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Thank you for selecting me as the ?Fittest Employee? for December. You do know that December is the hardest month to eat well and now I feel the pressure to be good! Thanks everyone!

My decision to attempt to be fit is purely selfish. I don?t want to grow old in a recliner watching reruns, I want to be out enjoying life. I am convinced that how we treat our bodies now directly affects how our bodies treat us later in life. I want to be healthy enough to enjoy my retirement and I want my husband to be healthy enough to enjoy it with me. (I?d hate to have to leave Mark at home.†J†Even worse, I?d hate to be the one left at home.†L) We hold each other accountable. ††I realize that some health issues are beyond our control, but many problems can be avoided by staying active and eating properly. †As for my health regimen, I always try to eat a good breakfast. As a rule I don?t drink calories and I like to eat fresh whole foods as opposed to processed foods. I also keep healthy snacks close at hand. I try to make sure that what I eat has nutritional value. Sometimes I follow my own guidelines and other times I don?t, but I don?t beat myself up when I fall short. I just get back on track. I am also loving the Fitness Center, especially now that it is too dark and cold to walk in the evenings.

The one thing that I think helps Mark and I the most is planning our meals ahead of time. I don?t mean rigid meal plans, but having several things we can chose from during the week. This way when we get home in the evenings we know what our options are, so we?re not just eating everything in sight.

Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year to you and your families!!

Elaine Ezell

Human Resources Payroll Coordinator