I keep a chart in my bathroom with 10 items on it. They are all “first thing in the morning” things that I do each and every day. Try it and you will see that it is simple to develop this very healthy and easy check list into a habit. The trick is to find 10 or your own number, of healthy things that you think you can realistically DO not 120 things that you WISH you could do. Try these:

1. Weigh, record your weight in your ever handy little notebook.
2. Exercise 5 minutes-only try for that to be sure to succeed. If you say 1/2 hour you are sure to NOT make it-Don’t ask me how I know this. I have my elastic band, my 1 lb. weights, my egg timer, a couple of lists of good moves, and a DVD that I can play just by punching the button. I am all set, every day with this little area and supply of stuff.
3. Brush your teeth and drink a sip of water.
4. Shower (Not everybody likes to shower every morning. I do not. Instead I wash my face with a rough cloth and warm water.)
5. Moisturize face with your fav. I love OLAY Regenerist. Put on body lotion. I do not have a fav here. I usually buy what is on sale at Walmart. I have made some real finds this way!
6. Sit down for a minute and meditate quietly on your day and what you hope to achieve or share.
7. Dress accordingly (I really enjoy this part of my morning. I like to pick out what I am going to wear even if it is jeans and a T-shirt to clean house.
8. Make the bed. I hope you have a couple of cute pillows too. They can cheer up a down day sometimes.
9. Do a quick bedroom tidy.
10. Do a q2uick bathroom tidy

All of this, and or your additions or deductions should be done in about 10 or so minutes. I know moms or early workers may squeeze this a bit and that is okay. Since I have retired I can stretch it as my day is laid out. Suit yourself and of course, modify!!

Last year I went on NOOM for several months and lost 10 pounds. I really like NOOM and purchased many of their extras which I also liked. Their lists of GREEN foods, RED foods, and YELLOW foods was of huge help to me. For example, some green foods include nearly all fruits and vegetables, fat free dairy, and plenty of grains. The plan was not difficult. So, why have I regained the lost weight? Well, it is certainly not the fault of NOOM I can tell you. I have a downfall. I have a fatal flaw. Do you??

My total and always and ever downfall is the simple fat that I am a snacker. I am at the fridge, the pantry, and even my poor little grandson’s stash of M and M’s. I eat Wheat Thins, but with peanut butter. I eat lite cheese, but with lovely bread. I could go on and on, but I am sure you get the picture. I am though, at last overcoming this awful habit. I am down 5 of the lost/regained weight and counting. There is no magic about it. I just simply got tired of failure. Remember that when you start any new plan and have the same hope for success and fear of failure. Keep at it. Don’t give up. In the end, you know it is worth it!

Everything works and Nothing Works except YOU!

Lately in many magazines I have been seeing articles and statistics about plant based diets. Not vegan or even very strict vegetarian, but maybe trying a couple of days a week or say five meals per week or any goal you may chose to try. Stats about obesity, blood pressure and heart attack are astounding when your red meat and animal fat intake is reduced. Why not try it??? (Recommended-5 servings, a serving being 1/2 cup, per day of fruits and vegetables. )

An Apple A Day???

Eating an apple a day is no doubt still great for your general health, but remember it is only two servings of fruit. You still need three more and they should be of vegetables. A serving is 1/2 cup

These days people are ordering custom water with their meals. Feel free to do just that yourself. Lemon water is very good for you so always ask for a slice of lemon with your water. What??? You don’t order water with your meals!!! Always ask for water with a slice of lemon and not too much ice. It’s OK. Who knew?

I can’t do 8 glasses of water or liquid a day and that is not a magic number anyway, but I measure and drink 6 glasses per day.

Oh, BTW have this at home too. Recent studies tell us that dehydration can lead to a number of illness and also to premature aging! Remember too that you can count anything but a beverage containing caffine or alcohol for your liquid.