Happy Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day before the Lent season begins.  Many people use the forty days to give up something - like smoking, chocolate, sweets, coffee, colas - you get the idea.  But on my SparkPeople website (where I track my foods, exercise and weight loss), their idea wasn't about taking something away, but putting a positive spin on these next 40 days as we move into spring and creating new habits.   Sort of like a New Year's resolution - but one that lasts only 40 days if that's all you can do.  You could commit to drinking an extra glass of water a day.  Or taking a 10 minute walk every day.  Maybe you need to curb your late nights, so create a bedtime routine that has you in bed at a decent hour.   Is your bad habit hitting the snooze button?  Try moving your alarm clock across the room, forcing you to get out of bed to turn it off.  Relax with some soothing instrumental music for 10 minutes a day.  Eat a healthy breakfast every day. 

To me, the word "fasting" (and "diet") imply doing without something -- and who wants to do that?  It seems easier to me to commit to a healthy habit, doing something good for yourself for those same 40 days.

I think my goal will be to walk Sadie twice around the block every day instead of just once.  She'll be happier, and I bet I sleep better too -- since she'll be tuckered out. hehehe

Happy Mardi Gras!