SPRING: GETTING HEALTHY AND FIT

by Jenn O’Hara

As I sit and write this I am reminded that I turn thirty five years old this month. My birth certificate tells me so but even more, my body tells me so. I noticed that getting in shape is always at the top of my New Year’s resolution list each year. And each year I start out right and get side tracked by kids’ doctor’s appointments, rushed meals and a general lack of time to fit it all in! But I continue to try to get back on track to beat that “Battle of the Bulge.”

While I am not an exercise or nutrition expert, I am an exercise enthusiast and find time to exercise at least 4 to 5 days a week at a gym. I have made it a priority in my life. Running after my kids and doing things with them makes up for the days I do not go. Eating right does not come as easily so I have enlisted the help of a pocket calorie counter and a food journal to help me make better choices and keep an eye on how well I do with balancing it. This all has required time but I make it, and it has helped.

At many of our mom’s club meetings, the topic of keeping healthy comes up. We have many members that walk together (see the newsletter or webpage for times), some that meet for weight loss groups and others that have backgrounds in nutrition and exercise. Enlist their knowledge and take part in these groups if you can. Move, move, move – it takes it off more than you think! Buy and eat healthy foods- it will encourage your kids to do the same. What is not in your house cannot be put into you mouth when eating at home.

These and a few other helpful hints from real moms can make the difference as you continue to uphold your new year’s resolution. Spring is approaching and nice weather makes it easier but only your determination and resolution can make it happen!

Some Helpful Hints

Write On

I'm a registered dietitian, but I still have trouble eating well with two kids in the house. So I started a food journal with a running calorie count. I never realized how much I was eating until I put it on paper. The summer I started the journal, I lost a pound a week.

Althea Zanecosky; Lafayette Hill, Pa.

Bike It!

I usually drive my son, Julius, home from day care, but twice a week I pick him up on my bike-an eight-mile round-trip trek. We put on our helmets, I strap him into the child's seat, and off we go. He loves the ride, and I love the exercise. We use the bike when we go on quick errands too.

Take-Along Treats

Between meeting clients for work and caring for my 9-month-old, I'm always on the go. My trick is to never leave home without a small cooler packed with fresh fruit, bottled water, and trail mix. This way, when hunger hits, I'm not tempted to hit the drive-through.

Debra Wein; Boston, Mass.

Buddy System

My friends and I started what we call our "Body Beautiful-In Progress" group. Each week, nine of us e-mail goals and tips to each other. The inspiring stories keep us on track. I lost 15 pounds in three months!

Teranne Keogh; Dallas, Tex.

Breakfast Boost

My secret diet treat is high-fiber cereal. It helps me feel full all morning so I don't splurge on sugary snacks or get so hungry that I eat a big lunch. To sweeten it up a bit, I toss in a handful of raisins.

Eileen Donnelly; Chicago, Ill.

Let's Make a Deal

Both my husband and I want to lose weight, so we made a pact. If I lost 30 pounds, he'd buy me a sofa. If he lost 20 pounds, I'd let him golf once a month for a year. Whenever temptation hits, I just think doughnut or sofa-then reach for the fruit.

Sarah Smiley; Pace, Fla.

Every Step Counts

I hate exercise, but I don't mind walking. So I bought a pedometer, and I give myself daily goals like 9,000 steps. That way, if I see I've only gone 5,000 steps by lunchtime, I know I need to take a walk when I get home. Without the counter, I'd never get motivated to move.

Kris Brown; Scottsdale, Ariz.

Sweet Pops

I have a huge sweet tooth, so I found a healthy snack to satisfy my cravings. I throw fruit and fat-free yogurt into the blender, then freeze the mixture in molds for fun frozen treats. The best part is that I can make enough for the whole week in just a few minutes.

Melissa Boyd; Sachse, Tex.

Soccer Mom

I've been coaching my daughter Madi's soccer team for years. You wouldn't believe how much energy it takes to chase the ball up and down the field. Even better than keeping fit, I'm setting a healthy example for my daughter and her friends.

Loni Land; Hillsboro, Ore.

Kitchen Curfew

I realized I was doing the most snacking right before bed. Once I identified when my cravings kicked in, I made the fridge off-limits after 7 p.m. If I'm hungry, I have some fruit or a slice of toast with peanut butter on it, and that's all. Now I love hitting the sack without feeling stuffed.

Cindy Evans, Orlando, Fla.