Darrell’s Blog

Posted: December 23, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 11 – Supporting Body, Mind and Spirit

Staying emotionally fit is as important as staying physically fit. This can be especially challenging during winter holidays. Relationships with your family and friends are healthy when they support your fitness at all levels. Of course, you have to tell people about your goals and plans. Otherwise, how can they encourage you? And as you’ve [...]

Posted: December 22, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 10 – Party (Food) Planning

For some, party season is just ramping up! While your office party may have happened last week, it’s not too late to repair caloric damage – and plan for the next round of good times. To navigate food temptations in the days ahead: Drink more water, especially before heading off to a gathering Eat a [...]

Posted: December 21, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 9 – A Short Winter’s Nap

Have you been getting enough sleep? Seven to nine uninterrupted hours of quality sleep will improve your health and your mood. Need a reminder? Check out Day 49 of FitFor50! But even if you get great sleep at night, you may still need a mid-afternoon nap. Sleep experts often recommend a short "power nap" to [...]

Posted: December 20, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 8 – Holiday Spirit, Not Spirits

Wine, eggnog, hot toddies and other spirited drinks are traditional features of holiday celebrations. But, there’s a downside to drinking. Too much alcohol is hazardous to your health and that of others around you. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information provides handy charts that reveal how much is “too much” alcohol. Because not [...]

Posted: December 19, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 7 – Staying Motivated

Last week, I encouraged you to bring your fitness routine indoors. Innovative exercise equipment makes it easier to replicate whatever outdoor fitness you enjoyed during warmer weather. But what if you have the equipment and still can’t get into a fitness routine? Back to the basics you learned on Day 19 of FitFor50: Revive your [...]

Posted: December 18, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 6 – Healthy Holiday Snacking

It’s the weekend and we’re midday through the winter holiday season and our 12 Days of Fitness. How are you doing? Are you in the kitchen cooking and snacking or wandering through it on the way to the couch with a handful of cookies? Glad tidings: not all holiday treats are bad for you. It’s [...]

Posted: December 17, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 5 – Are You Feeling S.A.D.?

Optimal wellness involves mind and spirit, as well as body. The "winter blues," also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a great example of the body, mind and spirit connection. For some, less sunlight and colder weather can trigger a mild depression. Adding fatty sugary foods and less-to-no exercise can deepen feeling "off" into [...]

Posted: December 16, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 4 – Getting Away from Itching and Hydration

Our experts had lots to say about hydration on Day 30 of FitFor50. Staying hydrated is even more important – and more challenging – when indoor heating systems kick in. Probably one of the first things you notice during cold winter weather is how itchy you feel. Consider adding to your winter wish list: A [...]

Posted: December 15, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 3 – Bring It… Indoors!

Lucky you if you live in a warm climate. You should have no problem maintaining your schedule of outdoor fitness activities. But living with freezing cold and piles of snow can make outdoor exercise impossible. Bring your routine indoors! Walking, jogging, running and cycling are just a few options. Each one of these activities is [...]

Posted: December 14, 2010

12 Days of Fitness: Day 2 – Tis the Season to be Sneezin’

Healthy eating and regular exercise will help you stay well – or bounce back more quickly – if you get sick during winter holidays. You can reduce the probability of getting sick and sicker by: Washing your hands, especially after touching public railings, door knobs, shopping carts Using that hand sanitizer you’ve been carrying with [...]