DVDs go to winners
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: Congratulations to winners of the fitness DVD drawing:
Kim Perry of Cary, whose name was drawn for "Total Body Pilates with Mini Ball"; Dave and Carrie Helston of Willow Spring, for "Supreme 90-day System, a 10-DVD set"; and Sandra Richardson of Raleigh, for "Dance Off the Inches: Hip Hop Body Blast." Your DVDs are on the way. Enjoy!
Cater to yourself
It's holiday party time, with all the yummy nibbles and calorie-filled cocktails that December celebrations imply. Will the celebrating wind up on your waist? Not if you follow these tips from health coach Charity Husk of Take Shape for Life:
Ask for sparkling water and lime instead of beer and wine.
If you'll go away feeling deprived if you pass up a special holiday food, enjoy a bite or two - and no more.
Eat more of the salads and vegetables on the buffet and make meat a side dish.
Don't serve family meals family-style. Keep pots and dishes away from the table, so it's not as easy to go for seconds.
Avoid portion distortion! On a 9-inch dinner plate, fill half with vegetables and fruit; a quarter with protein; and a quarter with starch. A portion of protein is roughly the size of a deck of cards; a portion of starch is about the size of a tennis ball.
Be careful when food shopping. Make a list, get what you need and leave!
Drink plenty of water. And get moving!
A moment of truth
Community Alan Foster writes: Beginning weight: 225. Current weight: 205.
One of my goals at the outset of this yearlong adventure was to improve my health and, specifically, to come off blood pressure medicine.
To fully gauge my results, I've scheduled a complete physical with my physician on the 21st of this month. That's when I intended to tell him the good news that my blood pressure has been in check for over three months (without the meds). Apparently, I spoiled the surprise by mentioning this in a blog posting several weeks ago. My physician told my wife recently that he has been reading my blog and is eager to see me for my physical in a couple of weeks. I trust it's to congratulate me on my blood pressure control rather than to fuss at me for not consulting with him before stopping the meds. I'll report back on the results of the physical - minus any scolding I might receive.
I'm still striving to get the last 5 pounds gone before we wrap up this blog in a few weeks. Keep the encouragement coming.
Follow our community bloggers at blogs.newsobserver.com/dieting.
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Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: What if a pill could trick your body into shedding fat? Would you try it? 
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: The cars lined both sides of the road and filled the parking lot near a neighborhood gym back in January. 
We're giving away a copy of "The New Atkins For a New You Cookbook" and two new Jane Fonda DVDs, "Trim, Tone & Flex" and "Firm & Burn." 
Weight Watchers overhauled its weight-loss plan just over a year ago and is getting mixed reviews. For a story, we'd like to talk with members about their experience, and what they think about the changes. Have they helped you lose weight? 
Andrea Weigl, features reporter, writes: I am now into my fourth week back at work. I have to salute any woman who can juggle motherhood, full-time work, breast-feeding and exercise. I haven't been able to do it. 
With the new year, we introduce some new members of the Turning the Scales team. They are beginning to share their stories at blogs.news observer.com/turningthescales , and you'll hear more from them here in coming weeks. 
Our three community bloggers made great progress toward their goals in 2011. They reflect today on their successes and share tips to help you slim down and get fit. 
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: Congratulations to winners of the fitness DVD drawing. 
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: Who couldn't use 50 great tips to help you live a long, happy and healthy life? Writer Sophie Keller has compiled them into a new book titled "How Happy Is Your Health?" Keep up with the latest stories with our free local news e-mail newsletters, delivered straight to your inbox!
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