You Resolved to Be Healthier in 2011. Now What?

Hello and Happy 2011!
We see the same trend every year. We set ridiculously high expectations with new year’s resolutions. New members flock to the gym in January. “This year I am getting to the gym 7 days a week!” “I am going to lose 60 pounds!” “I am not going to eat junk anymore!” So, what happens? We don’t reach the 7 days a week goal and then stop going to the gym all together. We don’t reach our goals and feel like a failure. No thanks. The trick is to set realistic goals, reach them, have fun and feel fabulous. 🙂
As we come off the hectic days and nights following the holidays we often find ourselves overwhelmed with the task of trying to get “back on track”. Our daily routines have been disrupted and we tend to find ourselves in a state of chaos. Most of us just need to take a deep breath and get back to basics. Here are some simple ways to help do just that:

1. Restore order to your basic routine and have a plan. Get back to your schedule as best you can. Sit down and think about what you would like your routine to be. When can you exercise? How many times a week do you want to make dinner? What is realistic?
2. Plan your meals for the week. Having a plan around food has changed my world when it comes to healthy eating. Make a weekly menu-check recipes and make a list of everything that you need for the week. Save the lists and rotate them on a monthly basis and then shop from your list. This simple task will save you not only the time of trying to decide what you are going to make for dinner every night but also save you unnecessary trips to the store for that one ingredient you may be missing. Want me to make meal plans for you? Contact me today!
3. Incorporate healthy fats. After eating lots of fatty foods over the holidays, going to the extreme of eating steamed greens might be a little too much. So, use a healthier fat. I am in love with coconut oil right now. It can be used for frying eggs, baking, etc. So good! 
4. Move your body. You don’t need a fancy gym membership or have to plan to run a marathon to be healthy and get in your exercise. All you have to do is move your body. The other day I couldn’t get to the gym so I cranked up the stereo and Madilyn and I danced in the living room! So fun!
5. Take time for yourself and don’t feel guilty. Make sure to put a few minutes aside each day for some guilt-free time. Whether it be a long bath before bed, sneaking a few minutes during nap time to read a chapter from a favorite book or a night out once a month with your spouse, you will find that it will recharge your batteries and make those hectic days much more bearable.
6. Get support. We all know what we need to do. Eat more vegetables. Exercise. Reduce stress. Why don’t we do it then?  For some people it is accountability. That is where I can help you. I will keep you accountable. Contact me in the next 7 days and I will share with you how you can save 10% off one of my personalized programs.

So, instead of asking you what are your new year’s resolutions, I ask you “What is one small step you can make this week to reach your goals?” For me, it is eating more whole grains. Today I make a big batch of steel cut oats that will last me a few days.
Here is a picture of a millet pilaf I make that is amazing and so easy. Millet is a whole grain kind of like rice.
Remember: life is a journey not a destination. Enjoy the process. 🙂
So, what small step will you make this week? I would love to hear from you. Post a comment on my blog or find me on Facebook.