I'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions, but I do want to start 2011 off on the right foot.
After a season (err, year?) of too much partying, eating and drinking, I'm ready to cut out all the crap and get my healthstyle back on track.
These aren't resolutions and this is not a diet. But this is my plan to give my health a little kick in the ass for January. Because I'm worth it.
For the rest of the month* this will be my plan:
1) No sugar. I'm not breaking this one, there's no reason I can't go 4 lousy weeks without dessert.
2) No alcohol. This will be the hardest to keep, but even on the few inevitable exception days* I don't plan on going nuts.
3) Eat most meals at home. Restaurant food is rich, and has been my biggest problem for the past 12 months (not eating out is much easier when you're a single grad student living in SF--you just can't afford it). When I cook at home my meals are both healthy and delicious, so this is not a sacrifice. It just requires dedication.
4) Gym 5-6 days per week. Working out is a joy when you've been taking good care of yourself. I want to feel fit and strong by the end of the month.
5) Practice meditation 3-5 days per week. I'm new to meditation, but have found it is very helpful in two key aspects of my life. First, mindfulness is half the battle in healthy eating. Mediation is great for helping eat mindfully so you can slow down, eat less and truly appreciate your food. Second, all my life I've struggled with insomnia. Meditation is by far the most effective way I've found to fall peacefully asleep without medication. I use the guided meditation CDs by Jon Kabat-Zinn. I highly recommend them.
I like to keep it simple, so that's it.
Who's with me?
*I do have a few scheduled exception days--not having beer when going to see the Lakers demolish the Warriors is an impossibility