Happy New Year Everyone!

Hope your holidays were fun and food-filled laughter-fests with family and friends.  I know they were to me. Too good in fact…. as all those cookies, treats, dips and meals for special occasions have left me feeling like a blue whale trying to wiggle into a dolphin’s skin.  Sleek and svelte are not words in my wardrobe vocabulary at the moment.  Thank goodness the Holidays have come to an end….my clothes are tight enough!

Time to change all that though….Yes, a New Year brings a New You….especially after you eat with abandon for a solid month.  Which brings me to the first of a few challenges to be issued this month.

Challenge # 1

Rein in the Dinner Fork ~ Lose the weight you packed on over the last couple months.  No excuses, get out and walk, go to the gym, lock up the remaining chocolates and cookies in the freezer and get back to healthy eating.  This week I will highlight some tools to help you win the battle of the bulge.

Challenge # 2

In this New Year – New Beginning, you will be challenged to come up with *healthier* versions of classic, calorie laden dishes…more details to follow next week.

Challenge # 3

Mind Makeover ~ Changing the outside and inside of ourselves are the usual New Year’s Resolutions, but what about your mindset?  Are you a Dweller? a Worrier? A Procrastinator?  Do you sweat the small stuff?  How about resolving to try and change your mindset?  This will be a hard-pressed challenge, but the health benefits from letting these stresses go will make you a better person…inside and out!  Again, more on this to come over the course of the month.

Challenge # 4

Artsy-Fartsy ~ Are you creative?  Do you like to paint, draw, sew or craft?  Has there been something you have always wanted to do but never had the time for?   Woodworking, Candle-Making or Pottery…whatever it is, I challenge you to unleash your creative mind and do something you have always wanted to do.  Coming up with a new hobby does wonders for your outlook on life!  Why sit in front of a tv for hours on end when you can challenge your mind and let your creativity have some time in the spotlight.

Take a few days to ponder the above and come up with goals and a plan.  Then write out that plan and post it on your fridge.  Looking at it daily will help you to focus on the end result and will be the road map to get you there.  Be realistic about your goals though, if you set the bar too high, you will most certainly set yourself up for failure.  Think Baby Steps!

Above all, look at these Challenges as a way to re-connect with yourself.  This fast-paced world is crazy at times and making small, but measurable changes will hopefully get your 2013 off to a good start!

Stay Tuned!