Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

It's that time of year when everything carb-loaded floods the grocery store shelves. Social events dominate the calendar as well and there's more food with each stop. I'm no exception to the temptations of the season. I just ate a chocolate drizzled danish for breakfast. But here are five easy health tips to keep us all on track with our fitness goals. FIRST, wear your tennis shoes around the house. This is a visual reminder that you're going to do something active at some point during the day. If you're unable to wear tennies to work, then set them in the kitchen as a motivational memo to do something active before bedtime. Even a twenty minute walk or 300 jumping jacks (six sets of fifty) will suffice. SECOND, buy cute workout clothes. I mean it! If you feel adorable, you're more likely to actually make it to the gym or to take that jog around the block. Dig into your inner diva and go for it! Wear your favorite color. Add an exciting hat. Layer your tanks for pizzazz. Whatever gets you exercising Girlfriend--- just do it! THIRD, load your fridge with tons of fruits and veggies. This might seem obvious, but sometimes it's easy to skimp on buying them because they cost a little bit more when they're out of season (if you live in CA or FL, you have no excuse whatsoever). Maybe you feel like it's a pain to take all that thick crazy skin off of the pineapple or melon or to peel and chop the cucumber or the carrots. So just buy the ready-made stuff instead! The trays and pre-cut ones cost more but just stop buying so many fru-fru drinks and it'll even out. FOURTH, keep hand weights out in the open, preferably in a spot with a mirror (to check your form while lifting). This way, you'll be more likely to actually use them. Try for three, five, and ten pound free weights. Google simple weight lifting routines to get started and lift for about five to ten minutes per day. Extra muscle mass is especially important for women as they age and actually helps to burn more fat. Don't overdo it but don't sell yourself short either. You're stronger than you think! LAST, enjoy your favorite fall shows, but make the time count! Do sit-ups, push-ups, and planks during commercial breaks. Aim for 50-150 sit-ups for the first commercial break. Then do push-ups during the next break (three to five sets of ten). At your third break, do two to three one-minute planks (resting for thirty seconds in between). Make sure to breathe! If you use DVR, don't make not having any commercials an excuse; just pause your show every fifteen minutes for your three minute mini-workouts. There it is Ladies! You can do it! Stay fit this holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving!