The holidays are just around the corner and most of us (if not already) will soon find ourselves in the middle of a never ending to-do list. When this hurried season of celebration winds down, many will start thinking about New Year's resolutions.

But if you resolve to look your best when 2008 arrives, you'll likely need some time to prepare. Local area experts explain how you can take simple steps to beauty in a short time.

Diet

It should come as no surprise to hear that what we consume affects our outward appearance. Making bad food choices will inevitably show up in various ways.

Even though proper nutrition has been emphasized for years, many people find it hard to change their eating habits.

Let's face it; things like dietary restrictions, food allergies, or a die-hard sweet tooth keep the fight for a balanced diet going strong. Luckily, there are some changes we can make that don't take much effort.

Cut the salt! According to the National Academy of Sciences, you need about 500 milligrams of sodium per day, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that most of us consume a little more than 4,000 mg a day. That excess sodium leads to water retention and bloating.

Reducing sodium intake, while drinking plenty of water, is the best way to eliminate excessive fluid. Monitor sodium content of foods through nutrition labels, particularly in canned and processed foods.

Go a little nutty! "Eating a handful of almonds a day can help you meet the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by cutting down on saturated fat, while increasing consumption of essential nutrients like fiber, protein and vitamin E," says Judy Scott, registered dietitian of St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon.

How can that help one's appearance? "Vitamin E helps protect cells from everyday damage," Scott says. "Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, hair, nails and skin and helps repair tissues in the body."

Milk it! Thanks to recent studies, milk products do more than strengthen bones and teeth. They also help in dropping a few pounds. The National Dairy Council says that a combination of the nutrients in dairy foods have a significantly greater effect on body weight and fat loss than calcium supplements.

Delete deficiencies! Not having enough of the necessary nutrients can counteract even the best efforts to look better. For example, an iron deficiency may cause one to look pale and lethargic with 'spoon' shaped nails, says Lisa Heins, a registered dietitian in Murphysboro.

"An individual needing more vitamin C may develop hemorrhages on the skin," Heins says.

Daily multivitamins are helpful, but it's healthier to be nourished by food first. Eating more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes is a great nutritional foundation.

Learn more ways to balance your diet at www.mypyramid.gov.

Fitness

Being physically active is important for everyone. Whether you're trying to lose weight, improve muscle tone, or simply maintain energy and stability, exercise is essential. Perhaps the main reason so many don't exercise often is a lack of time.

Fortunately, it doesn't take lengthy work outs to achieve fitness goals.

Shortcuts to results. Who would've guessed that being more fit could also mean less time working out? Surprisingly, some gyms and fitness centers offer just that.

"Women get the same physical benefits from using the machines at Curves for 30 minutes as they would by taking an aerobics class for an hour and a half," says Terri Alldredge, Curves trainer and owner of Curves in Benton.

The Curves workout consists of warm up, aerobic, strength training, cool down, and stretching periods. According to Alldredge, working out three times a week at Curves, as recommended, can show great results in a short time.

"Within 30 days members usually notice they're losing inches because their clothes will feel looser," she notes. "It's also recommended that members who work out more than three days a week should slow down their pace on the alternate days to give muscles time to recuperate."

Alldredge adds that getting in plenty of stretching even on non-work out days can increase flexibility by 19 percent.

Help for the hurting. For individuals who are dealing with arthritic pain, exercise may seem like a daunting task. "The good news is that once you develop a regular program that includes cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training there are many benefits that you will start to enjoy," says Lynne Thompson-Cundiff, MS, ACSM, AFAA, and fitness coordinator of SIU Recreational Sports and Services, in Carbondale.

For people with arthritis, the SIU-C Recreation Center and the John A. Logan Community Health Education Complex offer specially developed Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Programs.

Keep going! Regardless of the pace you choose in working out, Thompson-Cundiff says that seeing a visible difference in your body comes from consistency. Being faithful to exercise on most days throughout the week is the bottom line.

"It's easier to continue fitness routines when they include enjoyable activities. With the winter months approaching, don't let the weather determine your exercise habits," she advises.

A little incentive. If you ever needed another reason to commit to fitness, now you have one. "On November 26, 2007, many of the Curves fitness centers in Southern Illinois will waive their one-time service fee in exchange for a child's (non-weapon) toy," Alldredge says. "All toys received will then be donated to local charities and distributed for Christmas."

Beauty Rituals

It's almost natural to think of winter as being a dark and sometimes dull season. But adopting the right beauty measures and making them a routine can keep you looking vibrant no matter how drab it gets outside. From skincare to great hair, just a few changes can make a big difference.

Face value. One of the hottest skin treatments available right now is the micro peel, and it's no wonder. "They're the most result driven because they turn over cellular buildup and make the clarity of skin a lot lighter and look a lot fresher," says Celeste Bullar, esthetician from Egyptian Revival Day Spa, in Carterville.

"Micro peels are good for not only dry skin, but also acne," she says. "Skin clarity is also improved through other procedures such as full or mini facials, and a variety of body wraps."

Protecting skin from the sun is important in the winter, too. Bullar recommends using sunscreen and sunblock with UVA and UVB protection.

"To maintain a home run effect for your skin, use a customized skin care line of products, continue procedures as needed, and top it all off with mineral makeup," she says.

A timeless tan. Don't let the glow of a summer tan fade away. With so many sunless tanning products, it's never been safer or easier to maintain a little extra color year round. If time is too limited for daily tan maintenance, consider the help of a salon.

"Spray tanning just takes about 15 minutes to do and it usually lasts one to two weeks," says Alana Day, hairstylist and owner of Sun Tan Shack, in Benton. "Spray tans may also be extended by a using self tanning lotion."

Winter hair care. Even though hotter temperatures are over, now is not the time to "let your hair down" regarding its care. Hair needs to be protected and replenished from harmful environmental factors even in winter.

A report from www.webmd.com says that most stylists advise using a rich moisturizing shampoo with a few key ingredients, such as essential fatty acids and humectants. It also notes a few other ways to better care for your hair while summer is on vacation.

For instance, go easy on hair coloring, especially when adding highlights. The lightening process does the most damage to hair, so backing off of it during the winter will give hair a much needed rest. Instead, try lowlighting. It's much less intense and will darken hair closer to its natural color while reducing the need for maintenance.

Massage

The skin is the body's largest organ. Since it eliminates 30 percent of the body's toxins, it makes sense to nurture it with a massage every now and then.

The main reason most people get a massage is to ease stress and feel better. Rarely do they consider how easing that stress through a rubdown actually promotes visible benefits as well.

Tone more. "Massage tones and tightens the skin, and makes it look younger, thus producing that overall healthy glow," says Cheryl "Cherry" Connolly, LMT, RN, BSN, Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork professional, in Cobden.

"It also aids in the recovery from illnesses and injuries," she says. "One can do some form of self bodywork daily, such as toning the face and massaging the neck to tighten a double chin."

See less. Pesky skin flaws have a way of making most women uncomfortable about their bodies, but they don't have to. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website (www.massagetherapy.com), massage actually reduces the appearance of scars and cellulite because it promotes tissue rejuvenation. It also boosts circulation and decreases puffiness and inflammation.

Bring it home. Whenever possible, let the massage come to you. Massage therapists such as Connolly* treat clients at several locations, including their homes and work places.

*For more information about Cherry Connolly, visit www.healthpromoting.massagetherapy.com or call her at 618-559-6302.

Starting January 25, 2008, Connolly will teach a 10-week class called, Massage for Health, Friends, Family & Self at John A. Logan College, in Carterville. The class will meet on Fridays at either 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. for two hours and is free for seniors. All others pay $67 to enroll.