It's a Newer Healthier Year. Right?

I hope that everyone is enjoying 2010. It is mid-January and I wonder how many of your resolutions are still on track? If you have fallen off of the health wagon already, don't be discouraged. While Jan. 1 is a great marker for starting new habits, you can take the steps towards a healthier lifetyle any day, any time! I have been resolving to get more organized since... well perhaps always?

Here are some tips to making 2010 a healthier year

Add variety to your diet - One of the biggest problems we have is our love of consistency. Look at your grocery list, do you buy the same food every week? This is actually a diet downfall. If you are always eating the same thing your body is not getting a variety of nutrition. Change up your bread or pasta. Try spelt bread or kamut pasta once in a while. These are small changes, but you will get a better nutritional bang for your buck. Eery time you eat something different you are getting different vitamins, minerals and increasing your overall health.

Organize your daytime meals - Lunches are sometimes the hardest to get together, and often people do not snack regularly. Make a commitment in the evening to make your lunch & snacks for the next day. Another alternative is to buy some groceries to keep in the fridge at work. It is important to eat every 2 - 3 hours, something small & something nutritious (not cookies!!!). Eating frequently ensures that your metabolism is working, burning off that excess from the holidays.

Store your food properly - After grocery shopping, store your food properly and conveniently. If you buy baby carrots for work, pack them up into baggies right away, so it is easy to grab & go. Wash your lettuce and store it so you can quickly make a salad. Storing your food properly and in the right portion sizes will help you make better choices throughout the week.

Try something new once in a while - A little different from adding variety, I really think that once in a while you should buy something that you have never tried before. If I hadn't taken a risk, I wouldn't know that I do NOT like Granadilla (Columbian fruit) but I really enjoy tomatillos. When cruising the produce aisles pick up something different, look up some preparation ideas on the net and give it a go!

Focus on the positive steps you have taken - We all live busy lives and sometimes our best intentions end up being just intentions, insted of actions. That's okay. Think about what has worked, determine why something may not have worked and try again!

May you, your friends and family have a wonderful 2010!