...
December 1st: Every time you see Santa on TV do 10 jumping jacks....
December 2nd: Bundle up to walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the decorations and lights....
December 3rd: ... Add raw green leafy vegetables to fruit smoothie and no one will know it’s in there.
December 4th: ...Pop and lightly season your own [popcorn]. You can even make your own microwavable popcorn.
December 5th: Make and mail old-fashioned thank-you notes... Reflect on what you are thankful for this season.
December 6th: ... Have kids wash vegetables and mix ingredients. Help them understand where the food comes from...
December 7th: De-stress with a yoga class. Many gyms offer discounts... or look for videos on Youtube.
December 8th:  ... Park a little farther away, take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator, and do a lap around the store before buying anything.
December 9th:  Make a time capsule of family memories from the past year.
December 10th: Search for new hiking trails.... Or look for animal tracks in the snow....
December 11th: Holiday-music dance off...
December 12th: Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
December 13th: ... Make up a recipe for a new soup or chili. Start with a low-sodium broth and go from there.
December 14th: Enjoy a picnic inside by the fireplace or holiday tree. Pack soup in a thermos, fruit, and a tin-foil wrapped sandwich. Take the picnic outside for a real adventure.
December 15th: Learn a new snow activity that starts with an “S”: sledding, skating, skiing, snowshoeing, or shaking your shoulders to holiday music.
December 16th: Write New Year’s resolutions –for each other.... that will encourage a healthier new year.
December 17th: Try a new winter vegetable. Rutabagas, Parsnips, Turnips, Escarole, or Celeriac are some suggestions.
December 18th: Donate one new gift per family member to charity.
December 19th: ... catch snowflakes on dark fabric, place in the freezer for 10 minutes, and analyze with a magnifying glass.
December 20th: ... Check out an exercise DVD that looks fun for the whole family...
December 21st: ... creating [gift wrapping] stations around the room and do different exercises in-between each one.
December 22nd: Celebrate Winter Solstice ... with a dinner by candlelight. Try these healthy recipes: pork tenderloin, creamy mashed cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts with bacon.
December 23rd: Challenge each family member to create their best snowman....
December 24th: Cookie decorating party…. Shh no one will know these are healthier sugar cookies.
December 25th: ...Take a family walk outside and enjoy the winter landscape.

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Week 3 Challenge:  Breakfast




By eating breakfast we provide our bodies with proper nutrients and energy to perform at our peak throughout the day. Breakfast lowers risk for diseases, gets you moving, and keeps you focused. It also balances your blood sugar (glucose), which affects your metabolism. 


This week, the goal is to become better breakfast eaters. 

* If ... not currently..., your goal is to eat breakfast at least three times this week. 

* If ... currently a breakfast eater, your goal is to make sure it is balanced breakfast. 


Follow these tips for a balanced breakfast:

  • ... Use foods that pack a good punch of nutrients. Items such as a hard-boiled egg, nuts, and whole grains are all good choices.

  • ... Protein is important to keep you satisfied and focused. Eggs or low-fat diary products are a quick options...

  • ... If you are busy or not hungry in the mornings, break up your breakfast. Grab a banana... and then bring oatmeal ... to eat once you arrive...

  • ... Eat foods that are appealing to you and easy to pull together. A sandwich or leftovers from the night before can be considered "breakfast".


  • ... Prep your breakfast the night before so you can grab and go. Try overnight oats or prepare a smoothie ... in the fridge to blend in the morning. Or, ... prepare these muffin pan quiches, then pop them in the microwave for a few seconds while you leave for work.