10 Ways to a Better You in 2010
Yes, little changes really can make a big difference!
Every year many of us make sweeping new year’s resolutions which we have little of chance of keeping. Our ‘wish’ list includes such ambitious notions as becoming a better person, improving our financial situation or getting into great physical shape.
These intentions are certainly admirable – they’re just unachievable because they are so vague. When we concentrate on the goals themselves rather than how we are going to achieve them, and then fail, we reinforce negative images of ourselves. It’s a vicious circle.
So this year let’s approach the new year differently. Here are 10 simple things you can do in 2010 to kickstart your mood, your attitude, your self-esteem and your life.
1. Get moving!
It may be winter and it may be cold, but human beings are not really the hibernating type. We know that winter comes every year, so let’s stop dreading it and get out there and enjoy it. The exercise will help clear our heads, build up our fitness, improve our circulation and skin, help with weight control and contribute to better sleep patterns. Why sit around when you can make all of those positive changes just by something as simple as going for a walk?
2. Cut your salt intake.
Salt is a hidden killer and a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. The problem is that so much salt is hidden in many of the foods we buy today. Some breakfast cereals, most packaged breads and processed foods can be loaded with excess salt. So start reading food labels more carefully, forego processed foods and prepared meals for fresh fruit and vegetables, and cook your meals from scratch.
3. Start the day right.
Start your day with a glass of room temperature water mixed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of manuka honey. We need adequate amounts of water to flush the toxins from our bodies, while lemon juice is a real natural at tackling the bad bacteria in the gut and manuka honey cleanses the digestive system.
4. If you must snack, go nuts!
If you’re a cookie monster, a chocaholic, or into potato chips and other fatty, salty snacks, it couldn’t be easier to hit this bad habit on the head. Just stop buying them. For a healthy, nourishing, tasty alternative, stock up on a variety of nuts and seeds, especially brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, unsalted cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Lightly toast the seeds in a non-stick pan – skip the oil – and store them in an airtight container. Add them to a salad or stir-fry, or just have a handful for a quick, easy snack.
5. Make meals ahead.
The next time you make spaghetti sauce or chilli, make a huge batch. Spend a weekend afternoon chopping, stirring and simmering. These meals are so therapeutic to prepare, the aroma is really comforting, and once the food has cooled, you can simply freeze it in several smaller containers all ready to be heated up quickly as needed on hectic weeknights or when unexpected guests drop in. The result is healthier meals and lower food bills. Remember: freshly cooked is cheaper and healthier than processed, prepared meals.
6. Where’s the beef?
When it comes to beef, less is better. Cut down on beef and eat more chicken, turkey and fish. To cut down on animal fats, keep beef for special occasions only. Also, remove the skin from poultry – unless you are roasting it – and try to eat at least two portions of oily fish a week to boost your intake of omega 3. Your joints, skin and circulation levels will thank you.
7. No more bad habits.
Cut down on the booze, cut out the cigarettes, drink more water and opt for green tea in place of coffee and tea. Green tea is full of antioxidants that will help flush away all of those dangerous toxins that have been building up in our bodies for years.
8. Make the most of your money.
Much of the stress we feel today, especially in recent months, is down to money worries. But how much money do we actually waste? Make a list of where your money has gone over a month. How many things did you buy that you didn’t need? How much food did you throw away? How many times did you stop for one of those over-priced ‘designer’ coffees? The next time you see some new clothes you really want, ask yourself if you really need it, and more importantly, if you can really afford it. Even days out can be cheap. Walking, skating or toboganning costs next to nothing, especially compared to another meal out or a night at the theatre. Put aside the money you would have spent and see how fast it mounts up for that proverbial rainy day.
9. Phone a friend.
How many times do we say we will get together with an old friend and then never get around to it? Make 2010 the year you get in touch with an old friend – or two or three or four. It doesn’t have to be a formal or expensive occasion. If everyone brings some food and drink, you can have an inexpensive but fun day or evening just laughing over old times and renewing acquaintances.
10. Learn something new!
Learning shouldn’t stop when we leave school. Expand your horizons – learn a language or a craft. Learn to ski, take up ballroom dancing or learn how to fix up your home yourself and save money at the same time. Our brains need constant challenges and achieving something new is a great way to boost our self image. You never know – you might meet some new people, too.
So no more excuses. Let’s make 2010 the year we all make a start on being the best we can be!
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
