Healthy Reflections

Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.
- Chinese Proverb

Arriving at one goal is the starting point of another.
- John Dewey

Although this is technically the end of the 12-week Avera McKennan Community Weight Loss Challenge, it does not have to be the end of your personal weight loss challenge. Push yourself to continue with the already outstanding progress you've made. Here are some easy tips to help keep you on track:

• Schedule Your Workouts: Exercising should be just like any other part of your day such as eating, going to meetings, waking up and going to sleep. In order to stay on track with your weight loss goals, schedule time to workout into your daily life. It shouldn't be something that you may or may not get to. It should be something you always get to! Set the time aside now and soon there exercise will be a part of your regular routine.
• Journal: It is easy to lose sight of eating healthy, especially if all you see other people doing is eating junk food. A great way to combat temptation is to start a food journal. This journal is not meant to discourage you from eating entirely, but rather it is meant to help you keep track of the types of food you're consuming and in what context. By writing down what you eat and when, you'll become more aware of the nutrients you are or are not getting. Also, you might see patterns emerge that show you times when you've slipped up and reasons why.
• Find Your Passion: There is no point in doing an exercise you hate. Not only will you not be doing it to the best of your ability, you will probably be turned off from exercising at a later date. Find an exercise you love to do. Whether you decide to go running through the park, hiking in the mountains, biking around the block, or attending a Pilates session at the gym, it is all exercise. When you find something you like to do, you're more likely to do the exercise to the best of your ability and continue to do it on a regular basis.
• Don't Go It Alone: Staying motivated is never easy, but with the help of one or more friends, you're sure to keep on moving. When more than one person is committed to the same or similar goal, you're more likely to stay motivated and reach that goal. So choose a friend, colleague, spouse, or relative to help support you.

Whatever you do, don't give up! Congratulations on completing your 12-week Avera McKennan Weight Loss Challenge!

Healthy Recipe of the Week

Rustic Strawberry Tart

For other great recipe ideas visit the HyVee repice center.