Countdown for Confidence in 2011

The New Year has arrived.

But after months of holiday eating and over indulging, the numbers on the scale may have gone up.

Here are some easy things you can do to relieve some of that holiday-eating guilt and feel more confident. Plus if you start doing some of these things now, you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier 2011.

For a quick fix, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer, Jay Potrzebski, said focus on getting a really good sweat in and core exercises. "You may not physically see a difference, but you will feel better mentally," he said.

Time Crunch

The Center for Disease Control recommends an average of 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity, 3-5 days per week.

"Make it enjoyable, make it fun and remember accumulation," Portzebski said.

If you don't have a total of 30 minutes to exercise, break up your workouts into one 15 minute session in the morning and one 15 minute session at night.

If you can't make it to the gym, here's a list of exercises you can do at home: squats, crunches, lunges,wall sits, push ups and mountain climbers. Stretching is a great way to relax and get ready for the big night out. Yoga is a quick workout that is good for the body and mind.

No matter what you choose, exercising causes your body to release endorphins, which when released promotes a feeling of well-being.

Perfect 10

If you're even shorter on time, slip in a few bursts of exercise. Do 10 crunches, 10 push ups and 10 jumping jacks. These quick exercises will help increase your blood flow and get you sweating. The 10-10-10 will make you feel like a 10 when the clock strikes midnight. This is the perfect exercise on NYE before you get ready.

There are no tried and true "quick fixes" when it comes to looking good and being healthy, but eating healthy is the place to start.

Portzebski says eating better has just as much impact, if not more, on feeling and looking better.

"The two go hand in hand," he said. "But more of it is about what's being done in the kitchen rather than the weight room."

Light the fire

Eating a healthy breakfast jump-starts your metabolism and helps you burn fat all day.

Drinking coconut water and putting lemon in your water has also been known to spark metabolism.

What to avoid---dairy, high carbohydrates, high sodium and sugars—all of these can make you feel bloated. Better food choices include lean meats, fish, raw or grilled vegetables, fruits, and soup. Foods high in water content will help keep you feel full without looking it.

 "You cant go wrong with lean meats, vegetables, portion control, exercise and water," Portzebski said.

 Less is More

To avoid bloating and distension of the stomach, don't over indulge. Portion sizing is crucial. It can be as simple as cutting your meals and snacks in half. If you typically eat an entire Snickers bar per day, only eat half. It may sound small, but it's a start.

Girling Home Health Care nutritionist Julie Calderone said be sure to grab a snack before you head out for the evening. Something light, like soup, salad, raw vegetables or fruit. Calderone said don't be obsessive about what you're eating but try and grab what you like, take a bite and throw the rest away. Share food with a friend, stop when you're full and don't over indulge.     

Water Works

Drink plenty of water. It flushes out your system, getting rid of the toxins, which can make you feel bad. It helps you feel replenished and keeps you hydrated. Your skin will look healthier too. Calderone said you should limit yourself to two alcoholic beverages, and you should alternate between alcoholic drinks and water. For every beer, shot, vodka and Red Bull and or martini you have, drink a glass of water too.  

Pick a Winner (and we're not talking about your New Year's Date.)

Whether you're ringing in the New Year at home, a party, or a bar, there's some easy choices to make to wake up feeling guilt free in the morning. If you are drinking, choose liquor with the lowest proof available. The higher the proof, the higher the calories. Instead of mixing hard alcohol with an energy drink or pop, pick soda water. Picking a lower proof alcohol and using the soda water saves you some calories. Try to avoid beer and wine. They are high in calories and can make you feel bloated just after one glass.  Don't let the hors d'oeuvres trays overwhelm you. Allow yourself to try a little bit of everything without over indulging. 

Pop the Bottle

The Vitamin D bottle that is. Recent studies show Vitamin D can help you feel and look better. Studies found that people who have lower levels of Vitamin D are more likely to be obese compared to people with higher levels of Vitamin D. Not to mention, research shows proper vitamin D levels fight against cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and diabetes.

An article from Naturalnews.com says Vitamin D is required to metabolize stored fat and can help the body burn abdominal fat and create natural weight loss. So pop the bottle before your big night.

Under an Hour

Time is of the essence. In addition to a 30 minute workout, there's some things you can do in less than an hour that will make you feel great all night long.

Get a massage.

Calderone says it's a natural detox, increases your blood flow, relaxes your limbs and is good for your skin. It decreases your anxiety levels and increases serotonin and dopamine known as the "feel good hormones."

Stop in the sauna.

Sitting in the steam room for even 15 minutes can help you sweat out the toxins, feel more relaxed and replenished.

There's plenty to do in 2011, and these quick fixes won't take up a lot of your time. They'll leave you feeling confident, healthy and ready to ring in the New Year on the right foot!

Have a safe and happy New Year!