January tends to find most people with a few tins of leftover goodies in the pantry, a few extra pounds, a New Year’s Resolution to lose them, and a boatload of guilt if that doesn’t happen. Being the “glass half full” person I am, I prefer to think of this as an opportunity to get back on track rather than a failure.

Start your return to good health by tossing those tempting sweets. If they’re not around, you can’t eat them; instant success! Next, pour out the sodas and eggnog and fill water bottles for the refrigerator; drop in some citrus slices to make plain water more refreshing. Add several fruits and vegetables to your shopping list and plan meals around them. Doing so will lighten your meals and your waistline.

Finally, get moving! Take advantage of the snow by skiing, sledding, throwing snowballs with the kids, or even shoveling. If you prefer indoor activities, recruit a friend and try walking laps with Community Schools, at the Sports Center or local stores. Visit www.supertracker.usda.gov for a free, personalized nutrition and fitness plan or stop by our office for a handout on how you can get back on track after the holidays.

Submitted by Amorette Payment, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Nutrition Educator, Kenai Peninsula District, 907-262-5824.