Health, and getting healthy, is pretty much on everyone’s list of goals, to do’s, and almost always on New Year’s resolutions. Am I right? Me too. Every single year, I vow on December 31 and January 1, that I’m going to get healthy once and for all. Ask me how long that usually lasts. You guessed it; not very long. I usually fall through on my goals as well.

Well, I, like many of you, are trying this again. Only what is pushing me forward with “this is the once and for all, I mean it this time”? Is it the fact that I am now 41, and not getting any younger? What has stopped me in my tracks is a question I have found asking myself the past few months…”If I only live until I’m 50 (secretly I really want to live until I’m 100!! Don’t you??), what do I want to accomplish in those 9 or 10 years? Now mind you, I am very aware of human mortality and that we never know when. But back to the point of this whole explanation…I have solidified now in my mind that regardless of what day it is into the year, I am going to plug away at getting healthy little by little each and every day.

One thing to always remember is that it doesn’t matter how old you are, getting healthy is something you can do today and everyday after. Although it is always better to decide to be healthy when you are younger, but you are never too old, considered as a lost cause. Every little bit helps. It’s the little things we do; those little steps that we continue to do every single day.

The key to actually achieving those health goals, or any goal, is to quit making huge goals that are very impossible or not likely in the time frame I want it to happen. What I mean is, it’s in the little things every day. Make small attainable goals that you will be more likely to reach, rather than unrealistic ones. So, here is what I am doing…

1. Drink 1 full bottle (64 oz) of water every day using my new water jug. I prefer my water on ice, but I am just drinking it at room temperature instead(I will explain in a future blog post why this is). I don’t take any sodas to work, or tea, etc. Water is my only choice I am allowing myself during the day. At night with dinner, I will allow myself one glass of tea or diet soda. I am still drinking coffee…don’t plan on giving that up yet.

2. Workout everyday for 15-30 minutes. I know that sounds super easy, but I have gained a lot of weight over the years and am way out of shape. Also, I know I can dedicate 15-30 minutes to working out everyday. Any longer than that and I start to hesitate or make excuses. Since Thanksgiving, I have been doing MWH workouts, and joined her program, and can I just say….I LOVE IT! Her workouts, which are Pilates, are more my speed, but I can still feel the burn. So far, I have lost 10 pounds since Thanksgiving.

3. Live by the 80/20 rule. 80% healthy everyday and 20% less healthy. This rule doesn’t forbid you from eating your favorite not so healthy foods, it just limits you from overeating them. Now, I eat smaller portions of less healthy food. Big one for me. I love love sweets. So instead of completely eliminating all sweets from my life, instead of eating such a big piece of cake, eat half the size you would normally eat. Instead of 5 cookies, eat 2. But healthy foods, like salad and veggies, load up. Eat double those portions you normally eat. This will make you more full when it’s dessert time. Along with drinking lots of water, keeps you full as well.

4. Take vitamins so you are making sure you are getting all your vitamins your body needs. For example, I don’t drink a lot of milk(don’t like it), so I take a multi-vitamin that has calcium in it.

5. Change your mindset to think taking care of the one body you have. Preventative maintenance prevents overhaul maintenance. Taking care of yourself will not only help you look and feel better, you will be more healthy, and prevent disease which causes other problems and lots of money.

Just these small things are what I am trying to focus on. I hope this inspires you to try as well. I am no expert and no nutritionist, but a woman just trying to improve her life. I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing with it all. Hopefully I end up losing the amount of weight I am going for.

Have a great day!!

Libby