I'm going to write a lot about making your New Year's Resolutions come true! I'm writing from my own personal quest. Last year I set a goal to get in the best shape of my life. Too vague! I should know better. I think in many ways that I did commit and make strides in my own personal fitness. I was far more consistent in exercising than I had been in previous years. BUT, I just got on the scale (something I do not normally do) and found myself almost 10 pounds heavier than the previous January. Uh oh! I'm the first one to know that body weight isn't worth it's weight. You don't know how much is fat and how much is lean body mass. But, somehow 10 pounds doesn't feel quite right. This year, I have a plan. I am going to get my body fat measured so I can know that I'm truly putting on muscle and not fat. To keep on track, I am scheduling all of my workouts on my calendar so that nothing can get in the way. And, I am using the FitBook to track my eating intake. For me, it's not so much about counting calories or fat, as it is making sure that I'm eating whole foods and getting in enough fruits, vegetables and water. What's your plan for the New Year?

One thing all new moms have in common is the desire to lose weight. But when you're consumed with motherhood and restricted from dieting due to breastfeeding the challenge is often hard. My goal is to help moms eat a healthful diet while feeding their new baby. As your baby eats new foods, so will you. You are their model for healthy eating. The good news is that when you eat healthy, so do they. When they eat healthy, so do you! You need to model healthy eating behavior day in and day out. It's not enough to say that they should do so. They should see you eat your fruits, vegetables and wholesome foods. Most of all, they should see you eat. It is not uncommon that the moms with picky eaters are also the moms who are always on diets.

Most parents feed kids foods that they normally eat. You are exposing your children to a limited world of eating. Instead, bring new types of foods into the house for everyone to enjoy.

http://strollerstrides.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/mental_fitness.jpgI had one of those weeks where I just had to skip my workouts. Long days of appointments and travel kept me from my normal routine. I found that my eating choices also declined. I just didn't seem to care as much. It's not surprising that I felt tired, unmotivated and not so great about my physical body. It dawned on me that this is how most of America lives every day. It makes me sad to know that most people don't even know how good they would feel if they just took better care of themselves. The health part is obvious but you also have more energy and a better outlook. Today, I got back in to the gym and I felt great. I actually wanted to go to the local health food market to get a healthy green drink concoction. It's almost automatic. The more you take care of yourself, the more you WANT to take care of yourself. Each small step will build on success. So go out and just do it. I promise you'll want to do more!

Do you eat enough vegetables? Probably not! Almost all of us need to eat more! Why are they so great you ask? Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins and nutrients and fiber which may prevent disease and aid in metabolism. Do your best to eat a "rainbow" of colors when choosing your fruits and vegetables. Each color has its own health benefits and ensures the variety that your body needs. Find ways to sneak fruits and vegetables in at virtually every meal.

Breakfast ideas: spinach in your eggs, tomato and lettuce on toast, avocado on an english muffin
Snack ideas: dip any variety of vegetables in to dips like hummus, salsa or lowfat dressings. Edamame
Dinner: Beyond salads and your typical veggie sides, throw chopped veggies in to sauces, meatloaf and casseroles.

If you are a mom, commit to making vegetables a part of your child's diet right from the start. Don't assume that they won't like something and don't shy away from it just because they don't like it on the first try. Make it a staple of your daily living.

Put your health first. Yes, first. Above your kids, your husband and your job. Sounds strange huh? Most moms put themselves last on the priority list. There's just not enough time, so you surely can't make health a priority. It would be selfish of you to care for yourself, right? Wrong! Chances are that you are the back bone of your family. When your kids get hurt, you have to be there to take care of them. When your husband gets sick, it's you again. The reality is that you can't afford and don't have time to get hurt or get sick. But you will. You absolutely will get sick or hurt if you don't take care of yourself. There's no cheating in health. You can't postpone it and say that you'll do it when you're kids are off to college or when you retire. The longer you go without taking care of yourself, the longer and more severe the consequence for neglect. It's a lot easier to get a few walks in a week than to be in the hospital and follow up with rehab after a heart attack. I don't mean to be extreme but the fact is that heart disease is the Number 1 killer of women in America. It's a pretty easy thing to fix. Eat well and exercise.

What you won't do for yourself, you will do for your family. So do it for your family. Eat well and exercise so that you can be a healthy role model for your kids. The fact is that they all take your lead. Aren't you the one cooking the meals? If you aren't eating well, neither will they. Your children should see that mom values her health and enjoys exercise. Maybe your husband will even be inspired by your increased energy. And they will all benefit from you being in a better mood, less stressed and less tired. So now, how to do it? How do we get you to make yourself a priority?

You need a plan. How many times have you said that you are going to start exercising only to be back in your old routine of skipping it just days later? The same obstacles that stood before you last time will stand before you again. You need to have a plan to overcome what held you back last time (and the time before, and the time before). Take a quiet moment and pull out your calendar / appointment book. I know you're going to tell me that you're busy from morning until night and can't fit another thing in. True, but now you're going to change your priorities. Let's take a look at where things can change. Be honest with me, how much time do you spend watching tv? I love the shows as much as the next gal but the fact is that it's wasted time. Are you a morning person or an evening person? You're tired no matter what so would it really make a difference if you went to bed 45 minutes later or woke up 45 minutes earlier? The tiredness from the loss of sleep is far made up with the energy from exercise. I'm a morning person so I set my alarm clock one hour before the rest of my family wakes up. This is the only hour of the day that's just for me. What can you do in that hour? Go for a run, watch FitTV, do a workout video or get out for an early morning gym class. Did you know Netflix and blockbuster online offer fitness videos? That's a great way to keep your workout fresh.

Or, if you have stroller age children, set aside an hour to do a stroller walk or join a Stroller Strides class. It's a great way to get out with your baby and get in a workout. Whatever you do, find 4 days per week that you can schedule a workout. If it's not on your schedule like an appointment, it won't happen. You need to keep that appointment with yourself just like you would with any other on your calendar. Why do I say 4 days per week? 3 days of exercise is actually all you need to maintain health. 5 days is what you need if you want to lose weight. 4 days is a reasonable compromise. And, if for some reason you miss a day, you'll still be getting in enough to maintain health. If you are able to get in an extra day, then all the better.

It doesn't have to look like exercise. Yes, I do recommend that you get cardiovascular, strength and flexibility in to your workout one way or another. But you can get more active in lots of untraditional ways. My 5-year old's favorite game is tag. He and I play, non stop. As soon as one person is tagged, the other person is "it". We both collapse after half a dozen chase sessions gasping for air (and laughter). Next time you take your kids to the playground, don't just sit on the bench and watch. Join in. Dare try the monkey bars or just run around with them. If you have a baby, get on the floor and play with her. Use her as a weight as you lunge or squat with her in you arms. "Bench press" with her as the weight or put her on your legs as you do sit ups. Make your kids part of your workout and they will get the message that exercise can be fun. But it's not just about exercise, we need to eat well in order to support health and energy.

Tired of dieting? You should be. They don't work and they are a detriment to your health. Here are some key components to add healthy foods in to your diet. Sit down and create a master food shopping list. Ideally, make it on your computer so you don't have to re-create it each week. Make sure it is chock full of healthy fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Make a commitment to do this shopping each week so that your pantry and your refrigerator are packed with great choices. The worst thing you can do when you want to eat healthy is to have a bare kitchen. Then you feel deprived, hungry and desperate to find anything to eat. When you have lots of choices on hand, it makes it easier to make better choices. If possible, shop at local natural markets. Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Wild Oats and even Trader Joe's have far more for you to choose from. You will be buying less processed foods and you won't have to spend much time reading labels because you know that they buy quality products. Another tip: plan ahead. Plan what meals you are going to make each week so that it's not a spontaneous decision when you're desperate and hungry. Whenever possible, pre-prepare meals for the week and always freeze extra servings so you have healthful meals to grab. Serve a fruit and vegetable serving at every meal. Too often we eat our veggies only at dinner. You can get spinach in to eggs, tomato and lettuce on a sandwich, avocado in a quesadilla, etc. Kids don't like veggies? Hide them. I keep a bag of chopped frozen kale in my freezer. When I make smoothies for my kids, I throw a handful in the blender. They don't taste it or know about it, but they get vitamins and nutrients from one of the healthiest of vegetables.

So now, I've got you eating a little better and exercising regularly. But that's not total health. You need to rejuvenate and refresh your body and mind for total balance. Set aside a regular time each day for just 2 minutes to be quiet. Yes, just 120 seconds is all I am asking for. I love rituals and think that you should have a special pillow, candle and / or token that sets the stage for relaxation. When I ask moms to meditate, they respond by saying that they don't know how and don't have the time. So, all I ask for is that you sit for 2 minutes and be still. Focus on three words. Peace, health and harmony. When your mind wanders (and it will), just kindly and gently bring it back. You will be amazed at what a difference this little break from your day will make. Even if your kids are screaming in the background, learn how to find a little peace from within. By the way, this is meditating but we're just not calling it that.

We are part of a generation that finds it important to fill every moment with busyness and things to do. I am hoping that you will inspire the next generation to slow down and appreciate the health that we have. It is my hope that you reach Optimom health. It all starts with you, so please, make mommy come first.

I am excited to announce that I am a semi-finalist for America's Favorite Mom . I truly believe that this recognition is an attribute to how our Stroller Strides program has touched mom's across the country. It has been my personal goal to give as many moms as possible the opportunity to have a career that's supportive of motherhood. I thank you now for your support!

Watch me On The Today Show

I will be a guest on The Today Show on Tuesday, May 6th in the 9:00 a.m. hour. 15 Semi-Finalists will be visiting the show throughout the week.

If enough Today show viewers vote for me, I may be among the five finalists who will star on a prime-time Mother's Day TV spectacular, hosted by Donny and Marie.

The recognition will benefit the entire Stroller Strides family from franchisee's to instructors.

Mark your calendar! Please vote for Lisa Druxman between May 5th and May 9th on the .

I've been a fitness professional for nearly two decades. I've learned the foundations of fitness from conferences to books to certifications. But it wasn't until I became pregnant with my first child that I realized what it meant to take care of my health. It changed my perspective on everything. I ate to fuel my body, my baby. I exercised in moderation - not too much, not too little. I stressed less and meditated more. I never forgot to take my prenatal vitamin and I made sure to drink my suggested water allotment each day. Yes, I had that glow. But was it from pregnancy or was it because I took better care of myself for 40 weeks than I ever had in my life? After Jacob was born, I continued on this path as I still felt that I was fueling my baby. I was a nursing mom and I wanted to pass my good health on to my new son. As he has grown older (now 7), I still embrace this way of health. It occurred to me that my pregnancy regime was what health was all about. We should all take care of ourselves as if we were growing a baby. What we won't do for ourselves, we will do for your children. This can last you far beyond pregnancy as you are always a model mom for your children. They will learn about healthy eating, exercise and wellness from you. You are the ultimate teacher and guide.

I've yet to meet a mom who doesn't feel her day is filled from wake to sleep. It seems that motherhood is all about taking care of everyone else. From spouse to house, from kids to the dog, all we seem to do is give to everyone else. How many of you are burned out? I already know the answer. Would you expect your cell phone to work if you never charged it? Would you expect your car to run if you didn't give it gas? No! Then how do you expect to keep on running if you don't re-fuel yourself.

Your day will always be full. I know you don't think you have any extra time. But something has to give. Let me ask you a question. Do you want your children to take care of themselves like you take care of yourself? I'm guessing not. I'm guessing that you want your children to laugh more, stress less. You want them to play more, work less. And I'm sure you want them to take better care of their health than you do. If that's what you want for them, then want it for yourself.

Feeling overwhelmed? Set up one small goal each day that is for you. Call it "mom-*me*" time. Maybe it's taking a bath, taking a walk or drinking 8 glasses of water in the day. I believe that your successes will build and before you know it, you will be carving time for you. You will feel better and have more energy. You will also be a GREAT role model for your children. What we won't do for ourselves, we will do for our kids. Go for it recharge your battery!