Health Hacks for January and the NEW YEAR!

         I hate the end of Christmas and the closing of this wonderful Season, but I do love the start of a New Year.  I think about it and get a little excited feeling in my stomach - like something good is about to happen.  I look forward to a fresh start and to seeing what will unfold.  Each year brings on so much change, some good and some not so good.We all know that some years are better than others.  Some years roll by peacefully and quietly and others hit us over the head with brick after brick leaving us worn out, exhausted and confused.  As we get older we have those years and we see others we love struggle through their own roadblocks.  I have heard many people say lately that they are ready to see 2016 go.  They are ready to begin again.  If you have had one of those years this year -  if you have found yourself on a detour that you did not expect and certainly do not welcome, please read this.  I found it this morning and it has wonderful insight on those detours that often present themselves.  Unfortunately, often those detours end up being the very road of our lives and we find ourselves facing a New Normal.  Navigating that New Normal becomes our new road.As we look forward to a New Year, a New 365 Days, New Opportunities, New Beginnings, how do you begin the new year?  Here are my Top Health Hacks for January and the New Year1. Set a Word or Intention for the New Year.In looking toward a New Year so many people talk about and plan for making resolutions.  I stopped doing that a few years ago as I knew I was setting myself up for failure.  Rather,  I began searching for a word to represent what I wanted out of the upcoming year.  I shared my word with you all last year.My purpose was to Live Intentionally.   I set out to be more intentional in all areas and looking back I feel really good about my year.  I was intentional about how I spent my time, who I spent my time with, where my energies were spent.  I was intentional about what I read, what I watched, how I exercised and what workouts I did.  I also tried to be intentional about what I ate, but sometimes my love of sugar got in the way of that!  These intentions opened up more time for some things that I had wanted to do.  It also opened up some work avenues and I found myself teaching at a new studio and working with more one on one clients.  I found that I was able to do some new things, find time to create some new things, and have a more peaceful year, all around.  In many ways it was a lovely year2.  Set Small Doable GoalsIf setting an intention or a word for the year seems too hokey for you and you are a black and white person who needs a list of resolutions or finite goals then I say make them small and specific.  Do not make a resolution to "lose weight" or "exercise more" or to "be nice" or "read books".  Make the list finite and doable.  Set your resolution to workout 3 times a week, read one book a month, count to ten before you speak to that person that irritates you, or not buy the junk food that derails your diet.  These types of things are the small steps that can lead to the big gains in your resolutions of the year.  They are doable, small steps.  You can meet these goals and feel successful.  These types of goals do not set you up for failure.  It's okay to make the type of goals that are within your reach!  They will help you continue to be successful so you can keep going well past February with your goals.3.  Clean Out Your InboxI know this sounds crazy but if you will just take the time to sit down and do it I think you will thank me!  How much time do you spend in the morning when your email first pops up going through all the unnecessary emails from all those vendors trying to get you to purchase and purchase and purchase!  I know I must delete at least thirty or more every time I try to begin my day!  I am taking the time TODAY to unsubscribe from all of those needless emails that pollute up my inbox and suck my time.4.  Try Something NewGetting out of our comfort zone can be daunting and a bit scary.  It can also be wonderfully rewarding.  Your something new doesn't have to big or bold.  It can be small, only a tiny bit scary, but think what it might lead to!  This past year I did a few new things I shared here on my site.  I put together two Ebooks and loved learning the process.  That was a bit daunting to teach myself and scary to present them to the public.  I had been playing around with a Nutrition Certification for some time.  This year I finally jumped in and worked for my Nutritious Life Certification.  I learned so much from this and love that I am continuing to learn.  I mentioned that I began teaching at a new studio.  It made me nervous to "start over" with a new style, take the time to learn a new way of doing things, getting up front in front of some of my peers.  This all came about because I decided to try a new workout by visiting a different studio at West Coast Workout, and try something new.   I got WAY out of my comfort zone being photographed on a blogger friend's site, KirbYourStyle.  I also participated in a SKYPE interview that was a ton of fun.  It would have been so very easy to say no to these things, to sit back in that comfort zone.In the coming year I hope to build on some of these new things and I have a few new things I am kicking around.  Since none of the new things actually killed me last year, I'm pretty confident that trying some new things in 2017 surely can't be too painful.Speaking of trying something new . . . I have been inspired by some friends to go back to the Whole30 program to begin the new year.  I have done it in the past, but admit not completely whole heartedly. I am a notorious cheater whenever I find myself on some form of restrictive eating program.  However,  this time I am definitely up for the challenge!  I am excited about it and ready to get going on the program! So much so that I downloaded the grocery list, and did my shopping so I'll be ready and prepared to begin.  I've already spent today cleaning out the refrigerator and getting my mind set for eating a tons of vegetables, fruits, clean proteins, good fats and lots of water - and NO alcohol!  I have a fun trip at the end of January so my Whole30 may end up being a Whole25!  You'll be seeing and hearing more from me on this!  I'd love to have you follow along, or better yet, join the fun!Want to know more?  Check out the Whole30 Program Rules and the Whole30 Shopping ListFollow along here and on my Instagram!  Show me what you are preparing and eating at #MDWhole30!ENJOY YOUR DAY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!