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Weighing in on the New Year

posted by Pretty Tough | Girls Who Are Fun Fierce & Feminine
Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:11pm CST

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So you’re a resolutionist. You’ve resolved to eat right this year and get regular exercise, right? Slimming down and getting healthier are common New Year’s resolutions, but following through on the commitment is an uncommon accomplishment.

There are many pieces in the weight management puzzle. Emotions, appetite, will-power, self-image, and confidence all play a part. The road towards healthier eating usually starts with some simple lifestyle changes. Make healthy eating and regular exercise part of your everyday life. Sound easy? It’s not. You have to work at it.

In terms of exercise, the most important thing is to choose activities that are fun and that you can do on a regular basis. Instead of watching TV after dinner, go out for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Recruit a friend or family member to keep you company.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Snow Fun!

Build a Snowman 285 calories burned per hour

Have a Snowball Fight 319 calories burned per hour

Make Snow Angels 214 calories burned per hour

Shovel the Driveway 428 calories burned per hour

Go Ice Skating 476 calories burned per hour

PT Tips that can help lead to a healthier new year:

Eat three meals a day that are low in saturated fat. Meals should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, grains, cereals and low-fat dairy products.
It’s okay to snack if you snack smart. Include fruits and veggies with fun dipping sauces. Fruits and veggies are low in fat, packed with nutrients. Smart Snacks
Choose a variety of foods to get enough carbs, protein and other nutrients.
Eat only enough calories to maintain a healthy weight for your height and build. If you’re training, take into account the extra calories you’re burning.

Here’s to a healthy, happy 2010!