Keeping it Real

Finally home for the holidays! Charlie and I made the trek back to MP last night and I’ll tell you what…He’s pooped!

Good thing he doesn’t have to battle the mall crowds with pap-pap tonight…but I do. I love shopping, I love shopping for other people, but there is a reason I’m done with my shopping (you getting the hint Dad? Planning is a great skill to have)

Other than finishing up things at PSU Fitness, wrapping gifts, and packing, I’ve also been busy with other Christmas type activities:

Making homemade granola for friends and co-workers. Eight pints later and I was finding pieces of oats spread all across my kitchen floor.

Baking delicious cookies for Mom’s and My holiday cookies trays. This year I made Cinnamon Chip Cookies and Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies. Yummy.

The whole cookie tray contained the following:

- Ladylocks

- Pastry puffs

- Red and Green Chocolate Chippers

- Soft Oatmeal Raisin

- Nut Rolls

- Orange Cookies

- Peanut Butter Blossoms

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But with all these delicious foods around, I need to keep it real. The food is great, but moderation is key. I have a few rules for myself around the holidays.

1. Eat only 2 sweets per day. Whether that’s a cookie in the afternoon and a slice of pie after dinner…that’s what it is. I keep this rule between Dec 23 – Dec 28. Otherwise, it’s 1 sweet per day.

2. Get some form of exercise in for at least 30 minutes. Staying active is so important for your waist line and your sanity this time of year.

3. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, tea, whatever, just so that I don’t mistake thirst for hunger.

Remember…even Santa does Jumping Jacks!

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Maybe those tips will help you?

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Hope you’re enjoying the buildup to Christmas or enjoying Hanukah, or just enjoying time with family. For your free time, here’s some fun reads and things I’ve been searching the internet for:

20 Quick and Health Snacks via Keep Your Diet Real

Does Exercising in the Cold Burn More Calories? via FitSugar

JumpRope Circuit via Pinterest

Jingle Bell Rock Station via Pandora