New Years “resolutions”

I admit – I started writing this post before new years and somehow never finished.

I realize the last time I blogged about “New Years” was the start of 2010! Reading it, I am really happy I wrote that post. It was a great summary of a year as well as my goals for the coming year. Looking back at my post nearest to New Years this year, I realize I was really depressed and remember not wanting to blog because everything I started to write came out negative and whiny. But I think either way it is important to regroup, recap and reinvest myself in life and thinking about what I want.

A look back at 2012

Work Stuff:

• Started working at Newton Wellesley as a Clinical Inpatient Dietitian
• Did Maternity leave at Massachusetts General Hospital as a Research Dietitian.
• Got offered and accepted a permanent job at MGH as a Research dietitian.
• Got my very own NIH research protocols! (Up to 9 now!)

Personal Stuff:

• I was a Bridesmaid in my good friend Melissa’s wedding (the first wedding I have been in since I was a flower girl around age 5!) 

• Melissa got pregnant- making her my first friend close friend MY age to becoming a mom! (I have lots of friends with kids, but they all seem older and it still seemed out of the realm of possibility even though I guess I am getting to be a real live adult now.)

• Got married myself to one of my best friends.

• Got a new name!
• Maintained my optimism for the most part.
• Made it through most major holidays without my typical self destructive melt downs.
• Despite being a lot further away from most of my friends – I think I managed to maintain a lot of good friendships- though there is always room for improvement and love seeing everyone!

Physical:

• Tried hot yoga (and hated it!)
• Tried crossfit (and loved it!)
• Ran my first 5K (Zombie Run for Our Lives) 
• Did the 10,000 push up challenge (100 push ups every day for 100 days before the wedding.)
• Did lots of other yoga
• Started working out with my hubby :) 

Looking back on my 2010 “resolutions”

· Learn how to accept a compliment – I have definitely gotten better at this.

· Work on being healthy, mentally and physically. – Still working on it. While I may have more adipose tissue, and I am not sure about my cholesterol etc, I would say I definitely feel better, and I am treating myself a lot better than I used to.

· Live in the moment, but make decisions that I will be comfortable with and proud of looking back.  – So far so good. If anything I may have found I do better when I plan a bit more!

· Continue to work on financial stability, while paying off undergrad loans.  -  I still feel like I have no money- but I did successfully graduate grad school with no debt, and I only have <$1000 left on my undergrad loans. I do now have a car payment, however, but little by little, chipping away!

· Prioritize. And make sure I am living accordingly. – An ongoing battle!

Goals for 2013:

·         Be happy

·         Be healthy (physically and mentally)

·         Be financially responsible

o       Finish paying off my school loans  

o       Pay off at least 1/3 of my car loan

o       Continue saving for the future/ an emergency

·         Keep learning

o       Listen to NPR or the news at least every work day.

·         Try new things (maybe do 1 new thing a month?? Hmm I will have to think more about this!)

I have taken so many counseling classes that I know my goals should be specific and manageable, but for now, I am going to leave it at that!

What are your thoughts on resolutions and the New Year? 

Fit In Fitness!

Health experts agree we need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day for children and adults.

But you are busy! - We get it.

Did you know the 60 minutes does not have to all be at once? You get the same benefits of exercise even if you break up the 60 minutes into 4- 15 minute sessions, 6- 10 minute sessions or even 20- 5 minute sessions! 

Here are some tips for fitting in fitness into your day: 

·      Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

·      Take breaks and walk around at least 5 minutes for every hour of sitting.

·      Go to the bathroom on another floor.

·      Walk to see a colleague rather than phoning or emailing

·      Parking off site somewhere with a shuttle? Walk, don’t wait for the shuttle.

·      Walk or bike to errands that are a mile or less away,

·      Park your car further away. Leave close spots for the the elderly, disabled, and mothers with small children. Get in some extra steps while being considerate.

·      On the phone? Get up and walk around.

·      Trade out your desk chair for a stability ball,  you will engage your core, and improve posture.

·        Watching TV? Use commercial breaks to do squats, lunges, pushups, sit ups or jog in place.

·         Keep a light weight or resistance band on your desk or somewhere convenient, do a few moves for three minutes every hour.

·       Stuck in line? Do calf raises, or mini side lunges.

·       Waiting for a train or bus? Stuck on hold? Pace back and forth, do a little dance.

·         Do a wall sit, leg raise, or V step while brushing you teeth.

·      Meet up with friends for a walk or workout date instead of going out the eat.

·      Have a pooch? Take him/ her for a walk! Or offer to walk a neighbors dog – everyone will appreciate it.

How do you like to fit in fitness into your day? 

It's not easy being green

As Kermit the Frog says, "It's not easy being green."

Speaking in terms of being environmentally friendly, it can also feel that way. 

When I was a senior in college my life plan involved: Graduating, getting a dietetic internship, becoming an RD, working for a bit, then going back for a Masters in Environmental Health and combining the sciences of nutrition and environmental health and science.... 

Things did not work out quite as smoothly as that and my plan had to undergo some edits, but I still try to remain abreast and involved in the environmental spectrum. 

Between taking a few environmental and public health classes, and reading books, such as "Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger to Everyday Things" by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, and "Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry" by Stacy Malkan it can seem overwhelming how seemingly EVERYTHING around us is toxic. Furthermore, I realized how much regulations are lacking, and that the chemical industry controls the show. 

For a while, I became obsessive, trying to avoid toxins and to make less of an impact on the earth. Unfortunately, we do not currently live in a world that supports such actions. We are making improvements and options are out there, but you can drive yourself mad attempting to live a "green" lifestyle. There are, however, many little ways you can make changes to decrease your exposure to toxins and be more environmentally friendly. 

Just like any change, like diet and exercise, the most effective ways to change are by making small, manageable goals.  

Thus- I am going be writing a few posts suggesting some simple steps so that "It's not easy being green." Some of them may not apply to you, and some you may just decide you could never do. But just choosing one, or a couple options to start off can have a big impact. Maybe over time you can add in more green habits :)

Check back for the "It's Easy Being Green" series.

If you are looking for more information here are some great websites:

http://ewg.org/ : The Environmental Working Group does research on various toxins, and helps advise you on better options.

http://practicallygreen.com/  Practically Green: Is a large community touting essentially what I am saying here. It allows you to identify how green you are now, and what you may wish to consider changing in order to be more healthy.

http://safecosmetics.org/  Safe Cosmetics offers information on toxins found in common toiletries you likely douse yourself with daily, and better options available.

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ Is a great collaboration between the Environmental Working Group and Safe cosmetics with a giant database of products with safety ratings.

http://www.good.is/ Offers information on health, the environment, and economy etc. This site features lots of great infographics.