HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy 2007! It's time to start fresh and begin another new chapter in your life. You probably have made all of the same resolutions again this year (we all have)...lose weight, get in shape, organize your house, organize your life!

Sounds easy...right - the reality is...you've got your work cut out for you.

My resolution for this year is to get back on a regular schedule of blogging (after a much needed break) and try to help you achieve your goals for the year by giving helpful tips and tidbits of information on all of the subjects listed above.

Today I'll begin with your family. If you're going to make a change in YOUR eating habits, your entire family will be affected as well. Here are some ways to work together as a family and achieve some healthier eating habits for everyone!

The easiest change a family can start with is in food consumption. Obviously you'll need to incorporate exercise into the habits; however starting with food is a small step with measurable results. Simply do not bring junk food into the house. If you have chips, sodas and ice cream available, would you really be able to just have some grapes? More than anything you will need a change of mindset.

Sit down at the table as a family and get input from everyone. Talk about the health risks, talk about wanting to be around for the children for years to come. Make an agreement that there will be no closet eating. Agree to look for creative recipes so that it doesn't seem like you're eating rabbit food.

Forcing or demanding healthier habits is formula for failure. If you can make other family members feel that they are part of the decision and truly understand the importance of it, positive results will be easier to achieve.

Hold each other accountable. Give son permission to question mom why she's eating a donut. Agree to support, not ridicule. Accept digressions as temporary set backs, not failures. Agree that failure is not an option.

Make sure everyone understands the ground rules up front and, above all, support one another!

Stay tuned for more...