Make it a great WEEKend, not a WEAKend

Weekends are for relaxing.  We work hard all week and finally get to rest, HOORAY!  Unfortunately even small binges can sabotage all of the great effort you made Monday through Friday.

Research shows that we eat an additional 100 calories on weekends.  Not too bad, right?  Well, it adds up. A pound is 3,500 calories, so an extra 300 calories per week will lead to nearly a pound after 10 weeks — or an extra five pounds over a year!!!

You may justify it by saying you will make up for the Saturday night binge by working out on Sunday, but often Sunday arrives and you find excuses not to exercise. Some tips: 

-If church starts at 9 a.m get up at 7 a.m. and fit in the workout, even walking a mile or two has great advantages. You rise early to workout on weekdays, why not now?

-If you're not a morning exerciser and you can’t miss 60 Minutes or Alias on Sunday evening hit your gym and watch it while you work out or do some floor exercises while it is one.  Or TiVo it and watch it later.

-Too many household chores keeping you from exercise?  Working around the house and putting a little vigor in your movements can be real exercise.  Especially things like scrubbing the shower and bathtub, vacuuming, and working in the garden.

-Do your kids play hockey, soccer, baseball on the weekends? Stand up while you watch: standing burns more calories than sitting. Or take a walk while you watch.

-Do you just not feel like working out because weekends are for relaxing? Just a few minutes of exercise is better than none. Keeping up with your exercise routine will help you reach your fitness goals that much faster, and once you get into the groove of working out, you’ll crave it.  We Promise.

It doesn’t stop with fitness. It may also be more difficult to get in your water on the weekends.  Carry a water bottle everywhere you go on the weekend.  Drink water before every meal.    

Keep your eye on the prize: a healthier you. Be conscious of what you eat during the weekends, stick to your healthy lifestyle just like you do during the week. If you need to reward yourself for the hard work and diligence through the week, see a movie or get a massage. DO NOT get the cheesy fries appetizer or order an extra margarita - as most extra weekend calories come from drinks and eating out. Remember, you are not a dog, do not reward yourself with food. 

On weekends, there is plenty of time to relax but you need to stay committed to yourself and your new healthy lifestyle.  Choose you and be good to yourself!