Updated 11/2020
Too often, we think about how we might want to do things differently, and then another day goes by and we’re still in the same rut. All of a sudden, it’s December and we then wait for the calendar to turn and “resolve” to make next year better. Why wait?
Here are a few easy, important things you can choose to do starting NOW.
Floss and brush your teeth. You need teeth to eat and chew. Oral health is connected to overall health. Plus, who wants to have food stuck in their teeth? Just saying.
Go to bed with enough time to get adequate rest. Set a timer to remind you to do this if you have to. Proper sleep can help with overall health and stress management.
Make a list. (Can I say it – check it twice 😉) Stop stressing yourself out by trying to remember stuff. Need to buy batteries for holiday décor or gadgets? Need that one oddball ingredient for a recipe? Write. It. Down.
Review your spices. Check the dates, see what you need for favorite recipes, and shop a spice sale. Adding flavor without sodium. Yum.
Hydrate. I told you this list would seem easy. Our bodies are like giant swimming pools from the standpoint that our weight is about 2/3 water. If you aren’t hydrated, it can impact how we feel, our bathroom habits, digestion, so many things.
Reconnect with old friends. Let someone know you are thinking about them and send smiles across the miles – for both of you.
Eat one more fruit and/or vegetable each day. Most people do not eat the fruits and veggies needed each day to maintain health. The crisp, bright colors and flavors are a treat to eat amidst all the decadent, heavy foods of the holidays and they’re loaded with nutrition. Win. Win.
Compare labels. I’m not necessarily talking about every item in the store on every single grocery trip. Pick one thing you like to eat, and compare at least two options. One of my favorite “wow” examples of this is tortillas. I have a yummy shrimp and crab enchilada recipe that’s super delicious and easy to make. The tortillas range from 80 -210 calories for the same size. Guess what? They do the same thing – contain the filling and provide a nice layer of flavor.
Move. This one doesn’t mean a marathon unless that’s your jam. This also doesn’t have to mean taking the stairs to the 40th floor. No. Try two or three flights daily. Take the first parking spot you see instead of circling forever for a closer spot. Walk around the house on a call. It all counts.
Do something every day that relates to a personal goal you have. Maybe it’s reading a certain book. Maybe it’s making one better choice at snack or meal time. Maybe it’s tackling this list one thing at a time.
Do your thing. Take care of yourself.
Happy, Healthy, and FUN Holidays to you and yours!
Kim Kirchherr 
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