Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2011 already! I truly believe that 2011 is going to be an amazing year - it's already off to a rollicking start! As I reflect on the past year I can't believe there were enough hours in the day to do all of the things I did - and there is even more on my plate going forward. But as they say, it's all good!
I hope everyone out there had a happy and healthy 2010 and can say with certainty that this year has great promise within.

I'm inspired to write this morning about my new years resolution this year - getting healthy once and for all. I've been dancing around this goal for the past few years and I have fianlly resolved to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. Last year I began incorporating excercise into my daily routine for the first time in many years - and while I felt great in response - the scale refused to budge no matter how much I exerted myself.

This didn't come as too much of a suprise to me, since it's been my experience that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise ( at least in my case).

Enter my new daily regime as of Jan 3rd:

1700 calories a day or less
Little to no wine ( boooooooooooooooooo)
Small, frequent meals
Being conscious of EVERYTHING that goes in my mouth
No refined sugar
Lean Protiens, Fresh Fruits and Veg, Whole Grains
Whenever possible, food is organic or sustainable
60 oz of water, green tea or sparkling water

I have already lost over 5lbs in the first week , so I must be on the right track. I'm using this fabulous , free website to help me, plus the companion phone app ($2.99 well spent ) and it is actually super fun to track my meals, excercise etc. Being accountable for every morsel of food that you eat is the secret to maintianing your diet. You can imagine how hard this is for a chef who has to taste all day long. I have become acutely aware of how often I was putting things into my mouth mindlessly - which adds up to a ton of uneccesary calories.

I'm also very excited to begin taking part in the new D.I.E.T prgram that launches at the school next week. I can't wait to learn about this holistic, nutritional approach to weight loss and clean eating. Also I love Libby & Joy because the are realistic about things like wine and chocolate!!!

Anyhow, I hope you are all enjoying 2011 thus far and look forward to seeing everyone soon, and updating you on my rapid shrink.

Cheers~ AH