If someone were to ask me what one of my favorite hobbies is, I would say I love to find people who have found their passion and matched it with hard work. A few weeks ago I stayed with a woman that found it early in her life.

Meeting Jackie Keller

I first met Jackie Keller when I was in Santa Monica giving a presentation on How to get a Million Dollars Worth of Free Publicity. Little did I know how much passion this woman had for what she loves. It has been an inspiration to watch her through the years actually practicing what she shares both in the media and with the clients that she serves.

Jackie’s father passed away from a heart attack when she was just a teenager. She has made it her mission to help people live longer and healthier lives. “I have a personal commitment to help people circumvent heart disease and other chronic ailments,” she explains. “It drives almost everything I do. It is my passion.”

Holiday Challenges with Healthy Eating

This is a time of year that most of us are challenged by the temptation of holiday goodies, which will not enhance our health. I know that some people say that they can put on as much as ten unwanted pounds during the holidays. Proof of this is to stop by any gym on Jan 2 and you will see people working hard to take off what they put on in December.

When I visited Jackie, we talked about how challenged I am when food is put before me. I told Jackie when I eat food that I should not, it’s like I am at the top of a slide and once I start down it is hard to stop and get back to the top.

I know that before I met Jackie I had such a bad cycle. I would tell myself that I would start next Monday and then I would eat my way up the scales. Slowly the scales climbed until it seems like there was no return. Then came the depressed time that I would feel for letting myself get there. Often I would go out and eat more so that in the moment of eating I would feel better and then the cycle would start over again.

Jackie Keller’s Practical Tips

Jackie has helped me develop two keys to support me on difficult eating times. She suggests that you write out your goals before you go out to a restaurant or holiday party. Be specific on what you will eat and what you will not eat. A second thing is to share you plan before you go with a trusted friend or support person. With a plan you have a much better chance of having success.

If by chance you slip a bit, get right back on your program of daily exercise and healthy eating. One other excellent tip to follow during the holidays is not to bring any food that you should not eat into your house. Think how happy you will be if you make the decision to eat healthy and exercise through the holidays. Today is the best time to start. Then you will not be in the group that gains 10 lbs this holiday season.