The Holidays – Why?

Remember that Christmas song, “Peace on earth, good will toward all men?” Not sure about you, but don’t the holidays seem to be anything but peaceful? All the shopping, decorating, entertaining, relatives and especially overspending! Now, if you really enjoy doing all that, have fun. But, if you don’t, why do it, then complain about it? Why feel like you have to if you don’t want to? Because that’s what you’ve always done or because everyone else is doing it? Why do you feel obligated to get gifts and get upset if people don’t reciprocate? What about those who don’t really appreciate your gift? There is nothing wrong with tradition and I don’t mean to down the holidays, but just challenging you to think about what you are doing and, more importantly why. I stopped getting into the “holiday spirit” years ago because it’s just too stressful and doesn’t focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It is one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done and now I truly have peace.

Feast Time

Well, it’s Thanksgiving again. Time to feast, get-down, get your grub on, whatever you call it. It’s food time! While most people look forward to the gorging, many of us dread it because we have issues with food and tend to overeat. Some might say that’s the main point of Thanksgiving – to eat. Perhaps, but there is more. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and count your blessings. It’s a time to share, to love, and to be grateful. So many do not have what so many of us do have – clean cloths, shelter, warm water, soap, a bed, shoes, family, friends… and yes, food! So, as you feast this year, consider how truly blessed you are and remember those who are not as fortunate. Hey, but by grace, it could be you! And, enjoy your turkey.

Webinar Replay 11/16/10

Food Everywhere

Hate to admit it, but I recently dined at an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) buffet. While at one time I’d go to such establishments so that I could stuff myself, I now go because of the variety. However, I still end up eating more than usual. It reminded me that the holidays are quickly approaching and the eating frenzy that’s about to start on Thanksgiving and continue about six weeks until New Years. This is the time when foodies like me have to really be careful. All of the temptations to eat are everywhere and managing what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat is the biggest challenge. Someone is always bringing something into the office and every store that I enter has samples of some sort. One way I’ve learned to manage my eating is to eat only when hungry and not eat just because it’s there. If I come across something that I really want, I’ll wrap a piece and take it home to eat at a more appropriate time (whenever that might be). Oh, for the love of food!

Winter Weight Gain

Well, I opened the door the other morning and almost cried because it was so cold. In an effort to make myself feel better, I thought, “This is nothing, winter is coming,” then I really felt like crying. Every year I wonder why do I live here. People say, “Oh, you’d miss the changing of the seasons.” Well, I’d like the opportunity to see whether I’d miss it or not. Somehow, I don’t think I so. Cold weather makes me want to stay inside, so I have to be extra careful with my eating and ensure I workout, since I’m not as active as in warmer weather. That’s why most people gain weight during the winter. Not only are we more sedentary, but we also tend to eat more. We need to have a system in place so that we remain active and watch the calories. When it’s too cold to walk outside on a cardio day, I’ll hit the treadmill at home or pop-in an aerobics video. For recreational walking, I hit the mall. I just have to leave all money and charge cards at home and remember that I’m there to walk. Then I’d have another issue   How do combat winter weight gain?