Common diet mistakes: Getting healthy "Not-to-do's"

Traveling to see relatives and indulging in all the wonderful food during this holiday month can easily undo all your hard work at getting and staying in shape. It need not be the case, though. Trust me. You can remain true to your commitment to stay fit.

A couple of simple and inexpensive pieces of workout gear can go along way to keeping you focused and burning calories everyday. Even when you are at “grandmother’s house.”

You need a good jump rope. I prefer one that will count my jumps and calories, be size adjustable and have rotating handles so I don’t get caught up in my jumps. They range in price from around $8-20. Jumping rope is exhausting. It marries coordination with stamina. It provides a great aerobic workout. I do 500 jumps in sets of 100. Truly exhausting, but I know I have really exerted myself and I can do it anywhere. What could be easier than that? If you don’t care what others think (or how you might sweat) you can knock off 100 in the airport while waiting for a delayed flight.

My second piece of traveling fitness equipment is an exercise band from a company called Stroops. The bands, called Slastix, are very versatile and come in a variety of tensions. You can use them alone or continue to purchase numerous accessories for home use. I would recommend you add the door anchor which weighs eight ounces or less and offers numerous exercise possibilities. Again, this simple, little device can be used almost anywhere.

If you have exercise DVDs, take them with you.

I traveled with my jump rope, stretch band and videos this Thanksgiving while visiting our son, Garrett. We were with him for 10 days. I ate everything I wanted, got up early every morning and did my exercising. I am happy to say that I havn’t gained any weight.

I still believe routine is the answer to keeping fit. Try to follow your home routine as closely as you can. Once fitness becomes a deeply-ingrained habit, you’ll be able to stick with it for life.