Then there is that other part – exercise- Uggghh! I know, I imagine all of those young, fit women wearing spandex clothes, working out and smiling at the gym with their makeup perfect.  And I am not one of those! 

Them!                                            Me

Even I Exercise Regularly

Now in all fairness, that used to be my response, but over the past 10 years, I have gotten to the place where I exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week and I really do feel better.  There are two crystallizing factors  – I don’t want to be like many grandmothers and aunts whose falls in older age can be the precursor to their demise. We’ve learned enough to know that exercise keeps bones strong. 

Then, our health plan started giving a discount for healthy learning.  The measure was 10,000 steps a day. Do you know how much that really is? That’s about 5 miles a day.  While I know running up and down the stairs with laundry feels like that, it really isn’t.

Start Walking

It turns out that for me to take 10,000 steps a day on a relatively regular basis, I have to do 5,000 steps on the elliptical in 35 minutes in the morning.

Also, I learned I can cope with stress and everything else better thanks to exercise – plus I’m helping the old heart muscle.  My attitude now is “have sneakers, will exercise” (but I still hate running). I travel a lot, but exercise clothes are always in my carry on – believe me, it makes me a nicer, happier person to work with.

Find what you like to do and what works best for you. Walking starts with a single step, and it’s a great way to keep up with friends.  I have some who make it a habit to go walking with their friends after the bus stop or around the parking lot at lunch.  If you actively try to move, you will find a way.  But there are other options – classes, swimming, kayaking, nature walks with your children– why not make it a family event?

Exercise at any age!

And you know the energy part?  Doctors are right!  You get more when you exercise.  And it’s never too late – my mom is 88 years old and started going to the gym last week so she could move better and be more stable. She’s noticing a difference! You’ll be interested to know that studies have shown that with exercise, older people (even starting at age 85) can improve their muscle tone significantly in only six weeks.  Of course, everyone should check with their physician before starting a rigorous exercise program.

I know I’m personally dieted, exercised and stretched to the point of exhaustion on a bad day.  But in my heart of hearts, I know the answer is very simple. Move it or lose it!

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So I want to spend a little time talking about my lifetime obsession – that twisted relation of health/weight/food. The national obsession and information overload on health and weight management is confusing. I’m actually going to break it into two parts, and I bet you know what they are – DIET and EXERCISE.

Part I -Diet

Help Tracking your Diet

We all have good intentions – and most of us mom’s try to put balance of good food on the table (although many are tied to the old food pyramid). The government has put together a really good site to explain this, and plan and track your progress to eating well.   Give it a look see and gets your kids involved in planning.

Reality is we will all eat a little of everything – and that ‘s the key – A Little!

When you look at the portions in quick serve restaurants, they are full of fat, salt and calories – even a salad can contain a whole day’s worth (we all watch morning TV and have seen the expos).  And heaven knows on a cold day I’m the first to line up for Mac and Cheese, or a cup of steaming hot cocoa with whipped cream, and that’s ok as an indulgence. But you can’t really live that way.

Our nation has an epidemic of obesity, starting with our children.  We owe it to them to improve. If you really knew what a portion was, you could probably cut your food budget down – the man at the fish counter is always trying to sell me a ½ pound per person, when a portion is 4-5 ounces – half the amount.  And the right portion for a toddler is ¼ that of an adult.

I spend a lot of time on the road where I do my best to piece together something clean and simple to eat – and I succeed about 60% of the time. All you have to do is look at my wardrobe to see the yo-yo battle.  I used to make excuses, but the only person I’m fooling is me. 

Manage Your Family’s Diet and Budget

The good news for managing your family’s diet and budget in these time is:

1. Cooking and eating at home is 1/3 less expensive than eating out.
2. Fresher/less processed food is generally less expensive.
3. Coupons are great, but are they helping you purchase the healthiest food for your family?  Many processed foods are convenient, but may not have the best nutritional value – sodium and fat are two things to watch. (If you don’t know it – check this out  for retailer coupons).
4. Cooking and coming together for a meal is a great way to connect. –whether within your immediate family, or everyone bringing potluck for Thanksgiving.

Eat as many fruit and vegetables as possible, serve food that is as close to fresh as possible, exercise and you’ll be fine.

If you eat in balance and control your portions– you can eat almost anything! What’s your favorite way to stay in control?  Pass the dark chocolate please, it’s good for my heart!

For more National Food Holidays click here!

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