Fitness: Use music to motivate you while working out. MP3’s have become inexpensive and listening to music while working out is a great motivation. Music will make the time fly by in the gym and help you reach your fitness goals.

Food: Portion control is important while watching your weight. You should consider eating several smaller meals during the day rather then 3 main meals. If you are dining out eat half the meal and bring the rest home for later.

Family: Become a better listener to your family and friends. Family and friends trust you the most and they want to share their ups and downs. Support them and show them love by listening without judgment.

Fitness - Push-ups are an excellent total body workout. Start off with just a few while focusing on the quality of the push-up and not the quantity. Add more push-ups to your routine the stronger you get.  
 
Food – Almonds are a great snack to fight off hunger. Eat a small hand-full of almonds when you have a craving.  
 
 Family – Plan a family gathering.  Family get togethers are a nice way for families to bond.  Plan a vacation, a day at the beach or a family brunch soon.

Fitness – Squeeze in a workout on your lunch break. A midday workout can re-energize you and lead to a more productive afternoon. Workout for 30 mins. or go for the hour if you have a flexible schedule. Fit a workout into your daily schedule today and make no more excuses.

Food - Eat lean meats and fish as often as possible. Add grilled chicken, turkey, tuna (solid Albacore in water) and salmon to your daily meal plans. Stay away from processed meats like sausage and salami.

Family – Make a CD mix for your family and friends.  Music makes people happy. Cheer up your loved ones with your favorite tunes.

Balsamic chicken
3 table spoons of balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper
6 thin-cut skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion cut into tiny pieces
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons of water
1 pd. of cherry tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped
4 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into tiny pieces
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped

Marinate chicken breasts in 3 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar in fridge for 20 mins. While the chicken marinates make the topping. On med. heat in a large skillet combine 1/2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and onions for 5 mins. or until light brown. Add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring ev. to a simmer for 2 mins. Reduce the heat and cook for 5 more mins. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and let ev. cook for 2 minutes.  Remove skillet from heat and allow to cool for 3 mins. Then add mozzarella and basil. Keep skillet off to the side while cooking chicken. Take chicken out of fridge, rinse off marinade w/water then cook in 1/2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Cook chicken for 6-10 mins. on each side (until cooked all the way through). When the chicken’s done heat up tomato/mozzarella topping for 1 to 2 mins (don’t let mozzarella melt) place on top of chicken to serve.
 
 Parmesan asparagus
A bunch of asparagus
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil 
thinly grated parmesan cheese

Heat a deep, large skillet filled with 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil until boiling. Reduce heat to med. /high and add the bunch of asparagus for 8-10 mins (until deep green and cooked). Drain asparagus and serve while hot. Add parmesan cheese across the top for flavor.

Fitness - Spring cleaning can help you burn calories. Your shoulders and biceps will get a nice workout when you mop your floors. Painting is great for your arms and core.  Housekeeping can be exhausting but you should feel better knowing it counts as exercise.

Food - Choose grilled or baked foods when eating in restaurants. Try to stay away from fried or marinated options on the menu.  You should enjoy your meals but try eating healthy.

Family - Limit your cell phone use (calls, texts, emails, web surfing, etc…) when you are with your family. Cell phones can be distracting and take away important time with your family, therefore consider shutting off that phone for an hour to insure quality family time.

Fitness – Relax in the sauna at your gym or take a warm shower when you get home. Reward yourself after a great workout and decompress in the sauna or shower. The steam may help release built up tension in your muscles and give you a calming sensation.

Food - Watch your sugar intake. Choose sugar free products whenever you can. People are obsessed with looking at calories, fat and carbohydrates on food and drink labels. If you are trying to lose weight you must become aware of the amount of sugar on the labels as well.Family – Start a book club with family or friends. Take the initiative and contact people who love to read and suggest a book. The person who selects the book each month or every other month is in charge of the weekly discussions. It would be best to meet once a week to discuss a chapter or two. You can also conduct the discussions via email or blog. This is a great activity with family and friends to share the common bond of reading.