Healthier Choices

"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything."

(Arabic Proverb)

Some people ask if I'll go on a wedding diet... As far as I'm concerned, d--t is a four-letter word. I don't really want to lose weight, although I'm sure I gained some over the holidays! Like women everywhere, my actual weight is likely to be in constant flux, so I wouldn't be surprised if I go up and down a few pounds within any given month. I don't have a scale, and weight doesn't mean much to me since every body is different, so why focus on a number?

Could I eat more healthfully? Yes. But I'm for moderation, not deprivation.

Should I start to exercise? Definitely. I want to incorporate more physical activity as a way of life, not for a one-day event. Health means a lot to my fiancé Sam, who says that from the time he met me over 8 years ago, he hasn't heard of me working out. He has a hard time believing that I used to be able to do real pull-ups and chin-ups, and that I'm naturally gifted at video games; both true.

As a kid I was athletic and tomboyish, rode my bike and played kickball with the boys in the neighborhood, played tennis and soccer, swam and skied; in fact, it wasn't until I got older that I realized my skin is actually on the pale side, because growing up I was always tan from running around outdoors! In high school, there was volleyball and a little lacrosse and track (alright, I confess: I only managed the winter track team one year to get out of gym class). In college and graduate school I was active here and there.

But as a working adult I don't do these things, and I don't belong to a gym, so where does that leave me? I'm not a fan of gyms; I'd rather do some sporty activity, but it seems most grown-ups -- aside from paid professionals -- don't do much of that. Some day when my bank account feels a little more flush, I'll probably join a health club or take a fitness class. Until then, maybe I can just play Dance Central with my friend Leslie, or use the Shake Weight she gave me a while back!

Image: Shake Weight Women

To improve my overall body wellness, I will make a conscious effort to regularly do the following:

• Drink more water
• Sleep 8 hours a night
• Take a daily women's multivitamin
• Do simple exercises

Do you have any health or fitness tips, taking into account that I don't have access to a gym? Push-ups and lunges are basic moves that target multiple muscles and don't require equipment, space, or a TV/DVD.