.  Doing that will go along way toward achieving balance and a goal of a healthier life.  Happy New Year!

7-STEP MODEL FOR HEALTHY LIVING

- NUTRITION: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits
- FRIENDS AND FAMILY: giving and receiving support through relationships
- EMOTIONAL LIFE: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself
- WORK: appreciating your skills, talents and gifts
- MOVEMENT: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity
- MEDICAL CARE: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care
- FAITH LIFE: building a relationship with God, neighbors and self

All I want for Christmas...

Holidays...temptations abound -- cookies, eggnog, parties, heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine, candy....you name it, it's everywhere. We all realize that moderation is the key, not deprivation. Our exercise should increase, but it's cold outside, and the gym is crowded.  We long to snuggle in our pj's in front of the fireplace, sip our hot toddy and watch TV or read a book.  It's hard to resist the call of 'holiday cheer'!  Do you have a strategy?  Or are you planning to just enjoy, and then make that New Year's resolution that starting Monday, January 2nd that you are going to really diet and hit the gym no matter what!  Okay, well that's one idea, but not the smart one.  Start now. Plan your week and your activities.  Scan the office buffet and bring your own contribution, maybe veggies and greek yogurt dip, or fruit.  Eat before you go to the party and for every glass of cheer, drink a glass of water or sparkling water instead of alcohol. I know, you've heard these before. 

My plan is to wear my tightest pants when I go out, so I can have the ongoing reminder of what it feels like when I'm uncomfortable.  AND, if you really want some motivation, contact me for some personal training. I can even meet with you once, set you up on a program to do yourself, and check in with me once a month to monitor progress, or with you and a friend to split the cost. It always helps to have someone to account to!  I wish for you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.  God bless.

Turkey Daze

Hi friends, well it's that time of year when we either look forward to or dread the holidays and the beginning of "feast" season.  The annual 'stuffing' of the bird and/or 'stuffing' of ourselves begins next week with Thanksgiving.  So here are five good ideas to think about when facing the onslaught of holiday parties and family dinners.  1) Think ahead of time about how you will handle social occasions.  Never go to a dinner or party when you are starving. Always eat a small meal of protein or fiber first - an apple, hummas, string cheese or veggies will help curb hunger.  2) Find lower calorie versions of your favorite dishes and trim the fat.  3)  Think portion control - if you are going to eat the green bean casserole, have half the portion of what you would usually have -- have a taste, not a super size portion.  3)  Watch the holiday drinks. For every alcoholic drink, drink a large glass of water or switch to a lower calorie drink like a wine spritzer, or go alcohol free, with sparkling cider or tonic and lime.  4)  Keep up your exercise, even if it several short walks during the day to burn calories.  5)  If your work place becomes a free-for-all buffet of goodies, bring something you can eat instead, like a fruit plate, veggies and hummas, or dried fruit and whole almonds or nuts without salt.

It's not easy to do -- environment will always trump willpower (even for the most disciplined, it can be a struggle), so control the environment and it will be half the battle against weight gain between now and the new year. 

November arrives!

Wow, the year is almost over.  Have you reached the goals you set for yourself in January?  It's not too late to start. Today I met with a new client whose goals are to improve her flexibility, balance and to lose weight. She has some other physical changes too -- more than most people. But her willingness to begin the process is what is important. She wants to change. She needs someone to help her, to motivate and yes, push her a little.  Working on her own has not produced the results she wants.  So, what about you?  The holidays are almost here.  How do you plan to spend the winter season?  Hiding under clothes or going to parties looking and feeling great.  Your choice.  I'd love to join you in making the choice for fitness! 

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to my 'blog'!! I hope to provide useful, factual, and even some humorous information and comment on topics of health, fitness, nutrition and just living in the 'temple' of one's body!  I spent way too many years struggling with body image and self-confidence, using diet and deprivation instead of proper nutrition and exercise.  I can honestly say I feel younger and stronger now than ever - and I'm almost 60 years old (egads!).  It's taken me a lifetime to learn the lessons of good health. 

My life now is working for myself, being a personal trainer and fitness instructor, I understand the process of aging and how and why we feel the way we do - but most importantly I know how you can feel better and feel ageless!  Stay tuned. I'll be telling more of my story in future blogposts, and sharing what I've learned.