Resolving to Get Fit for Life

Oy vey, that New Year's resolution gets me every time. Since I turned 50 four years ago, my middle-age spread continues to haunt me. I go from diet to diet, but recently came up with a plan involving my daughter who wants to get in shape and shed some unwanted pounds before she becomes pregnant again. We decided to create our own mommy and me program for a New Year's resolution. We are going to journal our food intake, work out with a trainer twice a week and do cardio in between. No excuses. Now this is tricky because I think I am in good cardio shape as I teach spinning and exercise regularly. What if my daughter can't keep up with me? Do I hold back and let her lead? I am excited to do this with her, however, I do not want her to feel uncomfortable. I will leave that up to our amazing trainer Chris Slate (www.slatefitnessnyc.com). If he can't motivate us, no one can. We had a trial run, and he was awesome. My daughter Amy and I shvitzed, giggled and worked hard for one solid hour. The next day when I couldn't get up form the toilet, not because I couldn't poop, I called Amy to ask her how she was doing… She said fine. There was the answer to my question: Every workout will be different for each of us.

We will eat protein and complex carbs, and avoid caffeine, sugar and of course alcohol. When Amy was a little girl, I would say “one for you and one for me” and that was after I had already eaten. So portion control will be a goal for me, as well. Amy and I get to have some quality time together, and I hope this will motivate others to join us. I think when you are accountable to someone else, you are less apt to go off track. The first 2010 step we will take toward being fit will be getting on the scale and then taking our measurements— yuk! We will keep our food journal, sharing our entries with Chris and each other once a week. You have to write everything down. Even if you cheat. Day 1: breakfast of oatmeal, 1 Ryvita light cracker with almond butter. Lunch of turkey and humus on a rice cake with a side of steamed broccoli. Dinner of salmon, brown rice and steamed veggies. Lots of water and herbal tea. Oh how I yearn for red licorice!!! You know, empty calories and all sugar. Amy and I might need a consultation with the fabulous Louise Rossi in New York City to help us with supplements and diet.

A happy and healthy New Year to all. I hope you join my daughter and me in becoming fit for life!