DEC FIT TIP #15: WRITE DAILY. Am a consummate scribbler (typo-filled notes to friends, fiction, journal jots, newspaper stories – you name it!). Writing for me is the ultimate form of self-expression, it’s completely essential for my well-being. Below: Latest story in the Washington Post. More info on Kathy Pugh: www.ez8dc.com

DEC FIT TIP #16: SLEEP WELL. Aim for 7-8 hours/night. If that ain’t happening, nap 30-45 min. Am clearly nowhere near the smartest person you know, but am pretty darn focused/disciplined. Secret? GOOD sleep. “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” -Thomas Dekker

DEC FIT TIP #17: CONTENTMENT. Buddha is covered in ice and weeds but still sports a smile. Key is contentment without complacency. “Contentment is the only real wealth.” -Alfred Nobel

DEC FIT TIP #18: IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY. My mother inspired passion, critical thinking, showed me the world, but cook (TV dinners) she did not, & bake? That’s crazy talk. Neighbors in our high rise apt building taught me. Takes a village! (Handwritten recipe by Gunilla, circa 1975; me, a young baker; tradition continues 2016).

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DEC FIT TIP #19: KEEP GUARD UP. Yay for peace&love, but also for protecting sanity&self. Women esp. “Even as we’re continually tempted to lower our guard – for love and weariness, for sympathy and kindness – we women shouldn’t do it. We can lose from one moment to the next everything that we’ve achieved.” -Elena Ferrante
DEC FIT TIP #20: BODY-WEIGHT EXERCISES. Big fan. Can be done anywhere, anytime, no equipment needed: 1. Lunges (one minute each side), 2. Diver push-up (10-20), 3. Jumping jacks (one minute), 4. Plank (one minute), 5. High knees (one minute), 6. Bicycle abs (one minute). Repeat three times. Done!
DEC FIT TIP #21: GOT PROTEIN? Make sure to get enough protein (some suggest one gram/kg of body weight) and iron everyday. Poultry, beef are great; for us non-meat eaters, eggs (always keep hard-boiled ones in fridge), fish, shellfish, beans, certain grains (e.g. brown rice, farro, quinoa).