National Make Up Your Mind Day: Dec. 31

The end of the year is almost upon us. For many, it offers a chance to look back and reflect on what we planned for the previous year and compare our accomplishments to our list of resolutions. It also opens the topic of resolutions for the New Year and whether we're going to roll over those goals (start my own hobby farm), modify our goals (see the midnight showing of "Breaking Dawn: Part 1"), or drop them entirely (a daily jog?!). For some, it means beginning a list for the first time or dropping the idea entirely.

Whatever your plan, there is no better time to do this than on National Make Up Your Mind Day. If the dropping ball and the impeding "3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!" moment isn’t motivation enough, this national holiday should push you to get it done. Consider it your dress rehearsal before the big play. While the banks don't recognize this as an excuse to close for the day, it is all the rage in the e-card world. So, why not take this opportunity to finally make up your mind already, and spruce up your resume, or paint that room bright purple, or take a walk, or enroll in a college course? You're almost guaranteed to feel more organized and decisive on January 1 if you spend the day before observing a procrastinator's nightmare of a holiday. 

Coming from a procrastinator and a Gemini, I say, make up your mind. Do it. Having a goal to improve your current circumstances or better yourself is never a bad idea. But while you are at it, make up your mind that you will not beat yourself up if you don't do exactly everything on your list. Or, decide that this year you will not make any resolutions. Instead, make plans to make no plans so you will be sure to not fail at keeping your resolutions. Either way, the time is now. 

As for me, I'm using this day as an opportunity to make a huge list of dream goals, just so I can look back at the end of next year and laugh at what I thought was a priority as a younger me. And it also shows me that I can accomplish something if I truly want it badly enough. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Post submitted by Amy from The Mommies Network's Content Team

My Mom's Fudge and the History of Fluff

Growing up in New Hampshire, I have fond memories of my mother's special holiday treats, including her famous fudge.

My grandfather on my Dad's side raved about it and was over the moon each time my mother brought it to him. After my parents divorced, she would even send me to my Dad's with a plate to give to him because she knew how much he loved it.

Years later, when I was living on my own, I decided to try to make a batch, as my mom had given me the recipe, titled, "Nancy's Never-Fail Fudge."

One of the main ingredients is Fluff, and when I bought it, I noticed on the jar, there it was, the recipe for "Never-Fail Fudge." I found it very amusing, as all this time I had thought this was a special recipe my Mom had made up. And of course, I had to tease her about it.

Sadly, my mother passed away last year, so during the holidays, making her special treats brings back sweet memories. And I am comforted to know that I can always find the special recipe, because it's right there on the jar. It is quite easy to make and really the creamiest, richest, most delicious fudge. 

Nancy's Never-Fail Fudge

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 stick butter or margarine

1 5-ounce can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)

1 jar (7 1/2 ounces) Marshmallow Fluff

3/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces 

Instructions

Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Set aside. In large saucepan, combine the first five ingredients. Stir over low heat until blended. Increase heat to medium, and bring to a full-rolling boil being careful not to mistake escaping air bubbles for boiling. Boil slowly, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and chocolate until chocolate is melted. Turn into greased pan, and cool. Makes 2 1/2 pounds.

While I was never a kid to eat fluffernutters, the peanut butter and fluff sandwiches, I decided to do some digging into the history of fluff to see if I could find out where this recipe originated. So, along with the recipe, I thought I'd share some fun facts about this old favorite, which I pulled from its company website. Among the tidbits I found interesting were that some local housewives in New England were part of the reason for its early success. 

Fun Facts About Fluff

On May 14, 1920, a small article appeared in the Lynn, Mass., Daily Evening Item, announcing that two young men, H. Allen Durkee and Fred L. Mower, both veterans of the U.S. Infantry in World War I, had formed a partnership to manufacture Marshmallow Fluff. The company numbered two men in those days, and they started out cooking their confections in the kitchen at night and selling them door-to-door in the daytime.

An early receipt still in the company's scrapbooks records the sale in April 1920 of three 1-gallon cans to a vacation lodge in New Hampshire, where I grew up! The price at the time was $1 a gallon! The door to door trade gained a reputation among local housewives that eventually placed Fluff onto local grocers shelves. Retail trade spread from there to the point where in 1927, it was advertising prominently in Boston newspapers.

They started by redesigning the product's package. A survey covering a wide sample of New England housewives told them that the experts, their customers, thought the best jar for Fluff would be short enough to fit easily into the refrigerator to be used for leftovers (Fluff requires no refrigeration), and have a wide enough opening to fit a tablespoon. In addition, the jar was made with a stippled surface above and below the label to make it stronger and more easily gripped. The jar's longevity in a rapidly changing market is a tribute to its success: The same basic jar is still in use today.

Every conceivable measure is taken to protect the purity of Marshmallow Fluff. Because of the sanitary environment and practices, it is not necessary to refrigerate Marshmallow Fluff, even though it still contains no preservatives.

In 1956, when my Mom was just a toddler, the company collaborated with Nestle in a nationwide ad campaign that won the Promotion of the Year Award. They printed a recipe for fudge in Ladies Home Journal and other magazines. The fudge was quick and easy to make, and included Fluff and Nestle Chocolate Bits. The same recipe can still be found on the backs of Fluff labels and in the recipe book, titled, "The Yummy Book."

Durkee-Mower continues to market new uses for Marshmallow Fluff. In 1966, it co-promoted a new "Marshmallow Treat" recipe with Kellogg Co., utilizing its Rice Krispies cereal and Marshmallow Fluff. It presents an opportunity to share quality time by making it with your children and continues to be a favorite.

Business continues to expand with the recent growth of our young school-age population wishing to enjoy Fluff the same way their parents and grandparents did before them. Additionally, Fluff is now sold in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, South Africa, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates.

Post submitted by Trish from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Staying Healthy This Winter

A runny nose, coughing, an aching body, and choking phlegm are just a few of the unattractive and uncomfortable symptoms related to the common cold and flu. During the chilly winter months, we find ourselves spending the majority of our time indoors, making it quite easy to send and receive those unwanted cold and flu cooties. Both the common cold and the flu are extremely contagious. Many of these germs are spread by hand-to-hand contact and are also airborne. It seems as though we are destined for some sort of sniffle each year. However, we have control to a certain extent! Give it your best shot this winter and beyond to avoid those pesky cold and flu critter invasions. Here are the top 10 tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:

1. Sleep eight hours a night. Yes, lack of sleep can affect the immune system. While we sleep, our immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Cytokines are necessary for fighting infection.
   
2. Get stress levels under control. Stress can decrease immune system function. Research has found that cortisol and catecholamines, hormones that are released during times of stress, can turn down the effects of the immune system. The following link provides more info on the effects of stress: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2007/Januar ... res_01.htm.
   
3. Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and getting yourself into the present moment are all ways to cope with stress.
   
4. Get outdoors every day. Spending too much time indoors, especially around people, can increase your chances of contracting those cold and flu cooties! In addition, getting sunlight for 15 minutes every day can improve your mood and Vitamin D levels.
   
5. Exercise! Indoors or outdoors, exercise has repeatedly been shown to strengthen not only our bodies but also our immune systems. For detailed information regarding exercise and immunity, check out this link: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders ... ystem.aspx.
   
6. To review guidelines on physical activity, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/eve ... index.html.
   
7. Wash your hands!
   
8. Consume a balanced and nutritionally dense diet. Proper nutrition goes a long way! There is no better way to receive vitamins and minerals than through fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. For the dairy lovers and meat eaters out there, choose the leanest options available. Vitamins and minerals provide our cells with the building blocks it needs to fight off disease! Excess sugar and fat can create a systemic inflammatory response, making it more difficult for our bodies to fight off disease and illness.
9. Hydrate! Water can flush toxins from the body and carry much-needed nutrients to our body’s cells and tissues. The dry winter months can cause insensible hydration losses that we are typically not aware of. In addition, mild dehydration can make you feel drained and more susceptible to the dreaded "C": constipation.
   
10. Rinse the nasal passages! A practice that many refer to as nasal flushing is a safe and effective way to clean out the nasal passages. During cold-weather months, the respiratory tract creates more mucus in an attempt to warm and moisten our airways. When that mucus spends too much time inside the body, germs can linger and proliferate. By flushing the mucus from your nose, you are removing some of those unwanted infestations. For more information, check out http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php.
    
11. Avoid the inevitable. It may be best to avoid situations where you know you will encounter individuals with the cold or flu. In many instances, this is not possible, or perhaps you are unaware of someone's pending illness. Nonetheless, take precautions by strengthening your own immune system and washing your hands postvisit. Also, remember to avoid putting your hands near your face until a thorough washing occurs.
    
12. Keep your living spaces clean and tidy. Keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, and fruits and vegetables can all be hosts and carriers of bacteria and viruses. Disinfect often!

For more tips regarding nutritional supplements and vitamins to complement the tips mentioned above, consult your health care provider.

And remember, an apple a day just may keep the doctor away! Best to you and your family for a safe and healthy holiday!

Post submitted by Marisa from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Joyous Kwanzaa from TMN!

From everyone at The Mommies Network!

Merry Christmas from TMN!

From everyone at The Mommies Network!

How I Discovered the Spirit of Giving

Several years ago, I bought an amazing pillow. It's designed to make your bed warm before you go to sleep, so you don't slip into cold sheets. About a month ago, I managed to damage it, much to my husband's disappointment. 

I learned how to sew last year, so I decided I would make another one, instead of buying a replacement, as it was quite expensive. I borrowed a friend's sewing machine, ordered the fill from Amazon, and chose a really cool print from the fabric store from which I would make the cover. When I got everything together, it wasn’t any more trouble to make one for each of my children. And then I thought my sister, who lives in London, would really appreciate one, as well. After that, I went a bit crazy making pillows and giving them away to friends and family I thought would enjoy them. I made a few smaller ones for kids and even one that could be tied for a friend who had sprained her ankle.

On yet another trip to the fabric store, I came across a fabric with the University of Minnesota logo printed all over it. Overcome with excitement, I bought all they had left and went home to work on another cover. I was so overjoyed because I have cousins who are Minnesota fanatics. They even have a camper painted in Minnesota colors they take to games. 

After I was done, I ran into the living room to show my husband, jumping with joy over the little pillow. What I had discovered was how good it felt to give. I really wanted to be there when they opened the package, seeing their faces. Since I had some leftover fabric, I made a little skirt for my newest cousin. I just know her mom is going to smile when she tries it on the little one.

Because I was so addicted to my sewing machine this December, I made a few more gifts, as well. In my basement is a footlocker full of fabric that belonged to my grandmother, who died more than 15 years ago. It has moved with me over the years, all the while tucked away, with no purpose. She was going to make curtains out of the fabric; the top of several panels already had the mesh backing to prepare it for a curtain rod. I couldn't bear to part with it and never had a plan for it until a few weeks ago.

We put up the tree, and my husband remarked that we needed a tree skirt. Every year, we just put a sheet around the bottom and called it a day. When he said it this year, however, a little light bulb went off in my head. Aha, I shall make one and I have just the fabric for it. It took a while, and I had to look up a pattern online, but after I finished, it was just as easy to make a few more.

I made two additional tree skirts. I sent the first to my sister in London and the other to my aunt, my grandmother's daughter. Packing them into boxes with letters explaining what they were and from what I had crafted them filled me with joy, a joy I never found in the perfect sweater or fulfilling my son's Santa wishes. I had made something with love. It couldn't be found in a store and could be used every year, brought out with memories of a woman who loved Christmas so much that she had a special window installed in her living room to show off her tree. It felt good to have the spirit of giving, and I am trying to pass it along to my two children, both of whom seem to think Christmas is about the daily Advent chocolate and opening presents. I suppose they are too young to really understand, but I will keep trying, as I wish I had had this feeling years ago.

Post submitted by Katie from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Happy Hanukkah from TMN!

From everyone at The Mommies Network!

We Have a Winner!

On behalf of The Mommies Network, we'd like to thank all who entered the recent Little Pim Holiday Giveaway. Little Pim, a new partner of The Mommies Network, is giving away a Spanish or French Intro Gift Set that includes the following:

1 Spanish/French DVD (eating and drinking)
Spanish/Fresh Bop music CD
8-inch velvety-oft plush Little Pim panda
Fun see-through Little Pim tote bag

One lucky mother and child now have the opportunity to add a second language to their repertoire.

According to random.org, the winner of the gift set is tashaffer21. Congratulations!

Thanks again to all who entered the giveaway. For more information on how to get your child (and yourself) started with learning a foreign language, visit Little Pim.

The Great Christmas Tree Adventure Gone Awry

A good friend asked me, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, if I was interested in getting a Christmas tree that Saturday. It certainly seemed a bit early to be getting into the Christmas spirit, but my husband encouraged me to set up the two-family outing. We both agreed that we wanted to cut our own tree, not buy the precut kind you can find at any corner store and every Home Depot in America. The men wanted to wield their saws and conquer the tree, as their ancestors had done before them. The rest of us wanted to traipse through the fields, educating the children about how trees grow and how each tree wants to realize its dream of being the chosen tree of a family, who will decorate it and help it reach its full potential. Overall, it was to be a poetic adventure, culminating in the tree to define this year's Christmas spirit.

Step 1 was to find the perfect place to cut a tree. Our local paper was so kind as to outline cut-your-own locations within driving distance of Charlotte in the Friday paper. Certainly, that was an omen like no other! The first place listed advertised its merits: farm animals, bagging service, and a zipline. Nothing says Christmas quite like a zipline, I mentioned to my friend. She mused that perhaps it was a way to assist customers in finding the perfect tree. A trip to Boone, North Carolina, was mentioned. It certainly is known for its trees and would be picturesque, perfect for holiday card photos. Alas, two hours each way does not a holiday spirit inspire, considering bathroom breaks for the little ones and cries of, "Are we there yet?" being hurled from the backseat.

I turned to my local mommies forum for suggestions and found what I was looking for: within one hour, cut your own trees, and some entertainment for the kids. It even promised the rolling hills for which our partner family had hoped.

Here's where the broken promises start. Gastonia is not the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive down was less than picturesque, but we were hopeful as we pulled off the main road and towards the farm, teeming with trees, big and small. The parking lot had quite a few cars for the Saturday morning, and we were cheerfully greeted when we headed toward the main section of the farm.

Broken promise No. 2 became apparent at this point. We saw several dozen very beautiful North Carolina Fraser firs, which were cut and in stands. It was discovered that we could, in fact, cut our own tree from any of the red cedars or Charlie Brown white pines in the fields we had seen on our way into the farm. Without going into detail about the different kinds of trees one might choose to hold the star in their home during December, red cedars are not Christmas trees. In fact, in North Carolina, 90 percent of all trees grown for harvest during the Christmas season are Fraser firs. The state grows more Christmas trees than any other state, save Oregon, which amounts to more than 7.5 million annually. That’s a lot of Fraser firs. However, there were no cut-your-own Frasers at this farm: Apparently Fraser Firs only grow at higher elevations. Through my diligent research, I failed to confirm this, and instead assumed it as a given.

Each family chose a lovely precut tree, and we were happy with our spoils. On to the next phase of the outing and broken promise No. 3: the hayride. When we arrived, the tractor was pulling a wagon full of happy tree shoppers. The kids were excited, and we all agreed to ride after the trees had been cut and in the truck. With that accomplished, we waited for the bell to ring, signifying it was time to load up for some hayride fun! Need I say the bell did not ring? We refused to be thwarted! My husband came to the rescue, and we loaded up in the back of his pickup truck and drove around the farmer's field. The kids never knew the difference. We were sated and ready for lunch.

Before we left for our adventure, I diligently searched for a lunch spot near the Christmas tree farm. The last thing I wanted was to be driving around the middle of the countryside and end up eating at a McDonald's because there was nothing else, and we were all starving. After looking at several reviews of eating spots on TripAdvisor, I chose a fish place. We had one pseudo-vegetarian with us, and this place promised "the best fish I have ever eaten" and "the place I always stop on my way down I-85!" It even seemed quaint in the way you order at the counter, then come up when your number is called. 

My husband immediately started in with the jokes of how "Kings Mountain was known for its fish, due to its large port," and how "catfish doesn't exactly count as seafood." I'll just say that everything was fried, and the only thing that held true from the reviews I read was that the portions were gigantic. My son’s popcorn shrimp basket was overflowing, and the seafood platter my husband ordered could have fed a small village — perhaps the same village that raised the guy who claimed this was the best fish he had ever eaten. Maybe that village only has a Captain D's?

Even though we didn't cut our own Christmas tree, and deep-fried whitefish made up our lunch, we all had a blast. My coondog got to run free around the fields, the kids got to climb hay bales and pet tiny goats, and my husband and I got to spend time with friends and family. And in the end, I suppose that was really the goal in the first place. When all the tree trimmings are on, and the star is placed on top, we will all have smiles on our faces, remembering the fun we had that first Saturday after Thanksgiving, getting our tree.

Post submitted by Katie from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Sponsor Highlight: Little Pim Holiday Giveaway

To kick off its new partnership with The Mommies Network, Little Pim is offering a Spanish or French Intro Gift Set.

The Spanish or French Intro Gift Set includes the following:
1 Spanish/French DVD (eating and drinking)
Spanish/French Bop music CD
8-inch velvety-soft plush Little Pim panda
Fun see-through Little Pim tote bag

This gift set will give a child the gift of a second language at a great introductory price. The DVD features 60 Spanish or French words and phrases. Using Little Pim's unique Entertainment Immersion Method, Little Pim will captivate your child by turning everyday activities into fun adventures.

Who is eligible? Any member of The Mommies Network.

How do you enter?
Please provide the following information: a comment on why you have been thankful for TMN this year, a link to your favorite forum at the National Forum, and your email address so we can reach you if you win!

For an additional entry, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mommiesnetwork and leave a second comment with your Twitter handle and email.

How is the winner chosen and when? The winner will be chosen via random number generation on Monday, Dec. 12. She will be notified via email no later than Wednesday, Dec. 14. The prize must be claimed by Saturday, Dec. 17.

Mark your calendars! February 2012 is Cultural Awareness Month. It will give both mother and child the opportunity to expand their horizons by learning a foreign language and about other cultures. According to Associated Content, brain research shows that children are at an optimal age for language learning. Although language study is effective at any age, some studies suggest that the human brain is more open to language learning from birth to preadolescence. Fortunately, researchers have not found an age in which the language window closes completely, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.

The Mommies Network celebrates Cultural Awareness Month by encouraging its members to participate and learn. Each week, we will feature a few languages and cultural tidbits in our Multicultural Mommies Forum (http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nation ... m.php?f=45) on the National Forum. In addition, we will host a webinar and post information from our sponsor on where you can purchase and learn from the comfort of your home.

This blog was created and is actively maintained by The Mommies Network Inc. (TMN) Any and all information published is for informational and/or promotional use only. TMN receives compensation for our posts or advertisements. We always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, and/or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, and/or other representation about a product and/or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to this blog. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the advertising opt-out page (http://www.google.com/privacy/ads/). Any questions regarding this blog may be directed to The Mommies Network at blogs@themommiesnetwork.org.

Getting In The Christmas Spirit

While driving Virginia to speech this morning, I noticed all the wonderful Christmas decorations my neighbors had adorned their yards and houses with. One house was fully decked out from the yard to the house. The owners had huge Christmas ornaments hanging on their trees.

Once I dropped Virginia off for speech, I headed to Dollar General to look for some cheap Christmas decorations. I found a pack of 20 medium-sized Christmas ornaments for $3. Then I picked up a pack of 175 ornament hangers for $1. I was ready to decorate the trees in our front yard.

Virginia was super excited when I picked her up and told her we would be decorating the trees in the front when we got home. This project was so easy that Virginia was able to help me. She grabbed the ornaments and put the hooks in, then handed them to me. Next, I had her help me pick the perfect spot on the tree to hang the ornaments. She kept saying, "I am a big girl, Mommy. I can do it by myself." She really is getting so independent lately. 

The decorating took about 10 minutes, and when we were done, we had a beautiful Christmas tree that cost only $4. Now, once we get the rest of our decorations down from the attic, I can string lights on the tree. I am ready for the holidays.

Post submitted by Kathy from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Originally published on her blog, Absolutely Kathy on 11/29/11

Ring in the New Year with TMN!

Ring in the New Year by reaching moms across the nation!

Women make more than 80 percent of all purchasing decisions and control two thirds of the nation’s disposable income. And moms may have the greatest buying power. What mom doesn’t share the latest trends or personal experiences with a business that has provided products or services for her family or herself?

To help you start the New Year with a bang, The Mommies Network is offering the following:
With all new/renewed sponsorship agreements, your business will receive a complimentary blog feature (advertorial to include logo/product image and 500 words). Prepaid agreements receive a 5 percent discount and a complimentary two months on one sponsorship listing. Sponsors also receive 20 percent off event sponsorships. Offer expires Jan. 31, 2012.

The Mommies Network can help your business reach moms across the nation or in your community. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, secure, free place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders. Through our online forums, our chapters connect local mothers, enabling them to ask questions, seek support, offer encouragement, find volunteer opportunities, and grow as leaders as they volunteer their time with our site. Our organization provides a valuable service to a portion of the population that is nearly always overlooked, overworked, and taken for granted: moms!

For more details on how your business can ring in the New Year with moms across the nation, please contact Jessica Van Dyke at Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org.

How are you reaching the greatest buying power in our nation?

Dealing With Turkey Guilt

Thanksgiving, the most wonderful day of the year, in my opinion, has come and gone, but the well-deserved and undoubtedly tasty calories still linger. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, news channels across the United States broadcast the number of calories and fat in each scoop of mashed potatoes, drizzle of gravy, and slice of succulent turkey. Newspapers and television commercials overload society with advertisements for Black Friday sales on items we just absolutely have to have. 

Many stores opened at 9 p.m. this year with people lining up Thanksgiving morning, completely missing out on the fellowship with friends and family and a chance to consume that high-calorie meal. Sadly, the day dedicated to giving thanks and enjoying the fruits of our labor has turned into a day of preparing for the next day's shopping and, perhaps, feeling guilty for that second and third helping of pie.

Sure, we are all entitled to make our own decisions and spend our holidays doing what we want. But just in case you want a little advice on what to do about those decadent bites, which lasted a moment on the lips and a potential lifetime on the hips, check out the following 10 tips:

1. Stop the guilt! One day of decadent indulgence and allowing your taste buds to experience culinary brilliance will not hurt you. In fact, you will probably feel pretty darn happy, take much needed naps, and wear a smile that is contagious. Permit yourself to experience the joy and gratitude that Thanksgiving gives back to us.
2. Holidays are meant for celebration. However, if we indulge too much, our health pays a price. Commit to eating with awareness 360 days of the year.
3. Educate yourself. Know what you are consuming and where it came from!
4. When preparing your meals and ordering an entree at your favorite restaurant, ask yourself, "How will this food contribute to my health?" Processed foods — you know, things that have a shelf life — offer little nutrition compared to foods in their purest form.
5. With an understanding of the previous statement, make better decisions based on how much you value your health and your family’s health.
6. Give into your cravings during the holidays, but choose to crave nutrition-packed, whole foods every other day! Sure, high-fat, sugary foods taste good, but I promise you, they do nothing for your health but increase your chances of living with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It's up to you.
7. Now that you have committed to eating a clean diet, commit to getting physical activity every day or at least five days a week.
8. Choose the physical activity that you enjoy! You are more likely to stick to it and become an advocate.
9. Increase your heart rate and work up a sweat for at least 30 minutes at a time. Walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, riding a bike, and hiking are all wonderful activities. Not only do they improve your cardiovascular system and jump-start your metabolism, but being active stimulates the release of endorphins, which literally makes you happy!
10. Choose to live a healthy, active, mindful, and guilt-free life. And be sure to bring your family with you on this journey.

Post submitted by Marisa from The Mommies Network's Content Team