People tend to set New Year’s resolutions at this time to let themselves off the hook for healthy behaviors. It’s easy to let exercise and eating habits lapse, or better yet, put off starting new habits, because the New Year is coming and will take care of December’s indiscretions. This thinking has most people gaining eight pounds during the holidays! And, studies show a very small percentage of people who set New Year’s resolutions actually keep them. So, why set yourself up for failure and additional pounds?

With the last few weeks of the year winding down, you want to get through it with your health and sanity intact. So, develop your holiday fitness sanity plan. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Consider what time constraints will conflict with your regular workout schedule. Then, realistically decide what your minimum number of workouts will be each week and the minimum length. Most of all, be okay with what you decide. What ever you do is much better than the all or nothing approach and will keep you fit and balanced.
• Aim to exercise on the days you are going to a party or days when you know you will be tempted to overeat. The good feelings you feel from exercise tend to keep you from overeating because you want those good feelings to last.
• Vow to only eat what you really like. It’s easy to overdo the office holiday candy (without even realizing it) or the frequent potlucks and parties. If you put something on your plate that you taste and deem to be “so so”, dump it. Don’t waste your calories or your taste buds. Go for the good stuff.

Lastly, don't stress. If you feel overwhelmed, cut back and take care of yourself and your immediate family. Now that's a sanity plan!

I did not have time to exercise today. As I write, it is two days before Thanksgiving. Not only am I planning for the holiday, cleaning, shopping and preparing the guest room, but I also have three days of work to fit into five days.

But, I talked myself into it, coming up with all of my reasons why – and it worked! Then, using the Be Fit Now exercise CD, I had a great workout (that CD kicks me into high-gear every time). And did I ever feel great afterwards – something I vow to remember the next time I don’t have time, don’t feel like it…

So, focus on all of your reasons “to” exercise, instead of the reasons “not to”. And then go do it!

Happy holidays!

To your health,
Heather Moreno
PeopleFit USA , President

• Be Fit Now Exercise Companion CD – Don't waste your time struggling to get through one more cardio workout. Learn how to maximize every minute, hitting the peaks that produce results. Just follow the simple voice prompts and enjoy high-energy music on this Cardio Workout CD. You can take it anywhere and use it any time.
  
  Price: $25.00
  
  
• The Un-Dieting CD set – For the person who wants off the diet roller coaster! Learn: how diets are the leading cause of weight issues; how to take back your power back from the dieting industry; how to find your natural body weight; the psychology of Weight Management; and how self esteem and communication skills can be at the root of your weight issues.
  
  Price: $30.00
  
  
• The Training Fan – truly a fitness training guide. The compact fan shows photos and gives directions of exercises for each body part whether using no equipment (body weight), minimal equipment (bands and dumbbells) or gym machines.
  
  Price: $25.00
  
  
• The Caltrac – your "personal activity coach" calculates the calories burned for every activity you do – you can also input the calories you eat to see where you stand each and every day. It’s a great weight loss tool, giving the wearer minute-by-minute results.
  
  Price: $70.00
  
  
• The Accusplit Pedometer – This simple and inexpensive device tracks your steps, distance walked or ran and calories burned. It’s a great way to get more active and to track your progress towards the recommended 10,000 steps a day.
  
  Price: $20.00
  
  
• Heart Rate Monitor- these are really watches (with a chest strap) that are comfortable and easy to use. Get targeted information so that you get the most out of each workout and don’t waste time exercising at the wrong intensity.
  
  Price: $100.00

Don't forget to get your 15% off any order of two or more items. (Order must be received by December 16th)

Visit www.peoplefitusa.com to place your order today!

Follow These Rules for a Power Packed Strength Routine

Skip your strength training routine for a week or two and it doesn’t take long to get back to where you were. But, put it on the back burner for much longer and you may find that you’re lacking much of the strength and tone you worked so hard for.

If your schedule calls for a reduction in your exercise time, follow these simple rules for a powerful strength workout that will keep you in shape and ready to go once the holidays (or any busy time) have passed:

First, get the most bang for your time: Multi-joint exercises help you do more in less time. For example, a pushup is a multi-joint exercise because both the shoulder and elbow joints are moving. The triceps kickback is a single joint exercise, as only the elbow is moving. The pushup works several muscle groups (chest, shoulders, triceps – even abdominals for stabilization) while the triceps kickback works only the triceps.

Try these six moves: walking lunges, inner thigh squats, pushups, back rows, shoulder press and bicycle crunches.

Second, one set is enough: Extra sets add more benefits, but one set is sufficient to maintain your strength and even gain a little.

If you’re used to a warm up set, do a full body warm up on an elliptical trainer or simply do jumping jacks for a few minutes before you lift.

Third, you can even reduce frequency: Strength training one day a week maintains your strength. While two or three times a week is ideal, we’re talking crunch time. Once a week will make sure you don’t lose ground and will keep you in the habit.

And yes, you still have to stretch!

Don’t fret about a little cut back in your routine. Remember, the goal is to keep what you have and be ready to go full force once the hectic times are over (are they ever over…?). Cheers!

By Susan Johnson

Holiday meals may not only look and taste good, but may also be good for you.

"Turkey meat is easy on the heart... (and) so are other mainstays of traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts," according to last month's issue of the Harvard Health Letter.

Compared to other meats, turkey is a better source of protein, is lower in and has fewer calories. A three-ounce serving, for example, contains 133 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of total fat and slightly less than one gram of saturated fat. Turkey is also a good source of the amino acid arginine. The body needs this amino acid to produce nitric oxide, a compound that helps to dilate blood vessels.

In addition to this main course, other healthy foods are also often present during holiday meals. Cranberries are known to contain various types of antioxidants. Studies show that these antioxidants not only fights cell damage, but may also protect against cardiovascular disease. Of course, homemade cranberry sauce is best. "If you make your own cranberry sauce from whole berries, you'll get a tastier and less sugary sauce than you can get out of a can," according to the health letter.

How about the sweet potato and pumpkin pies? Both are packed nutrients such as vitamins A and C, beta-carotene and potassium. Sweet potatoes also contain fiber, and pumpkin is low in fat and calories.

Pecans are also included in these celebrations. Pecans are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Such fats are believed to help lower levels of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, which is associated with heart disease, and may also prevent blood clots. They also, like many other nuts, are good sources of fiber and vitamin E.

By the time most of these items reach the holiday table, however, they are often less nutritious than their pre-cooked form.

For example, "pecans have healthy components," Dr. Thomas H. Lee, a cardiologist and editor of the Harvard Heart Letter told Reuters Health. The downside is "pecan pie is incredibly fattening and there's no sugarcoating that," he said.

The key is to not make a habit of eating unhealthily. Please avoid third or fourth helpings of food, even though it’s a holiday.

About The Author: Susan Johnson is the founder of Susan's Healthy Gourmet, which provides fresh, nutritionally balanced, and calorie-controlled meals that are individually prepared and packaged to order. To learn more you can call 1.888.396.3257 (EZ-MEALS) or visit them on the Web at www.susanshealthygourmet.com (be sure to mention Heather Moreno & PeopleFit USA when you call). You can also register for Susan's the popular online monthly newsletter, Susan's Healthy Lifestyle, at http://www.susanshealthygourmet.com/newsletter/default.asp