Welcome Happy & Healthy.. Welcome 2014!

It's almost the New Year and the holidays have past. That means it's time to gut your house of all those cakes, cookies and candies you have collected and made through the holiday season (if they're not gone already)! I know I woke up this morning and told my husband we needed a kitchen detox. Of course he was the one that had to trash all the goodies as I sadly watch it being disposed down the garbage disposal. I feel good about it though. Sweets are my weakness and if they're around, it's hard to say "no". The New Year is right around the corner and it is a great time to reflect on how the year went and think about the new changes and goals for the New Year! My New Years resolution is to make it a priority to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week. Right now I'm going 1-2 times per week (usually the weekends). Since having my daughter, I have felt guilty in a way being away from her any longer than I need to be since I work outside of the home at least 30 hours per week. I still don't want to be away from her but if I can do shorter 45-60 minute work outs more often through the week than I can maintain my goals, be healthier and have more energy for mommy moments. Another goal I have is to start now on my half marathon training. Before having Avalyn I ran half marathons and was in great running shape pretty much year around. I just want to regain my running endurance like I had prior to having her. All these goals will only be able to be accomplished with a healthy eating regimen. Sometimes it's so easy to grab fast food or go out to dinner rather than making a meal at home. And by all means do it when you have reason to eat out. It is just much healthier to make a meal at home since you'll know and control all the ingredients that goes into the meal. Aim for 5-9 fruits and vegetables per day. And make your meats and protein choices lean and cooked by grilling, broiling, baking and less frying. Also try to not drink your calories. Eliminating sodas, teas and fruit drinks that have calories and sugar are a quick way to drop inches and pounds. Drink water or diet drinks without the calories and sugar instead. If you aren't a fan of drinking just plain water than add some fresh fruit to your glass like lemon, limes or berries. This is refreshing and beneficial for Vitamin C. These are just a few tips to help get you started for some New Years resolutions you have set for 2014. "Keep up with the dietitian" throughout the year for more healthy tips, recipes and healthy advice.