Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

It's that time of year when everyone feels guilty for all the carb-loaded goodies they ate during the holidays. It was just one cookie at Grandma’s house, a few pieces of fudge at Aunt Marie’s place, and a handful of sugar cookies at Uncle John’s. Plus the creamy potatoes your sister-in-law made that were so damn good and those fluffy fresh rolls with real butter. To be totally honest, my countertop has been flooded with non-stop fruity cheese Danishes, homemade cinnamon rolls, and muffins. I’m the guiltiest of all. But let’s not panic. As we start out the new year, let’s shoot for five easy health tips to get us back on track. FIRST, wear your tennis shoes around the house or place them out in the open. 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 athletic shoes to work, then set them by the stairs or near your bedroom door 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. Just put the damn things on at least once a day. SECOND, buy sexy 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 in to your inner diva and go for it! Wear your favorite color. Add an exciting hat. Layer your tanks for pizzazz. Whatever gets you exercising, my fellow writer --- just do it! And if you’re a guy who feels afraid to channel his inner diva, then go shirtless. The gals won’t complain. 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 a warmer coastal region like I do, you have no excuse whatsoever). But even once you’re home from the market, who wants to take all that thick crazy skin off of pineapples and melons, right? Plus, it takes forever to peel and chop massive amounts of cucumbers and carrots. So just buy the ready-made stuff instead! When you quit spending so much on the high caloric fru-fru drinks, it’ll even out. FOURTH, keep hand weights somewhere where you’ll trip on them, preferably in a spot with a mirror (to check your form while lifting). This way, you'll actually use them. Opt for three, five, and ten pound free weights (lower weight and higher reps for tone; higher weight and less reps for bulk). Google simple weight lifting routines to get started; then lift for about five to ten minutes every day. Extra muscle mass helps to burn fat, even at rest. Plus you’ll look amazing! Don't overdo it but don't sell yourself short either. You're stronger than you think! LAST, enjoy your favorite shows, but make the time count! Do sit-ups, push-ups, and planks during commercial breaks. At the first break, do 150 crunches (taking thirty second breaks after each set of 50). Next, flip over for some old fashioned push-ups (three to five sets of ten). At your third TV break, do two to three one-minute planks (resting for thirty seconds in between). Make sure to breathe! Don’t make excuses if your shows are prerecorded minus the commercials; just pause your show every fifteen minutes for a five minute mini-workout. This is the year of no excuses. You can do it! Let awesome health goals fire up your writing objectives as well. Feel great this year as you charge 2014! (Article modified from previous post, to appear in January, 2014 edition of Feed My Reads digital magazine, Great Britain.)