Success Or Failure...Up To You

      With New Year's Day rapidly approaching, we start to look at our lives--what we would like to keep and what we would like to change.  I am more of a "Bucket List" person, constantly adding to a list of things I would like to do before I die. My wife makes that "lose 20 lbs" and give up diet soda pair of resolutions, every year.  I always advise that it is better to make a resolution to be healthy-- to eat healthier, to move more, to be more active and to keep flexible.  I do encourage giving up diet soda and artificial sweeteners as they are the worst things for your body.
     Sometimes our goals are in sync. We both still want to ride on a zip-line when the weather gets nicer,  Sometimes they aren't.  I like to "Run Around Scranton". She likes to wait in the bar that the run begins at until I finish.  I have no problem with that.
     As human beings, we have a natural tendency to seek blame for our problems.  Stress at work or at home causes us to eat and gain weight.  It was just too hard on the holidays to pass up all of the treats and drinks. We have to run around after work, so we can't exercise as much as we would like to. The list of excuses can be endless, but they are just that--excuses.  You can seek the help of Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, Atkins, Shakeology--to reach your weight loss goals.  However, if you don't want to lose weight, are not ready to lose weight or are going to make more excuses, you might as well save your money. You have the power to change your life and only you can make it happen.  Your determination, your lifestyle changes, your ability to cope with all that gets thrown at you--these are the deciding factors in keeping your resolutions.  It is about balance, not deprivation, starvation or unhappiness.  It is about keeping yourself moving and motivated.  It is your attitude that will determine your ability to succeed.


Attitude is everything...

Season of Balance

       No matter what you do, you are still doing more than someone who is sitting on the couch watching TV.   If you go outside tonight while it's snowing and sweep the sidewalk or clean off the cars, or you carry those decorations up from the cellar, you are burning calories.  I have been so busy lately, this morning I felt stiff and I knew I just needed to get up and move.  I jumped on the trampoline and did some stretches and it made a big difference in how I finished my day. 

      This is a season of balance.  Trying to balance work, Christmas shopping, dinners or day trips with family or friends, lunch or dinner on the go, can be hard on your body.    Making better choices during the daytime, packing better lunches for work and moving a little more on your free time can help.  Park in the back of the parking lot when you go to the store or the mall so that you have to walk further to the door.  Carry the bags into your house one at a time so that you get the extra benefit of walking back and forth. Buy extra fruit and vegetables for snacking and for sharing with your guests.  While you can still put out the cookies and nut roll, it is nice to have choices. Keep yourself hydrated and don't drink diet soda.  Keep away from the artificial sweeteners and additives. As I always say, the key to life is balance and you should always enjoy yourself.                                                                                                                                                                               Life is short, enjoy it!

     

Enjoy Yourself

     My wife and I like to take rides and go to fairs, festivals, flea markets and breweries.  This time of year, as all of the shopping and decorating is underway, we like to go to to places like Christkindlmarkt in Mifflinburg, then to Country Cupboard in Lewisburg for dinner and shopping.  There are a lot of festivals, craft shows and marketplaces--each offering their share of smoked meats, cheeses, sweets and alcohol. This can provide a challenge when you want to be healthy and still enjoy yourself.
     As I have always said, the key to life is balance.  Exercise and a balanced diet during the week--like my daily dose of beans--will enable you to indulge on the weekends or on special occasions.  I like to make soup from beans because they are a good source of protein, B Vitamins, fiber, iron and potassium.  They also keep you feeling fuller longer, lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels balanced.
    If you exercise a little bit every day, or a little more intensely a few times a week, you keep yourself flexible and you are more likely to be able to walk farther and stand longer.  Take a walk, go for a run, jump on the trampoline, rake the leaves...do whatever you can to move as often as you can. Stretch your muscles and lift some light weights to keep your heart pumping.  You can enjoy all that this time of year has to offer if you just maintain your balance.

        Have fun and keep moving!