Athlete in the Game of Life

01/15/2026

Dry January: What are the Nutritional Implications?

As the old saying roughly goes, “Alcohol, making ugly people beautiful since the beginning of time.” While I'm not here to serve drinks or provide addiction counseling, I can shed light on the nutritional implications of alcohol consumption. Let's delve into some nutritional facts about various types of alcohol to help you make more informed decisions about your drinking habits.

Let's get to the main number: ALL alcohol is 7 calories per gram. To put that into perspective, protein and carbohydrates are 4 calories per gram, and fats are 9 calories per gram. This basic nutritional information helps explain why some cocktails pack more calories than others. Remember, I didn't create these facts, so don't mentally joust with me about what your friend Susie, Ken, or Francine told you about vodka having no calories.

Whether or not you choose to participate in Dry January, have an understanding of the caloric impact nightly or weekend drinking as on your weight. Beer and seltzers have nutritional information on the can or bottle; wines and spirits do not. You can use AI and look up your favorite drinks of choice, and then do the math at how many calories you are not consuming each week if you decide to participate.

01/13/2026

Weak ankles and hamstrings can lead to balance problems and low back pain. Strengthening both areas can help reduce your risk of falls and chronic pain. It’s daily repetition of these exercises that can make a difference. You can’t do them once or twice and expect lasting changes.

01/10/2026

Every January the resolution's cycle begins. By the middle of the month, you've given up and waiting for next year to get back on the carousel. How many years have you've been doing this now?

In this episode I discuss how to break your cycle and have success throughout the year. Listen and learn to focus on the small daily wins that add up like compound interest for a big payout at the end of the year. You didn't gain 30 pounds in a week, so you certainly aren't losing it in a week either! How can you stay motivated all year long?

Listen, subscribe, and like The Peale Appeal Podcast,

Every January the resolution's cycle begins. By the middle of the month, you've given up and waiting for next year to get back on the carousel. How many years have you've been doing this now? In this episode I discuss how to break your cycle and have success throughout the year. Listen and learn to....

01/08/2026

🏋The human body responds remarkably quickly to positive changes. By incorporating these small adjustments, not only will you witness physical changes, but you'll also experience lower stress levels, improved sleep, better skin tone, and heightened self-confidence. Think of it as making daily deposits into your body's account – the compound interest of positive habits.

🥹However, it's essential to recognize your humanity and anticipate occasional setbacks. Forgive yourself for indulging in a bad meal or missing a workout. One off-day doesn't negate your entire resolution. Acknowledge the slip-up and approach the next day as a fresh start.

🙂Setting realistic weekly goals, like limiting alcohol consumption on specific days, allows for flexibility without compromising overall progress. Being kind to yourself and maintaining honesty about your efforts will keep you on track and focused on long-term success.

01/03/2026

Every year, gyms experience a surge of new members in January, only to see the enthusiasm dwindle by mid-February. The initial burst of motivation fueled by guilt from holiday indulgences often leads to unrealistic expectations and unsustainable lifestyle changes. But why does this cycle persist, and how can you break free from it?

The post-holiday period is rife with overindulgence in food and drink, a tradition many of us are guilty of participating in. Then, on January 2nd, a sudden wave of self-disgust propels us into an aggressive campaign to hit the gym four times a week at 6:00 am and eliminate every bad eating habit overnight. The problem? Most embark on this journey without a clear plan or understanding of how to sustain it.

The gym isn't like setting up an automatic savings plan; it requires daily effort and dedication. Changing your lifestyle necessitates consistent work, with results visible only after weeks or even months. To prevent the all-too-common drop-off by day two or three, consider setting small, achievable daily goals that contribute to your larger objectives.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas 🎄 to You! Have a wonderful day with family and friends

12/20/2025

How Has Playing Sports on a Team Left a Lasting Impression on You?

In 2009 I was living in south Orange County, CA. I was recently divorced and my son moved away with his mom. It was a downward time in my life.

One Sunday afternoon I was out for a walk and saw a men’s soccer league playing in a park. As a former high school and collegiate player, I stopped to watch. One team was shorthanded and the manager asked me to play if his spare cleats fit. Well, they did, and I became part of an international team where I was 1 of 3 Americans on it.

From 2009-11, these men from all over the world became my much needed brothers. We played every Sunday morning or afternoon in a pro-am league. We won back-to-back championships.

I am eternally grateful for those men in helping me through a difficult time in my life. The OC Hungarians will always be a part of me.

12/18/2025

Tight IT bands can contribute to pulling your kneecap out of alignment and the resulting knee pain. This is a common problem many people do not realize. Stretching your IT bands with a curtsy lunge is a great active stretch before a leg workout in addition to daily self-care.

12/16/2025

Building Momentum for 2026 👏

As 2025 comes to a close, now is the perfect time to begin making small, manageable changes to your health routine. These little adjustments—whether it’s taking a daily walk, adding in some stretching exercises, or choosing healthier meals—will add up over the next few months. By the time March arrives, you can see real transformation, both physically and mentally.

And here’s the best part: you’ll be ahead of the resolution curve. Most people dive into their New Year’s fitness goals with full force, only to burn out by week two. By starting now, you’ll build the consistency and habits necessary to sustain your progress long after the excitement of the new year fades.

Enjoy the Holidays, Prepare for the Future 🎄 🕎

Whatever you celebrate this season, make it a time of joy and balance. There’s no need to go on an extreme diet or start an intense fitness regimen to see improvements in your health. Small, consistent actions make the biggest difference over time. And when you start 2026, you’ll already have the momentum you need to keep going strong.

Remember, no one takes their material possessions with them in the end, but what we do carry forward is the happiness and health we’ve cultivated. So, enjoy your celebrations, but make an effort now to prioritize your well-being for the long run. Finish 2025 strong, and you’ll set yourself up for a thriving 2026.

What are two actions you can take this week to keep your momentum going for 2026?