Happy 2023 everyone! Like most folks, Eric and I are looking forward to the upcoming year. We have a lot planned and quite a bit already in the works. I started with some New Year Resolutions, most of which are healthier lifestyle choices. I have gained a few pounds, and I’m more than ready to shed them. I have an entire wardrobe I cannot wear and refuse to donate any of it!
I have started the New Year by declaring sobriety! My love for wine has now started showing up on my waistline. It is quite easy to start with an afternoon cocktail, have one or two with dinner, then finish with another at home. With our lifestyle of dining out, this has taken its toll on the scale.
Dessert
If you have known me for some time, you will know that cake is my favorite food group. Life is too short not to eat dessert first! This also includes pie, cinnamon rolls, chocolate (in any form), ice cream, and anything else that may come to mind. Since we are blessed with many chef-owned restaurants in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, the dessert choices are many.
Physical Exercise
Another New Year resolution is to start working out again. I used to workout diligently but tapered off in the last few years until it has become non-existent. Now that I am older, it is even more important to make sure I am at my healthiest with weight bearing exercises. With so much weight gained, I’ve had to ease back into it.
The daily routine involves slow stretching, then focusing on the core abdominal muscles and arms, then burning out the last 15 minutes on the vertical climber. I also signed up at a local yoga studio. That has been on my to-do list for some time. I have yet to go to a class, but I will update on that experience! I have never practiced yoga, so this will be a first for me.
Meditation
Also on my list is meditation. Gandhi’s quote about meditation is so true that it has become famous! He says, “I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” http://bit.ly/3XrdFBA. Meditation strengthens focus and gives us more energy. When the mind is calm, energy flows better and more efficiently. I have not been diligent with my meditation practice, and I can feel it in my everyday life. Add Mantra Meditation to your practice with this Hum Prayer Bead Pendant: https://www.spiritmagicka.net/products/hum-prayer-bead-pendant?ref=CATKAISLER
Cleansing
Lastly, I have started the new year with an internal cleanse. I have found cleansing stabilizes my blood sugar, decreases sugar cravings, and renews my energy. This go around I am trying the Shaklee 7 Day Cleanse. My friend Kristen introduced me to Shaklee products last year. I know several ladies who have been using these products for over 20 years, and to me, such a long commitment speaks volumes about the company.
Supplements
Shaklee supplements are tailored to each individual by taking an online assessment. I recently had routine bloodwork taken and was able to update my information into a new assessment. I was surprised to see how much my supplement plan changed from last year!
I have to admit I consider myself a supplement junkie. I have three cabinets spaces crammed full of various bottles, with a fourth cabinet started. After researching Shaklee, I am going to purge all of my old supplements from my cabinets!
For those of you who do not know about the company, Dr. Shaklee started his business in 1915 by creating the first multi-vitamin in the United States. Through the years, the company has created many more, highly superior products, with 70 patents/pending and over 110 published clinical studies established. They are also the very first company in the world to be certified as carbon neutral!
Just four days into the cleanse, I saw a huge difference! Swelling had decreased immensely under my eyes, and I have noticed my overall skin tone has vastly improved. I even stopped wearing makeup because I felt it wasn’t necessary. If you would like to take the Shaklee Meology supplement assessment, click on this link: https://us.shaklee.com/Nutrition/Essential-Nutrition/Meology/c/Meology?sponsorId=sALqYKqP%2F%2FM6bXsftLTb%2Fg%3D%3D&pwsName=catk
Age
I’m not ashamed to admit that I am in my 50’s, although I really don’t feel ANY age. I watched an interview with Prince many years ago where the interviewer asked him why he never seemed to age. His response was, “I no longer identify with any age.” I took that to be my mantra that very day! I hope you make a New Year resolution to do the same! I was unable to find the video interview, but you can read an article on Princes’ theory here: http://bit.ly/3ZPJ56A
Costa Rica
We traveled to Nosara, Costa Rica for a quick trip at the start of the New Year. We were there for only two days. It was a nice respite from the cold, rainy weather Virginia was experiencing. I made sure to make my way into the water for a good while and swim in the clean salt water. The warmth of the sun on my skin was very much needed.
The food in Nosara is fresh and fruity. Most literally just picked before serving! I made sure to have a fruit plate every morning for breakfast. A refreshing change from winter vegetables that are in season at home.
Many people from around the world have settled in Nosara, and a walk down any street will tempt you with mouthwatering temptations. This trip yielded us with new dining experiences. We had a late lunch at a French cafe, Cafe Paris, and dinner at a Mexican restaurant, Comal. Most individual restaurants have proprietors representing their home countries. One of our favorites is La Brasa, with three friends from Argentina coming together to bring the flavors of their country to Costa Rica.
Eating Habits
I did not create a New Year Resolution about my eating habits, but because of the timing of my cleanse and the trip to Costa Rica, my eating habits kickstarted themselves towards a friendlier, cleaner diet. I consider myself a healthy eater, but have streamlined it even more so, now. When I look for recipes, they HAVE to be simple and easy. Eating clean does not have to consist of complicated recipes.
I am working towards a more of a plant-based diet. My biggest concern is getting enough protein on a daily basis. Check out my cousins’ blog post on high protein based natural foods. https://vineripenutrition.com/10-delicious-plant-based-protein-recipes/. She is a certified nutritionist if you are looking for help in this area of your life.
I also invested in a steamer. https://amzn.to/3J1CgbP (sponsored link) It’s very easy to steam vegetables and potatoes, then drizzle with a high-quality olive or avocado oil, add a sprinkle of Himalayan Sea Salt and pepper.
Smoothies are a morning staple in our kitchen. My oldest sone bought me a NutriBullet several years ago for Christmas, and this has been one of the best gifts I’ve ever received! It is used daily! I have had the chance to use other smoothie machines, and the Nutribullet is by far the best! If you are interested in purchasing one, definitely go for the powerful 1200 watt motor: https://amzn.to/3XZd4XT (sponsored link). You’ll thank yourself for doing so!
New Habits Anytime
I hope that you might have found some inspiration to start some New Year Resolutions, yourself. It is never too late to make a fresh start, no matter what time of the year!