happy new year...happy birthday to me

Hopefully, another year wiser! The new year always inspires us to create new goals and resolutions...losing weight is always the number one 'change' on the list of 'things to do'. Here's a better way to look at your health. Try changing bad habits and merging in better ones. Start with eating a breakfast rich in whole grains, fruit, and protein. Many skip this important meal, and wind up binging all day.

Next, try 30 minutes of walking every day before dinner. Then challenge yourself by raising the speed, and raising the incline. Consider anything you put into your body as fuel to gas you through your day and exercise. That means, if it doesn't promote health, it's bad for you. Get rid of it!

Commit to this change for 30 days. Then set another goal for the next 30, and so on. Take your challenge 30 days at time. Don't rush it. The last thing you want to do is drop five pounds for the spring, fall off the fitness trail, gain it back, and sing the same resolution song next year,, this time.

Think of a reward to give yourself as you reach each monthly milestone. Some of my past rewards were: a day at the spa, pedicure, new fitness outfit, new tennis shoes, and even a dinner date with a movie just for me!

Set your plan, work your plan. Without a plan, you've planned to fail. Get ready, get set, go!