Last month my column contained fitness and nutrition resolutions to get you through the Holidays without gaining weight.

This month my husband is in Iraq (as a journalist) and although it is nothing compared to being on the front lines, it did make me think about the women who are also spending the holidays alone and what they might need.

Suppose your husband will be gone for the next six months, and you've decided to create a new "you" while he's gone, or you just want to find a way to fight the loneliness and stress of handling the household on your own. Working out will help you stay happy while he is away, fight off stress and illness so you can get everything done, and look even better when he returns.

The key is to set goals that are realistic and specific, and having a set time period as your goal will help you stick to a new fitness regime. Write down your plan of action for every day, week, etc. Make sure it is something you can measure and not just the end goal, but the milestones along the way. Start with a plan that you think you can accomplish or exceed. (Walking for 30 minutes at a time. Then running for 20 minutes and see how many times you have to stop and walk each time. Eventually work up to running for 30 minutes and so on.)

Figure out what your barriers to exercise and eating well are, and make a plan to conquer and avoid those specific barriers. Take each barrier or excuse and write down ways you can solve the problem.

Time is a barrier for everyone. If you make time for you first, then it won't hang over your head all day as something else on your to do list. If you work out early in the day, you will start your day off with a natural high for your entire body. You will be in a better mood, be able to tackle difficult or mundane tasks with a happier outlook and more energy, fall asleep faster at night, and set a good example for your kids or friends that working out should be part of everyone's day. A healthy mom is a better mom and a happier wife is more fun to come home to.

Happy holidays and a safe return for your husband.