By

Michele L. Tune

January is a month for resolutions, dreams, promises – to ourselves and others – and a time to reflect on what the previous year held for us, as well as ponder where the new year will take us. Instead of making resolutions that are so hard to keep, why not set some goals you know you’ll actually attempt reaching? How can you do that? Let’s have a look at the following suggestions.

• Set short-term goals instead of focusing on the overall picture. Have 50 or 100 pounds to lose? Work on losing 10. That’s right. Just 10. If you focus on losing weight in 10 pound increments, you’re more likely to keep going when you reach an 8 pound weight loss. If you lose 8 pounds and keep dwelling on the fact you have 92 more to lose, you might get discouraged and give up. (For more tips on losing weight, read this article.)

• Work toward your new health regimen gradually. Don’t stop enjoying your favorite foods and drinks cold turkey. If you’re drinking 4 sodas a day, knock off one, then another – until you eventually only drink a soda on occasion, if at all. By easing into your new health regimen, you’ll find yourself being able to stick with it.

• Invest in a quality juicing machine so you can experiment with fresh, raw fruit and vegetable juices. Not only are these raw juices filled with living enzymes and vitamins that are beneficial to your health, they taste delicious! Also, be sure to check out: “Creating Juice Recipes for Weight Loss“.
  

• Not a fan of juice? What about creamy, rich smoothies? Look for a blender so you can make smoothies at home. They’re less expensive and you’re in control of the ingredients. (Check out these smoothie recipes.) You can also toss in ground flax seeds (for Omegas), powdered vitamins, or even nut butters for extra health benefits!

• Find a fun exercise – like rebounding.  Jumping on a mini trampoline – even for just a few short minutes a day – can help you achieve better health. You’ll be increasing your lung capacity, cleansing your lymph system, and will get those endorphins going. The best part of rebounding? It makes you feel like a kid again!

Don’t spend 2009 being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Take your life – and your health – back. Follow these tips and focus on the short-term, ease into your new health regimen, invest in a juicing machine (or blender) and add just a little exercise so you can be accomplishing your goals by this time next year. Hey, hopefully you’ll reach all your goals before then!

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Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)