Over the past couple of years I have been simply shifting the paradigm with respect to goal setting and consciously eating and splurging. I no longer pick a numerical mark to "get to" because I've noticed it's not realistic for me and I don't stick to those types of goals. I would get there (or close) and then sabotage myself (because I knew it was ending anyway) and just go right back to what I was doing before (or worse).
Now I set simple pattern or routine modifications for myself (kinda like baby steps) to help achieve goals and just improve the quality of my life across the board.
For example; Last years nutritional goal was to get off of the supplements I was taking, and just eat my vitamins. I introduced consistent juicing and green smoothies. This year I'd like to stay off the suplements but it's hard to eat "enough" veggies so I resolve to double my veggie in-take, in particular 1 full serving of dark leafy greens (green smoothies count!) and a smaller serving where it's added into something. I used to sneak in veggies for my husband to eat and now I'm finding I should really do this with myself! Additionally, I plan to vary daily exercise to the best of my ability within a week.(I'd like to rotate, yoga, walking, stretch and cardio with some light resistance or weight training for toning, and will need to find a balance for all of this within my body and schedule.).
This might sound like a lot but I'm actually building on from last year. 2011 my goal was just to walk and stretch everyday, even if it's only in 15-20 minute bursts. I was actually able to stick to it! It didn't happen every single day but I did my best and stuck with it and now am in far better physical shape than I ever was as a kid. To keep me on track I accounted for days I wasn't able to walk and made up for it the next day (did a longer or hilly walk with sit ups if I missed the day prior).
I also am starting to introduce cardio this week. I signed up for a free week trial at a nearby gym and am LOVING the Zumba classes- no joke, they are SO fun! My original intention was to try out the gyms so I could find one I liked and not pay a hefty monthly fee for. Also, so I'm not super irritated with all of the crowds the come in January. December is actually a very peaceful month at the gym ;o)
I also downloaded an exercise pyramid to help get me started. I'll try their suggestions and see what works best for me!
Back to greens: The purpose of the double dark leafy greens is that I know this is something I will continue to refine. First, I love greens (I just don't always eat them twice/ day). They make me look and feel 10 years younger, Also, if i've eaten my double veggie intake I won't have any guilt about splurging whether I made the treat or not. it's kinda like doing your homework before you go out and play- or at least that's a simple analogy. They are also SUPER cleansing and highly nutritious so I know my bases are covered. It's like treat insurance for me, lol!
Perhaps this is my alternative to a crash diet, excessive exercise and/ or a cleanse that I may or may not stick with. (I already know i won't be ready until at least March ;o)
I mainly eat what I want when I want and sometimes add dark leafy greens to the main meals of the day. (I just want to do this more often). My strategy is to try to plan ahead with recipes to prevent boredom and wash and chop veggies when I get them so I have them ready to go. This is a huge time save AND I know I'll actually do it if I can just quickly add it to what I already have in the fridge or what I'm already eating.
Sometimes Soup...
Kale and Butternut Squash salad
Beet Greens and Pasta
Simple Rainbow Chard and Onion sauté
Turkey Burger and Chard Bowl (noticing a bowl theme this winter...)
If you're not quite into dark leafy greens Chard is a great one to start off with. It has a nice, mild flavor (raw or cooked) it's delicate in texture and really goes with basically everything if you want to add it as a side dish.
Each year my daily doings become SO much healthier and more balanced and my splurges are conscious (although not always planned) and mostly reserved for celebrations.This way when I do splurge (and it is necessary) I just enjoy!
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