Do you take a multi-vitamin? If not, maybe you should. Americans live lifestyles that often prevent them from getting the nutrients they need. Of course, there are other reasons for taking multi-vitamins. Of course, it pays to take a vitamin that is made for your age and sex. In this week's blog, we'll discuss the various reasons why you should include a multi-vitamin in your daily routine.

I remember taking vitamins when I was little. Of course, those had cute shapes and tasted like various fruit flavors. It's really no wonder I got out of the habit of taking a daily vitamin. Many brands are the size of a horse pill, and if you ever get one stuck to your tongue, you'll find they taste nothing like fruit. Still, there have been three different occasions that doctors have recommended vitamins as part of my daily routine. First of all, I take a medication that increases my risk for osteoporosis. Many multi-vitamins include calcium, which makes it easier for me to get the high amount of calcium I need. Second, I was experiencing extreme tenderness in my breasts. My doctor recommended Vitamin E to help ease the pain. Last, but not least, I have an iron deficiency and must take a multi-vitamin to keep my iron count where it should be. These issues won't affect all of you, but what I'm trying to say is vitamins help you be healthier. Taking one multi-vitamin, rather than a handful of vitamins, just makes your life easier.

Multi-vitamins are certainly no excuse to stop trying to eat healthy. But, they do help you cover the basics. Of course, you need to make sure you choose a multi-vitamin that works best for you. With thousands of different varieties to choose from, this may take a bit of time and research. A great starting point is to choose a multi-vitamin that's made for your age and sex.

Once you've found the right vitamin. Just make sure you remember to take it each day. This can be hard to remember but adding it to your lunchbox makes it easier.

It's another year to set some health and fitness goals. Overcome you fear of the gym and embrace a healthier menu for a diet revamp. Setting new fitness resolutions for the year - and sticking with them long enough to turn them into habits - may be all you need to jumpstart that weight loss plan or get buff well before summer rolls around. But how do you kick things off on the right track? Try a brand new sport or activity so you're not bored with the usual gym routine right off the bat.

It's much easier to burn calories while undertaking a surfing adventure or practicing your skills on a skateboard than it is to push yourself to brink of boredom on the treadmill. Get going on a fun fitness plan that will keep you motivated for the months ahead.

Pick up some basics from the surf shop and hit the beach for some surfing lessons that will give you a total body workout. Surfing is a great sport for learning the art of balance and will challenge those abs and thighs more than any machine at the gym. Need another reason to hit the sand? It's an easy way to get buff and tan well before summer season makes its way into the schedule.

If you prefer outdoor activities in snowy territory, hit the slopes for a snowboarding adventure. Snowboarding is the anti-beach bum's surfing workout, a chance to slip, slide and navigate down challenging slopes while making the most of the total body workout. Just layer up with a puffy vest or jacket, insulated pants and a cozy beanie and you'll be well on your way to snowboarding success.

Love biking? Put your balancing and maneuvering skills to the test with a BMX circuit. BMX biking continues to be a popular extreme sport that will challenge your lower body and turn you into a speed demon in no time. Just get yourself a pair of hi-tops and lightweight clothing to hit the area bike ramp for your training session. You may need a few lessons from a BMX pro before you take on competitive challenge, but practice sessions will help you fine tune your skills and get those legs in great shape.

While you may want to curl up and relax, it's important to keep your exercise program going during the winter months. After all, just think about how many more Holiday leftover sweets you can eat if you burn off the calories. In this week's blog, we'll discuss a few fun ways to burn calories this winter.

If you're a gamer, chances are you own a Nintendo Wii. If not, you really should consider it. Playing the Nintendo Wii will actually burn calories. Just 15 minutes of boxing on the Nintendo Wii burns 125 calories. This is the type of exercise you'll actually enjoy. If boxing isn't your cup of tea, play tennis. You can burn 92 calories every 15 minutes. Best of all, many of the Nintendo Wii games help you burn calories. For example, you'll burn hundreds of calories playing a couple hours worth of King of Fighters. Who said video games were bad for you? Get off the couch and burn some calories as you enjoy your favorite games.

Video games aren't for everyone. But most people do enjoy dancing. Dancing can be done inside your home as you watch TV or listen to music. You can even enjoy a romantic evening of slow dancing with your partner. Ten minutes of slow dancing will burn anywhere from 80 to 105 calories, depending on your weight. On the other hand, 10 minutes of fast-paced dancing will burn 94 to 124 calories. Dancing is not only a fun way to exercise on a cold winter's day, but it also tones your muscles leaving you with a fit body.

If you'd rather get outside and enjoy the weather, why not go skiing? Skiing is a wonderful way to burn calories. Depending on your weight, an hour's worth of downhill skiing will burn 340 to 510 calories. Best of all, it won't feel like exercise at all.

What are you waiting for? Enjoy an exercise that doesn't seem like exercise this winter.

A new year is right around the corner. Many of us will be making resolutions that will change our lifestyles and our bodies. The only problem is many of us make these same resolutions every year and we rarely keep them. For many, many years I made the resolution to lose over 100 pounds. Unfortunately, those resolutions never worked. Why? Why is it that all so often we make these resolutions but fail? In this week's blog we'll discuss why resolutions fail and what you can do to succeed.

First of all, resolutions fail because we make resolutions that seem unattainable. Losing 100 pounds is a perfect example. When you make a large resolution like that, it may seem like a nice goal to work toward. The only problem is that even if you lose two pounds per week, it will take forever to reach your goal. Another reason why New Year's resolutions fail is that you simply aren't truly ready to make changes in your life. You may not be ready to give up something you've come to love or work hard to meet your goals. What's a person to do?

Stop setting yourself up for failure. Instead of making a resolution to lose 100 pounds, shoot for 20. Instead of saying you'll cut out all sweet and fatty foods, make a resolution to eat your favorite snacks in moderation. If you want to make changes but aren't ready to do all the work necessary to complete that goal, break the resolution down into smaller changes.

New Year's resolutions shouldn't be easily cast to the side in February. They should instead be changes you can live with and goals that are attainable. What are you waiting for? Get up from your computer and go make your 2009 resolutions. A new year is coming. Are you ready for a new you?

Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving just kicked off the five weeks of absolute holiday craziness. People often get very stressed out very quickly during this time, with regular stress compounded with biting cold weather and the chaos of the holidays. In my experience, there's one quick-fix stress reducer that works better than all the rest: massage. Not only is massage in itself relaxing - it's hard to even think about anything stressful while you're getting one. Unfortunately, in the current economy, luxuries like professional massage have been cut out of most personal budgets.

Believe it or not, you CAN enjoy all the benefits of massage without breaking the bank. If you think that the only way you can enjoy a massage is by paying someone $100 an hour to do it, then think again. If you have a significant other that likes to give or receive massages, you've already got it made. Set a date (or dates) to give each other long, soothing massages. You may want to set them up for different days - you get a massage one weekend, he gets one the next. The reason? You can relax and enjoy your massage, and he can enjoy his, without having to immediately turn around and give one. When it's time for your massage, pick out an aromatic massage oil or lotion, slip on some cozy slippers and a robe, and enjoy!

If you don't have a significant other, or don't think he or she would enjoy the idea, you have plenty of other options. Electric body massagers aren't what they used to be. Today, professional ones like percussion massagers can pound out the stress nearly as well as a masseuse. New businesses are also opening (such as the chain "Massage Envy") that offer professional massages at low rates, which are more affordable. If you don't want to splurge for even an inexpensive massage, you can drop the hint one would make a great Christmas gift. So, enjoy the soothing experience of massage without the heavy price tag and actually enjoy this holiday season!

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.

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!