Give Beyond Yourself

It’s better to give than to receive, no other season says it better than the holiday season.

It’s about being self-less.

After winning eight gold medals in Olympic Swimming Michael Phelps remarked “This was about something way bigger than any personal accomplishment… [it was] to elevate swimming’s place in the American sports landscape.

Phelps is a great swimmer, but his impact transcends his own self interest because he acts selfless.

Most fitness goals (particularly new-years resolutions) are established on selfishness.

Selfishness wants to build bigger muscles or a trimmer waistline, but also wants every other waning desire that comes about.

Selfish motives dissipate your energy and deter you from the road to your goals.

So; how can your personal health habits become a selfless gift to someone else?

Here are three hints:

*Childhood obesity portends more sickness and shorter lives for today's youth.

*98 percent of kids' meals in chain restaurants do not meet fundamental nutrition standards– they're way too high in salt, calories, or saturated fat! (How about at home?)

*Increased numbers of children have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes– all results of excessive weight.

This season, begin to give the gift of good health by encouraging sound nutrition for your kids, getting children involved different types of aerobic activities, and most importantly by making a resolution now to set a positive example for your children to follow.

In the coming new-year will your family be an excuse or a reason?