diet starts monday! bonus: breakfast smoothies

Welcome to the new year and the next decade of your life.  A time when the people all around us are making grandiose promises to change their lives and the world once and for all.  When we are told that it’s a new day and a new start and it’s a new you.

I don’t know the statistics on it, but I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that most people don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions.  Whoever does January’s marketing has done a great job of hooking us all to the craze, but by the time February rolls around they’re all but forgotten.

Let me say that I applaud anyone who wants to quit smoking, get in better shape, eat healthier... and all the long list of good intentions that resolutions are.  And if you find yourself among those at the end of January who haven’t held to their word, please don’t beat yourself up over it.  

From my own experience with significant changes in my life I’ve learned one thing.  You have to want to do it for you.  Not because it’s January 1st, or because you know doctors recommend it, or even for your family.  It comes down to you.

I started smoking when I was 16 and living in France (yes, I know it’s terrible).  I smoked heavily off and on until I was 23.  I did the whole “only when I’m drinking” or “only 2 a day” thing, but that never worked.  Despite knowing how terrible it was for me, and forcing my Dad to quit when I was a little kid, I still continued my habit.  Until one day I stopped.  It wasn’t January 1st, it wasn’t a Monday, in fact I don’t even remember what day it was.  I just woke up one day and decided, no more.  I haven’t looked back since.

If you’re someone who wants to eat better and exercise more this year (the majority of resolutions), I wish you the best of luck.  I encourage you to remind yourself why you want to do these things in an effort to help stay motivated.  Don’t feel like you owe January 1st anything, though, because in the end January doesn’t really care about your life... it only sees you once a year after all.  Make changes in your life because you want to.

That being said, here’s a few tips that have helped me stick to healthy living through the years...

• “diet starts monday”

Some of you may remember the Chris Farley, Adam Sandler & David Spade “Gap Girls” skit from Saturday Night Live in which Chris Farley’s character scarfs down fries and yells “leave me alone I’m starving!” followed by a giggle & high pitched “diet starts Monday!”

The pattern of putting off eating healthy to start at the beginning of the week/month/year is a dangerous one.  Too often we pig out on the weekend determined that Monday will be different.  Only to end up with a carb hangover and an even rougher Monday morning than usual.  If you’re going to start, start now. 

• “I can’t go to the gym because....”

I must admit, I’m very guilty of this one at times.  I love working out, but I’m also a terrible procrastinator.  One of my biggest things is not having my iPod shuffle filled and ready to go.  I’ve started making my gym playlist for the week on Sunday (my rest day) so it’s one less excuse I’ll have not to go.  Good music and being prepared ahead of time can be hugely motivating.  So the next time you think you can’t go to the gym, put on your running shoes.  Before you know it you’ll find you’re on the elliptical machine.

• “just one more!”

Much like the “diet starts Monday” mentality, the “just one more” is a vicious cycle.  By all means, enjoy that pint of Ben & Jerry’s, but the next time you think to yourself “one more won’t hurt”... think it over.  Do you really need the ice cream or did you just have a frustrating day?  Could you put that $6 to better use or towards something you’ve been saving for?  How long will it take you to burn off those calories?

• taste vs. memory

My doctor once told me that it takes 3 weeks on a changed diet to change your taste buds.  To anyone who’s cut sugar or salt from their diets they’ll tell you it’s absolutely true.  Often times if you’ve been eating healthy for months you’ll find yourself craving what used to be one of your favorite treats.  But let me assure you, it will be a let down.  The burger you loved or the candy you ate will not taste as good as you remember it to be.  And most likely you’ll end up being sick from it.  So trust me when I say you’re not missing out on it.  Try instead to remember why you felt an attachment to this food.  Was it something special you got as a kid?  You’re probably missing the feeling associated with it and not actually the taste.

So there’s a few of my tips.  Not to leave you without a new recipe, though, here’s a great way to start your morning.  I have one most mornings and find it always gets me going and is an easy way to get 3 servings of fruit in!

fruit smoothies

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• (optional: 2 tbsp plain yogurt)

In a blender toss in your banana, raspberries & orange juice.  Blend until smooth & totally pink.  Serve in a tall glass & enjoy! 

The banana/orange juice combo is also great with frozen mango chunks or blueberries.

Happy New Year!