What's Your Body Type?

Before choosing a weight loss program it's important to know and understand your body type so you can pick a program that's best suited for you.  There are 3 basic body types and each gain and lose weight differently.  Knowing your body type will help you understand your body so that you can work with it, rather than against it.

The Three Body Types:

1 - Endomorphs

2 - Mesomorphs

3 - Ectomorphs

Most of  us do not fit perfectly with one of these body types, but instead have qualities of two body types. Experts believe that many people are a combination of body types such as ecto-mesomorphs or endo-mesomorphs, where they’re mainly like the mesomorph, but with traits of the ectomorph (e.g. small joints or a trim waist) or with qualities of the endomorph (e.g. a tendency to gain fat easily).

We may not fit a body type exactly, we will fit into one category better than the other and have a predominant body type. It is important to determine which of these classical body types best defines you so that you have the best chances of reshaping your body and reaching your goals.

Here are the traits for each body type:

Ectomorph:
- small, delicate frame and bone structure
- has trouble gaining weight
- low body fat
- thin
- fast and efficient metabolism

Ectomorph's find it hard to gain weight.  They have a very fast metabolism which burns calories very quickly.  Ectomorph's should concentrate on gaining lean muscle tissue. Eat a diet high in quality foods, eat more than you're used to, and eat often. Keep aerobic activities to a minimum.

Best workout for Ectomorph's: Body Beast Or P90X
  

Endomorph: (that's me :) )
- round and soft body
- gains fat and muscle easily
- finds it hard to lose weight
- slow metabolism
- lose weight slowly

Endormorph's tend to gain weight easily and have a hard time losing weight.  They have a slower metabolism and low carbohydrate tolerance.   Endomorph's should always do cardio and weight training to get the best results.   Lower your calorie intake and eat frequent but small meals to make sure you're still getting adequate nutrition throught the day and to keep your metabolism going. Eliminate sugar, sweets, and junk food from your diet and drink a lot of water! 

Best workout for Endomorph's: The 21 Day Fix  Or Focus T25


Mesomorph:
- athletic, rectangular shaped body
- gains muscle easily
- gains fat easily
- strong
- body fat evenly distributed

Mesomorph's tend to gain muscle easily with their naturally fit body.  Train with moderate to heavy weights at a good pace.  Once you are happy with your size focus on training to maintain your body.  Eat a good, healthy diet to stay lean and muscular. 

Best workout for Mesomorph's: Chalean Extreme Or Les Mills Pump


Once you know which body type you are most like it will be easy to pick a workout program and eat the right foods so you can feel your best!

Comment below with your body type!

The Do's and Don'ts to Lose Weight

Weight loss and getting healthy can be so overwhelming!  There are so many programs out there telling you to do this, don't do that, eat cabbage soup, take this pill, take these vitamins, so many opinions on what you should do!

I'm going to break it down for you into very simple things that you can do so you can start to lose weight and feel amazing today.

Before we go over what you should do we need to get out of certain mindsets.  This is not going to be easy, anything worth doing is going to take work, sacrifices, dedication, motivation but mostly a desire to want to change. You will not lose the weight overnight, it took you a long time to put on the weight and it will take you some time to lose the weight.  You will have moments of weakness, moments where you eat a chocolate bar, a donut, bag of chips, a party size bag of M&M's (I may or may not have done that last weekend, ugh).  You will want to give up, you will want to quit, you will want to skip your workout but when you have those thoughts you have to dig deep to find your why and push through.

You deserve to be healthy, happy and live an amazing life :)

Let's start with the Don'ts. These are things you are going to have to stop if you want to lose weight.

1 - Cut the alcohol.  I love my wine in the evenings, it's my saving grace but it's not good for me when I am trying to lose weight.. Alcohol is loaded with sugar and carbs which are not necessary for you when you are on this journey.

2 - Cut the sugar.  Get rid of the cookies, snack packs, white bread, pastry's, donuts, candy, chocolate.  Sugar has a really bad effect on your body and if you want to lose the weight it has to go!!

3 - No soda or pop or whatever you call that fizzy crap that's loaded with sugar and chemicals.  It's a chemical shit storm and quite possibly one of the worst things out there that you can put in your body.

4 - Stop eating out.  Drive-through's, fast food, even subway, Starbucks, just stop it all. Yes it's convenient but it's crap food and you don't know what they put in that food.

5 - Don't eat food from a box. Lean Cuisine, those pre-packaged meals they are loaded with sodium and chemicals.  You don't need them.  Make a meal instead ;)

6 - Don't eat 3 hours before bed.  When you sleep that's your body's chance to burn the deep fat, the fat that's hard to lose.  But if you eat before bed your body will want to burn what you just ate first and depending on how much you eat your body could be burning it all night.

7 - Don't stop at your goal. Just because you have reached your goal doesn't mean you are going to go back to eating McD's for breakfast, lean cuisine and a coke for lunch, snacking until midnight and eating a large bag of M&M's every weekend!  This is a lifestyle and if you go back to your old habits, you will gain the weight back. Yes I said it, you will gain the weight back.

Now that I sound like your grade 8 health teacher who tells you not to have sex until you are married, here are things to Do!

1 - Plan. You need to plan your meals.  Set aside some time and make a meal plan for the week.  Breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner (if you need a small evening snack then add it in)  If you don't plan what you are going to eat, you will get off track and made unhealthy decisions. 

2 - Exercise. You have to do cardio and strength training.  You don't have to do 4 hours a day but you should do at least 30 minutes of cardio 3-4x a week and strength training at least 3-4x a week for 30 minutes.  Do not skip the strength training.  Strength training builds muscle and muscle burns fat while you are at rest.  So when you are watching the football game you can relax and know your body is still burning fat!

3 - Take it one day at a time. Each meal, each workout, each drink of water, take it one by one, day by day.  Have a bad day?  Get over it and move on.

4 - You have to weigh yourself every week. Pick a day of the week and weigh-in that morning. This helps you stay accountable and on track.  BUT....do not weigh in any other day of the week. Only on the day you choose.

***If the scale tells you you went up or down, remember that the scale does not define you. It does not tell you how wonderful of a mother you are, how good of a person you are, how amazing you are as a partner.  It's just a number but keep track of it to keep yourself accountable.

5 - Stay motivated. After about day 3 you will want to give up. You will want to eat a pizza, chug some beers and eat some M&M's and tell your trainer that your dog ate your sports bra so you can't make your workout.  But don't.  Figure out what motivates you; whether it's weight loss tv shows, quotes, trainers, a friend, your Mom...keep those things close to you.  Plaster your house with motivational quotes, change the background on your computer, watch the biggest loser. Use inspiration that's around you to motivate you to get where you want to be!  I love watching the Biggest Loser and Extreme Weight Loss, they keep me so motivated and give me some really good ideas!

6 - Eat and drink. Your body needs nutritious, healthy foods to function properly.  You have to feed it so it will let you lose weight.  Starving yourself, eating less than 1200 calories a day will not help. In fact, it will have the opposite effect and make your journey a lot harder than it needs to be.  Drink water.  Drink it like it's no one's business!!  Drink at least 10 cups a day and yes you will have to pee, you may have to move your office into the ladies room at work but drink up!! 

7 - Do realize that this is a process and you are human.  You won't lose 10lbs in 2 days. You won't wake up with abs after doing one workout.  This is going to take time, it's a process.  You are changing bad habits that you may have had your whole life, it won't happen over night!  You are going to fail.  You are going to pig out one night. You are going to drink a bottle of wine (or two) with your bestie then order a large pepperoni pizza and possibly onion rings on the side.  You will make mistakes.  You will wake up in the middle of the night and sleep eat those M&M's in your bedside table (what??? sleep eat??  yes it's a real thing....don't ask me how I know)  These mistakes are just that, mistakes.  Pull up your thong, get it out of your butt crack and move on.  Shit happens, mistakes happen. Do not dwell on them.

P90 is Coming!!!

Another workout program is being released next week and I am seriously excited about this one!!

There are so many people in North America who are severely overweight and obese and are afraid to start a workout program because of how intense it is.  Their fears hold them back from achieving a healthy life. I get it!  Workouts are scary, especially when you see these super fit people in them who have amazingly chiseled abs, super toned legs and a perma smile!  It's intimidating!

This workout was specifically designed for people who have never worked out a day in their life. 

For people who are obese.

For people who do not want a crazy intense program.

For people who only have 30 minutes a day to workout.

For people who are ready to make a change.

For people who are tired of being overweight.

For people who want to have the energy to play with their kids.

For people who want a workout that is doable.

For people who want to be healthy.

This is a gateway program for you.!!

Tony Horton, the creator of America's most popular fitness programs—P90X®, P90X2®, 10-Minute Trainer®, and P90X3® has out done himself with this program!

Simple cardio, simple resistance training, simple eating and portion control!

*** I am giving away a copy of this new program to the NAILED! Ladies Who Lunch and Habitat for Humanity NCR, event on Monday September 22!

It's time Mama got her groove back!

This summer has been tough to stay on track!!  BBQ's, parties, patios, wine nights with friends, so many tasty snacks and treats and I am totally feeling the effects of indulging just a little too much. 

With school starting very soon, I know myself and probably many other mom's are panicking on how they will handle everything from losing those extra summer pounds, making healthy meals, lunches for the kids, scheduling workouts, keeping up with the house responsibilities, social activities, lessons for the kids, working, and how they will balance it all!  (omgosh I think I just gave myself a panic attack!)

I thought it would be a great time to start a 30 day online boot camp to help you find balance in your life and make sure you take time to care for yourself!!

What you can expect:
- How to start eating clean and healthy; cleaning out your pantry of the "bad" foods, meal prep, grocery shopping help.
- Easy, healthy recipes.
- Workouts that you can do at home with minimal to no equipment.
- Tips on organization; laundry and cleaning scheduling and how to de-clutter your home.
- Snack and lunch ideas for the kids.
- Tips on how to live your best life; being happy and grateful for everything that you have :)

If you want details, comment below or send me an email to roxdamico@gmail.com.  This group will start on Tuesday September 2, 2014.

****There is a cost to this group that we can discuss if you want more details :)

Mid-Summer Cleanup Project - The 3 Day Refresh!

In just 3 short days, you can get your health, energy, and vitality back on track—all without starving. You'll conquer your cravings. Get a flatter belly. Feel lighter and more energized. And your clothes will fit better. The Complete Kit comes with 3 packets of Shakeology®—your choice of 6 flavors (we recommend Chocolate Vegan or Tropical Strawberry Vegan because plant-based proteins are often easier for the body to digest), 6 packets of Vanilla Fresh (high-protein shake), 3 packets of Fiber Sweep (digestive health drink), and 1 Program Guide.

The 3-Day Refresh Complete Kit includes:

SHAKEOLOGY for breakfast – Packed with potent superfoods, Shakeology starts each day of your Refresh with Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition® to help improve and support all your body's vital functions, while also helping to maximize energy and maintain healthy blood sugar levels (available in your choice of 6 flavors, including vegan options—recommended).*

VANILLA FRESH shakes for lunch and dinner – This patent-pending, delicious, and protein-rich formula helps curb your hunger with more than 20 grams of wholesome plant-based protein, 22 essential vitamins and minerals, probiotics for digestive health, and a patented potato protein extract clinically tested to satisfy your appetite.*

FIBER SWEEP drink – Gently and naturally eliminates waste from your digestive system with its patent-pending blend of whole ground flax, chia, and psyllium seed husks.* As part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, Fiber Sweep can help lower cholesterol, support healthy blood sugar levels, and may even reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.*

PROGRAM GUIDE – This comprehensive guide walks you through how this program works, what to expect, and how to prepare your shopping list, as well as your body, for the 3-Day Refresh. It also contains a menu planner with numerous easy-to-make, nutritious, and delicious meals, a list of fruit and veggie options, guilt-free flavorings, and recipes for fresh-pressed juices.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
We're so sure that you'll see the benefits of the 3-Day Refresh for weeks to come that we're backing the program with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Do the Refresh and if you're not still feeling lighter, leaner, and cleaner 30 days from now, return it for a full refund of the purchase price (less s&h).

Click HERE to get your package!!

60 Days until Summer Challenge!

Today is exactly 60 days until summer. 60 DAYS!!!

Each day between now and then I will be posting a daily tip or little challenge to get you moving!!

Today is Day 1!

Your first task is to set a clear, attainable goal! Any goal worth working for requires dedication, effort, and persistence. Remember this is a short term goal. Set your sights on something that can be achieved if you work hard for the next 60 days!

When setting this goal make a plan on how you will get there. Will you track what you eat daily? Exercise for 6 days a week? Increase your water intake? Set out the steps you will take to reach your goal, write them down and review them every day!

Share with me what your goal is and how you will get there!

21 Day Summer Slim Down!

So excited! My last 21 day fix groups have been CRUSHING it and getting some amazing results!! One of my girls lost 9lbs, another lost 10lbs, another lost 6.5lbs, another lost 7lbs and 8", I lost 12 lbs and have been able to maintain it for 2 weeks now!

I'm ready to do another round before summer get here so I am opening up my next group!! Summer is creeping up so it's definitely time to sweat NOW so you are not covered in clothes this summer!

Give me 21 days....we will be doing 30 minute workouts for 21 days....you will have an EXACT workout plan to follow and an EXACT meal plan to follow with a portion control container system so you will know exactly how much fruit, vegetables, protein, fat and carbs to be eating to see results and shed the unwanted weight!

It's so easy to do!!! All you have to do is commit to get results! What do you think?! My groups are all held online so anyone in Canada and the US can join! You will be the group with me and many others who are on the same journey; sharing our struggles, our victories, and supporting and motivating each other!

If you are interested in joining my group send an email to roxdamico@gmail.com :)

Stop giving up!

I work full time, I have 3 small kids, I have a husband and I work part time. My health is important to me. It makes me a better mom, wife, friend, sister and daughter when I eat well and exercise consistently. I am not perfect and will never be. I have struggled with my weight most of my life and am not yet at my goal weight.

Every day I work towards my goals. I used to be an emotional eater, when I was mad, sad, happy, I would eat. But I wouldn't just have one cookie, or one chocolate bar, I would eat a lot. Then i would be mad at myself for eating so much. Then I had an ah-ha moment - what the heck am I doing? I work so hard to reach my goals then sabotage it all when I get happy, sad, angry? It was a vicious cycle that was so hard to break. Even now I catch myself when reaching in the cupboard, or walking towards the kitchen. I know that eating whatever will just have the opposite effect than it was supposed to have.

Ladies, we are all human and no one is perfect. We have moments of weakness, moments of self doubt, moments of "I can't do this, why bother?"

Those are your defining moments! Those are the moments when you push those negative thoughts aside and tell yourself you are stronger than that, you are are loved, you are needed, you are worth it!!

Stop being so hard on yourself, stop beating yourself up because you missed a workout......if you don't like yourself for not working out, then workout! If you get mad because you ate a dozen cookies, then stop eating 12 cookies in one sitting! YOU are the only person who makes those choices for you!

LEADERS Wanted!!

If I told you that you could earn extra income while getting fit and helping others get fit and healthy, would you apply?

If you had extra income, what would you do with it?? Pay down debt, pay bills, take a family vacation, buy that coach bag you have been eying?!

LEADERS WANTED!!

I am searching for positive, energetic, and passionate people to work with me 1-on-1 to learn how to build additional income from their home by helping others improve their health and fitness.

You will be trained and mentored by me, someone who loves helping other people and has built a good little income working roughly 10 hours a week.

Here's what's involved:
- 10 hours per week ( required - all at home, on your own time )
- In depth online training materials and tools provided
- Must be teachable and willing to learn!
- Must be self-motivated and driven to succeed!
- Must be willing to invest in yourself

(You do NOT have to have any experience with health and fitness!!)

I'm currently selecting people who meet the requirements to be in my online training program starting in a few weeks. This is an incredible opportunity! You have to work for it but the rewards will be incredible!! Send me an email roxdamico@gmail.com or click here

Healthy or Unhealthy - the choice is YOURS!

A lot of people messaged me about the P90X3 & Focus T25 sale and then are shocked by the "sale price"......

So I have to say this:

1. If you have the money to be UNHEALTHY, then you have the money to be HEALTHY!
2. YES the sale is a HUGE savings compared to normal price (normal price for shakeology + either P90X3 or Focus T25 = $249.50.....cost right now $180 = savings of $69.90)
3. Taking care of YOU is an INVESTMENT for you, your future and your family.
4. What I do is FREE, but you have to get the equipment. I spend a lot of my time and effort working with my challengers in my private facebook groups which is at NO cost to you!
5. You basically have two choices; you can invest now to get healthy and in shape or pay later for medications, doctors visits, hospital stays...the choice is YOURS.



So for those who are COMMITTED to making a change and done with excuses... there is only one day left to get in touch with me about P90X3/ Focus T25 to get into my next challenge group.

**taking a step off my soapbox**

Win a Copy of 21 Day Fix!!!!

Win a copy of the 21 DAY FIX!!!!

The hottest workout program is being released on February 3, 2014 and I want to give you a FREE copy!!! The 21 Day Fix is a unique portion-control system combined with easy-to-follow workouts that fit into anyone's busy schedule! As an added bonus you will be coached by me to help you get incredible results in a private facebook group. To be one of the first to get your hands on this amazing workout, you must do the following:



Step 1 - Make me your Beachbody Coach for free!!!! It only takes two minutes and you can sign up here. Click on JOIN to get a FREE membership.

Note - this contest is only open to new Beachbody customers without a Beachbody Coach. If you do not have a coach, but have a BB account, add me on facebook www.facebook.com/roxdamico so we can chat!!

Step 2 - Send an email to roxdamico@gmail.com with the Subject Line "I want to win the 21 Day Fix!" In your email, please include the following:
1 - Your name
2 - Your phone number
3 - Your email address
4 - What best describes your fitness level:
a) I don't workout at all
b) I go for walks
c) I workout 2-4 times a week
d) I workout regularly either at the gym or at home
e) I live to workout
5 - Do you own a Beachbody workout program? If so, which one?
6 - Do you have a Beachbody account?
a) Yes I am a coach
b) yes I am a customer
c) Yes I am a customer with another coach
d) No
7 - Are you ready to change?!
The most important reason for starting this journey is your WHY. Why do you want this program, why do you want to get fit and healthy, tell me your main reason for wanting a healthier life!!


Step 3 - Leave a comment on this page - Why should YOU win a FREE copy of the 21 Day Fix?

Good Luck!! The winner will be announced on February 2, 2014 on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RoxDAmicoBB

Contest Rules:
- This contest is only open to the individuals who have followed all the steps listed above.
- This contest is only open to my Beachbody Customers.
- There will be one winner for this contest. The winner will be selected and posted on February 2, 2014 on https://www.facebook.com/RoxDAmicoBB
- There is no purchase required to enter the contest.
- The contest is not associated in any way with Beachbody or Team Beachbody.
- The contest is open to Canadian and United States residents who are 21 years or older. Void where prohibited or restricted by US or Canadian law.
- Winner will have to answer a skill testing question.
- Winner will receive one copy of 21 Day Fix (Estimated Retail Value $60) once made a available for purchase by Beachbody.
- The contest closes on February 1, 2014 at 11:59pm EST.

Good Luck!!!!

The 21 Day Fix!!!

The newest and hottest at home workout program is almost here!!! It's being released on February 3, 2014 and you can only get it from a coach (me!) It is a rapid weight loss system that will give you a nutrition guide with portion controlled containers and the complete workout program!

Simple Fitness.
Simple Eating.
Fast Results.

Now there's a program that makes losing weight so simple and easy to follow, you'll never have to diet again!

The 21 Day Fix program takes the guesswork out of weight loss. It's a unique portion-control system combined with easy-to-follow workouts that fit into anyone's busy schedule. Trainer Autumn Calabrese shares her passion for food and fitness as she shows you how to make simple choices that add up to life-changing results.



Sign up here: www.beachbodycoach.com/roxdamico to get your FREE account and I will send you details of the group!

Last Day!!!

Hey Everyone! Today is the last day to get accepted into our 60 day new coach training program!

I'll be helping you learn the ropes along with 4 other top 10 coaches and we are launching tonight at 9:30 pm EST. If you have been on the fence or curious about what I do as a coach or you LOVE fitness then POST your email below and I will send you details and a webinar that explains what coaching is all about! You can then decide if this is something that's right for you!

This is the opportunity that has changed mine and my family's life and so many of my friends' lives! You will hear from some Mama's that have had their lives changed by coaching and doing what they love from the comfort of their own home! Comment below if you want details!

Guns, Buns and Ab Challenge!

Who wants to do this with me?!!!

I have often said to myself that I will do one of these 30 day challenges but usually by day 2 I've given up or have gotten distracted with something else. But this year I want to follow through on all of my commitments and this is a good one to start with! Who doesn't want a perky bum, lean legs, abs of steel (abs are mostly made in the kitchen but at least we can tighten up the muscles while we eat well!) and to tighten those squishy areas?

The hottest at home workout programs of 2013!

The two hottest workouts of 2013 are on sale until Jan 31, 2014!

You will save $70-$90 when you get a challenge pack (complete workout program and a one month supply of shakeology!)

These are great programs to get you in the best shape of your life and will get you into my challenge group starting in a couple of weeks.....are you ready to make 2014 your best year yet?!!

Now Accpeting Applications!

2014 is HERE and I am so excited for a new training program that is being offered to my team!

We will teach you how to build a successful foundation for a 6 figure business in just 60 days!!!! Not only will you be learning valuable information in 60 days, but you have the opportunity to earn prizes and cash for your success!

A few things to consider before applying:

#1 - You must be willing and ready to get in the best shape of your life using Beachbody programs and/or products {P90X, T-25, Insanity, Shakeology, etc} - I will be coaching you not only on the business but on proper nutrition and fitness. You do not need to be at your goal body but you must be willing to lead by example and be a product of the products!

#2 - You must FULLY commit to completing all the coach training assignments and agree to push yourself out of your comfort zone! Change is not EASY… You must make the sacrifices necessary now to live happy and free in the future.

#3 - You must be COACHABLE & COMMITTED. We will be sharing with you in 60 days what many of the top leaders in our business took years to develop and customize! You will be learning this for FREE! What I require in return is for you to meet me half way and work for your success as much as I do!

If you have longed for more freedom, more financial stability, to make a difference and to be connected to people who are doing the same… This just may be the opportunity you have been looking for. I will be accepting applications for just a few days and we will start our training on January 8th.`

Make it count!

*New 2014 coaches must be personally sponsored by me and should send an email to roxdamico@gmail.com or find me on facebook at www.faceboook.com/roxdamicobb

If you know someone who would be a great candidate, please feel free to pass this information along or send my information their way! You never know, you may just help change their life!

Visualize Your Goals!

I'm going to be doing this with our next challenge group!

If you have a weight loss goal in 2014, VISUALIZING your weight loss is KEY to success. Keep this in an area will you see it all the time! It will help you stay focused, committed and determined to reach your goal!!

P90X3 - Only 30 minutes a day!!!

No Driving.
No Contracts.
No Meetings.
No Member Dues.
No Closing Hours.
No having to wait for machines.

One Flat Price.
Includes Nutrition.
30 Minutes a Day at Home Fitness.
All My Personal Support :)

Contact me roxdamico@gmail.com for details!

Use Beachbody Products to Compliment Your Current Efforts!

What GYM will you to JOIN?

Which PERSONAL TRAINER will you HIRE?

What MEAL PLAN are you planning to FOLLOW?

All of these variables require CONSISTENCY if you want to reach your weight loss and health goals.

But GUESS WHAT? There WILL BE days when you can't make it to the gym, your trainer isn't available or you don't have the time to prepare and cook that healthy meal.

Even if you are 100% decided on these other options you can use the Beachbody products to supplement your existing efforts! If you can't get to the gym or can't leave the house then throw in one of our workout dvd's! If you don't have time to make dinner blend up our meal replacement in less than two minutes!

If you want to stay on track you have to be consistent. Our products will help you get there even if you are committed to something else. Beachbody products are a great way to compliment your current efforts!

Message me so we chat about the best one that will compliment your goals!

Christmas Party? No problem!!

Tis' the season for lots of drinks and goodies, fa la la la la la la la!

I don't know about you but in years past I would treat December like a week long vacation to the Caribbean (you know the one where you workout like crazy for 2 months beforehand so you look killer in a bathing suit and eat salads until you start hopping around like a bunny!) When you go on vacation nothing you eat or drink actually counts! It's like magic! Until you get home, try really hard to avoid that rum and diet coke at 10am (it's a really good cure for a hangover while on the beach!), then once you are settled you step on that scale and OMGOSH, you gained a few pounds. Apparently laying on the beach sweating while eating and drinking wasn't very effective but it was so worth it because it was the best vacation ever! Yep, been there and done that so many times!!

But this year I am an everything-in-moderation gal! I am baking goodies I don't necessarily like but know my family likes them. I am eating chocolate but only the really good stuff like godiva and toblerone. And I am drinking so much water I may move my office into the ladies room!

There are a few steps you can take to make Christmas parties and get-togethers a little easier on you and your waist!

- Eat a sensible meal before you leave; salad with chicken, sandwich on a wrap...something with protein to help you fill up!

- Get your workout in before you leave! A quick 10 minute HIIT workout will get your blood flowing and make you feel amazing when you walk into the party room!

- If there is a buffet fill your first plate up with veggies, once you are done eating them all then go and get what you like!

- Drink water all day before the party and have a glass between drinks. Water will keep you hydrated and help avoid a bad hangover!

- Dance!! It's a great exercise and will release endorphins that will make you feel wonderful!

And.... Do Not Drink and Drive! Call a taxi, have a designated driver, sleep over or call a friend to drive you home.