Healthy New Year Advice

I opened my email this morning and received the following article. For those of you who don't know, I subscribe to the Hungry Girl newsletter. When you go on their site, you can sign up pretty easily. Their advice is pretty sound - especially if you're looking for interesting snacks and food. Anyway... I never really know how to start the new year with resolutions and all. Though I believe in resolutions, I believe they should happen all year long. Hence, why I haven't drawn any new ones just yet. I'll get back to that one though. Anyway... in honor of the new year, I wanted to send out some friendly advice that the folks at Hungry Girl sent out today. Good luck with your own resolutions, whatever they may be!

Dear Hungry Girl,

I know so many people make New Year's resolutions to eat better, and then they give up within a week or two. Why do you think this is the case, and what can I do to avoid falling into that same trap?

Addie Wants Advice


Dear Addie,

Happy 2008!!! Great question. You're right! So many people say they're going to start eating better in January, and then two weeks later, they're back to their old habits. I have a theory or two about this -- and basically it all boils down to setting realistic goals. Here are my TOP ATE tips for successful eating in 2008. Ready? Good...

1. Don't go "on a diet". While diet plans can be helpful, if you think of yourself as being "on a diet", everything will be too black and white. If you're on a diet and suddenly you have a little setback, you may decide you're "off your diet" and go back to your old ways. Think of your new eating plan as more of a lifestyle change -- one that will have ups and downs, with good days and bad.

2. Don't deprive yourself. Remember, your new eating plan shouldn't be about dep rivation. It should be about SATISFACTION. Find foods you LOVE -- ones that satisfy you but are better choices. This is KEY.

3. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you. It's good for your skin and your metabolism. And it helps fill you up. Plus, not enough water can make you cranky and more likely to make bad food choices.

4. Listen to your body. It knows things. If you know that eating cereal for breakfast makes you hungrier throughout the day, then don't eat cereal in the morning. Pay close attention to your body cues. This will help tremendously.

5. Live one day (or even one MEAL) at a time. Don't be discouraged and beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon and eat badly -- just be more aware of what you eat during your next meal.

6. Get exercise with activities you enjoy. I used to HATE exercising. I feared it. Now I exercise but only do what I like (which happens to b e walking on a treadmill 5 times a week while watching reality TV, and weight training 2 times a week with a friend). Find something you actually like to do, and you'll do it. Don't take on an exercise routine that causes pain or discomfort -- you'll just end up ditching it completely. (And I know this isn't an EATING tip, but it's important!)

7. Let yourself cheat a little. Everyone strays once in a while. It's totally normal. Splurge when you need to, and enjoy it (don't feel guilty)! Then get RIGHT back on track, and prove to yourself that you can handle a cheat meal now and then.

8. Keep track of what you eat. Write it down. As dorky as it sounds, you WILL 100% without a doubt do better if you hold yourself accountable for what you eat by keeping a food journal. Just do it -- even if you only write in it every OTHER day.

Good luck -- and have fun!