ASAP PLS

Our lives are a series of acronyms!  FB, ASAP, CYA, BTW ... LOL!

With texting, Facebook and other social media, acronyms are second-nature to us now.  Once you're used to a new one, it becomes the norm, and we sometimes use it when we're speaking, too.

In some cases, these developed from mnemonic devices we used to remember a phrase.  Take Shape for Life was explaining that they use acronyms as well in weeks 7 & 8 of their courses.  Why not?  We ultimately remember the definition and the premise rather than the actual terminology (which in this case is a little daunting!).

• BMR Basal Metabolic Rate
• PAL Physical Activity level
• TEF Thermic Effect o Food
• EAT Exercise Activity Thermogenesis
• NEAT Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis

Ultimately, Take Shape 4 Life teaches their students the methods behind each of these acronyms to help them live a healthier life rather than cycling up and down based on the current diet trends.  With Thanksgiving just around the corner followed by Christmas and New Year's celebrations, learning the basics might be the right timing!

Check out this asparagus salad recipe from the site!

Want to Take Shape 4 Life for the holidays & the new year?  Comment below with your FAVORITE holiday recipe (healthy or not) ...

You'll be entered to win a Habits of Health book & workbook (value $45)!   (No purchase necessary to win.  Drawing to take place at Habits of Health class on Tuesday, January 8 at 7 pm.)

Dieting ... it never REALLY works - right?  But I've tried all of the trends!  My friend Chris laughs that she starts a new diet every Monday because by Wednesday, she's fallen out of the routine.

They say it takes 21 repetitions to learn something new or start a new habit.  With family, work, friends, volunteering and everything else that hits my plate, I find it easy to excuse the poor choice for dinner or skipping an evening at the gym.

I learned a long time ago that for me, it's all or nothing.  No sweets in the house, the nights at the gym on my calendar and specifically planned meals that don't include sugar, yeast, or wheat and VERY low fat (food allergies and a hereditary high cholesterol fuel some of those choices).

Jane on the other hand doesn't believe my regimen is realistic for most people, and I'd agree.  I tend to see things in black & white, so a black & white routine works.  But Jane made me think about what works for others, so I asked MOM Mag advertiser Angela Dryden with Take Shape for Life about it.

She referred me to their website (found some great recipes by the way - I LOVE theNorthern Italian Shrimp & Broccoli with no cheese), and she told me about a 12-week class they have coming up.

The class starts on September 13 at 7 pm and runs through December 6.  The workshop is free with the pucrhase of The Habits of Health book and workbook.  Contact Angela Dryden via phone or e-mail to secure your spot!

And tell me ... how do you stay healthy?  What are your strategies?  We love to hear what works for you ... because it works for other readers, too!