Well, you made it! The end of 2007 is in sight and the period just after Christmas often leaves a little time to plan and consider how you would like 2008 to be. While it would be easy to file away the garbage of 2007, and leave it unsorted until January; if you can, set aside at least half a day to get yourself organized before the end of 2007 to start 2008 afresh. Spend time with your partner planning your key goals, file away all the documents lying around your home and schedule in some activity so you do not start 2008 5kgs heavier. Most importantly, enjoy some special time with close friends and family because at the end of the day there is nothing in life that is more important.

Thank you to all the update readers for your support over the last twelve months, the updates have become much bigger than I could have ever imagined and I thoroughly enjoy researching, writing and hearing your thoughts on them each week. In 2008 there will be an opportunity to subscribe after the updates return the second week of January with a 6 week shape up program.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Light: http://www.oceanspray.com.au/
Perfect for use with this potent Christmas cocktail and with no added sugar.

Ingredients

• 1.5L Ocean Spray Cranberry Light
• 300-500mls vodka/tequila (strength by preference!)
• 250mls 100% OJ
• Lime juice for flavour
• Garnish with orange

Remember that using low calorie mixers, concentrates the alcohol in the mix so be careful! This is not your regular punch

Remember, Christmas is really just one day

While there is no doubt we will all over indulge come Christmas, the trick to eating success is to keep Christmas treats to just 1 or 2 days and get rid of the excess. If it is there, you will eat it so do yourself a favour and get rid of leftovers quick smart to achieve a Christmas period weight gain of 0.

Don't stop

If you speak to regular exercisers, rather than seeing Christmas as a time to take a break, they look at it as a time to do more. There is no excuse for not exercising over the next 3 weeks as most of you will have more time available to you. A simple walk at the beach, game of cricket or beach swim is all you need. No excuses.

I have also heard through the grapevine that Curves currently have a special offer of a month's free trial. For any ladies who feel the need to exercise but are yet to find a suitable option it may be worth looking into.

Christmas Salmon with Almonds and Craisins

1 large salmon fillet
1 cup multigrain breadcrumbs
1 cup Craisins
½ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 200°C
2. Combine breadcrumbs, Craisins, almonds and parsley in a bowl. Add oil and blend.
3. lace salmon in baking dish and spread top with topping. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Traveling

Over the past week I have been contacted by several update readers about options for keeping on track during periods of travelling. Here are my best tips:
Always keep some nice snacks such as Carman's Breakfast Bars or Go Natural Nut Bars with you
Look for food stops that offer some nutritious menu options - http://www.oliversrealfood.com.au/
Chew or suck low calorie lollies including Sugar free butterscotch and Jols lollies
Cherries, corn thins, celery and carrots are other low calorie options to snack on
A skipping rope is a great travelling companion
You may find bigger meals replace your need for snacks
Make the most of the evenings and stunning mornings by walking both morning and night as a family
BBQ's and salads are great light dinners
A single scoop ice cream is not a bad snack, a triple cone is!
High fat options including fish and chips should be included at most once each week
Walk everywhere you can
A box of All Bran goes a long way in relieving travel constipation
Hydralyte can be added to water on flights to help prevent dehydration
Airline food is often dodgy and not filling. Try and take a large meat and salad sandwich to enjoy on the flight and still get your salad and protein

Whatever you dwell on in the conscious grows in your experience

Wishing you and your families a safe, relaxing and
enjoyable Christmas period and a fulfilling 2008.

Susie Burrell
Susie@susieburrell.com.au
www.susieburrell.com.au