Vancouver or Moose Jaw or Medicine Hat or Fredericton or Taber or Powassan or Digby...?

Well, our national broadcaster, the CBC, has done it again - or rather, is doing it again. If you participated in last year's Live Right Now campaign that resulted in Canadians losing an astounding one million pounds, I think you'll be all over their next endeavour: to find 'The Live Right Now Capital of Canada."

In other words: what's the healthiest community in our country? Maybe it's yours.

“Since the launch of Live Right Now in January, more than 50 dedicated communities across our country have joined together to improve their overall health and quality of life,” said Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice-President, English Services, CBC. “The level of commitment and dedication we’ve seen from Canadians nationwide has been truly inspiring – it’s going to be really tough to crown only one Live Right Now Capital of Canada.”

Not to toot our own horn, but a gang of us at Canadian Living embraced the Live Right Now Challenge last year and had a blast doing it. Our lesson learned: fitness can be fun. That's when it sticks.

CBC is going to find the community that most embodies the spirit of Live Right Now. You can nominate your own community starting today, Jan. 13. So what are the hallmarks of a healthy community? Think athletic activities, impressive lifestyle changes, infectious team spirit, plus commitment and dedication to getting and staying healthy.

Of course, it's apparent many Canadian towns and cities have what it takes to be healthy. When Kingston, Ontario can boast about the Kingston RoadRunners Association, and Burnaby, British Columbia residents ski, hike and cycle to their heart's content (literally) when they join the Burnaby Outdoor Club, and youth have access to the Mount Pearl Soccer Association, then you know the country is on the right track.

To nominate your community, submit your inspirational stories, photos and/or videos online at LiveRightNow.ca, or by email at LiveRightNow@cbc.ca.

Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be joining the competition. And the winning community will be announced by Live Right Now Ambassadors Steven and Chris in Ottawa on Canada Day. Stay tuned to CBC Television’s Steven and Chris for regular updates.

Maybe you're power-walking this season with your neighbors in Digby, Nova Scotia, or organizing a jogging club in your subdivision in the south end of Calgary. Perhaps your book club in Hamilton, Ontario will close the books and strap on pedometers to exercise the body in addition to the brain. Log on, tell your story to the CBC. One of you could be named the Live Right Now Capital of the country.

Who's it going to be Canada?

Waging my war on weight loss!

Well, I hope all of you got through the New Year's all ready and eager to embrace 2012.  If you read my post a week ago, you'll know I was full of vim and vigour now that I've joined the Canadian Living 6-Week Slim-Down.

"Portion control? Got it. Protein? No problem. But what about my pizza?" Editor-in-chief embraces the 6-Week Slim Down

I even promised to share my stats this week, so here they are (PLEASE be kind to me!):

Weight: 152 lbs.

Now, for the oh-my-gosh measurements:

Arms: 11 1/2

Breasts: 35 1/2

Waist 39 (Holy Toledo, what have I been doing lately?)

Hips: 38

Thigh: 22 1/2

My initial reaction after my colleague Donna took my measurements this morning: “Oh my goodness, I’m built like a sausage!”

However, I promised I'd do the entire six weeks so I'm sticking to it. The first week got off with a bang, but I'm afraid it ended on a whimper - first from my dog Scooter and then from me.

Here goes: it was cold and stormy night... Well, maybe I exaggerate a little. But it was definitely not the sunny snow-white week I was hoping for. There I stood at the front door Wednesday night after work, in rain coat and galoshes, with leash in hand. Only Scooter was nowhere in sight. My husband found our furry little friend beneath the bed. He didn't want to go out for our nightly walk. "Too cold, mommy"  his canine eyes blinked at me.

What was I to do?  I poked my head out the door, got a lash of bitter cold air in my face, and stepped right back in. It was my turn to whimper. "I think it's a might cold out tonight," I said to my husband, Greg. "Perhaps we'll do a double walk tomorrow."

Thursday night came, and, well, I just wasn't in the mood. It was a long day at work (my colleagues will tell you I'm an early riser), a couple-end-of day phone discussions that went on too long, then groceries on the way home from work... You get the picture?  I just didn't have the chutzpah to get out for my brisk 60-minute walk. (Experts will tell you that a fast-paced walk not only burns cardio but it's a great aerobic exercise to get the heart pumping.) One of my concerned colleagues suggested I watch one of our own online videos for some low-impact workouts for beginners.

I did however, succeed in eating better last week. I turned to our own online stash of healthy Canadian Living recipes. High-fibre, low-fat yams have become my new best friend. And - though it was a struggle, I managed to avoid 'most' of the post-Christmas cake that found its way into our office lunch-room. I also made a point of including yogurt in my breakfast (you should consider it, too, the benefits of yogurt are amazing!).

But it's the motivation I need help on: I did get a few pointers from Dr. Joey Shulman whose online article "Healthy Eating Strategies for Sticky Situations." I swear she had ME in mind when she wrote that one. You folks, I'm sure, have all been through this before. What's your secret? Help me P-L-E-A-S-E!

What I'd like your help on:

1. How do you stay faithful to your exercise when you simply 'aren't in the mood'?

2. What do you to do keep fit when it's cold outside. (You know that classic nugget, "Baby it's cold outside..."?  I'm afraid I've been singing it for the last week and my family is ready to revolt.)

3. What's your suggestion for those days when you're just plain knackered? How do you still manage to get yourself to the gym or outdoors for exercise?

4. And last but not least, how do you encourage your cute little puppy dog that leaping up onto the bed does not constitute a work-out?

I simply must put an end to the dog days of January and get back to my exercise plan.

I'm waiting for your advice. AND THANK YOU!  (And Scooter thanks you!)

I've got a great way you can meet your weight loss new year's resolutions - join Canadian Living's 6-Week Slim-Down. The program started this past Monday, but it's not too late to join so make sure you sign up today.

The Slim-Down program will become your best workout buddy and motivational coach over the next few weeks. Whether your goal is to lose weight, eat better or simply improve your overall health, we’ll help you meet it. The program runs until Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Join the 6-Week Slim-Down today!

You could win a fantastic prize pack!
Sign up today and you’ll receive a newsletter every Monday morning with your weekly slim down plan chock-full of weight loss tips, the latest nutrition information, expert fitness advice and healthy Tested-Till-Perfect recipes. You’ll get an exclusive extra calorie burning tip with each newsletter!

Plus, everyone who signs up is automatically entered to win one of six prize packs containing a $100 President's Choice gift card, $100 worth of President's Choice Blue Menu products, and one Nike+ SportBand. Each prize pack is valued at $280. You can find more information on the prize packs here.

Also, I'm giving away a suite of 4 health books to a luck winner. Simply tell me if you've signed up for the 6-Week Slim-Down and why. You could win:
• Pilates Practice Companion, by Alycea Ungaro
• Carrots 'N' Cake: Healthy Living One Carrot and Cupcake at a Time, by Tina Haupert
• Eat Your Way to Sexy: Start Losing Weight in Just 7 Days!, by Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
AND
• The Obvious Diet, by Ed Victor

I'll announce the winner of these 4 books here on Friday Jan 13.

A close friend in her 40s has been telling me she’s suddenly having a big problem with nouns and names. “I keep forgetting,” she said the other day, “Someone’s name will be on the tip of my tongue and I can’t spit it out. Susie, it’s the same for, you know, things…stuff…like, what d’ya call it…yeah, the thing, you know the refrigerator – no I mean Blackberry. Yes, that’s it.”

Nouns and names? That’s nothing compared to the struggle I’m having – with numbers. They keep changing on me. What was a zero has mysteriously morphed into a 6 and without any warning that 6 became a 10. I’m talking dress sizes. My dress sizes. When did they change the numbering system? Was I left off that email? It’s like the New Math all over again. I’m completely baffled.

I know I wore that size 6 black cocktail dress at my sister-in-law’s birthday…oh…just last year. So why didn’t it fit a few weeks ago? Why did I feel like a shrink-wrapped sausage? And who stitched that double-digit 10 on the dress I wore to work today? What gives?

My husband, ever so vigilant and considerate of my health, gently suggested the other day, with a little nervous laugh, whether my issues was with numbers or nachos? I can’t imagine what he was referring to. (What’s a little late-night snack while watching the news. A girl’s gotta eat.)

Instead of a night course in math, I’m embracing another lesson plan: Canadian Living’s 6-week slim down. Now, 6, that’s a number I can handle, especially when it promises a solution to my problems.

My problems? Well, granted, I’ve put on a few extra pounds, and I just don’t have that oomph in the morning these days. And, quite frankly, it’s been getting me down a bit. And that’s what this Slim Down program is going to help me with: smaller waist, fewer worries, more energy. It’s important to feel good about yourself and, of course, that often starts with looking good – in your own eyes.

And here’s another number I’m loving: 5.

5 easy ways I’m going to start living healthier today!
1. Exercise – girls just want to have fun! No earnest drills for me. I’m choosing some cardio work-outs that are easy to follow and enjoyable.

2. Better screen time: Sure I’m going to watch my fave movies (Cher was amazing in “Moonstruck”) but I’m also going to pop a few video workouts into the DVD player from time to time. And I’m going to invite a girlfriend over to join me.

3. Nix the noodles and nachos – get more greens! I’m cutting back on carbs and starch and filling up my plate with more fruits and veggies. And this Warm Mixed Vegetable Salad will be the way to go:

4. Walk the talk: No one loves a kaffee klatch more than I do, but who says I can’t talk to my best girlfriends – and get a little walking in at the same time. Each Sunday my pal Donna and I are going to hit the walking paths near my house in west-end Toronto. Friendship, some laughs and a little gossip will make the exercise all the more enticing!

5. 100 and counting! Getting back to my problem with numbers, I’m going to tackle another one. I’m going to cut 100 calories in 10 different ways! You can too. Check out “How to trim 100 calories and effortlessly lose unwanted pounds.

I’ll be updating along the way so please check in with me – I can’t wait to hear about your experiences, as well. I look forward to talking to you!

The big reveal: In my next post, I'm going to post my after-holiday weight.

Have you signed up for the 6-Week Slim-Down yet?

How long are you willing to wait for an elevator?

According to a recent study by a team of doctors in Saskatchewan you could save up to 15 minutes a day by taking the stairs instead. The research was published in the “Holiday Readings” section of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, an annual segment reserved for “quirky research, humorous satires and witty musings.”

Four staffers at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon took a total of 56 walking trips and 336 elevator trips. The results? It took twice as long – 37.5 seconds – to get to the chosen floor by elevator versus the stairs.

While the study does have its limitations – only four participants; a 7-storey hospital is quite different than a 50-floor office building – it also makes a good point: sometimes it’s just easier to walk.

Here are 5 more reasons why you should hit the stairwell:

• It’s a free workout. With no special equipment required, it’s the cheapest way to burn off some calories. And it's an easy way to sneak some exercise into your day.

• It can be a full-body workout. Last year the Globe and Mail reported on a study from Italy that showed how to amp up your climb:

“Among the notable insights of the Italian study is that using the handrails to haul yourself up turns the activity into a full-body workout much like rowing, resulting in a “global, maximal effort.” About 80 per cent of the power you exert goes to raising your body against the force of gravity; 5 per cent goes to whipping your limbs back and forth, and the remaining 15 per cent goes toward running tiny semi-circles at each landing."

• It can prolong your life. According to a three-month-long British study published in 2008, volunteers who regularly used the stairs instead of the elevator showed improved lung capacity, blood pressure and cholesterol readings. Their weight, body fat and waist measurements also dropped. What does that all mean? Researchers suggested these improvements decrease a person's chances of dying young by 15 per cent.

• It’s good for your HDL Yep, active stair climbers can improve their amount of “good” cholesterol.

• It’s a calorie killer. Check this stat out: by walking up stairs you burn almost 700 per cent the number of calories you'd burn twiddling your thumbs in an elevator.

Do you make it a habit of choosing the stairs over the elevator? And what is your stairs threshold – how many flights are you willing to walk up or down instead of taking the elevator?

Do you make new year's resolutions? Will you be making any this year? I rarely do, but this year I've decided to commit to taking my dog out for longer walks, no matter what the weather is like. We'll both benefit from that. Perhaps you're looking for some inspiration for your new year's resolutions. Find a list below of the top 5 new year's resolutions for 2012!

2012 will be the year of the long dog walk! It'll be good for me and my pooch.

1. Quit smoking
Health Canada estimates that smoking is related to over two dozen diseases and conditions. It is also the leading causes of preventable deaths. There's no time like the present to give up this addictive habit. Here are some tips on how to quit smoking.

2. Go on a half hour walk every day
Dr. Mike Evans got a lot of attention last week for his clever YouTube video called 23 and 1/2 hours: What's the single best thing we can do for our health? And do you want to know what that single best thing is? It's so simple! It was in front of our faces all along! Go on a half hour walk every single day.

In his video, Dr. Evans lists the myriad of health benefits walking has, including a reduced chance of dimentia and Alzheimer's by 50 per cent, reduction in anxiety by 48 per cent, reduced symptoms of depression by 30 per cent, and is the number one treatment for fatigue. Pretty amazing, right? His video is a must-see. You can watch it here.

3. Cut back on your sodium intake
Us Canadians consume over 3,400 mg of sodium a day, and that is more than double the amount we need. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, risk of stroke, kidney disease and heart disease. Now's the time to cut back on your sodium intake. One easy way is to reduce the amount of processed food you eat, where, according to Health Canada, more than 75 per cent of the sodium we consume is found.

4. Wean yourself off relationships with toxic friends
Toxic relationships do nothing but make you feel bad about yourself, and who needs that? Put your own personal health first and start spending less time with the people who make you miserable, and more time with the people who make you feel happy and loved.

5. Join our 6-Week Slim-Down
Start the new year off right with Canadian Living's 6-Week Slim-Down program. You'll get weight loss advice, nutrition tips, fun workout videos and healthy recipes delivered to your inbox every Monday for six week! Plus, you could win a fabulous prize pack containing $100 in President's Choice gift cards, $100 worth of President's Choice Blue Menu products and a Nike+ SportBand valued at $80, simply by signing up. Take charge of your health and sign up today.

What's your new year's resolution?

'Tis the season, my friend, and for that reason I'm at some sort of holiday celebration almost every other day from now until Dec. 26! I love the holidays. I love the socializing, festive cheer, twinkle of holiday lights and the gift exchanges. But I also love all the hors d'oeuvres, irresistible sweets and the free flowing wine ... a little too much!

I find it very tough to stay on track during this time of year, but I'm determined not to let the holiday season derail all my healthy eating efforts. I've outlined a few ways to avoid overindulging this holiday season. What do you think?

Three things I love about the holiday season: Friends, gift exchanges & sparkling wine.

5 ways to avoid overeating this holiday season
1. Eat before I head to the party
If I enjoy a light snack before the holiday party, I won't arrive ravenous and stuff my face with the entire buffet table (this has happened on too many occasions!). An apple with peanut butter is a great option because the protein will do an nice job of making me feel full for a little while.

2. Stay hydrated
If I'm well hydrated throughout the day, I won't feel as hungry. Also, I'll be sure to enjoy a glass of water between each cocktail so I don't drink too much, and remain hydrated throughout the evening.

3. Fit in a workout
This is key! If I'm able to fit in some exercise I won't feel so guilty when I enjoy to odd baked treat. And, when I feel fit, I generally pay more attention to what I'm putting in my body. Staying in shape will also help help keep my immune system in great condition during an often stressful season.

4. Indulge just a little
I'm not going to totally cut things out. That will only make me crave things more, and that would be pure torture. Instead, I'll fill up a small plate with lean protein, veggies and a few treat foods.

5. Set a drink limit
Alcohol can cause us to pack on the pounds! I also notice that when I enjoy a few too many drinks, I head to the food table a little too often. This year I'll set a drink limit at each holiday party. Alternating my boozy beverages with still or sparkling water will help on my quest to cut back.

How will you take care not to overindulge at this year's holiday parties?

Half of the respondents to a recent survey by The Heart and Stroke Foundation admitted to not having enough time to exercise and eat healthy, despite knowing these actions can help ward off conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Many cite long commute times, busy family lives and stressful careers as reasons why they can't find time to lead a healthy life.

Do you watch too much TV?
Experts from The Heart and Stroke Foundation believe time can be found if Canadians opt for implementing healthy living strategies instead of watching so much TV.

Stats Can has noted that 29 per cent of the Canadian population over the age of 20 spend at least two hours a day in front of the television. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends using some of this time to exercise or cook a healthy meal.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation predicts heart disease and strokes can be reduced by 40 per cent with simple lifestyle changes such as eating right, doing at least 150 minutes of exercise a week and quitting smoking.

Looking to make some changes? Check out these delicious, healthy recipes your whole family will love. Also, discover these great tips for staying fit this winter.

Do you find it hard to find the time to eat right and exercise? How do you fit it in?

Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care has laid out some new recommendations for breast cancer screening. In a bid to curb over diagnosis, the task force has suggested some ways to scale back screening so as not spend on unnecessary biopsies, mastectomies, and other treatments.

Here are some of the recommendations:

• Mammograms will now be performed on women between the ages of 50 and 74 every two to three years, instead of yearly on women between the ages of 50 and 69.

• It is recommended that women under 50 receive no mammograms (currently it's normal for women over 40 to get yearly mammograms)

• It's suggested that doctors no longer perform breast exams

• Physicians are to suggest women no longer examine themselves for breast lumps

• Women between the ages of 70 and 74 are encouraged to get mammograms every two to three years. Under the current guidelines, mammograms are not recommended for this age group at all.

It is important to note that the Task Force's recommendations do not apply to women who have a family history of breast cancer, or those with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

Speak to your family doctor and come up with a system that's right for you.

What do you think of the new recommended breast cancer screening guidelines?

It's getting colder out there. And the heat isn't working in my house right now. It's IMPOSSIBLE to get out of my beloved sweat pants, put on running clothes and head out on a jog. I guess it's happening, winter is in the air and I'm slowly flushing my fitness motivation down the toilet. It's sad. I worked so hard this summer and I'm about to kiss all those great results goodbye.

I need help.

It's a good thing our trusty Facebook friends came to the rescue and offered up their tried and true tips for maintaining fitness motivation.

It just took a little encouragement to get me into my running shoes and out the door!

Here are 8 encouraging tips for maintaining fitness motivation
1. Sasha Dunfield: Finding something I love - that way it doesn't feel like exercise!

This is such great advice. There's no sense in working hard at something you don't like. I also subscribe to the thought that if you're sick of your fitness routine, then switch it up.

2. Vanessa David Kenyon: Seeing the changes in the mirror.

So true! Even if the change is really small it's so rewarding when you see your hard work is paying off. This works the other way around too. If you've spent a lot of time sitting on the couch eating potato chips (who me? never!), you may start noticing that little belly growing ever so slightly ...

3. Debbie Fackrell Perkins: I've worked out my entire life (I'm 46); it's a habit, like brushing my teeth. I realized a long time ago the state of my health and how I look/feel is largely in my hands. I'll do what it takes to stay vibrant as I age -- I owe it to myself and my family!

I find this so motivating. I always see women who are older than me who are super fit, and out and about exercising, and I always hope that I'll be one of those ladies when I'm 50. This tip alone got me out of me sweats and into my running tights.

4. Lindsay Coulter: Grab a friend

There's nothing more motivating then exercising with a friend. It's like social hour with a little sweat. Not only can you chat and spend time with someone you love, but you'll also feel accountable to someone.

5. Lynz Danielson: Commit to every morning, same time. I do the treadmill for 45 minutes before I do anything else around the house and yard. It has become a routine and now I feel guilty when I am delayed or must miss.

I love the idea of getting your workout over with first thing in the morning, then you don't have to worry about talking yourself into it later in the day. Now, if it wasn't for that darned snooze button ...

6. Louise Aspden: I learned to teach ZUMBA this year at 50 years old...first time I have ever been this active! Now I enjoy the benefits and love watching others enjoy them too!

Further evidence than learning something new will boost your fitness motivation!

7. Tianna Jade Albrecht: Registering for a paid class and feeling obligated to go because I spent the money on it!

Good idea! No one likes to waste money. Yet another thing to hold you accountable.

8. Angi Regan: I run so I can eat whatever I want!! seriously!! love that!

OK. So you mean if I keep up with the running I won't feel so guilty about that delicious Green & Black's chocolate bar I ate last night? Alright, that's it. I'm heading out the door this very second ...

What's your fitness motivation?