# 87 - I Walked, I Saw, I Conquered

Last night at the Efrat Women's Health Center, we were talking about the ingredients to a healthy life.
Everyone knows he has to eat right. I don't think there's even a child today who isn't aware that an apple is better for him than candy and nosh. The question is whether he'll choose the apple.
I've been choosing a lot of apples over the past year (actually, peaches, plums, cantaloupes, bananas, and mangoes), but even with that I have found that if I don't really move it by exercising, dancing or walking, I cannot become (or one day, stay) fit.


Yes, I spend the majority of my day sitting at work in front of my computer screen. You probably do too.
So, I try to start out every morning with a walk - either on the treadmill or out in the real world.
The advantage of the treadmill is that no one determines the pace but you. You can wear what you want, and do whatever you want (listen to music, watch an old MGM musical, talk or maybe just listen on the phone).
If you walk on the street with a partner, you need a strict schedule. Folks will see you, so you'll have to look presentable and have a good come back line to comments like, "Faster, girls." "Good for you!" "What!! You walk too!", but you get to chat with a friend, hear the latest, see the sunshine, listen to the birds singing, and wave at passing cars.
I feel great after a walk - sweaty, yes, but energized, smiley, a little twinkly in my feet and bouncier.
This week at the end of one walk, I headed up a hill that at one time I would have dreaded. After another walk, I took a flight of steps that once made my blood run cold. But B"H, they were both fine; they felt regular.
I was so happy that when I got home and saw my husband coming outside, I asked him to take a picture of that moment, so that I could remind myself whenever I needed it - that I love walking and walking loves me; I must make time for walking; I feel great when I'm walking...and I walked, I saw I conquered!!

# 86 - NO New Years Resolutions

The Jewish New Year was recently upon us. It was a family time - full of tradition, kids around the table, singing and lots of joy.
It was also a time of resolutions. Each person mentioned something that he'd like to try or fix or change for the coming year. I think that's great. Telling others your wishes or plans for the coming year could bring you new supporters in your project or goal.Sharing your dreams makes them seem more real.
The only thing I don't think you should tell other people is that you resolve to go on a diet, or lose ten pounds, or get skinny or stop eating cake.
It's great if you resolve to do those things. It's great if you use the new year to try to start things right with the goal of a healthier year. But dieting is never easy, and if you tell folks that you're going on a diet, they'll constantly be checking how you look, what you're eating and how much. Perhaps that works for you, but most people might find that intimidating.
Do you really want someone watching your waistline all year?
You know what I suggest?
The Nike slogan: Just Do It!

Just try to eat healthy. Just try to exercise. Just try to make one small change at a time.
Then won't it be fun after a few weeks to have someone come up to you and say, "Hey, you look great. Whatever you've been doing, keep it up!"
If you need to tell someone to make it official, tell your spouse, your parent, your best friend or me.
But don't set yourself up for the daily examination by others.
Just do it. I'm rooting for you.