As you go off on your own, there a few things you should keep in mind on a daily basis. Do something…anything…to keep your heart rate up on a regular basis. Walk, run, jog. Whatever it takes. Park at the other end of the supermarket parking lot. Walk around the neighborhood. Go for a bike ride.

When it comes to eating, think twice before you eat. Do you need 32 oz. of soda at lunch or will 12 do? Better yet, will a glass of water be even better for you? Do you need the Extra Grande double whip latte in the morning, or will a small cup of black coffee work. Or better yet, maybe a glass of orange juice is best. Do you need cheese and bacon on a burger or will a grilled chicken get the job done just as well.

Again, I do not want to lecture anyone. I’m just showing you that the choices you make are up to you, no one else. But if that isn’t motivation enough, if you are a parent, the choices you make in your house affect everyone. Your kids probably don’t do the food shopping, you do. Your kids see you do things they copy them. The same holds true for what they don’t see you do. You don’t eat healthy, you don’t exercise…why should they.

We only get one chance with this, let’s do it right.