Help - My High School Reunion is on the Horizon

My 40th (YIKES) high school reunion is on the horizon. Am I in a panic? Not really, but I do seem to be shopping a lot!

I have had a few phone calls from friends saying, "I am coming to the reunion even though I am fat." While we all know it's what's on the inside that counts, sprucing up for a reunion can make that first moment of entry a little bit easier. Once inside and connecting with old friends, we realize none of the exterior stuff really matters. Truly we are all grateful just to be here.

But if you are lamenting your physical state at the moment, here are some tips to help get you ready for the big weekend. All it takes is a bit of motivation, some concentrated focus, and the willingness to follow through on whatever goal you set.

Before you begin, take a breath and then put in your mind's eye the vision of you walking into the reunion. Don't let go of that mental picture. Now you are ready. If you have six months, this will be a piece of cake (you can eat cake after the reunion!) If you have only four weeks, you can still see results.

The Yes Group:

1. Tons of veggies (the non-starchy kind)
2. Lean protein - fish, chicken, lean beef, egg whites, low fat cheese
3. 1/4 cup of raw nuts daily
4. 2 pieces of fruit (no dried fruit)
5. Two carb servings per day. Choose any two from this group: one slice bread, 1/3 cup rice, 1/2 cup of cereal, 5 Triscuits, 1/3 of a wrap, 1/2 cup of beans, 1/4 of a bagel, 1/2 hamburger bun, 1/2 small baked potato, 1/2 corn cob, 1/3 cup hummus
6. Move everyday. Start today: garden, bike, walk, run, climb stairs, tennis, golf (no cart)

The No Group:

1. No alcohol
2. No deep fried food
3. No soda
4. No sweets (remember this is only for a limited period of time)
5. No dried fruit

That is it! Simple and easy - especially if you tell yourself it is for a limited time.

From past reunion experience, it seems like the good times get magnified and the not so good times fade. Seeing old friends (no pun intended) connects us to the cycle of life. When you face your past, you are free to live in the moment.

If you have a reunion in your future, this month, next year or in five years, the time to start getting ready is now.