Cookies and Fudge and Egg Nog OH MY!

Yummy and pretty Christmas cookies

'Tis the season for packing on the pounds.  I am not much of a dessert freak, however, all of the holiday goodies are my favorite.  Every year at our home, I would make around 10 pounds of fudge (my mother's recipe),  a favorite egg-nog recipe given by a good friend and another 3 pounds of chocolate covered toffee.  Then, on Christmas eve, my family and I would make plates of the goodies for our friends and neighbors, drive to their homes wearing our most festive holiday sweaters singing along with our favorite Christmas CD's.  Then, on our return home, we would feast on the left overs that did not get given away.  This was the McCoy family tradition!  We all enjoyed it very much.  What I didn't enjoy however, is the weight that I seem to gain every year.

Starting in October ever year, I would give my workout a turbo boost to "combat" the bulge.  Unfortunately, to no avail.  I would put on pounds ever year then work harder for the next 4 - 6 months to get that extra baggage off my hips and thighs.  As I get older, it seems to be a longer, harder task than before.  DRAT!

Maybe my turbo booster needed some repair.  Maybe I was not giving it my all.  Why would that be?  Maybe because when I was growing up exercise was never a fun activity.  Especially if I felt I had to do it.  In school, exercise was a punishment.  Hmmmm?  What's wrong with THAT picture.  Could it be I was not enjoying myself.  Or maybe, when I exercised I felt I was being punished.  WOW!  I may have hit on something here.  I think I need a therapist.

Here is something to think about the next time you are exercising:  Exercise should be enjoyed and something to look forward to. Find an activity or two that you truly enjoy doing.  Make a schedule that will be easy to keep so that you feel success (this is very important so be realistic).  Rotate your fun activities and do them for 21 days.  Why 21 days?  Because that is how long it takes to form a new habit.  Soon, you will have the healthy habit of exercising on a regular basis.

Then you can enjoy those candies, cakes and goodies at Christmas time and throughout the year.  Just remember a few words of advise that my mother told me; "everything in moderation!"

Enjoy!

Give your children happy exercise memories, enroll them in classes to teach good physical health habits (I know of a really cool place that boosts confidence and gives a great feeling of success!)