Getting started on your journey

Christmas dinner will NOT make you fat.  One dinner cannot put 10 pounds on your body.  Eating  cookies and giant meals almost daily between Christmas and New Year's, and drinking alcohol will.  10 pounds, I'm not so sure. The extra salt will add water more than anything, and sure, you will most likely pack on a few pounds. 

Here is a word of advice....

Who cares. Enjoy. Have fun. 

Be more concerned about what you eat between New Year's and NEXT Christmas.  The daily good habits you establish all the time will do more for you throughout the year than the rules you press on yourself during the most tempting time of the year.  Trust me, although you may take a break and get a little off track during the holidays, it won't be enough to ruin you forever.  Just start again in January.  We all deserve to eat drink and be merry every once in a while.

Dieting is the worst thing you can do in January.  Make changes to your habits, but remember not to do it all at once. This will set you up for failure as you rebel against yourself.  Instead of going all out on your list, I have one suggestion for you.

Pick one change a month
for example...

Jan  Move more. take the stairs at work. Dance with your kids.
Feb Drink water every day. Cut out juice and Pop.
Mar eat a fruit or veggie with EVERY meal.
ect...ect....

If you have trouble making changes doing things one step at a time can help. Of course my ultimate suggestion is to get out the door for a 'walk' 3x a week. 10 mins out, turn around, come back. I don't care what the weather is...bundle up.  You will be back before the start of your next show, will de stress and sleep better.  It will also motivate you to start the changes listed above.


Happy running!  ( or getting off the couch )
Alyson

Running: How to START

Think you CAN'T run?? Hate Running? Well you CAN if you would like to start. Here is MY learn to run program for couch potatoes....

Step One...

Turn off the T.V

Step Two...
Put on your runners and walk out the door. This seems simple doesn't it? However when you are tired after a long day of living sometimes this is the LAST thing you want to do. I promise you will feel more rested and calmer upon your return. You will also sleep better.

Step Three...
Walk for 10 minutes, then turn around and come home.

Step Four...
Motivate yourself by following a program. Don't give yourself a choice to opt out. See if someone else will do it with you. The accountability and support is great. If not just do it on your own.

Step Five...
Walk 3x a week for 20minutes. If you find the walking easy and you are ready to start 'running' follow this 10 week program. ..

3xWalk 9min/Run 1min
3xWalk 8min/Run 2min
3xWalk 7min/Run 3min
3xWalk 6min/Run 4min
3xWalk 5min/Run5min
3xWalk4min/Run6min
3xWalk3min/Run7min
3xWalk2min/Run8min
3xWalk1min/Run9min
Now try running 20-30min straight.

Good Luck! you CAN do it!