Congrats to the Pats! (How does *that* relate to fitness??)

Well, our New England Patriots are in the Super Bowl for the 4th time in 7 years! It's been a long season but they seem to keep each game in perspective (uh, they are also 18-0), never letting the long term goal (that perfect season) keep them from staying in the present and fighting through all their challenges.

Every day we all have to do the exact same thing on our road to being fit and staying healthy. Many times, we have a goal in mind-that vacation, wedding or other event upcoming in our lives and we want to look our 'best' for it. But, isn't it important to look and feel your best for every day life and not just those 'special' moments? Yes.
So, as I sat watching the game yesterday, I thought about the every week struggle the Pats went through to get to the Super Bowl and how it's kind of like every day in the life of a woman trying to stay in shape, get into shape or just overall feel better about herself.
We all struggle with nutrition-what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat or when not to. (or in football terms-to pass or not to pass, to go for it on the 3rd down or not) We make it so complex when it's really quite simple. More calories out then in = weight loss, same amount of calories in and out = maintenance and more calories in then out = weight gain. There's no magic pill or formula of foods to eat. No book will help you, no pre-packaged food is the answer. If you keep a simple food journal (a 99 cent notebook will do) and write everything you put in your mouth for one week (every morsel), you can find out exactly what to do all on your own. Just be honest with yourself and the answer will be right in front of you! And, keeping to your exercise program (that special J vitamin you need) 3-5x per week, your goals will be in sight in no time.
So, don't just get ready for the 'Super Bowl'-try every single day to eat pretty well and when you struggle, simply keep on trying. That Pats found ways to win when the chips were down and you can find ways to win when, well, the potato chips are down on your plate one too many times! (Sometimes we have to punt or settle for a field goal!) Skip those chips a couple times a week, exercise and you'll get there. And you know we'll be here to help you!