TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY NEW YEARS DAY 2010!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Thank you all for your support, love, encouragement, and inspiration this past year. It has been great. Even if we didn't meet all our goals as long as we are still working on the weight loss challenge and are still trying that is really all that counts. As for the next year I plan on keeping on trying to lose the weight I need to. I hope you join me. Start today by setting some new or continuing goals for next year. Don't go over board. 4 or 5 goals set and striving for are plenty to start with. Again thanks for everything and:
HAPPY NEW YEAR.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

SET REALISTIC GOALS. No one can expect to change a lifetime's worth of habits overnight. Select a few reasonable resolutions, and create an action plan to achieve them. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I have set my goals for 2010 and hope you have to. It is one of the best ways to get going on the new year.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

GET SOME SUN. It will help improve your mood and energy levels throughout the stressful season. Open your shades during the day, sit near windows when indoors, and spend some time outside each day.
Good advice but it will be 3 months before the sun really shines in this town. "City of Sunshine" my butt.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

EMBRACE THE SEASON. Instead of avoiding the cold and the snow, try a winter sport like ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, snow shoeing or sledding. Enjoy these opportunities while they last.
I tried this very tip this morning. I went for my 2 mile walk and the temperature outside was a brisk 25 degrees. It was COLD and there is nothing enjoyable about 25 degrees.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

DE-STRESS. You'll enjoy the holidays more if you're calm and relaxed. Make stress relief a priority by journaling, meditating, and exercising regularly. When things get hectic, take a step back and refocus on what matters most.
I wish this tip was for December 1st instead of December 27th. I worried about what goodies were going to be given out this year to family and friends until I made 6 different cookies and 6 different candies and with making so much there was lots left over that we just finished off. Not only was the stress not worth it but all the extras calories consumed and pound put on were not necessary. I feel like a slug who over stressed for an entire month.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

DRINK WATER. Holiday beverages, from eggnog to champagne abound! But they also add empty calories to your diet. Stay hydrated by drinking water all day. At the party, alternate water with other beverages.
I know that last December I gave up all soda and did really good up until this Thanksgiving and I have been eating too many snacks and drinking lots and lots of soda. Not a happy camper when I get on the scale this coming Monday. YUCK.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

REST UP. Don't skimp on sleep during the holidays--you'll only feel stressed out and run down. Plan your days so you can check off your to-do list and still make it to bed for 8 hours of shut eyes.
Wow with grandchildren we are thrilled with 5-6 hours sleep each night and there is no time for naps or exercise. I sure hope I don't put on too much weight. We will see come Monday. Try to get some sleep tonight.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

MERRY CHRISTMAS...Just enjoy the day with family and friends and know that you are all loved very much.
Merry Christmas and we love you.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY CHRISTMAS EVE!

MAKE HEALTHY SUBSTITUTIONS. Try applesauce in place of oil, two egg whites, instead of one egg and skim milk in place of regular milk when baking. Look for ways to cut sugar and use whole grains too.
I have been doing this for months and Calvin still hasn't caught on so I can keep it up. The substitutions don't hurt him either as long as he doesn't know.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

DOWNSIZE. You don't have to stay to the end of every party or attend every gathering. Look at your list of events and obligations and see where you can cut back on time, energy, and money.
We did this very thing this year. If we really didn't have to be someplace and didn't really want to attend we just stayed. Obligations we did of course meet but many extras were just that and we skipped them. It was great and saved some money.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

USE A SMALLER PLATE. Make just one trip to the food table, and fill only a salad-sized plate with your favorites. This helps keep portions under control.
I love this tip and I have been using a smaller plate since last spring and you really do think you are eating more because of the plate size. Try it and see.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

GIVE BACK. Too often we focus on ourselves, but the holidays provide ample opportunities to give back. Whether you donate your money or your time, don't forget about those in need.
Enough said.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

DON'T SKIP MEALS. If you eat healthy foods at regular intervals throughout the day, you're much less likely to overeat at a party.
I have a terrible problem with this one. If I get busy on a project I just don't think to stop and eat anything then when I finally realize I am hungry I either eat too much or the wrong foods, so I am going to work on this more.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

TINY SIZE IT. Cut calories by cutting portion sizes. Cut pie into 10 slices not 6 or 8. Cut brownies and cakes into bite size pieces, and cake smaller cookies and mini muffins.
Boy this makes perfect sense, so why haven't I thought of this before. I bought a cookie scoop at Michael's and I just love it. The cookies are smaller and tend to turn out better since they are all the same size. Best $3.00 I ever spent on myself.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

START A NEW TRADITION. Focus on fun activities, not food. Take a walk to see the neighborhood decorations, sing some holiday carols, see a play or volunteer to help those in need.
This sounds like a good tip but usually after these suggested activities, it is cold outside and everyone comes home to hot chocolate and "LOTS OF COOKIES". Not sure this would work.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

JUST SAY NO. Just because everyone is eating does not mean that you have to. Choosing smaller portions shouldn't offend a host, but sometimes it may be necessary to decline.
I will let you know how this tip works. At our meeting in 1 hour there will be 6 of us ladies here to plan next year's calendar. Everyone is bringing a plate of cookies and I have 6 different cookies. To go along with this we will have hot chocolate. I don't know. I am going to try and I will see how many calories I have left to use but we will see. This is my big test.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

STAY POSITIVE. Everyone makes mistakes, so there will be times when even the most disciplined person overeats or skips a workout. Don't worry--just get back on track. Staying positive is half the battle.
I think this is the perfect tip for the next couple of weeks. I have been making candies and cookies for 2 days now and will finish up tomorrow afternoon, and I have been pretty good. I am staying under in my calories but I haven't had many healthy foods today. I have to be careful.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

BRING A HEALTHY DISH. when attending a party, cook a healthy low-cal dish to share. This way, you'll have at least one healthy option when you're there.
Another thought is that if you take a low-calorie healthy dish you will be the only one eating it so you will have plenty of left overs to take home, so don't make to large of a dish.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY AND 500TH POST!!!

SWEAT MORE. Some research shows that adding just 10 more minutes of intense exercise to your usual workout can stave off holiday weight gain.
Some days I think I am doing good just to exercise the 30 minutes I am doing now. I am not sure another 10 minutes is something I am in favor of. Maybe after the holidays I will find I need that 10 minutes but I am just getting use to the program I am doing this week to try something different.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

STOP WHEN FULL. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to overeating on the unhealthy food court fare. Also stash some emergency healthy snacks in your car or purse. Try nuts, whole grain crackers, and dried fruit.
This really makes lots of sense. I think the hardest part of staying away from food courts would be all the great smells. We are lucky here in that we have no malls therefore we have no food courts.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

WASH YOUR HANDS. The holiday season coincides with cold and flu season. Keep germs at by by washing your hands will after shopping, visiting and more. No one wants sickness to interfere with their fun.
DUH! What has this to do with dieting and exercise...I have no clue but go wash your hands anyway.

CHRISTMAS WISHES!!!

LET'S SENT CHRISTMAS WISHES ON THE BLOG...Once you have your tree up PLEASE take a picture of yourself, yes I mean have someone else take it, and send it on to me. I will add it to the blog page and we will see if we can get one from everyone. Liisa this means Angela too, Joleane this means your sister Sarah too, and of course this means Laurie too. This should give us at least a dozen Christmas photos and trees to enjoy. Thanks for your help.

HOW DID WE DO THAT FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER?

WELL IT IS DECEMBER. The last month of the year. We all had such high hopes. I know I wanted to lose 130 plus pounds in 2009. It did not take me long or many trips to the doctor to learn that was an unrealistic goal. So I changed my goal to dropping just 80 pounds in 2009. We are left with just a few weeks left. How are we doing? Here are the results for the first week of December.

Liisa added 1 pound.
Becky added 2 pounds.
Yvonne stayed the same.
Joleane lost 1/2 pound.

AND SARAH lost a whopping 5.5 pounds. That is so great.

Now that time is running out for the year I am really going to be careful of what I eat and I am going to budget any goodies into my calories for the day. I want to end the year on a high note or a loss. How about you?

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

ENJOY A PRE PARTY SNACK. If you arrive famished, you are more likely to devour too much of the wrong things. try a combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats for more filling power.
I wish I had done this tip before I went to the Relief Society Christmas Dinner this evening. I skipped my dinner and afternoon snack so I could eat. I am not sure how many calories I ate yet, I haven't written them out. I did not over eat but it sure would have been easy too. I was starving.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

WALK MORE. Keep a brisk walking pace while you do your holiday shopping. Instead of wasting time looking for a closer parking spot, take a far-away one to increase your activity (and save time).
I both agree and disagree with this. We have had a week where our highs are below the freezing level and mornings below zero. I don't even go out if I don't have to much less walk more than is necessary. It is just too cold.

SO...HOW DID WE DO IN NOVEMBER?

IT SEEMS SOME HAVE DECIDED NOT TO WEIGH IN EACH WEEK AND THAT IS OKAY. We started off 2009 with everyone weighing in each week and more than the weight loss or gain it was a way to "just check in" but as the year is winding down we aren't hearing from many of you. Can I just say, "I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE DIETING, EXERCISING, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MIGHT GO WITH OUR WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE" I would love to hear from you each week anyway. I just love knowing how my daughters and sisters are all doing each week. It could be my age or it just might be that I am nosey. Either way PLEASE check in with me each week. I love hearing from you. So here is how we did the last week of November and for the month.
Liisa lost 1 pound that week for a total loss for November of 2 pounds.
Sarah lost 1/2 pound for a total loss for November of 2 pounds.
Becky was ups and down all month with a total gain of 2 pounds thanks to Thanksgiving and all the goodies that go with that holiday.
Joleane like Becky was all over and ended with a gain of 1 1/2 pounds. With all the painting and cleaning she is doing this week and last she is back on track for December. Way to stick with it sweetie.
Yvonne managed to only put on 2 pounds over Thanksgiving but gratefully still lost a total of 2 1/2 pounds for the month.
I love the fact that this is a new month but am also very nervous about this holiday season and all the goodies available.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

THINK BEFORE YOU BITE. Before you try every irresistible food that crosses your path, think first. How will you feel after you eat them? Is the taste really worth it? Could you enjoy just a small taste of it now?
Okay this is a good tip too. I learned last year by repeating to myself a hundred times or more a day, "If I can diet through the Christmas Holiday, I can make it through the next year." Yes, it was hard work. Yes, it was hard to say no thank you to all the Christmas candies, cookies and baked goods that came into our home from family and friends. Yes, I was grumpy through most of the holidays. Yes, I wondered if it was worth it, and, Yes I wanted to give up and just quit and enjoy just one more Christmas cookie and then start the New Year dieting and being good. But for some reason I didn't and believe it or not I am glad I didn't. You can pass up all the Christmas food and just feel good about it. I am not saying I won't have a taste or two but I will make sure that whatever I eat will be part of my day's calories and not added to them.-

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

STAY ORGANIZED Keep a running list of errands, groceries, and gifts, and make a plan to finish as many things in as few trips as possible. You'll save time, gas, and your own sanity.
GREAT TIP!!! Everyone who knows me knows I hate things that are disorganized. They just drive me nuts. I want EVERYTHING I do to be done in an organized manner and all my craft projects are organized with everything I need in a tub or basket ready for me when I need it. I am one who can't function when things are disorganized.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

BUDGET WISELY. Watch your food intake during the day if you're going to a party that night. Make healthy, filling choices beforehand, budgeting a few more calories to account for the party fare.
Boy this tip comes just in time. We are having the Relief Society Christmas Dinner this coming Thursday and the dessert this year is going to be chocolate rolls or yule logs with ice cream. I have never tasted a yule log and I want to so for Wednesday's dinner and all day Thursday I will eat fruit and vegetables to save my calories for the yule log. I just hope it is as good as everyone says. We will see.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

FOCUS ON PEOPLE. Too often, food takes center stage of our holiday gatherings. Instead, focus on your loved ones, activities, and other traditions that make the holidays meaningful.
I love this tip. There is nothing better for one's self esteem or to make someone feel good than to have family around. When I think none of my children or grandchildren are going to be around for the Christmas holidays I get so depressed and sad I don't recognize myself. I don't know why either, I am thrilled that my children are grown and have children of their own and that they are doing well and have their own family traditions but I can't help being sad and lonely. Well enough of the self pity. This is a great tip. Enjoy all gatherings with family and don't center it around food. It isn't necessary.

NEW FESTIVE LOOK TO THE BLOG...

WOW! ISN'T THIS A GREAT NEW LOOK TO THE BLOG? I am assuming that Laurie did this for us. I just love this new look. It just screams "MERRY CHRISTMAS" so let me be the first, no the second to wish you all a "MERRY CHRISTMAS" from Calvin and I and this blog. Wow I am really going to love this Christmas season, and no stressing!
Yeah right.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

TRY HEALTHIER RECIPES. When treats are in the house, more of the dessert usually ends up in your belly than in your guests. So keep low fat, low-calorie recipes and foods on hand.
I have in the past made lots and lots of cookies and candies. One year I made more than 60 dozen cookies plus a dozen different candies. They were great but I did eat an awful lot of them. This year I am going to make just 2 treats. I am going to make some cake balls and a batch of oreo balls. I am going to give them all away, well 99% of them anyway. Remember you are not the only one trying to watch what they eat this time of year.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

SPLURGE WISELY. The holidays only come once a year, but the parties, events, and gifts of food never seem to end! Decide ahead of time which ones are really worth splurging for, and leave the other food on the table.
An extra little tip from me to add to this. DON'T tell yourself you will just taste each one or just have one cookie or a very small piece of cake. History proves, "THIS NEVER WORKS!"

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

STAY ACTIVE. Don't mistake being "busy" for being "active". You still need to exercise at least 30 minutes each day. Break it up into a few smaller sessions throughout the day if you're pressed for time.
This is a great tip for all through the year. We often get busy with day to day events and think that since we were busy that should take the place of exercising and I guess according to this tip that being busy does not count as exercising. Makes sense.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

TAKE INVENTORY. Identify all the situations (office parties, mall food courts, family gatherings) that make it difficult for you to eat healthy during the holiday season. Make a plan for staying on track in every situation.
Make a plan for anything or situation that may come up this next month. Play the game, "what if", what if I am so busy at work I don't get a lunch, can I eat more at dinner? what if we have a snow day and I can't get to the store for healthy snacks, or what if it is a red day and we can't use the wood stove, like today, it is just too cold to do anything but eat, hot foods and sit bundled up in a blanket. I need to be better prepared for days like this. Are you ready for winter and weather changes not planned on or prepared for.

NEW MONTH...NEW THEME

31 DAYS TO HEALTHIER HOLIDAYS. Gathering with close friends and family members during the holidays creates lasting joy and memories, But with so many parties, celebrations and errands to run, it can be hard to keep up with your healthy lifestyle! Here are 31 daily tips that will help you make healthy choices throughout the holiday season.
Here is hoping these tips help us all make it through the Christmas season without gaining too much weight.