If you haven’t already signed up for the gift basket mentioned during Monday’s blog, please do. Pledge to stay within two pounds of your normal weight over the holidays. All you have to do is post on this blog that you accept the challenge by November 20 and you will be entered. In early January we will use the honor system to find out how many of the entrants met their goal and those will be eligible for the final drawing. 

The gifts include four weeks of personal training from Tara Wind at Lifetime Fitness. Tara this week put together some tips to help us achieve our collective goal. She calls this: 7 Ways to a Better You: 

Monday: Get Some Natural Energy!

Cut back on caffeine! Drink half the amount of coffee or sodas you are having per day!

Focus on getting adequate sleep and eating energy boosting foods like fruits and whole grain carbohydrates.

Also join Bill's blog!!!!!!!!!! Commit to maintaining your weight over the holidays 

Tuesday: No White Products!

Does this need explanation :) Opt for whole wheat pasta if you have never tried it, brown or wild rice, change up your cereal selection. 

Wednesday: Work out at Work!

Try doing some exercises at work with weights and bands.

Thursday: Go Vegetarian (just for a day or even just a meal)

Don't turn to soyanalogs like tofurkey! Instead put beans on your salad in lieu of chicken or try a traditional dish without meat - lasagna, spaghetti. 

Friday: Put Down the Pizza

Cook at home instead of eating out! Go to the restaurant websites you are eating out at to see what is really going in your body. 

Saturday: Try a new out door activity or fitness class at your gym

Take your dog on a new trail or go hiking. 

Sunday: Make a crock pot dish and watch the football games!

White bean chili with chips. . . . .