Pass go, collect $200. Hello, January, here you are again. It’s time to pass go and collect $200. The game starts over with 2012 and the year is full of possibilities. Is there something you would like to do differently or better when it comes to your health? Well then, go for it. After all, it’s your game and you are in charge of how it’s played. Results are a manifestation of our choices throughout the year. It is shocking how much of our physical well-being really is in our own hands; okay not all, so let’s give ourselves that grace. If we don’t like what we see or we don’t like how we feel, now is a great time to determine to change it.

Who else could do it for us? I’m looking around and frankly see no one else in the mirror but myself. I have myself to thank or blame for the state of my wellness. So my goal (and maybe you will join me) is to be pleased with the job that I do for myself this year. It is the small choices we make daily that add up to big results. Did you know that if you just cut out 100 calories in each day, by the end of one year you would have lost 10 pounds? No kidding. Let’s do the math here. There are 365 days in the year and 3,500 calories in each pound so 365 days x 100 calories = 36,500 calories per year. Now divide that by the 3,500 calories per pound, and voilà, you have a new pant size! Sweet.

“One can of pop is 150 calories. A decrease of one can a day from your usual chug-a-lugging would take 15.6 pounds off your back by the year’s end.”

For heaven’s sake, what can we cut out that would equal 100 calories? Let me tell you this is not a problem. One tablespoon of butter is 90 calories. Instead of reaching for that sports drink or a glass of juice, reach for water just once a day. One can of pop is 150 calories. A decrease of one can a day from your usual chug-a-lugging would take 15.6 pounds off your back by the year’s end. Now that would be something. Skip the flavored syrup in your coffee drink and try the cocoa powder and cinnamon shaker instead. Another place to look is snack time. Try cutting up some fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, jicama or red peppers and keep them in your refrigerator. You can snack on those goodies all you want. Check out prevention.com for 100 great tips that might work for you.

Let me also say that if you decide to burn 100 calories a day by adding new exercise, you can use the same math and double your results. This is fantastic. I feel more fit just thinking about it! So go for it. You’re in charge and you deserve good health. By the time this year is over, you could have the monopoly on a very pleasing personal win!