Ringing in 2013: A Happy, Healthy Body Plan for the New Year and Beyond

Okay, folks. It’s 2013. Let’s get this new year off to a healthy start! C’mon … let’s get off our butts and do this thing! We’re going to eat right at every meal! We’re going to exercise every day! C’mon … let’s do this!

Hmm, that much enthusiasm not working for you? Yeah, me neither.

But, it is a new year, and therefore, it’s naturally a good time to recommit to a healthy lifestyle … and that’s just what The Chef and I are doing. Now, we’re already pretty good about making healthy food choices — we cook many meals at home using whole, real foods and we always steer clear of fast food — but with the whirlwind that was our 2012, focusing on a well-rounded healthy lifestyle wasn’t a priority … and to say that we did our fair share to support the local food scene here in St. Louis would be an understatement. Throw in the fact that neither of us loves to exercise, and well, let’s just say we’re ready. It’s a new year, we’re in our new home … it truly is the perfect time.

But, haven’t we been down this road before, you ask? Of course we have. We all have. But just because we’ve fallen off the wagon before — perhaps many times before — doesn’t mean we can’t get on again. I know it’s cliche, but it’s true … if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. We’re all human. We do the best we can and sometimes it falls short … but try enough and eventually it will work.

And when it works, it really works. When The Chef and I truly focus on eating the healthiest foods we can, we feel better. We have more energy. We’re happier. It’s really that simple. What isn’t simple though? Keeping it going. Making the right choices day after day after day. Turning a few weeks of healthy eating into a way of life. But, we’re getting back on the wagon and trying again.

I took a look back at our prior attempts to focus on healthy eating (umm, here … and here … and here), and the truth is, we’re still following the guiding principles we previously set forth for us. But, too much of a good thing can also be a problem, so portion control is going to be priority for us this time around. The same goes for exercise … healthy eating alone isn’t going to cut it.

We all know that it’s not enough to just eat well … taking care of your body in other ways is just as important. And so, without further ado, here’s our “Happy, Healthy Body” plan* for 2013 … and beyond! (I think #12 is the most important, don’t you?)

Of course, The Chef and I will also continue to choose local, organic, and sustainable food whenever possible — that’s one aspect of our lifestyle that never waivers. (Our recent order of heritage pork and grass-fed beef from Mac’s Local Buys should make this pretty easy too). And don’t be surprised if you find the occasional recipe here at Rhubarb and Honey that breaks the rules completely … remember, my culinary style can best be described as 80% “fresh / local / sustainable” and 20% “nostaligic / somewhat bad for you / everything in moderation!”

So, how are The Chef and going to keep our happy, healthy bodies on track?

First and foremost, we’re going to set realistic goals for ourselves. Getting back to my driver’s license weight any time soon? Not realistic! Losing 10% of our weight as a start? Realistic! We’re also going to meal plan each week and keep track of what we’re eating with a food diary. We’ve done both of these in the past, and not only does it keep you accountable, it’s great for your wallet too. Finally, we’re going to weigh ourselves once a week — no more and no less — just to make sure we’re moving in the right direction. Oh, one more thing. We’re not going to beat ourselves up if we take a misstep … remember, we’re all human!

Okay, readers. Did you make any “happy, healthy body” resolutions this year? Let me know in the comments … and tell me how you’re planning to achieve your goals!

*Disclaimer: While I do hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and while I’ve done significant personal research into healthy eating and lifestyle habits, I am not a doctor nor a registered dietician. The “Happy, Healthy Body” plan I’ve outlined above includes things that have worked for The Chef and I in the past, and I’m sharing that with you. Before starting any weight-loss or exercise program, please consult your doctor or other health care professional.