New Year’s Resolutions! How many of them have you made over
the year’s and how many have you kept?
2013 is waiting for what we make of it! We can not simply
hit the “refresh” button or “tab” to a new screen, we have to do something.
So, as we begin 2013, ask yourself how do you want to make
the most of this year.
I recently re-read “Winnie The Pooh” to my children. There
are some fabulous lines in this children’s story. “What’s today?” asked Piglet.
“It’s today, my favorite day” replied Pooh.
So, if you are like the millions of people who look towards
the new year as a time to make goals and find true happiness- what are you
waiting for? A healthy body, mind, and spirit are easy to attain. To become
healthier, happier, and more fit in 2013, here are some secrets that I will
share:
#1) Only eat when sitting down!
I remember when my son was a toddler. I would feed him cut
up pieces of grilled cheese as he ran around the living room playing. There
were times that I fed him in the stroller as we were going to a kid’s class. At
the time, I didn’t think this was too bad (at least he was eating, right?). I
soon realized that this was not the pattern I wanted him to adopt. How many
times do you eat on the go? How many times do we grab an “energy” bar or a
quick “shake” because we are on the run? How many times do you pick off your
kids plates while they eat? We tend to eat mindlessly and “graze” more when we
stand up. Sitting down encourages us to be present and eat with more focus.
This can prevent us from overeating!
#2) Use smaller dinner plates.
We all know how American’s like to supersize our meals. And,
we are all aware of the movement to downsize our portions. Research has shown
that using smaller plates leads to taking smaller portions. If you are trying
to avoid overeating, use a smaller plate. For example, instead of using a bowl
for your soup, use a mug.
#3) Park your car in the back of the parking lot.
I live in NYC and walk to the grocery store. But, I have to
admit that when I go to the suburbs, I try to park as close to the store’s
entrance as possible. In order to get a bit more exercise into your busy day,
park farther away and walk to and from the store.
#4) Take the stairs.
How many times do you opt for the elevator or escalator?
Take the stairs! This will give your legs and lungs a workout.
#5) Drink green tea.
There are a multitude of health benefits of green tea.
Warding off cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and
dementia are some of the benefits of green tea.
#6) Sign up for a 5K
Not a runner? Walk. By signing up for an activity you will
be more accountable to train and get your shoes on!
#7) Give up soda.
Replacing soda with water each day will make a huge
difference to your health. I don’t need to say anymore about this!
#8) Give your spouse, your partner, your children one
compliment a day.
It’s easy to nitpick and criticize. Make a positive change
in your relationships by offering one nice and thoughtful compliment. They will
look at you crazy and think you have fallen off the deep end, but it will be
appreciated in the long run!
#9) Find more positive friends.
Surround your self with people who make you feel great,
warm, happy and comfortable. You will notice a big difference in your energy
when you are with them!
#10) Take a class.
Whether it’s yoga, dance, cooking, photography, jewelry
making, swimming or creative writing. Anything that you are interested in and
want to learn about is great! It will keep your mind healthy and it’s important
to keep learning new things!
#11) Make a “meatless Monday” day.
One day a week of freeing your diet from animal products can
make a tremendous difference to your health and to our environment.
#12) Read more.
We are all so connected to our “gadgets” that we lose track of
down time. Make time to turn off electronics and read a book. Don’t wait til
the beach vacation (although that sounds pretty good to me!). Feel the
difference it makes in your mental and brain health.
#13) Start a journal.
You don’t have to write a novel (although you can if you
want!). It’s great to jot down your thoughts, feelings, and goals.
Life is a series of moments, seconds, and minutes. You have
to live each one to succeed. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today
is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!
Make the most of today and live a happy healthy 2013!
