Time to check-in to see much progress has taken place with our New Years Resolutions now that we are mid way through the year. What better time to take a look at how we're doing on our New Years Resolutions.
Jennifer Schleman:
Resolution: “In 2010, I plan to reach my healthy eating and fitness goals by tracking not only what and how much I eat but also my physical activity through an online tracking database.”
Mid-Year Update: “I have had limited success with tracking my food intake and physical activity online alone. I find I forget things when I try to sit down at the end of the day (or every couple of days) and remember all that I’ve eaten or any physical activity I have done. For the second half of the year, I plan to do a hybrid approach. Tracking things on line to keep track of trends, etc. but also keeping an old-fashioned, pen and paper food and activity diary to help catch the things I’m missing.”
Kimberly Reed:
Resolution: “My resolution is to incorporate exercise into my life three days a week.”
Mid-Year Update: "Although I have not adopted a formal exercise program -- as I have been at the office working late most evenings -- I have strengthened my body through lots of walking whenever the option presents itself. For example, I recently got off the subway one stop before the one closest to my home and walked for 25 minutes with my filled suitcase in tow to include some resistance training. I also have been minding the wise advice: "calories in equals calories out," especially in the evening when I tend to do most of my snacking. So, with these simple modifications, I am pleased to say that I have lost three pounds since January 2010."
Liz Rahavi:
Resolution: “All right everyone, get your tomatoes ready, my New Year’s resolution is to be more diligent with my physical activity and get back in to running. I know it sounds like a copout to make this my New Year’s resolution considering that: a) its not really a groundbreaking; b) I just ran a marathon in October. However, my physical activity tends to ebb and flow. It can be challenging to accomplish such a big goal and pick up a week later with the same level of determination that it takes to train for a marathon. What I need is a plan. If I don’t know how I’m going to get off my couch and get active, then inactivity wins out. I enjoy breaking a sweat, but with so many options to choose from I often get lost in the decision making process and end up not working out. This is why I like having a plan, and workout goals. Lucky for me, I’m already committed to a ten-miler in the April. I can feel 2010 working for me already, it’s going to be a good year."
Mid-Year Update: Unfortunately, I am in a down swing with my physcial activity, including running. But, I have strong determination to get back on the up swing. Wish me luck!"
Lindsey Loving:
Resolution:
1.“Sign up for more charity walks/runs and play team sports: As someone who doesn’t really like to work out, I need a distraction from the fact that I’m working out. Walking for a good cause motivates me, and signing up with a group of friends or coworkers makes the walk or run go by fast. Team sports are also more fun than work for me, so a game of volleyball or softball is a good way to get in a workout while spending time with friends.
2. Listen better to my food cravings and cues: If my body tells me it wants pasta with meat sauce, even if it’s 7:00 in the morning, there may be a reason, such as maybe I need more iron. Sometimes I find that when I listen to my cravings, I feel better. Same with knowing when to stop eating – my body usually tells me when it’s full, as long as I haven’t waited too long to eat. It’s not a perfect system, though, so if I’m craving seconds of ice cream, my “thinking” self can step in.
3. Get out during the day: It’s easy to get caught up in the long list of To Dos at work, but taking a break and getting outside in the fresh air helps me re-energize and clear my head, and relieves stress.”
Update: #1: "The winter weather has prevented me from doing much on this front, since these events mostly occur in the spring and summer. However, I’ve done some online research on events in my area and I plan on signing up for a couple walks soon.
#2: I have definitely improved on this goal. It’s important not to deprive yourself of the things you love. For me (and many of you, I’m guessing), it’s chocolate. I don’t feel guilty about having some ice cream or chocolate chip cookies for dessert if I’ve made healthful choices throughout the day.
#3: Again, this depends on the weather being dry, but most days I can find 10 minutes to walk around the block. I usually find that, by the time I turn the corner to head back to work, I already feel better."
Mid-Year Update: Coming Soon!
Kris Sollid:
Resolution: “For me, 2010 represents a fresh start in so many ways. With that in mind, I’ve made three previously unused (by me) New Year’s resolutions. First, (re)learn a new language; Spanish. Segundo, I need more sleep and I plan on getting it; Necesito mas horas de sueno por favor. Finally, unlike years past, I resolve to actually follow thru on my New Year’s resolutions!”
Mid-Year Update: "While the first half of ’10 has been a success (my wife showed up to our wedding in May!), sadly my resolutions took a back seat to planning the big event. However, thru all the commotion, I was able to hold firm on 1.5 of my 3 resolutions; so all is not lost. Let me explain.
#1 – (1/1) I am still getting 6.5 solid hours of sleep a night, with a goal for the second half of ‘10 to push that up to 7. Wish me luck!
#2 – (0/1) In January, I resolved to (re)learn Spanish with the hopes of putting my refurbished linguistic skills to use on my honeymoon. At the time, we were eyeing Spanish speaking destinations, but in the end “settled” on English-speaking Jamaica, thus curbing my Espanol enthusiasm.
#3 – (.5/1) The .5 may be a little generous, but here’s my rationale. I know it may actually be a zero in some people’s eyes, but I always prefer to look at the glass as half full. Because I resolved to “actually follow thru on my New Year’s resolutions” and have done well with my sleep, I give myself the half and have the rest of the year to make it whole."
Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak:
Resolution: “In 2010, I would like to…cook more. In my evaluation of my food preparation techniques, I have determined that I am really good at “heating things up” vs. actually cooking anything. As a mother of two boys, one three years old and another just turning one year old on January third and now eating “table food,” I am feeling the need to cross over to some “real” cooking. Plus, in about 10 years or so...they will be tween and teenager boys, and I have a feeling that they will both be eating me and my husband out of house and home. Do you have any favorite family-friendly meal ideas in your rotation? It does not need to be fancy. If fact…quick and simple would be great! Please share your favorites and I will be forever grateful!”
Mid-Year Update: "Well, I have perfected my meatloaf, but still in search for a new specialty...perhaps a chicken dish. Do you have any ideas?"
Jania Matthews:
Resolution: “I seriously would like to live a more balanced life. I can never seem to juggle work, an exercise regime, and a nutritious lifestyle-I know I don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.”
Mid-Year Update: "And my New Years Resolutions were...? I'm kidding, I remember, but my schedule is off balance and therefore, everything is slightly off balance. However, on a positive note, I'm looking forward to honoring my resolutions and continuing to see the balance my life needs."
Kerry Robinson:
Resolution: “I’d like to spice up my normal exercise routine by trying out new activities and exercises, such as a new team sport, exercise class, or workout video. My motivation is my upcoming wedding day!”
Mid-Year Update: "With my wedding day less than three months away, time is a precious commodity! As a result, wedding planning takes the place of workouts more often than I’d like to admit. That being said, I’m happy to announce that I haven’t lost sight of my resolution to spice up my workout routine and renew my motivation.
When the weather started to warm up in late March, I decided it was time to hit the pavement. But first, I needed to find a running partner. Running has never been one of my favorite activities. In fact, I’d much rather run after a soccer ball, but I have a feeling I’d be pretty disappointed if I had to limp down the aisle. I knew I needed to shake up my routine, so I began my search for a running partner. Luckily, I didn’t have to search too far to find him! My fiancé was ready to take on the challenge of running with me a few days a week."
After using the elliptical and stationary bike for most of the winter, I have found that running outside on different terrain is challenging my muscles in new ways. I’ve had more immediate results with running than with any other type of exercise, including improved muscle tone and endurance, which definitely enhances my motivation. And, In the spirit of multi-tasking, going on runs with my fiancé helps us get moving and also allows us to spend some quality time together at the beginning (or end) of the day.
With the summer months in full swing, my new challenge is keeping up the frequent runs with the hot and humid weather. Perhaps the thought of a cup of frozen yogurt post-workout will keep me on the right track!"
Eric Mittenthal:
Resolution: “My resolution is to slow down and enjoy my food. I tend to wolf down whatever is in front of me the second it hits the table. I’d like to take time and savor my food more instead of acting like it’s a race to finish it first.”
Mid-Year Update: I’ve been very hit or miss so far with my resolution to slow down and enjoy my food but I’m still trying to stick to it. I still need to find a good strategy to make it more ingrained in me as opposed to something that I only do when I think about it. So far I haven’t found it. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!