Body

1. Keep a food journal! Studies show that individuals who keep track of what they eat will lose twice as much weight.

2. Exercise everyday. Even if it’s for 15 minutes, do it!

3. Eat smaller portions. It may take a week or so for your body to become accustomed to these smaller meals, but soon you’ll realize you don’t need 3 helpings to be full.

Debt

1. Spend less than you make. It seems so simple, but many people spend far more than what they make.

2. Cut back on the small things. Whether you enjoy going out to eat once a week or buying a new pair of shoes a couple times a month, cut back! You’ll be surprised how much you can save!

3. Look into a Money Merge Account program.  U First provides a program where you can pay off your mortgage in less than half the time. Now THAT is a new year’s resolution I can work for!

• Take before and after photos…in a swimsuit.  I would argue that (for most people) there is no better motivator than seeing a picture of you, out of shape and in a swimsuit.  Yes, it can be a sad, even depressing image but what better way to motivate you to get up and do something about it?  Once you have lost a few pounds, take another picture in your swimsuit, then another, and another…until you reach your ideal weight and look.  You’ll be surprised by the difference, and happy that you documented it.
• Tell your family and friends about your endeavor to get in shape.  They will not only be your biggest supporter, but will hold you accountable should you stray.
• Find “your” exercise.  This means finding a physical activity that you actually enjoy doing.  Think outside the box – dancing, playing tennis, swimming, and hiking are just a few of the countless ways to get exercise.
• Consider taking a weight loss pill; doing so can help you jump start your new and improved healthy lifestyle and help you shed those first few pounds.
• Make sure you get enough sleep!  In order for your body to be an efficient, calorie-burning machine, it needs to get adequate sleep to allow it to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Drink more water!  By simply drinking more H20, you can help a) curb your hunger, b) reduce your calorie intake, and c) have more energy.  All that from good ol’ water!

Not to worry, there are tons of little things you can do to avoid packing on those pounds.  Read on…

-         Instead of the standard meat and cheese platters, try veggie or fruit platters which are not as high in fat. 

-         Cut back on the alcohol, and drink water, juice, or diet soda as an alternative.  On average, an alcoholic drink has anywhere from 500 to 200 calories, so alcohol does nothing put pack empty calories.

-         If you are at (or hosting) a holiday party, don’t congregate at the buffet table, where you can mindless munch while you chat.  Make an effort to sit down, so you will consciously have to get up and get food.

-         When eating the traditional Turkey dish at Thanksgiving (or Christmas, if applicable) choose the light meat over the dark and you will reduce calories significantly.

-         Savor every bite.  It takes an average of twenty minutes for the brain to register that your stomach is full, so don’t chow down or you will end up overeating.

-         If you are exercising and eating healthy, try using a weight loss supplement to give you an extra boost. 

-         Chances are, you are going shopping this season!  Instead of driving around looking for a spot close to the entrance, get some exercise and park in the back of the lot.

-         Shovel your walk way and driveway – a great way to burn calories!

-         If you are hosting a party, clean the house instead of hiring a housekeeper!  Deep cleaning can burn as much as 150 calories each half hour.

-         Take a walk outside.  Yes, it’s cold but bundle up and enjoy the Christmas lights.

 Canyoneering refers to traveling in a canyon by different means of transport including walking, swimming, climbing, etc.  I first got hooked on a trip to the stunning Zion National Park and its infamous slot canyons, the Narrows.  We literally traveled up a stream (actually in the water) through a narrow slot canyon.  It was truly an amazing experience to be able to visit such a beautiful, remote area that can only be accessed by a small river. 

 Canyoneering is a great workout to keep you in shape.  Often, traveling the canyon just a short distance (four or five miles) can take hours, but it’s worth it!  You get to see beautiful landscapes and tone that bod!