Don't get sucked into commercial diets!

Hi All!
Interesting stat to quote as we are fast approaching the end of 2011 and the time for "New Year's Resolutions".
"Commercial diets have a success rate of less than 2% over a 5 year period"

What does this mean to you?
To me it means we have a lot of intelligent people that get sucked into the marketing hype as the " diet" industry is a multi-billion dollar industry.

It also means to me that many, many people pin their hopes of feeling good about themselves physically on something that a year or two down the road will leave them in worse condition than when they started.

A few things to think about as you head into the New Year...
Make the changes you initiate something you can do long term. Can you foresee it as something you can be doing in a months time? In six months time? A year? Five years?
Make physical activity part of the equation. Statistics and experience prove that individuals aiming to maintain a healthy body composition can do so more effectively and efficiently with
physical activity.
When it comes to what you eat, be sure to fuel your body appropriately. Meals and snacks abundant in veggies, fruit and lean proteins. Fill in the gaps with whole grains, milk products or dairy alternatives and as reassurance a multi-vitamin.
Remember, it is a process but the changes you initiate today, in a year's time will be normal. You are creating your healthy lifestyle, what are you waiting for?

*Sigh*

Well, Christmas day has come and gone. I have been lucky since arriving at my vacation destination with family in Nova Scotia that the weather has been conducive to getting outside. I've been running and then doing some exercises in my parents basement. I've also managed to get some recovery/pre-hab routines in which has helped me feel great as I've been sitting a lot (airplane, driving, visiting) which I'm not used to at all, so the foam roller has been my friend!
For those of you watching your waistline....
I've definitely been eating a few more treats than usual, but how often do I get to treat myself to my Mom and Grandparents home made treats? I'm not too worried, I'm still aware of portions and I plan accordingly.
I'm enjoying my vacation but still making a point of doing what helps me feel great, moving and challenging my body!
Hope you too are having a great " break" and keeping your goals in mind.

'Tis the Season!

Well, Christmas is 14 sleeps away and it seems each day gets busier and busier. Shopping, planning parties or going to them, attending functions, company visiting, and all on top of our regular work and family commitments.
Do remember to take time for yourself and get some exercise in, you'll feel much better! Adjust your workouts accordingly, if you've only got 20mins in the gym, do a higher intensity weight/cardio circuit or a sprint interval on the bicycle. If you've got an hour, use that hour! If you usually train at night time but have a function, get up and go in the morning.
Just be sure to do something, you'll feel so much better and, like most people, you'll be less likely to over indulge on the Christmas goodies!
A little tip when it comes to the treats. Don't starve yourself all day thinking you can over indulge at night. Don't get too excited at the buffet, be reasonable in your portion size and rate how things taste, if it's not a 10 out of 10 on the taste scale, don't waste your calories on it!
Most importantly, enjoy the reason for the season, down time spent with friends, family and those important to you!
Merry Christmas!

Santa Shuffle...

I did a fun run this morning. A friend and I ran in the 5km Santa Shuffle. It was her first "race", and I had put together a training program for her to prepare.
We got to the race start early and milled around inside Eau Claire Mall with all the other anxious runners. There was entertainment, mascots and lots of people dressed up in Santa Hats and bells. It was a fun atmosphere!
We were both excited, and if she was nervous she didn't seem it!
After a guided warm up from a peppy lady, we headed outside to the start line. A few minutes later we were on our way!
Despite almost being forced off the route and run over by a garbage truck in the first kilometer, a bit of a side stitch and the few steep inclines at the 14th street bridge it went well. We crossed the finish line at 30:00.74. So proud of you, my friend, WAY TO GO!

PS I've changed the settings so that anyone can make comments, so please feel free to comment on any of the posts. Please just make sure it is appropriate!