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My Health & Fitness Goals for 2018

I polled my Instagram followers over the weekend and simply asked, Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?

These were the results:

I was a little surprised by that, but maybe we’re all getting a little jaded when it comes to resolutions. I pretty much figure making something a New Year’s Resolution is a sure way to guarantee I’ll fail. Ha!

I’m not making any official resolutions either, but I do have some goals for 2018, both personally and professionally. I’ll be looking over my reader survey results and diving a little deeper into my analytics before setting any specific professional goals, but my primary personal goal is to get back to a good exercise routine and clean eating lifestyle.

I’ve been a real sluggard over the past few weeks. I haven’t been running much because it’s been so. so. so. cold. My trainer was away, then I was away, then she was away, so I haven’t worked out in several weeks. (I’m awful about working out on my own.) On top of that, my diet has been haphazard at best, and I’m definitely feeling the effects of that.

In order to reset my body and reestablish cleann eating habits, I’ve decided to do a round of Whole30. I did a modified Whole30 in August of 2016, and I’ve never felt better. I lost 8-10 pounds and kept it off for about six months before it started creeping back on. As of this past weekend, the scale is back where it started when I resolved to make changes 18 months ago, so I decided to go all in and do another round of Whole30.

I’m sharing this with you as a way to hold myself accountable because I know how easy it is to decide to make changes and then let it slide after a few days. I made these lifestyle changes before and kept them going long beyond the 30 days passed, and that’s what I intend to do again. In fact, I’m not looking at this as a 30-day thing, even though the program is called Whole30. I prefer to look at it as a permanent lifestyle “change” — although it’s not really a change so much as it is a reset because it’s the way I try to eat 90% of the time.

When you do a diet program like this a few times, it’s easy to look at it as a series of failed attempts, but you can’t tell yourself that or you’ll never succeed with the next one. I prefer to see it as a succession of fresh starts, all on the same journey to good health and wellness.

Every time I set out to make changes, I learn something new. Some stick and some don’t, and that’s okay. The only sure thing is this: If I hadn’t tried, then I’d be far worse off than I am now.

For example, when I did the 21 Day Sugar Detox in the summer of 2014, I dropped the sugar from my coffee after 20 years of drinking it that way. I never went back. Plus, doing that program definitely helped alter my tastebuds and lower my tolerance for sugar forever. Of course, some of my bad habits slowly crept back in, but then I did a modified Whole30 in August of 2016. Since then I’ve gotten much better about incorporating vegetables into my breakfasts and lunches (that was one of my focuses during my modified Whole30), and I rarely eat or even really want dessert anymore.

When I did that modified Whole30 in August of 2016, I wanted it to be less of a 30-day program and more of a lifestyle I could maintain, so I did make some exceptions to the program (like cream in my coffee and an occasional glass of wine.) I also didn’t really count 30 days. I just set out to make some lasting changes, and I did. I dropped some weight and kept it off for quite a few months afterwards, but when the next summer rolled around, I got lax with my eating habits and I also wasn’t able to exercise for a month due to vertigo. Then the holidays hit, and, well, here we are!

Despite all that, I refuse to see myself as a failure. Besides, this is less about losing a few pesky pounds and more about feeling better and being healthy. Every time I do a diet program, I make some lasting changes, and over time it has improved my quality of life.

Food prep and planning is my biggest challenge when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I really detest it. If someone would just drop off a meal plan, approved recipes, and groceries every week, I’d be all set! Ha! (Yes, I’ve tried Hello Fresh, but it’s pricey, and they never seem to give us enough meat for our family of 5 adult-sized eaters.)

So this week my goal is to re-familiarize myself with the Whole30 guidelines, make a meal plan and a grocery list, and then dive in. I actually started yesterday, and I can’t wait to start feeling better. I get a lot of questions about what I eat, so here’s a list of 10 healthy dinner recipes I compiled last year around this time. It’s a good place to start.

Nike Therma running top // Nike Pro HyperWarm training tights // Nike Air Zoom Pegasus running shoes // Swell water bottle

The other part of making this goal happen is getting back to regular exercise habits. Now that the holidays are behind us, I plan to get back to my strength training workouts 2X a week and running 3-4X a week with the goal of getting back to 5X a week by springtime.

I also want to get back to racing. It’s been over a year since I’ve run a 5K, and I can’t believe I’ve let that much time go by! I’m never more consistent with my workout goals than when I have a race to train for, so I just signed up for a 5K on March 17th. St. Paddy’s Day races are always fun, and that gives me plenty of time to get my speed back up. While I’d love to set a new PR, it’s probably more realistic to try to run it in under 30 minutes. At this point, I just want to get back out there and feel a part of the running community again. I really miss that.

I think the most important thing to remember when setting goals is to make them reasonable and sustainable. I’d love to run another half marathon, for instance, but I’m going to start with a 5K. I’d love to be the size I was when I was 21, but that will never happen. I can, however, fit more comfortably in the clothing already hanging in my closet, so I’ll start there. Most importantly, I want to feel better, sleep better, and have more energy, and the goals I’ve set should help me achieve that.

Well, I’ve rambled on a lot longer than I was planning to when I started writing this post. That is probably way more than you wanted to know about my health and fitness goals for 2018!

I hope some of you will join me — not necessarily with the same exact plans as I have, but with the overarching goal of making some lasting health and fitness changes this year. I’d love to hear what goals you’ve set for yourself and what changes you’re planning for 2018.

Facebook Live TODAY at 1PM EST!!!

I hope you’ll join me around 1PM EST for my first Facebook Live of 2018! We’ll be discussing all things food and fitness related, or anything else you want to chat about. If you have questions you want me to answer, feel free to leave them in the comments, or you can always email me.

I’ve had people say it’s hard to find my Facebook Lives sometimes. When I go live, it should appear as a Facebook post at the top of my FACEBOOK PAGE. It is not on my personal profile, it is on my Page. If you have liked and followed my page, my Lives should show up in your Facebook feed, but they may not because Facebook is a jerk sometimes. They should always be visible on my Page, though. Sometimes I don’t get on right at 1:00, although I do try to, so you may have to refresh the Page a couple times till you see it. I hope that helps!

Join The Conversation

72 Responses

  1. I’m with you! No whole30 here but definitely resolving to eat more cleanly and cut waaaaay back on my sugar intake. I got an instant pot for Christmas and it has already been a total game changer. I was able to go to the gym after work yesterday and still get dinner on the table in a timely manner thanks to the instant pot!!! Chicken breasts from FROZEN… I made healthy shredded chicken tacos and dinner was ready in about 35 minutes!! My one goal is to incorporate strength training this year… I have not been able to make that successfully stick in the past and would love it if you could share your go-to strength training exercises!

  2. My goal is to eliminate Coke.  I can’t even believe that I’ve let it creep back into my life…so addicting!  I’m on day 5 (without Coke) and going strong!  We can make these changes…we can do this!

    1. Yes, I broke my Coke habit years ago. I was up to 3 or 4 a day at one point. So gross. I’m pretty confident that was a big part of my gut issues that have since subsided.

  3. I am with you on healthy eating and exercise. Over the past two years, I have been out of commission four times. Not exercising really makes it hard to keep weight off. I also have allowed pounds to come back on due to no exercise and a slower metabolism. I knew I would need fewer calories after hitting 60, but had NO idea just how few. It is really discouraging. From 5 years ago, my caloric intake needs to be half!. I have incorporated more veggies, adding them to breakfast in the morning. That has helped. My downfall is sugar. I love chocolate and my family (MOM) loves to bake an wants me to eat. My goal this year is to permanently change the amount of sugar I consume. Keep writing about it…it helps. OH…yes…cooking more vegetables is work and expensive. I have started buying fresh, chopping and cutting myself once a week, using a great easy veggie chopper. Having it all cut once a week helps with meal prep.

    1. That’s why I like Trader Joes – they have so many veggies already chopped and prepped. I know they’re not as fresh as buying local, and I do miss my CSA, but during this season of life, I just have to do what’s easy and sustainable.

  4. Loved your post I too set Goals One of my goals for this New Year is to stop drinking sweet tea. Being a southern girl your raised on sweet tea and that’s is all you know to drink so its goodbye sweet tea, i did it one time before, so after a few days of withdrawal headaches i can do it again. I also resigned back up with my trainer since my sessions ended in Dec. And this year i want to get back to doing 5ks again, i was doing one a month until an injury ,so have all ready registered for one in March, figured that would give me enough training time. And clean my eating back up, the holidays messed me up big time. Do keep us updated on your journey and maybe you can post some of your favorite workout wear and gadgets.

  5. About a year and half ago I decided to do the low carb/keto diet. My big thing was I gave up diet coke. Best thing I could have done. Lost 25lbs and have kept it off! I also was a runner marathons and half marathons) but it’s been a year since I have ran. So my goal is to get into running and yoga. First yoga class tonight.

  6. I love this post, you have motivated me to get back to eating cleaner and working out! Please post more on your plans and progress.

    Thanks!

  7. I am doing the Thinner Leaner Stronger one year challenge. Love New Years resolutions. I take them very seriously and have changed so many areas of my life by focusing on one big thing a year for the past 10 Years. 

  8. I’m always inspired by healthy diet changes! When did the sugar detox in 2014 it inspired me to cut back on sugar as well. I’ve decided to try out the keto thing using one of Maria Emmerich’s books. I have slowly gone pretty low carb over the last year, so it’s not a huge change. I’m five days in and so far so good! It’s amazing how much better you feel eating clean. And amazing how easy it is to fall back into old carby/sugary habits even though they make feel terrible!

    And I hear you on running in the cold. Blah! If I don’t go before work it doesn’t happen, but oh how I hate that first freezing mile. 

    1. Ay yi yi! I’m posting too early! That should read ‘always inspired by YOUR healthy diet changes’ and when ‘YOU did the sugar detox’

  9. Thank you for sharing your goals. They are so similar to mine. Just started Medifast and when I am finished with this diet, it is whole 30 for me. Thanks for being an inspiration. Happy New Year!!!

  10. Like you, I didn’t make any specific resolutions, but have begun a carb cycling program – it’s one recommended by Chris Powell. Have done it before with good results and after a few months of being out of control and eating way too many sweets, I needed to get back on track. Looking forward to a more fit and healthy 2018. I already feel better after only 2 days of eating healthy foods. Always amazed at how much food you can eat when you’re eating what’s good for you. I’ll continue to track your progress, which will keep me motivated! My husband and I are working together and that’s also motivational!

  11. Great motivating post to start the year. Our gym was opened on New Year’s Day so I ventured out in the cold and took a Body Pump class…it was fun, but boy am I sore ????. I think your very on point with having goals that are small but get you heading in the right direction. I like the one you mentioned about eliminating sugar from your coffee and it’s something I am going to try. Thank you for sharing. 

  12. Like you, I’ve set some health goals for the year ahead, and I’m on my third day of Whole 30. I’ve already completed several Whole30s over the years that lasted longer than 30 days, so I know how good I’m going to feel. Please share any tips or tricks. I agree that shopping and meal prep is the biggest challenge.

  13. Meal prep and planning are my biggest challenges too!  Like you we focus on eating clean which makes these tasks time consuming and it doesn’t help that my girls are picky eaters and have different tastes. I just downloaded the Copy Me that app  to help me with organizing my recipes and shopping. Another goal of mine is to keep a regular Bed time.  

  14. Good job! You got this!! It’s not how often you fall, it’s how often you get back up. I’ve been off and on so many programs over the years, but I’m feeling more determined now than ever to make this is a lifestyle. 21 days to form a habit. We can do this!

  15. I can totally relate! I feel like a sluggard as well, and I am ready to get back to eating healthy and exercising daily. It has been so cold in Colorado, and I haven’t done my daily 4 mile walk for a few weeks now. I also love yoga, and try to go a few times a week. Since Thanksgiving, I haven’t gone. I find once my kids are back in school, I have more time to exercise and focus on healthy cooking. I also like doing a modified Whole30. I have eaten paleo for 6+ years now, but recently decided to cut back on meat and add in some beans and lentils. I definitely need to cut back on wine and sugar! I like the idea of being clean all week, but enjoying a glass or 2 of wine on the weekends. 🙂 No more excuses! I am working out today and eating clean. Each day gets easier once you start! Thanks for the post, I was needing some inspiration!
    BTW, the instatpot is amazing! I have donated several appliances like crockpots and a rice cooker because this one appliance does it all.

  16. I love this kind of post! Here are a couple of strategies I began using last fall and I can happily say I got through the holidays without any added weight: The clean eating recipes in the 5 Dinners 1 Hour program are really good AND include the grocery list! Good recipes with lots of fresh veggies that can be pre-prepped. I usually have a dinner prepped and, after dinner, prep the next night’s and make sure anything that needs to come out of the freezer is thawing. It’s a great plan. The other strategy was go switch to a breakfast protein shake using almond milk. I use Arbonne protein and fiber. We have a hike & raft trip down the Grand Canyon this year. There’s my motivation to get out the door and running! We got this!!

  17. Great perspective!!! One of my goals is to do yoga with my daughter (who already does it at home with Adriene), and also to eat more fruits and veggies! Hugs, Karen.

  18. Yoga is so good for the body. I keep saying I’m going to find a yoga class. I need it for flexibility. I think it would probably help prevent some of the injuries I’m prone to.

  19. Great post!  I had never heard of “Whole 30” – it looks interesting, but hard to follow!  And I say this as a person who eats almost no sugar (real or artificial) and not a lot of carbs.  I think the lack of dairy would kill me.  I guess my advice for staying fit is to do what you can even if you can’t do 100% of your goal (so don’t skip your exercise routine because you don’t have time to do the full thing – do as much as you have time to do – it still counts!), and don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. I generally prioritize exercise over most everything (don’t tell my clients, lol), but sometimes it has to give.  I guess my goal is to try a ketogenic diet for a while just to see how it feels (for brain health).  It scares me though, so we’ll see.  Meanwhile, happy new year!  My other goal is to read your blog every day!!  🙂

    1. The dairy kills me too. I love cheese as a snack, and I love cream in my coffee. I’m thinking of trying clarified butter since it is allowed. I just don’t know where to buy that and I don’t want to make it.

      I also like a glass of wine with dinner, and I didn’t eliminate that last time I did this, but I definitely drank a lot less frequently than my normal.

      My other issue is, I have an intolerance to nuts. I don’t think it’s an allergy but my throat gets itchy when I eat them, so I try to steer clear, and they’re such an easy and nutritious (and Whole30 friendly) snack. That is why I often resort to a chunk of cheese sometimes, but I do the raw cheese and I figure it’s pretty healthy.

      1. Do you have an Indian grocery anywhere near you?  If so, they will sell butter ghee, which is clarified butter.  It’s shelf stable (because the dairy is removed), so you could buy a decent sized amount if it’s not convenient to get there.

        If you can’t eat nuts, that would be hard.  I didn’t read the entire Whole 30 thing carefully.  Do they say what their rationale is for eliminating dairy?  Because I agree with you – if you have to snack, I think a chunk of raw milk cheese is a great snack (and tasty).  And no cream in my coffee would be painful.  At this point, my “coffee” is basically a pile of coconut oil, heavy cream, cocoa powder, cinnamon and a small splash of coffee to hold everything else together, lol.

        1. I just picked up ghee today, so I’ll see how that goes. I read the book so long ago, I can’t remember the dairy argument, but I know that it’s against Paleo as well – which is what Whole30 is loosely based on. I’ve never bought into that, which is why I choose to modify the Whole30 rules just a bit to work for me. I do, however, think it’s important to eat organic dairy products made from pastured cows if possible. I’m not legalistic about it, but that’s my goal. Okay, so this is all about their dairy stance: https://whole9life.com/2013/03/the-dairy-manifesto/

          The only dairy I usually eat is organic grassfed cheese (and sometimes local artisan cheeses), organic grassfed cream from a local dairy in my coffee, and Kerrygold (grassfed) or organic butter. I rarely eat ice cream, and I never drink milk. I typically do cook meals with butter, cheese, and cream in them though.

          I’m going to try the ghee this time, and eliminate cream and cheese to see if I notice any difference. My nose is always dripping, and I often wonder if it’s due to dairy in my diet.

  20. I love this post! I am working with a nutritionist for the first time ever this year. She tested my metabolism and measured my body fat, then tailored a plan for me. I was surprised to learn that I was eating way too LITTLE for my calorie needs. Our goal is to drop 5% body fat in 12 weeks. I have been really slacking on running in the cold, too. I just can’t get motivated to get out the door- and I only run one day a week! It’s just so easy to call it another rest day after 5 days of CrossFit throughout the week when it is under 40 degrees! Come on springtime!!! 🙂

  21. I have been seriously slacking for the past year myself, with no excuse other than I let life get in the way.  I have signed up for a few races in the Philly and South Jersey Shore areas and am slowwllllyyy getting back on track.  I have eaten Keto in the past but it’s very difficult for my to stick to! I am focusing on keeping my diet clean and low carb for now.  Maybe when the weather breaks and it is crunch time I will try to go more hardcore !
    Thanks for sharing your goals, it is always inspiring !

    1. Oh and i am very surprised by your poll results also!! I always make a resolution.  Mixed results as to whether i stick to it! But it doesn’t stop me from trying again every year !

  22. Thanks for the yoga suggestion- I am 46 and am eager to try yoga for the first time as I keep hearing of its many benefits! Didn’t know where to start; yoga studios can seem pricey and intimidating for a beginner.

  23. From all the comments already, it looks like this might be one of your most popular for the new year. Thank you for sharing your goals with us. I too, have started going back to the gym.  I am 2 days and going strong.  I would like to incorporate healthier eating and had saved your recipes flast year. Now that I am reading them again, I’m ready to try a few.  Baby steps on getting the hubby to eat healthier, but it’s needed. Maybe we can all be a little healthier this year! We all look better because of you and maybe we’ll live longer because of you too! Thank you for all you do for us. 

  24. I have one more day of Christmas company and then I’m getting back to my healthy eating only. I can not believe I let myself eat sweets after abstaining for four years. ????I know I’ll be unhappy when I get on the scale after two weeks of overindulgence. There is no better motivator for me. 
    I no longer make resolutions only to break them. I start things when I feel the need or urge and that way .i have better success. Good luck to all! 

  25. Best of luck Jolynne.  My husband changed our diets over the summer – very south beach based with less bread, pasta, potatoes & sugar.  We both lost weight but my main motivation was health.  I have been watching my parents decline due to chronic diseases and want to be in the best shape I can.   It may not prevent some problems but i feel it will help should anything come up. 

  26. I’m with you, NO to a new year resolution but rather setting goals. In August I went vegetarian (I was never a big meat eater to begin with) and can honestly say it made such a positive change to my digestive system. I’m a healthy eater but am stuck in a rut so as a goal I’m meeting with a nutritionist today to ensure I’m eating smart and healthy. I love yoga and spinning classes but like everyone else the holidays got the better of me so time to get back on track.  I’m happy to read we’re all in this together! 

  27. Great post! I’m also doing Whole30 (3rd time) and find it a great way to detox and reset my eating habits for the rest of the year. I’m curious what a “modified” Whole30 is. From what I’ve read and learned about it is it is a all or none eating plan for 30 days…in fact, you start over from day one when you slip. This is how the 
    Co-Creator, Mellisa Hartwig, describes it:
    “The only way this works is if you give it the full thirty days: no cheats, slips, or “special occasions.” This isn’t a hazing, a boot camp, or us playing the tough guy. This is a fact, born of science and experience. The Whole30 is, at its heart, an elimination diet. Just a small amount of any of these inflammatory foods could break the healing cycle; promoting cravings, messing with blood sugar, disrupting the integrity of your digestive tract, and (most important) firing up the immune system. One bite of pizza, one spoonful of ice cream, one lick of the spoon mixing the batter within the 30-day period and you’ve broken the “reset” button, requiring you to start over again on Day 1.

    You must commit to the full program, exactly as written, 100% for the full 30 days. Anything less and you won’t experience the full benefits the program has to offer. Anything less and you are selling yourself—and your life-changing results—short.”

    It seems that quite a few of the bloggers I follow are writing about Whole30 and I’m sure readers are getting confused about what it is and what It isn’t. Definitely read the book if your interested in the science behind the plan. 

    I wish you the very best in all your endeavors this year!

  28. I decided to do another whole30 during January. I just needed a reset, plus I got mildly sick a few times during December. Usually that means I’m getting run down and need to eat cleaner. Like you, mine is a bit modified.

    I’ve been doing kettlebells almost daily mixed with body workouts. This month I started a flexibility program in hopes of improving my hip mobility enough to start running again this spring.

    Good luck!

    1. I hope you can get back to running. I know you love it as much as I do. I really should start doing yoga for flexibility, and so I don’t keep getting injured. The weight lifting + running without much stretching is not good for this old body. 🙂

  29. For those of you detoxing, do be careful and check with your doctor first!  They have your health history and blood work numbers.  My BIL and his wife do detoxing processes that they read about in all the self help books and magazines in health food stores.  All of which are considered completely safe by the self proclaimed experts.  My BIL landed himself in the hospital.  His liver enzymes were all out of whack because of detoxing.  It scared the heck out of him!  His numbers were bad enough they tested him for serious illnesses before he confessed what he had done!  Yikes!!  

    With that said, I do shop at Sprouts and TJ and eat mostly healthy and whole foods so I’m onboard to make tweeks in 2018 along with more exercise!  Good to have company!!

  30. Hi Jo-Lynne! Loved the FBL this morning here in Washington State-that is a great time to watch and I’m liking the routine. I look forward to it each week! I am working out at my local Barre3 studio and trying to eat healthy. I do have a dairy intolerance and feel so much better without!! We eat pretty much a Whole Foods/Plant-based diet. I have a question about your necklace-is it Stella and Dot? I love the simplicity of it. Thanks so much for all you are doing! Happiest of new years to you and your family!

  31. A few years ago on New Years, my husband’s resolution was to lose some stubborn weight around the middle and lower his cholesterol which had gone up. So, I researched and dove into the “Mediterranean Diet / Way of eating” and it works! The focus is on lots of fresh vegetables, legumes, eggs, nuts, non-gmo grains, fresh herbs and spices, goat cheese, fish and poultry, olive oil, and only eating read meat a few times per month along with limiting sugar intake. Their other theory is that food not only nourishes our body, but it is meant to be enjoyed and meals should be eaten slowly and with family and/or friends around us. Regular exercise also is important (of course). We always ate pretty well before, but I stopped buying frozen or prepackaged items and everything is fresh. (I don’t even freeze much food……although I always get lectured from my mother when she comes over about how I’m not prepared for an emergency as I don’t keep staples in my freezer! ????) The hardest part is that I visit the grocery stores A LOT (or I send my husband ???? – he’ll stop at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s on his way home from work quite a bit. Yes- he’s a keeper!) 
    One exception is snacks for my teenager- he goes through tons of bags of chips, popcorn and pretzels & I admit I love to snack on those as well!

    I’m so impressed that you still go out running and exercising in the cold winter back there! You’re awesome! It’s pretty perfect weather year-round where I live, and I still have to push myself to go out and run/walk!  My goal is to walk 2 miles 3-4 times a week, but I know I need strength training too, but not sure what to do for that. 

    1. I always find it interesting how many diets are out there and how they pretty much all work… if you follow them, lol. Mostly it comes down to eating real food and getting rid of sugar and processed crap.

      I also completely agree that food should be enjoyed and eaten slowly. I can’t stand to rush through my meals, and that’s one reason I enjoy wine with my meals so much. It makes me slow down and enjoy the whole experience more because of the way it compliments the food and takes the edge off my nervous energy so I can relax and enjoy it.

      I hate running in the cold, but I think I hate running in the heat more. I used to say I hate winter, but now I kind of appreciate it. It definitely makes me feel like a bit of a badass to run in 20 degrees. Haha!

      If you can swing it, I think hiring a trainer is the way to go for strength training. They make sure you do the exercises correctly, make sure you get all the muscle groups in there, and they push you beyond what you are likely to do on your own. Also having an appointment and a monetary incentive keeps me going when I want to quit or skip. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my health.

      1. Yes yes to the red wine with dinner! I agree that it makes you slow down and savor/enjoy every bite a little more. Last night I made chicken piccata (one of my family’s favorites but with rice instead of pasta on the side and steamed broccoli and a romaine salad with diced oranges and roasted slivered almonds. For dessert I thickly sliced Granny Smith apples and sprinkled them with cinnamon and a little agave syrup, then baked in the oven until soft and eat with a small scoop of Haagen-Daaz vanilla ice-cream. It was delicious and healthy! (Well the ice-cream might be off limits on most diets but I believe everything in moderation! ????) 

        I’m definitely going to look into getting a personal trainer. It would help motivate me and like you said, show me exactly what exercises to do to build strength. It’s sad when I have to ask my fourth  graders to lift boxes for me! 

        I hate the heat too…..especially now since “hot flashes” have become part of my life…lol! This morning looked like it was going to be colder so I bundled up in long sleeves, cardigan etc and I’m sweating as I sit here in the dentist waiting room- ugh!  We haven’t had any rain in the longest time out here……if only we could funnel some of your snow ❄️ out west! ☀️ 

  32. So, I was just thinking about my post above and it may have come off differently than intended.  I may have insulted someone.????   Please accept my apology if I have.  I don’t believe Jolynne or anyone here fits into the category of self proclaimed experts.  The concoction my BIL mixed together was a DIY cocktail from one of his many resources.  
    He got a good scolding from his Doctor afterwards.  

  33. I have had my insta pot for 2 years and it is great. It saves time and there are a lot of recipes to be found on Pinterest.  It’s a good investment.  Going to the gym and cooking from scratch as much as I can.  

  34. I too use the new year as a time to refocus, not necessarily make a resolution but rather work on overall goals. The best thing I did for my health is sign up with mindbodyfit.live. This an online workout site, that has a personal touch like no other. I love working with the trainers and even though we are miles apart the 2 way video feels like it is so real. This would be a great place for anyone who wants to try yoga, Ashley is a wonderful yoga instructor! Strength training, pilates, cardio as well as other classes are also offered. I have been working with Ashley for a few years and I am so grateful!

  35. Thanks Jo-Lynne as always for sharing. I allowed myself to enjoy the holidays eating some treats I never eat the rest of the year. By the end of the holidays my husband and I are always ready to get back to our regular lifestyle and don’t miss them at all. I have kicked the few bad habits I had, soda being one of them. It’s been 5 years now and don’t miss it at all. Looks gross when I see other people drinking it. Brown toxic sugar water 🙂 I need to work on incorporating more veggies into all meals and getting more gym time in. Thanks for the meal plan suggestions. You are so inspiring and I appreciate all your efforts to bring us the great articles. Happy New Year! Here’s to a great 2018!

  36. I love your attitude and thoughts on this subject!  “ I prefer to see it as a succession of fresh starts:”. Perfect!  And the idea of trying new things even if only some of them stick because it’s all part of the growing & learning process. I share this same mindset. Here’s to hoping we both find some success!

  37. Could not do without your blog each day. I am trying to eat healthy but I have trouble following anything too rigid. And don’t like to cook alot. I love veggies though. My downfall is sugar and carbs. Trying to curb those. I bought one grassfed yogurt the other day and will see how I like that. I had been eating Activia. I love salads and don’t care for lots of meat so if I just work on sugar and carbs I’ll see if I can lose my extra holiday pounds.

    1. Sugar and carbs is my downfall too! Focusing on veggies, lean meats, and good fats is key. 🙂 And yes, the occasional chunk of cheese. I love the Organic Valley Raw Cheddar.

  38. Hi Jo-Lynne! Happy New Year! I’m joining the conversation a little late, but I’ve been waiting until I could get to my computer to comment.

    I’m trying the Faster Way to Fat Loss that Cyndi has been on during the past year. I’ve been so impressed with her results. This week has been a prep week, so the program hasn’t officially started, but we’ve been able to make adjustments such as the intermittent fasting, counting our macros and starting the workouts. The first day and a half I felt amazing! But I’ve really been struggling days 3-5, and I know it’s because I’m coming off massive amounts of processed foods and refined sugars that I “enjoyed” during the holidays. Ugh! It’s killing me. I’ve had a nonstop headache and I just don’t feel well. I know it’s not the plan’s eating plan that’s making me feel bad, because it is very healthy and very satisfying. As Cyndi has said in the past, I’m not even able to eat all the calories the plan allows me. I’m just not that hungry. So I’m eating, but coming off the sugar is a killer!

    The main reason I signed up for this plan is because I need to be pushed. I’ve been doing the same cardio and weight training workouts for longer than I can remember…I mean 10-20 years! And I really need a jump start into some more intense training. That, I’m loving!

    Best wishes to you in your goals! Here’s to a fit and fabulous 2018!!

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