Cold weather keeps the gym rats home

The cold weather seems to have affected how many people go to the gym after work. Aero-step class was pretty empty tonight. I can't let that slow me down. I mean yeah, I'd rather curl up on the couch with a blanket and a glass of wine after work, but it's a long cold winter and it's just beginning so I've gotta keep pumpin' and crunchin' and so should you! I've never been one of those people who goes all winter without exercising then starts again to get in shape for "swimsuit season." It's best to never get out of the habit.

My new workout clothes arrived today. I think it's fun to get new workout clothes. Not only that but when it gets busy during the week, I may not get them washed and who wants to wear old stinky workout clothes that smell like a dirty sneaker? Not me. So you've gotta have back-ups. Plus, you just feel better in the new clothes. You want to show them off, so you have to go to the gym and work out, right? It also makes a big difference now that I've lost nine pounds because I have less of a belly and less back fat. I'm only 11 pounds away from my goal of 20 pounds! Of course, I may want to set a new goal at that point because I'll want to drop a few more. We'll get to the first goal and see how we're doing. That brings me to the holidays, and those can be a challenge! Maintaining at that point till Jan. may be a better goal. That's what my company wellness team is focusing on. Many people put on 5-7 pound over the holidays. I really do not want to do that!

Those garlic mashed potatoes can have fat-free cream, fat-free margarine, and fat-free sour cream. It's really better than you think. And of course, there's my favorite curried butternut squash soup. Baked sweet potatoes are really good for you too. I'll see what yummy things I can come up with. Oh, how I love cooking for the holidays.

Since I didn't have a chance to catch biggest loser this week, I caught the two-minute recap. Coach Mo was sent home. He's lost 76 pounds so far! Another guy lost 73 pounds in just four weeks! That's amazing! I guess when you have a lot to lose you will put up big numbers each week. I will be pretty happy when I reach my 20-pound goal.