Promises, promises...excuses, excuses

Hi Everyone,
Red alert: winter is here! UGH. (Do you think they named Uggs 'uggs' after UGH for winter? Probably not...)
Honestly, I hate it. Sorry. The getting dark early, the wind, the rain, the snow...I can do without it all. But, I live in New England so I tolerate....barely.
The big J allows me to keep my sanity during this season and to (hopefully) bring light, fun and fitness to folks when it's tough to get outside!
So...the title of this blog post?
We all promise ourselves we're going to eat better and exercise each January 1. Even if you do not make 'resolutions', you silently hope that this will be THE YEAR that you commit to regular exercise and keeping an eye on what you eat. Then, invariably, the excuses begin...
I was reminded of this rollercoaster by the latest Tufts Health Plan ads on TV-I love them. There's a couple who ask each other, "Did you workout today?" Their answers include:
1. I missed the cat
2. I forgot my ponytail holder
3. My Mom called
4. I don't think I need it today
5. I forgot my sneakers
What excuses do YOU make for not coming to class? I used to make ALL sorts of excuses (the 5 years I took off the big J to gain 89lbs!) so I want you to challenge yourselves NOT to make excuses this season....like these:
1. I'm tired (regular exercise GIVES you energy and while we all need to rest now and again, if you are 'tired' for a whole week it's time to get your a** back to class)
2. I'm busy (uh, who's NOT busy?). Are you too busy to shower or brush your teeth? I certainly hope to hell not. Taking care of yourself MUST be a priority and if you're doing THAT much holiday shopping and partying, we need to talk!
3. It's so dark out so early I just want to go home and get in my PJ's. Really? Well those PJ's are NOT going to fit as you sit there, butt expanding, missing class after class. Pack your workout clothes, take them to work and come directly to class-or do an errand if you're a bit early for class (maybe stop at any of the wonderful shops near our Center and knock ONE item off your holiday shopping list) and then come on over.
4. I'm so depressed, I don't feel like moving! You may have (and this is serious) SADD. This is a disorder wherein you are affected by the lack of light, potentially making you feel sad, depressed, tired, agitated...ask the ones you love and if you feel this is you-GET HELP. Mr. P&P has it (really) so I got him one of this sunlight lamps for his desk at work. It puts it on about 15 minutes per day and it really makes a huge difference in his mood. Please check out Amazon's site and search 'sun lamp'. The desktop model I got for Mr. P&P was less than $40, comes with a travel case. You could have it on your kitchen counter while doing dishes, on your vanity while getting ready for work (especially if you have to leave the house in the dark) or even when you're getting ready for bed. It only takes 10-15 minutes of having the light on you (you do not stare at it, it has to be aimed at your face) to help you feel better. You could even have it on the side table while you're watching TV.
5. Oh screw it, the holidays are here, I'll work on better eating and exercising NEXT year. I want to enjoy the holidays. You CAN enjoy the holidays and STILL re-focus on your exercise and eating routines! Do not give up! Make SMALL changes and you'll see big results by January. Come to class at least 2x per week. Check out our 6am classes on Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. It's light now at that time, 30 minute class and you're set for the day! Already at work that early? How about 7:30pm Tuesday or Thursday? You've got 31 classes a week to choose from-NO excuses!
Uh, listen, I can come to class no problem but FORGET watching what I eat! I want to indulge and I deserve it! Ok, fine. But when you're not partying it up with family, friends or co-workers, how about eating breakfast? (And NOT the latest holiday donut from DD!) How about swapping soda for water while at work? How about remembering alcoholic drinks HAVE CALORIES AND FAT? Can you still HAVE them? Of course you can. Stop making it 'all or nothing'. And, the old reminder to NOT go to a party starving is true. Yes, eat the canapes, appetizers, desserts...just have a healthy snack before you leave so you're not shoveling those bacon wrapped scallops into your mouth like a Dyson vacuum!
So there. Just have a quick, healthy snack before a party (an apple with peanut butter, a handful of granola...a yoghurt) and drink a bottle of water in the car on the way. You'll get there and be able to VISIT with your friends/family without focusing on the chocolate fountain and you'll also be hydrated well for any drinks you have.
So, as you can see, you CAN keep your promises to yourself and reduce the excuses without feeling like you're denying yourself fun and treats.
Pat yourself on the back for every workout and every good choice (no matter how small) you make.
The only promise that matters is the one you make to yourself!