5 Best Resolutions to make for 2006

5 New Year’s Resolutions YOU should make to ensure an empowered 2006!

It is that time of year again, New Year’s Eve! Every year we great the arrival of the coming new year with many of the same traditions…ball dropping in Time’s Square, noise makers, confetti poppers, silly hats, kissing the nearest person (hopefully it is someone you know and love!—but that isn’t always so!) and RESOLUTIONS! You know, those little promises that we make to ourselves that are meant to change our lives for the better: quit smoking, lose weight, change jobs, be less critical, etc.

How many times has December 31st rolled around and you were faced with the ugly truth that the year came and went, AGAIN, without realizing the fulfillment of that year’s resolve? Been there, done that!—more times than I really care to admit.

The great thing about that scenario is that it is in the PAST! There is nothing you can do to change what you didn’t do yesterday or many yesterdays, however there is much that can be done to insure that you do stick to this year’s resolutions.

First, you need a plan. The only plan you need is to make sure that your resolutions are achievable and that you are actually able to see them through…and then, as Nike says “Just Do It!”

Here are my suggestions for New Year’s Resolutions that if kept, will find you healthier, happier and more productive in the New Year...and beyond!

1. Carry a water bottle with you at most times and drink from it often. Drinking water will eliminate much of the confusion of hunger vs. thirst. Drinking plenty of water will properly hydrate your system, allowing your body to function at optimal capacity, make your skin and hair look healthier and make you feel great!

2. Bust your worst "Diet Vice". Identify the very worst thing that you are doing on a regular basis that contributes to the current condition of your body and then stop doing it! 10 years ago, I busted my vice of eating ½ a gallon of ice-cream a night, to this day, I have not had one bite of ice-cream. Is it a coincidence that I am also 130 pounds lighter? I don’t think so. Embrace that you are NOT depriving yourself of anything by going without something that is unhealthy, rather endulging in it deprives you of a live filled with health, happiness and fitness!

3. Find some form of physical activity that you enjoy and make doing it non-negotiable. I take a BodyPump class 3-4 times a week and use my elliptical machine 5-6 times a week, for atleast 30 minute---no matter what! I do not allow family events, travel, work or anything else to interrupt my regime. If I can’t make it to the gym, then I substitute for my at-home routine…but I get my exercise in each day, no matter what.

4. Find something you are passionate about and lend your time to helping further that cause. Getting involved and making a difference in the world is a lot more positive and productive than wasting your time counting points, combining foods, journaling each bite eaten and obsessing over your physical condition. From your children’s school to a neighborhood food pantry and more…there are organizations in your area that would benefit greatly from some of your time, treasure and or talents. Lend a hand to someone in need, it will do YOU good!

5. Become more aware of your actions and the ramifications of them. I believe that we so many things mindlessly without ever stopping to realize the significance of what they do to our mind and body. I wish I had a nickel for every person whom I have helped to realize what their soft-drink habit does to their body. I can tell you dozens of cases of people who simply gave up drinking their customary 5-10 soft-drinks a day and have lost significant amounts of weight as a result. They never knew that a seemingly innocent beverage was to blame for much of their excess weight. Awareness coupled with change of habits can lead to dramatic results.

There you have it! 5 simple resolutions that will have you ringing in the new year in a way that you are only dreaming of today! Get to it, you can do it!

Carpe Diet
Julia Havey
www.JuliaHavey.com