New Years Resolutions Anyone?

I'm curious what everyone has resolved to do this new year. Exercise more? Eat better? Spend less? I've been reading a lot of magazines lately and of course the big topic is losing weight in the new year. Many of you can probably empathize with me in that I've found in my thirties, I can no longer get away with eating things I used to eat before! Gone are the days of late night Taco Bell or Del Taco runs, no more quick fast food lunches, farewell white rice (except for the usual Chinese food treat), french fries, and burgers. I fondly recall the days where I could live off this food and not gain an ounce. Now I look at a burger and feel my thighs get bigger! So what have I done to combat the getting older food angst? Basically change the way I eat! So here are a few tips from me to you to help you get started on a New Years resolution of a healthier life style.

1) Eat 4 squares a day. Instead of snacking throughout the day, eat 4 mini meals. This is something I do during the week. For example, I'll eat breakfast then a few hours later I'll have a frozen mutigrain waffle with fruit or a veggie burger without the bun. The thought process is you'll avoid mindless snacking if you eat a small meal, saving yourself lots of calories! It's a lot more difficult on the weekends when you're out and about but with the right mindset you can make it work.

2) Try to have at least 3 different colored vegetables with lunch and dinner. I know, it sounds crazy but did you know that the recommended serving of fruits and veggies has been upped from 5 per day to 9? This little trick will definately ensure that you are getting your 9 servings a day!

3) EXERCISE! Now, I'm not talking about killing yourself at the gym everyday (definately NOT my idea of fun!). I usually do 3 30 minute cardio sessions a week plus 4 days of strength training exercises I got out of a fantastic book called Lean, Long, and Strong. This book is a gem for those of you looking to get healthy this year. Definately check it out! The point about exercise is to do something fun that you enjoy doing and that gets you moving. Make sure it's enjoyable because if it isn't, you won't stick with it!

Here are a few websites that I've found to have some great information/tips/recipes, etc:

http://www.shape.com

http://www.ishape.com

http://www.weightwatchers.com

May you have a very happy and healthy 2007! Remember, don't think of it as a diet, rather a lifestyle!