How To Stay Slim During The Holiday Season
September 27, 2008
The majority of people find themselves carrying additional fat once the holidays are over. Worst of all, most of them never lose this extra weight. Over the years, few pounds gained over the holidays here and there add up to 10, 20, 30 pounds of excess fat!
To avoid falling into the holiday fat trap, follow these simple tips:
1. Don’t deprive yourself. Munching on a green salad while everyone is feasting on turkey and stuffing is just not worth it. You will end up miserable, and chances are you’ll binge at home or on the next party. Depriving yourself once is likely to cause you to eat everything in sight the next day to “compensate” for your suffering.
2. Don’t stuff yourself. You are not a turkey, after all! 
Remember, this is not the last time in your life that you can eat.
3. Eat a small meal several hours before the party. This will prevent you from being too hungry when faced with abundant menu. When you are not starving, you can think with your brain, and not with your stomach.
Santa Goes Low Carb!
September 24, 2008
North Pole- The word is out! Due to an “unpublished dilemma” last Christmas Eve Santa has gone Low Carb!
Sources reveal that Santa was stuck in a chimney somewhere in California for over an hour last Christmas Eve - how embarrassing! The incident certainly wreaked havoc with his jolly schedule for the most important night of the year. In the aftermath, it caused Santa to really stop and think.
After careful consideration - Santa and Mrs. Claus decided they could not risk a repeat of the incident, but more importantly the risk factors associated with Santa’s health - oh my! Right after the holidays, Santa visited his primary care physician for a complete physical. A “new lifestyle” was decided upon - It’s the “Low Carb Lifestyle” for Santa!
Santa has Changed His Mind - Changed His Heart - and is Losing Weight for Life! Will this make Santa “less jolly”? Absolutely not! Fat is not what makes Santa jolly! His weight goals are not to be a skinny “Twiggy Santa” but rather a “healthy weight Santa” with less inches (for some VERY obvious reasons). The keyword here though for Santa is: HEALTH!
New Year?s Resolution: Love Your Body!
September 21, 2008
Ah, the beginning of a New Year. A time to reflect and start anew: new hopes, dreams, goals for yourself. Speaking of which, have you taken that all important inventory of your body, yet? Is this the year you’re going to make the change?
Wondering how to begin? Read on?
Most people begin a new year in earnest; dreaming of building a shapely new body. However, by the end of January they are back to their same old habits. This year make it easy on yourself; simply commit yourself to building healthy body. The rest is easy: you’ll need only to glean the proper education and time management. Here, I’ve outlined five basic steps so you can easily begin your commitment to a healthy, shapely new year:
Step One: Begin where you are. This sounds logical but it’s true. All you really have is this moment; today. The past is behind you, learn from it, then let it go. Aim to be grateful for where you are right now, give thanks for who you are. You are unique and special. In fact, take some time to list all of your greatest gifts. Reflect on them and give thanks.
Unique Gift Ideas for the 21st Century
September 19, 2008
As a personal growth specialist, I like to think I’m hip. I like to think I am avant garde. I like to think I am on the cutting edge ? despite what everyone else around thinks about me.
I read last year that the growth sector of the future is in healthcare and wellness. So, being the hip, avant garde, cutting edge kind of guy I think I am, I decided I would give very unique and personal healthcare birthday gifts.
For Aunt Marsha, I settled on a facelift. I was so excited, I just couldn’t wait to see her face. Either the old one or the new one would do.
“What’s this?”
“It’s an appointment for a facelift.”
“A facelift?
“Yes. Next week.”
“An appointment for a facelift? Next week?”
“That’s right.”
“This can mean one of only two things…”
“What two things, Aunt Marsha?”
“Either you think I am uglier than a bearded manatee with blow torch burns…”
“Oh no, Aunt Marsha. You are as beautiful as a graceful flamingo with blow torch burns.”
The Bloated Bar Mitzvah Celebration: 6 Ways to Take It Back
September 16, 2008
Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope in the past twenty years.
That’s great news for me; I derive much of the income I earn as a party entertainer from working at these events. Nonetheless, I offer this advice to those planning Bar Mitzvah celebrations:
Less is more.
Becoming a Bar Mitzvah is a major milestone in the life of a Jewish youngster. It is a joyous occasion deserving of celebration.
While the Bar Mitzvah service is a religious ceremony, the reception that follows is a thoroughly secular affair.
In a generation, the typical Bar Mitzvah reception has grown from a homegrown simple affair to something rivaling many weddings in its elaborateness and cost.
And, like the over-commercialization of Christmas, what is intended to be a joyous celebration of friends and family has gotten out of hand.
Don’t misunderstand. I share the joy of the Bar Mitzvah’s family. I’ve felt much joy when members of my own family and friends’ families have reached this threshold.
It’s just my observation that too much of the time the celebrants aren’t enjoying themselves very much.
Do It Yourself Gifts
September 11, 2008
Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as you would like. They do not quite seem to fit the idea you had in mind. For these times, the only thing to do is “do it yourself”. You will have the gift exactly fitting the theme and the person that you want.
So now, you know you want it personalized but what can you create. Some of these items take just a few moments and others may take several days. But that’s part of the giving too.
-For our gardener friend, plant seeds in your garden or in container and nurture them until they are big enough to be planted in your friend’s garden.
-Go to the local ceramic store and find mugs, bowls, plates, and vases in fired green ware. Buy paint and paint your friend’s favorite flower or name on these items. Or leave them plain and paint clear glaze and have the shop fire them for you
-Rubbing rose petals to release their scent can create rose oil for her bath. Place them in a bottle with mineral oil, cloves, and zest of lemon. The rose make it pretty and the oil will soothe her skin in her bath.
Cashless Gifts
September 8, 2008
Sometimes gifts that are truly from your heart have no cash value. But the value to the recipient can be more than any amount of money could provide. These gifts are truly from your heart to theirs.
Look at the person’s life and what they need. Maybe grandpa can’t climb the ladder to prune his trees or bending down to those shrubs is more difficult than it used to be. Someone just broke their legs and lives in an apartment with a dog. Walking that dog is a major concern for them.
If you just look, you will find many things to do which are cashless gifts from you.
-Volunteer to work for a week at their favorite charity. You may put up signs, file in their office, call for donations. All work will be appreciated by your recipient.
-Frequently parents would love to go out for an evening or spend the weekend away. They need a babysitter they can rely on. You come to their rescue and give them peace of mind to enjoy their evening or weekend away.
Holiday Tips & Treats That Wont Play Tricks On Your Waistline
September 6, 2008
Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American gains 7-12 pounds between Halloween and New Year’s . The next series of articles will help you ensure that you won’t be among them. First, Halloween. As Halloween rears it’s head, so does the plethora of wonderful smelling chocolates and other treats that tempt us as we walk through the aisles of our favorite stores. I will cover some tips, tricks and nutrition information for many of the popular candies to help you make the best choices . The moral is - if you can count it and limit it to a single serving , you can work it into your food plan and enjoy the Holiday festivities without sacrificing your fitness goals.
Tips for Planning an Egg-stra Special Easter Party
September 2, 2008
Bunnies & chicks, colourful eggs, and the hunt for hidden chocolate. It’s no wonder kids await the arrival of Easter with such eager anticipation. While many families have their own private rituals to celebrate this springtime holiday, this year consider throwing an Easter party for friends and family. Wondering how? Just follow these tips for foolproof egg hunts, crafts and races to entertain your guests, and tasty treats to entice your tireless hunters to the table. This party plan is sure to please.
The Hunt
The egg hunt is the highlight of most Easter parties. However, how do you ensure even the smallest hunters get their fair share of the eggs? Here are some time-tested tips:
? Put the participants’ names on the eggs in advance, and/or assign a colour to each child, if using plastic eggs. ? Assign different search areas based on age. Smaller children’s eggs might be in plain view, while others are harder to find.
Looking to add a twist? Here are some variations on the traditional hunt:
The Last Laugh: Parental Pranks for April 1
August 31, 2008
The exact origin of April Fool’s Day is uncertain, but popular belief is that it began in France with the adoption of a new calendar. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar (still in use today) replaced the long-standing Julian calendar and New Year’s celebrations were moved from April 1 to January 1.
People who continued to celebrate the new year on April 1 were labeled "fools" and often ridiculed. This harassment evolved over time, and now "All Fool’s Day" is practised in many parts of the world with each country celebrating it in their own special way.
In Scotland, "Taily Day" lasts 48 hours and is devoted to pranks involving the buttocks. The Scots are rumoured to have invented the "Kick Me" sign.
In France, children exclaim "Poisson d’Avril" (April fish) when playing a prank, referring to a young fish which is easily caught.
In Rome, the "Festival of Hilaria" is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day".
While children relish tricking us on this special day, why let them have all the fun. Here are some ways for you to trick them:
