2011 is officially half over and like many people, here at the International Food Information Council Foundation, we made New Year's Resolutions. Unlike most people, we shared ours here on our Food Insight blog. So how are we doing on those resolutions? Here's a mid-year update:
Kimberly Reed:
2011 Resolution: "I hope to find work/life balance."
Update: As I discussed in my March blog, "Healthy Aging: Turning 40 & Finally Taking Action," I decided to invest in a personal trainer. This investment was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being committed to an hour exercise two to three times a week with a trainer ensures that I leave the office and take some time for "me" and my health and well being. I have more energy and feel great!
Lindsey Loving:
2011 Resolution: “1. In 2011, I want to focus on eating more foods for energy and to boost my immunity. A category of foods known as functional foods do just this. Some of my favorites for immune health: yogurt, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and halibut. Knowing what to eat in order not to feel sluggish can be a challenge. A few fool-proof choices for me: lean protein, fruits and vegetables, granola, and coffee. Always a New Year’s Resolution, eating everything in moderation and not overdoing also helps me stay energized.
Update: This has been an easy resolution to keep! It’s definitely important to set realistic, achievable goals, to increase your likelihood of reaching them and staying motivated. Since I enjoy all of these foods, it has been a pleasure to eat more of them!
2. I also want to keep my 2010 resolution to spend more time outside being active. My husband and I just moved in to a new neighborhood with lots of paths for walking, jogging and biking. Working out together makes exercise seem like less of a chore. I also enjoy yard work (don’t tell my husband!), which works unique muscle groups and burns lots of calories! During both indoor and outdoor workouts, I drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and alert.”
Update: I have been diligent about working in the yard a couple times a month and taking walks in our neighborhood when time and weather permits, but I would like to ramp up this goal. During the warm summer months, it’s important to drink plenty of cold beverages to stay hydrated, which is not a problem for me – I take plain still or carbonated flavored water practically everywhere I go! There is also an air-conditioned gym nearby for days when it’s too hot to be outside.
Kris Sollid:
2011 Resolution: “LEARN TO MAKE MY OWN SUSHI—we received a sushi set for our wedding in May and unbelievably have yet to put it to use. We love sushi and love to cook even more, so this will be a great way to add some new recipes to our repertoire!”
Update: 2011 Resolution... check! (see pic) We love our sushi nights—usually about twice a month. We’re still refining and perfecting our skills, but it’s really added a new dimension to our cooking…adventure! Cant’ wait to expand our menu this summer. Anyone have a favorite roll they’d like to share?
Kerry Phillips:
2011 Resolution: “I’d like to get back in the kitchen! Between wedding planning, a busy work schedule and the holiday season, I’ve found myself spending less and less time in the kitchen. I’d like to renew my cooking passion by preparing meals at home on a regular basis and experimenting with new ingredients and recipes.”
Update: It’s hard to believe we are half-way through 2011! I’m happy to report that I’ve been successful in experimenting with new recipes and spending more time in the kitchen. From ginger shrimp and snow pea stir-fry to chicken souvlaki with yogurt dill sauce, I’ve found some great new dinner favorites (and I think my husband would agree!). With a busy Summer and Fall ahead, meal planning will be important in order to keep the dinners coming!
Eric Mittenthal:
2011 Resolution: “My primary resolution is to get back to exercising at least a few times a week. A variety of changes in my life recently has pushed physical activity to the backburner, so I need to get back to working out regularly and at least trying to stay in shape."
Update: I'd give myself a C so far for meeting my New Years resolution goal. I got the year off to a pretty good start, but then kept getting sick which prevented me from keeping up a routine. By the time I was healthy enough to start exercising again, it was just about time for my wedding and honeymoon, so I didn't feel like starting only to take a 3 week break. Now that I'm back, I've started up again and despite my soreness hope to keep it up this time. I've also developed a mid-year resolution....gain weight (please don't hate me!) For some reason, I've lost about 30 pounds over the last year and I definitely didn't need to, so I'm trying to put it back on. It hasn't been easy so far, but it sure is fun!!
Marianne Smith Edge:
2011 Resolution: “Back to doing at least the 2.5 hrs physical activity per week!!"
Update: For the first part of 2011, I’ve accomplished my goal SOME of the weeks, but recommitting to make time every week! Travel schedules and long hours have been my perceived barriers!