At the beginning of the year, IFIC Foundation staff blogged about some of their resolutions for 2011. As the year comes to an end, we look back at how well (or poorly) we did.
Kimberly Reed:
2011 Resolution: "I hope to find work/life balance."
Update: Unlike my unfulfilled 2010 resolution of incorporating exercise into my life three days a week , I knocked this year’s resolution out of the park. It all started just as I was turning 40 in March. I not only achieved my 2011 resolution of finding more work/life balance, I also fulfilled my 2010 resolution! Through the much needed assistance of my personal trainer Evandro Aimeida, I dedicated myself to a regular exercise regime. I accepted the fact that, in order to for me to leave my office and make time exercise (as I am often am at my desk late into the night), I needed to have someone hold me accountable and push me to my physical limits. As you can see from this picture, I can now even do chin-ups. Thank you, Evandro (also pictured), for helping me to reach my goal!
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: I stuck to my goal for the most part, although there were a few times when food at the office or special occasions like birthdays took me off-course. I feel healthier, probably due to a combination of consuming a healthful diet and working out more. I often feel tired, though, which may be due to over-stretching myself in my commitments. I think I just found a New Year’s resolution for 2012!
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 worked in the yard several times this year, but I didn’t take advantage of the paths in my neighborhood as much as I would have liked. However, I did re-join the gym and start working out more this year, which gives me more energy and strength for all that yard work!
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: Homemade sushi has become a weekend ritual in our household. During the past year, we’ve expanded our range of rolls to include spicy tuna, California, veggie, and my favorite – the super-deluxe Maryland blue crab cake roll. Who knew Old Bay in sushi would work so well together? This is exactly why I love cooking—it allows you the opportunity to be creative, healthy, and even a little daring all at the same time. Looking forward to more kitchen adventures in 2012!
Jania Matthews:
2011 Resolution: “I want to achieve a balance life (carried over from 2010). I also want to try new things--cooking and dance classes and traveling to new places to name a few. Stay tuned for my progress.”
Update: Isn't it funny how quickly a year passes! Like other years, I made much progress with my resolutions towards the beginning of the year, but during the latter half of the year, my focus shifted. Still, overall I'm pleased with my resolution accomplishments in 2011 and I'm ready for 2012! I think I'll set future resolutions in 2-year increments.
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 succeded at times during the year, but not as consistently as I'd like. Next year is my year!
Marianne Smith Edge:
2011 Resolution: “Back to doing at least the 2.5 hrs physical activity per week!!"
Update: Physical activity continues to be part of my life, but work and travel interfered with achieving those 2.5 hrs of physical activity/wk on a regular basis! My focus on 2012 is regaining balance in my life and making time for routine physical activity!