Just a little motivation to keep you going.

Well, it is almost the end of the month and I know that most of you decided to kick it into gear once the clock struck twelve on January 1, 2009 (some of you might not have been thinking that straight at midnight but that is another lecture). I also know that after a few weeks, the excitement of the new year starts to wear off and you aren't quite as motivated. I think it is great and important to set goals but if your goals already seem too overwhelming, don't quite! Now is the time to keep going and push on. You might need to change your goals a little if you were somewhat over zealous at the start of the new year but don't throw in the towel.

I am a big believer that a little goes a long way. Even if you only have ten or fifteen minutes, do something each day towards your goal. I used to think that if I couldn't work out at least an hour, I might as well not do anything. Now I know better! Burning 100 calories is better than sitting on the couch and doing nothing. Of course, it would be better if I could burn 400 or even 500 calories in a longer workout but I also know that isn't always possible. Ask yourself if you are only in this for the short term gain or are you in it for the long haul? I am in it for the long haul so I will just do the best I can each day, even if it's only for 15 minutes. My heart will still thank me!! Find your motivation that will carry you through the hard times and remind you of the long term rewards. I hope to be the healthiest, and coolest grandma on the block, playing football with my grand children.

What keeps you motivated for the long term rewards? Share your goals and motivation with everyone and use it as a reminder to keep on going!

What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Snacking has been proven to be a vital part of your daily meal plan if used correctly. Most doctors who deal with diabetic patients will tell all of us that we should be eating several small meals throughout the day, anywhere from four to six meals. This way of eating helps your metabolism stay more constant and does not allow for the big drop in insulin that comes from too much time between bigger meals. I have been eating this way for a long time and if I go more than a couple of hours without food, I actually start to get light headed. My body is used to this way of eating and it really helps my metabolism. The key to this way of eating is choosing your snacks wisely. The obvious choice is always vegies and fruit and also knowing what the correct serving size is.

I would like to know what you use for your smaller snacks, in-between meals, if you do eat this way?

I would also like to know if you have any snack tips for the sweet or salty cravings that we all have?

My sweet treat is a frozen fudge bar by Blue Bunny. They are called Fudge Lites and only have 35 calories of which 0 come from fat. You can't beat that! They have no cholesterol, only 45mg of sodium, nine total carbs, 3g of fiber, 3g of sugar, 1g of sorbitol, and 2g of protein. If you are on the American Diabetes Association's exchange plan, 2 bars equal 1 startch. I think they hit the spot for a chocolate craving as well as an ice cream craving.

My salty craving can get me into trouble so I try and stay away from the chips. I know there are some healthier baked options available as long as you have a small serving and don't eat half the bag at one time. I like to eat a small handful of nuts and almonds are my favorite. Lots of healthy fat, just don't eat too many because they are high in calories.

First Post: What routine keeps you healthy?

This is my first post so I am very excited! I would like to get this started by finding out what each of you is doing to stay healthy this year. This is not about a New Year's resolution because we all know how well they work. This is about the healthy fitness or nutrition program that you follow. Please tell us what you like about your program and why you chose it. Let us know how long you have been following this routine and what your results are. Let's all make a pact to get healthy this year. My goal is to be in better shape at 40 than I was at 30. Not much more time left to go so I am working hard this next year to reach my goal. How about you? Are you healthier this year than last? I think that is a great goal to have!