During this busy time of year, it's important to take a moment and be honest with yourself. Is it realistic to try and lose weight over the holidays? Can you truly be successful if you start an extreme diet or exercise plan on January 1st? Are you fooling yourself if you think you're going to be able to pass up every dessert over the next couple of weeks? This week's e-Well Tip offers helpful strategies for being realistic about your health this holiday season.

MAINTAINING YOUR WEIGHT
It's much more realistic to maintain your weight over the holidays, than it is to loss weight. This doesn't mean you should throw in the towel. This means that you should try to make as many healthy food choices as possible, and do your best to fit in even a small amount of exercise each day. Please take a moment to re-read the "Healthy Holidays" e-Well Tip for more suggestions.

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS
Be sure to plan, plan, and then plan some more. Don't set yourself up to fail by starting a new health program or healthy habit on January 1st, if you haven't done your homework. You can't become a doctor without going to medical school....you can't run a marathon without training for many months...be sure to do what it takes to be successful. This may mean that you need to stock up on some things (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts OR sneakers, an exercise video, a gym membership). It may mean that you need to ask yourself "why?". Why do I want to exercise more? Why do I want to lose weight? Why do I want to start eating better? Knowing "why" is important, and will help you stay motivated and on track.

BEING REALISTIC
If your thinking of a New Year's Resolution, be sure that it is reachable. It's unrealistic to tell yourself that you are going to stop eating all sweets, or that you're going to work out every day, or that you're going to lose 50 pounds by summer. Create a realistic and reachable goal that includes the action you plan on taking (packing a healthy lunch each day instead of eating at the food court), some steps that you will take (buying whole wheat bread, turkey, low-fat cheese, lettuce and tomato), what your goal is (I will reduce my cholesterol), and when you would like to reach that goal (over the next 3 months). Goal-setting is a great way to stay motivated! And remember, "New Year's Resolutions" can start any day of the year! It's never too late!

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!

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