I don’t do New Years resolutions; I think it is important to have goals and dreams all year long. I am sure you all know the statistics on the New Years resolutions so I won’t waste space with that tid bit. I have made them in the past, and for the most part they are forgotten or blown off. Quitting smoking was on that list for years and that I finally did it, just not on January 1st, it was three months later.
Throwing myself into this healthy lifestyle is still relatively new, but I am looking forward to all that I can accomplish in 2009. I started this venture late in 2008 and now have a whole new year to give it a good go. Although I have had disappointments, I have also had some great improvements, and am still proud that I have not and will not give up.
Here is to looking, feeling and being the best that we can all be in 2009!

Things I do-

Always use the small salad plate at dinner
Use a smaller ice cream bowl for soup and salads
Walk daily
Take the stairs and not elevators
Park farther away from my destination (unless arctic)
Stretch daily
Take a multi and supplements
Eat a lot of green leafy stuff
Have a cheat or treat meal (not a whole day)

Thing I need to do or plan to do-

Drink a lot more water
Drink water before eating
Eat more fruit and other veggies
Expand my food choices and make meals in advance
Eat more protein
Circuit train a couple times a week
Yoga and Pilates
Did I mention more water?

Things I have learned and am learning-

Drinking enough water really does help with weight loss
Protein does keep you full longer
Squats work well and quick
Fiber is your friend
Rewards are a must
Eating in the first 30 minutes of waking makes all the difference in the day
Consistency is key
Stretching is really vital
My dog is the best walking partner
With all the positives there will still be negatives
This is much harder than I planned
People will always judge others no matter what, and that is not my problem
Reevaluation is important every once in awhile
People have advice and opinions on all aspects of whatever you’re doing and some of it is worth listening to.
Friends are the greatest for boosting your morale
A little bit of positive goes much farther than any kind of negative

Since the party food and cookies has come to and end, my New Years Eve dinner consists of some great healthy sea food, and with this week have a couple days in the high 50’s one almost 60, I am looking forward to some great long walks and dropping the tiny bit of weight the scale did show, I know I can do this. I love a Fresh Monday, followed by a Fresh New Year!