As the holiday season hits a high note and your day is packed with errands, gift shopping and preparations for the family dinner, squeezing in a workout might seem like an impossible feat. However, keeping up with your health and fitness resolutions for the season might help you blast through the holidays and lower your stress levels; kicking it up a notch at the gym helps release endorphins - your body's natural painkillers - allowing you to literally sweat away your cares and release tension from that jam-packed schedule. Keep up with your workout circuit this holiday season with these simple tips:

1. Stock up on water. 'Water, water, everywhere,' should be your mantra as you go about your busy day trying to keep those energy levels running in high gear. Make sure you take a water bottle along with you on that trip to the gym and keep up with your daily 10-12 glasses by sipping on water throughout the day.

2. Pack the gym bag the night before. If you make going to the gym a last-minute decision in the morning, you're less likely to stick with a consistent routine. Pack your gym bag with all the essentials each evening so you only have to grab the bag and go in the wee hours of the morning.

3. Layer it up right. If you're skipping the gym in favor of a walking or jogging session in the great outdoors, make sure you're layering up with some cold weather basics to keep your body in good shape for the long haul. A long-sleeve mesh crew top, a couple of comfy sweatshirts and other layering pieces will help your body stay warm and protect you from the elements on that brisk winter day.

As always, makes sure you start and end your workout with a brief stretching session and give your muscles a chance to get stronger and reduce the risk of injury.

You can combat holiday stress like a pro with some simple fitness strategies. Plan ahead and stick with those workouts for a healthy and happy holiday season. At the very least, the extra workouts will let you justify that second helping of dessert.

Millions of baby boomers have retired and settled into new and engaging lifestyles. With these changes come new attitudes like not wanting to deal with crowds and traffic any longer, particularly during the holiday season. For some the change is a total chill mode. Fortunately, the baby boomer generation was included in the Internet phenomenon, which provides the opportunity to do most holiday shopping from the convenience of one's home in his or her pajamas. Add to this perfect picture just the right house music and a superior cup of java.

Practically every gift item one could hope to give during the holiday season can be ordered online anquality designer luggaged mailed directly to the recipient. How beautiful is that? Whether looking for gifts of clothing, shoes, electronics, handbags, luggage, sports equipment, movies, eyewear and even jewelry, it is all possible. Having the privilege and opportunity to have access to a wide variety of products from a trustworthy business is not only convenient but also fun. Yes, there is such a shopper's high associated with ordering online as well as receiving gifts in the mail. The process seems to have a synergistic effect on the purchaser and the receiver.

Say your family member is interested in a popular handbag seen in a fashion magazine or an online store, or maybe you have a college student that is in need of new luggage. Simply visit the preferred online site that carries a wide variety of quality designer luggage and have it shipped directly to the student. It pays to peruse the web site carefully during this time of year, because many retailers offer free shipping both ways should an item need to be returned. It is also very important to do business with a reputable online retailer that has a lot of exposure, is versatile in products and has a solid return policy.

So baby boomers don't fear, you won't have to leave the comfort of your newly acquired chilled out life to shop. Instead you can remain pajama-clad while shopping and shipping at the same time. Wahoo!

Depending on where you live, winter has recently decided to come home to roost; by come home, we mean run you over with a steam roller. The unseasonably warm weather finally decided to end this week and deliver the cold air and biting winds that we associate with fall and the stress and madness of holiday culture.

The holidays are stressful. This in itself isn't news; what helps is how you handle the holidays. Many people find the rush of the holidays to be too much, and the attitudes of those rushing to be a bit too negative. Here is some advice for the weary in dealing with holiday woes.

First off, relax. You've got plenty of time, so make the most of it. Don't let everything go until the last minute. If it helps, set one weekend aside to shop for each family member in order to keep things straight.

Secondly, make sure you stay comfortable. Your level of stress will only increase the more uncomfortable you are. Invest in some quality footwear. Nothing says comfort like a soft, fuzzy boot, and if wearing a nice brown pair of Gabriella Rocha StudioBroadway boots isn't enough to get your stress down, combine them with some comfort coffee and cookies. Walking the malls can be very draining, after all.

Third, remember that you won't be able to do everything, so stop stressing about all that has to be done and focus on the big stuff first. In the end, the holidays will happen whether you're ready or not, so do what you need, and then do what you want.

Fourth, try to set aside a bit of "you" time each day. Even if it's just five minutes, do something completely selfish for yourself. Get that extra large coffee, munch on that chocolate cookie or read that book you've been meaning to. Taking a minute to decompress can save you hours of stress-related headaches later on.

The holidays are stressful, but they don't have to be unbeatable. If you plan ahead and make an effort to stay comfortable, most of your stress will be manageable. Remember to take your time and take time for yourself this holiday season.

This week, we're going to discuss a rather big lifestyle change. This is a change that I struggle with each year. In other words, the only time you'll have to think about this lifestyle change is during the winter months. You know what I'm talking about. The weather starts to turn cold, Thanksgiving dinner's on the table and, bam, it's New Year's Day, and you're 10 pounds heavier. What happened? All you remember is being in a carb-induced coma for the past few weeks. Don't worry. It happens to all us at some point. But this year, you're going to work towards making a change. Thanksgiving will no longer be the beginning of a month-long free forall.

Why is this lifestyle change so hard to make? Truthfully, I think it begins with leftovers. You prepare a huge Thanksgiving feast, and then munch on it for a couple days. Instead of consuming a single thousand-calorie meal, you consume several in only two or three days. There are a few ways to avoid this bad beginning. First of all, consider going out for Thanksgiving dinner. If that isn't an option, send leftovers home with relatives. Another option is to prepare homemade TV dinners and freeze them for a later date.

What else contributes to this mighty free for all? One problem lies in holiday parties. They begin in early December and run through New Year's. They're filled with cakes, cookies, cocktails and other high-calorie treats. Thankfully, a healthy meal before heading to a party can help cut the amount of calories you consume.

Last, but not least, stop bringing home so many treats. Yes, the eggnog looks delicious. But wouldn't it be more of a treat if you only consumed it on Christmas? The same goes for butter cookies, homemade candy and hot chocolate. I'm not saying you should give these treats up. What I am saying is moderation is key. Enjoy your favorite foods on the holidays, not throughout the entire month of December.

Now, go watch some holiday movies and enjoy the season.

Fitness gurus and personal trainers encourage us to try circuit training for that super-buff body we've been coveting all year, but when you're not disciplined enough to play boot camp master on every workout, chances are you just stick with your usual gym routine. Maybe this is the season to change things up and jump into some new activities? Heart-pumping winter sports including snowboarding, cross-country skiing and even snowshoeing. These are just a few ways to get out of that fitness rut and slip and slide into mega-calorie-burning mode.

If you're used to watching the ski bunnies from the comfort of your cabin all winter long, commit to at least one cross-country skiing session per week and enjoy a workout in the process. Skiing will get your metabolism revved up in no time, and it is the perfect excuse for taking in some fresh winter air. Just put on that puffy snow jacket or vest, grab some snow goggles and navigate down those slopes for a killer lower-body workout.

When you're anxious to try an extreme sport activity this season, head out on a snowboarding adventure with some boots and gloves that will keep you warm and protected against that harsh winter chill. Snowboarding will give you a chance to put your upper and lower body muscles to the ultimate test; you'll need to balance and maneuver that board across challenging terrain at a high speed, but this heart-pumping activity is sure to turn that calorie burn up a few notches.

No snow in your area this season? You can still change up your winter workout routine with a mountain biking trip or hiking excursion. Give that lower body the ultimate workout by adding weights to your ankles for resistance or loading up a backpack with extra gear. You can count on a super-calorie burning workout after just 20 to 30 minutes of constant movement.

Getting into a fitness rut is easy when your daily workout schedule consists of angst-ridden minutes of running on the treadmill and training for hours using the good old elliptical machine. Unfortunately, your body has probably adapted to the ho-hum routine, and you aren't burning off as many calories as you think during every workout. Jump into a fresh new workout routine to give your metabolism a boost and enjoy the great outdoors this winter.

Baby boomers who have taken on new athletic ventures during the spring and summer season need only to beef up their athletic gear to stay warm for the fall and winter season. There is no need to discontinue a fitness program that has grown strong during the mild months or revert to training inside. The combination of crisp fresh air, nature and enjoying the outdoors is imperative to excellent physical health and overall wellbeing.

Selecting warm athletic clothing provides added warmth and comfort to the workout process. There are a couple of excellent lines of winter athletic gear from which to select including PUMA, Kuhl, Nike, Moving Comfort and others. A great choice for men's athletic gear for the upper body is the PUMA Winter Top, which is available in Vaporous Grey. Made from 100 percent polyester the PUMA Winter Top has a front zip, reflective logo on the front, reflective seam tape on the back and cuff and thumbhole grips. This is a great piece that can be layered over other pieces without feeling restricted from activity. The retail price for the PUMA Winter Topthe PUMA Winter Top is $69.95.

Winter weight leggings are also important to have, especially for runners. An excellent choice of winter leggings for baby boomer women is the Nike Winter Leggings, which are made from 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex for comfortable fit. Features of the Nike Winter Leggings include soft-rib fabrication, pieced-on waistband for comfort and the Nike logo on the left hip. Designed for comfort and warmth and also ideal for layering in extremely cold weather, the Nike Winter Leggings help to ensure warmth and keep baby boomers active during the winter season. The retail price for the Nike Winter Leggings is $46.

There is a variety of great winter active wear pieces baby boomers can add to their fitness wardrobe, which are all designed to ensure warmth and comfort and to promote the incentive to maintain one's fitness goals. Don't let a little bit of chilly weather get in the way of a great fitness routine.

If you're like most busy people today, you may not have time for some of the common stress-reduction techniques, like hot baths, exercise or meditation. Between work and family commitments, you may have trouble finding time to sleep. Fortunately, there are things you can do on the go to help reduce your stress levels.

Tension hand balls are popular, portable and easy to fit in your purse. They come in a variety of styles and densities, and are often seen in chaotic office environments. But they're great for other times, too. When you're stuck in traffic or waiting in line at the grocery store, squeezing a tension ball can bring immediate relief.

Another helpful hint that may seem odd is this: take an essential oil version of your favorite scent and apply it to a small handkerchief. Place the handkerchief in a small plastic bag to preserve the scent. When you're feeling stressed out, take it out and inhale the scent two to three times or more. Whether its rosemary mint or cherry almond, your favorite scent offers a quick mini-vacation from whatever you're doing.

Portable, hand-held massagers are also great for on the go stress relief. Battery-operated, hand-held massagers fit neatly in your purse and can be used on tense muscles during traffic jams or other periods of downtime.

In today's technological arena, you probably have an MP3 player, a car CD player or both. Make the most out of these by keeping music that relaxes you handy, setting the back drop for a smoother day. Whether it's Mozart, pop or jazzy artists like Norah Jones, your favorite music can be one of the most effective stress reducers around.

Grab a few of these quick tension fixers and get on with your day in a less-stressed way. If you can't stop for stress reduction, these tips allow you to take it with you in easy ways.

In previous weeks, we've discussed the importance of exercise. It's time to take the discussion one step further. This week we'll tackle the number one reason why people don't exercise. Or should that be the number one excuse people use for not exercising? What could that be? Might it be that people claim they're too busy to exercise? That's exactly it. In fact, I've used that excuse several times myself. But, as you'll see from this week's entry, no one is too busy for exercise.

A few weeks ago, we spoke about how exercise didn't have to be running or jumping jacks. We also discussed how exercise can be broken down into smaller timeframes. But what you may be surprised to learn is that exercising can take place throughout your day. While completing everyday activities, you can get the exercise you need. This is what I love about exercise.

Over the years, I've learned several ways to incorporate exercise into my busy day. The following are just a few of the many, many ways you too can incorporate exercise into your life.

• Park far away from your destination
• Walk whenever possible
• Take the stairs
• Walk up escalators
• Skip the car wash and do it yourself
• Visit a farm that lets you pick your own produce
• Go shopping at the mall, rather than online

I told you that you had time for exercise. You just need to think about what happens throughout your day and how you can turn those activities into exercise. For example, search the web for exercises that can be done at your desk. While you're speaking with clients, you can be toning your arms and burning calories.

Exercise is possible. Best of all, when you follow these tips, you'll never even know you're exercising. Did I mention this is a great way to spend more time with your family? Walk your kids to school, take your kids shopping or incorporate calorie burning activities into family night.

Plain and simple, exercise doesn't have to involve a gym bag. You can exercise anywhere and at anytime.

When the holiday season calls for late-night dining, extra-large servings of festive treats and little time to head to the gym, livening up your fitness routine might help ward off any holiday pounds and relieve a little stress in the process. The holidays leave most of us with 5 to 10 pounds of extra baggage to be dealt with in the New Year, but you don't need to carry that extra weight when you have a fitness plan by your side. A few tweaks to your schedule are all it really takes to keep your health and fitness goggles planted firmly in position when the dessert tray rolls around.

Invest in a snazzy new gym bag to recommit to your fitness purpose. A stylish bag gives you a chance to show off the latest trends at the gym and may even prompt you to pack it up with your essential gear during a busy week. Pick up something fresh and trendy like the Columbia Metropolis Cybersling or the PUMA Runway Grip Bag and you might be inspired to head out to the gym more often than not.

Pick up a pair of cross trainers and join an indoor sports team in your neighborhood for a fun, stress-free way to burn off a few calories. Indoor sports like soccer and indoor tennis are great ways to relieve stress and work on your skills; a friendly game with the neighbors or a local team can keep you motivated to move, even in the midst of the holiday frenzy.

Ready to dance? Put on your dancing shoes for a tap or jazz session at your local community center and easily burn a few hundred calories per hour. You can jump and jive to your favorite tunes and pick up a few dancing skills in the process. A fresh new dance routine is a great way to keep moving during 'couch-potato' season. Plus, you'll have a chance to show off your moves at the next holiday party!

If going to the gym during holiday season just isn't making it on your to-do list, there are plenty of alternative ways to get up and get moving so you can stay in shape. Indoor sports and dance classes are just a few options. Think of creative ways to stay fit and healthy this season so you can ward off those holiday pounds.

As winter approaches and baby boomers plan winter vacations, consider being innovative and bypass the traditional luxury cruise. In fact, why not get edgy and adventurous and consider a *ski vacation*? If you are a beginner, it is never too late to learn and that includes seeing baby boomers on the bunny slopes.

Beginners should know that actual ski equipment such as skis and boots can be rented so the focus should be upon warm clothing. Decide what is most comfortable for you and your body type. The focus should be on ski gear such as après-ski attire, ski pants, jackets, one-piece suits and basics. Baby boomers can take liberties with their après-ski attire and get as fashionable as desired, just insure that the gear is comfortable and conducive for the cold weather.

The basic clothing needed for skiing requires warm outer pants, jackets or one-piece suits that are insulated. Baby boomers who are also beginning skiers may enjoy the comfort of one-piece suits. A popular choice among female skiers is the Salomon Psychic One Piece available in Aqua Tint X. The loose-fitting, pull-on-pant, one-piece suit has a zip front closure and high-neck powder collar for warmth. Other features include an attached hood with faux fur trim, multiple pockets, goggle wipe, belted waistband and more. One of the key features of this garment is the vent system designed for maximum breathability while providing warmth and optimum insulation. The one-piece waterproof suit retails for $604.

The Salomon Conspiracy Piece for men is available in purple and made from climaPRO Storm Plain Wave 3L, which is fully waterproof and offers maximum breathability. The loose-fitting waterproof garment is machine washable and offers a pull-on-pant styling with full zip front closure and storm flap, high-neck powder collar, inner bit with suspenders, multiple pockets, hood attachment, goggle wipe and premiere ventilation system and retails for $604.

Where traditional cruise vacations may be the norm for baby boomers, live on the edge this year, ditch the cruise, get suited up, booted up and head for the bunny slopes.

If you always seem to be stressed out, the fall and winter probably don't make it any easier. There's less greenery, fewer flowers and the icy temps make lounging around outside or taking a walk downright uncomfortable. Due to all of these things, some people actually find that they suffer from weather-related depression. Fortunately, there are several ways to bring a touch of Mother Nature's best into your home, and it will help you to relax.

Buy Fresh Flowers Once a Week
They don't have to be roses, and they don't have to be expensive. Stop by your local grocery or flower shop and pick up a cute little bouquet made up of wildflowers or other common blooms. Be sure to follow the directions when putting them into a vase and add the plant food. Place them in an area of the house you spend time in, such as the living room or dining room. It'll brighten up your home and your mood.

Change Your Bulbs
Is your indoor lighting a little harsh? You might be surprised to know you can get light bulbs that actually simulate natural outdoor lighting! This can help soften the blow of losing so much sunlight; and again, it will probably make you feel better.

Keep Eating Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Even if you don't grow them yourself, you probably eat more fresh fruits and vegetables when it's warm out. When the cold weather hits, that seems to stop. During colder months, people eat fewer fresh foods and more canned or frozen foods. To stay feeling fresh, try eating fresh. Eat fresh or steamed fruits and veggies at least once a day. It's good for you, and it's one less change from the warm days of summer.

By making a few easy and inexpensive changes, you can help ease your stress by beating the winter blues. With great lighting and fresh surroundings, you might even forget it is cold - until you step outside!

Whether you're trying to lose weight or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, a food diary is essential. Not only does a food diary allow you to keep track of foods eaten throughout the day, but you can also record any weaknesses and cravings you notice. In other words, a food diary makes you more conscious of what's going into your body. In this week's blog, you'll learn the importance of a food diary and what should be included in your daily entries.

I tried off and on for several years to keep a food diary. It wasn't until this year that I finally stuck with the commitment. When I started, I would simply write down what I ate, how many calories were in each food, and I would total up that day's calories. A food diary can be much more than that though. If you need to increase your calcium or fiber intake, you can keep totals of that as well. My current food diary includes the following:

A bi-monthly weigh-in
Foods eaten
Calories, along with a total
Amount of water drank
Any cravings I experience, along with the time that they occur
A daily summary of the good things I did and what I need to work on

This food diary was just what I needed to make me more aware of my eating habits. But it also made me more aware of my trouble areas. For example, I noticed that I crave sweets late in the afternoon. Still, I feel that best part of the food diary is making note of the good things you do. Having a list of accomplishments makes you want to keep doing the right things for your body.

If you're trying to lose weight, I highly suggest keeping a food diary. You will quickly notice how some foods take up a large amount of your daily calories. When you become conscious of this, you will choose foods that allow you to eat more and stretch your calories further.

What are you waiting for? Grab a pen and start a food diary.

When the forecast calls for snowstorms and subzero temperatures, heading outdoors on your usual morning run or biking excursion might earn itself a rain check status. Still, keeping in shape during the winter months is easier when you schedule yourself a few indoor sporting activities. You don't have to be an athletic superstar to take on an indoor roller skating challenge or show off your skills on the indoor soccer field. Just grab your gear and head off to a fun, heart-pumping activity that will get you that fitness fix!

Kick off your athletic shoes and strap on a pair of roller skates for a lower body workout like no other. Just track down a roller skating rink in your area for a fun, but challenging, fitness activity that will get your fitness routine into high gear. Be sure to get fitted for the right size so you're slipping and sliding on that rink for the right reasons.

If you're a soccer aficionado, head to the indoor field for a calorie-burning game that might just keep you in great shape this season. A pair of indoor soccer shoes will get you on track to soccer stardom; just look for a pair with extra traction and a flexible sole for extra comfort.

Missing those outdoor tennis games? Turn yourself into a racquetball enthusiast this season and get a terrific total body workout in the process. This fast-paced sport requires a lightweight pair of athletic shoes so you can maneuver around and play the court like a pro. Look for hard-court shoes with extra lining and cushioning for extra comfort.

When the day calls for a game of indoor volleyball, get yourself in gear with some supportive court shoes. A pair of lightweight shoes made with a molded toe and mesh inserts will give the extra support and comfort you need to stay on your toes for that fast-paced game.

From the roller skating rink to the indoor soccer field, you have few excuses to skip the fitness routine this winter. Grab your gear and take on that next fitness challenge with any of these indoor sports this season!

Baby boomers are looking for ways to enjoy life and retirement, but in the process they also want to stay fit while enjoying the deserved down time. Yoga is one of the most popular ways to get fit. Yoga offers the benefits of becoming more flexible and toned, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. One of the important aspects of yoga is comfort. To get into the yoga mode and mood you'll need to get geared up for yoga fitness.

The basic concept to yoga clothing is comfort and flexibility. Baby boomers don't want to wear something so loose the yoga instructor cannot see their form, but you also do not want to wear something tight. Buying clothing geared for yoga is the best bet, simply because the design is created specifically for yoga.

Clothing designed for yoga fitness should offer stretch, breathability, comfort and durability. There are a number of brands of yoga clothing; however, the key is in finding one that works for your specific needs.

Basic yoga pants and a yoga top are needed to comfortably begin yoga class. Many practitioners of yoga prefer the pants that hit right below the knee such as the Unity Yoga Capri by Statik Mountain Co. Available in black and made from 88 percent nylon and 12 percent spandex, the yoga pants have a lined crotch gusset, a low rise waist, flat side seams and are designed to dry quickly. The Unity Yoga Capri retails for approximately $61.

Basic yoga tops are usually tanks, tees, spaghetti tops or even cross-trainer tops with support, which are ideal for yoga. It goes back to the fabric being breathable and the top being comfortable. If well endowed at the top or having upper support is preferable, a great choice of yoga tops is the Moving Comfort Apparel Cross-trainer Support Tank. Available in lime, hibiscus or cocoa, the tank is made from 87 percent Coolmax polyester and 13 percent spandex. The Cross-trainer Support Tank retails for $46 and is ideal gear for yoga.

When it comes to stress reduction, people think of all sorts of things: hot baths, aromatherapy, exercise and time management. But there's one easy (and obvious) stress reducer that nearly everyone overlooks. We all take it for granted, but breathing right can make you feel better, help you think more clearly and reduce muscle tension. It also makes exercise easier on the body, providing more oxygen during your workout. Believe it or not, breathing the right way on a consistent basis is harder than it sounds!

The right kind of breathing will cause both your chest and your stomach to rise! During regular breathing, most people note just the chest rising. But think about it: your lungs extend nearly to the base of your ribcage, ending at your diaphragm. When the chest is the only thing that rises, it means you're only using a portion of your lung capacity!

If you pay attention to how you "normally" breathe, you'll notice that most breaths are shallow, with intermittent, deeper breaths. To get a feel for deeper breathing, place your hands on your chest and abdomen. As you breathe in, concentrate on causing your stomach to rise, filling your lungs as much as possible. Now, breathe the entire breath out and repeat. Try to breathe like this as often as possible, particularly when you're feeling anxious or tense.

It's a simple thing, but sometimes the best ideas are that easy. No gadgets, gizmos or cash required. Just breathe well and reap the benefits.

Many people are under the misconception that a healthier lifestyle means no snacks. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, snacks help prevent you from overeating during mealtime. Snacks also keep your body burning calories all day long. The problem with snacks is that many people make poor choices. Obviously, candy bars and other sugary candies should be avoided or at least consumed in moderation. The key is to stock your pantry for healthy snacking. In this week's blog we'll discuss the best choices for healthy snacks.

One of the biggest problems I faced when stocking my pantry with healthy snacks was still having bad snacks on hand. I grew up being taught not to waste food, so it was hard to get on the right track. There are ways around this. You can give away unopened snacks. You can also take the snacks and leave them in the break room at work. If possible, you can even freeze the snacks and enjoy them in moderation. Just get the snacks out of your pantry so that you focus on healthier options.

When choosing healthy snacks, you want to choose foods that offer nutritional value. In other words, you want to avoid snacks that contain mostly empty calories. The following is a list of snacks you may want to consider:

Fruits
Nuts
Whole grain cereals
Whole grain bread
Natural peanut butter
Light, microwavable popcorn
Low-sodium soup (avoid condensed soups)
Dried cranberries
Apple chips

These are just a few options. There are several healthy snacks to choose from. If you love sweets, like I do, you may also want to add fat-free pudding cups and 100-calorie snack packs. These snacks satisfy your sweet tooth without being full of calories. Just make sure you also incorporate healthier snacks into your daily diet.

Don't forget that many of these snacks can be tossed into your bag before heading out the door. This means that you have no excuse for choosing unhealthy snacks at work.