#1 Lose Weight – This New Year’s Resolution is at the top of many people’s list and rightfully so since 60% of Americans are overweight or obese.  Being overweight increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and numerous other health problems.  Don’t let another year go by, make a change today!  You can start by eating one large salad every day and cut out refined, processed foods.  This will add in essential nutrients, reduce your calories and help keep your blood sugar in check.  All of this helps you lose weight.

 

#2 Cleanse your body – After the holidays it’s time to remove the junk (from your fridge and your body).  Toss out the old and bring in a healthier, revitalizing way of living.  Did you know that losing weight is a great way to cleanse?  When you drop fat, you release toxins from your body.  Achieve Resolutions #1 and #2 simultaneously with a well-designed cleanse.  Try cutting out alcohol and caffeine and replace with fresh veggie juice for 1 week and see how you feel.

 

#3 Reduce Stress – Chronic elevation of stress hormones makes you more susceptible to the flu and other illnesses.  Stress also interferes with our ability to get a good night’s rest.  Incorporate daily stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga.  Set aside at least 5 minutes each day to unwind.  Start right now – close your eyes and enjoy a few deep breaths.  When you open your eyes, smile and choose to fill your day with happiness.

 

#4 Get in Shape – When you exercise, not only will you look better, but you will feel the difference.  Exercise promotes weight loss, longer life, less chronic disease, better mood, healthier heart and stronger bones.  To get motivated to exercise, fuel your body with nutrient rich, well balanced meals.  Start by walking 30 minutes 5 – 7 days/week.  If you’re already exercising regularly, be careful not to overexert yourself since the body may perceive intense exercise as additional stress.

 

#5 Achieve Success – Reach this goal in all areas of your life by having integrity, being authentic, and choosing happiness rather than money as your purpose.  Then go out there and do it!  Choose nutrient-rich foods to give your body and your mind a boost.  Shoot for 6 – 10 servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day.  Start your day with a high power smoothie containing 2 – 3 servings of fruits and veggies.

 

#6 Save Money –  Cooking meals and eating at home saves you money, and you have control over portion size.  Use your money wisely so you can treat yourself to fabulous nights out for special occasions.  Spend a little money on an easy-to-follow healthy recipe book that will save you money on healthy, nutritious meals for your entire family.

 

#7 Learn Something New – Starting up a new sport, musical instrument, or other hobby improves memory and cognition and can help you manage stress.  Sign up for music lessons, a yoga class or a healthy cooking demonstration.  Plan a trip to someplace new and submerse yourself in a different culture and language.  Remember this is suppose to help you reduce stress not add to it, so choose something easy to incorporate into your life.

 

#8 Relax More – Take time out of your busy schedule to relax.  Indulge in a massage, which can relax tense muscles and lower your stress hormones.  This in turn will keep you healthier, happier and improve your sleep.  Sleeplessness, or insomnia, is a growing problem and affects more than 70 million Americans today.  Optimally, we should all get about 8 hours of sleep per night.  Relax into sleep each night by creating a calm environment that is quiet, dark and comfortable.

 

#9 Save the Planet – It’s time we all pay attention to our carbon footprint.  Are you turning off the lights when you leave the room?  Do you reduce, reuse and recycle?  Have you switched to energy and water efficient appliances?  There are so many ways you can start making a change in your daily life.  Check out my blog on Greening Your Home to learn 10 tips to help you protect the planet and your health.

 

#10 Get Outdoors -  Enjoy what mother nature has to offer us.  Get outdoors each day to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.  The options are limitless from skiing and snowshoeing in snowy climates to biking and hiking in sunnier spots.  When you get outdoors you’re increasing your vitamin D levels which helps support your immune system and resistance to chronic diseases.  Spending time outdoors is a great way to lose weight, get in shape, relax, and reduce stress.  In fact, it can help you achieve all of these new year’s resolutions!