Dear Diary,

The holidays bring so many sweets to my sweet tooth that I could indulge seven times a day. Will the Sugar Plum posture look great in January, February, and March?  And will I feel confident about how I look and act with a "new way to walk" likened to Winne-the-Pooh?  Nah, willpower rules.

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Dear Reader, 

For those of us who choose to think twice before being naughty to ourselves, here are reminders - we all know anyway - about how to curb the delicious aromas, colors, and flavors of the season.  I look forward to enjoying with you.

I thought I'd put the thoughts of many down on paper so you don't think you are the only one who's counting those periodic "eating occasions".  (Maybe you could start counting them).  

I Love You,

Your Mind and Body

P.S. Here are those Bright Ideas:

• Stretching in the morning and several deep breaths of fresh air might replace eating two donuts in the sleepy, dark mornings we still awaken to in the next several weeks until the beginning of March 2013. It's not that far away!

• We all have three love languages - find yours and make a non-food habit to replace the old one: gifts of material goods, touch, acts of service, words of affirmation (hint: love yourself), and Time spent with you.  

• Start stretching, then moving more.  Instead of a snack break, go out for a walk.  Bring that extra piece of sweets or donut and a napkin with you. Focus on your next task and perhaps you won't eat the whole thing at once. 

• Give the gift of health.  A pedal machine for under the desk (office supply store), pedometer (grocery stores, fitness clothes shops, fitness centers), a walking log, or free week's gym membership from any number of facilities along your usual routes out and about.  Get your heart rate Up There by walking briskly; you'll feel the difference, even with eight minutes in the morning or evening (before bed in place of that snack).  And there will be more tomorrow.  

• Be mindful that the clean plate club was for kids.  You can leave a bit or two on your plate if you"re tummy's full gauge says "I am now full". There WILL be more food later. 

• Practice Portion Control: Buy a food measure and try it out at home: plate, cups/spoons, look up My Plate recommendations from My Plate on Google

• Drink a glass of water before every eating occasion; and take one before bed as it is often needed with extra daily intake.  It's better than ice cream or peanut brittle and the dry air might prompt you anyhow.  Try it after brushing your teeth. 

• Choose a cup of fruits or vegetables (plain or lightly seasoned) instead of bread, potatoes, or stuffing, pie, cake, cookies.  You will gain fiber and can have two servings that make up the same amount of energy as that starch you left behind. 

May the lights shine on your Christmas and New Year.  I am here to serve your individual needs as a health professional.  Thanks for reading.

Kate

 Kate Rivard,RD,LD
Wellness, Self-awareness, Speaker on Insights at Any Age
http://www.enoughisenough.vpweb.com

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