I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions but I do like taking a personal inventory at the end of the year and make some goals.

I'm not unhappy with my weight although I wouldn't be averse to losing another 5lbs.

One big goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables. I love both so it's simply a matter of buying and making them as opposed to forcing myself.

I would like to cut back on sweets although, again, it's not a problem. My DH is the candy-holic but I just tossed almost all the candy we had left in the house from Halloween, etc. He eats it because it is there. If all that's there are nuts or fruit for example, he'll eat that instead.

I need to find a good time in my day to meditate. I've been getting to my desk (I work from home) an hour earlier than previously so morning isn't a great time. I'm thinking maybe in the time after work (2pm or so) and when my DD gets home from school a little before 4pm. I would really love to do it outside in the fresh air but the day care center next door is usually too loud and distracting.

We've done a good job of eating right this year. I'd say maybe once a month we'll either get chinese take out or a pizza but besides that, we cook at home. Certainly helps the budget as well!

My biggest downfall is lack of exercise. I know it's something I need to change but being fairly thin and for the most part healthy, it's easy to not feel the urgency when what I'd rather do is sit and read or be online.

I'm 44 - 45 in February - and this year more than any other, I'm really feeling the aging. I have arthritis in both shoulders which is pretty bad, all of a sudden need reading glasses for everything not to mention other assorted annoyances. I know we can't stop time but I'm hoping that a little more activity will help slow the progression down a bit.

Please join me in a quest for a healthier 2011.

I'll join you, ChefSam. I really need to do this, even though I have been saying that practically every year for the past so many years.

I need to lose a good amount of weight for health reasons, and every year, I lose 10 lbs. or so and gain most of it back. I guess I was not really serious, but this year will be a new beginning.

I need to improve my diet. My dr. has submitted a referral for me to see a nutritionist, but even if the insurance doesn't OK it, I know enough about good nutrition to know what I must do. Portion control, healthy "complex" carbs, lean proteins, lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, steaming instead of sauteing, baking instead of frying.

I need to make eating more vegetables a goal. I love fruits and eat plenty of them, but I am not so fond of vegetables!

As for candies and chocolates and ice cream, I am addicted!

I need to exercise more. Towards that end, I've signed up to take a weekly 90 min. ballet class, starting the first week in Jan. I need to supplement that with 30 mins. of walking at least 3 times a week and some stretching.

Looking forward to a healthier me in 2011.

I need to join in also! I too have to get a healthier lifestyle, and if anyone can inspire me it is you ladies!

My downfall is salt and sweets! As my physician says if it isn't in the house, you don't eat it! Right she is!

I like the food planning thread too, so if I do that, maybe the pounds will drop off....exercise, I promised my youngest that I would start back on the treadmill each day. Need to work up time, but every step counts!

I'm in with y'all too.

I have a LOT of weight to lose. I also have some different ailments that I need to work with too. However, losing weight will be the number one focus of the year.

In the winter, my exercise is nil. It's too cold and icy to go outside. My DH works until 9:00 at night, so I can't take any classes (exercise) because of my children. However, I can use my stairs that are inside the house and work on some projects. While I won't be burning mega calories, I won't be sitting in a chair perusing the t.v. When DH is off work, I can go to the mall and walk around while DH corralls the kiddos.

Better eating is also the trend. Over the holidays we've switched to less fresh fruit and moved to canned/frozen fruit. We do get apples, bananas, oranges, clementines, grapefruit for fresh. I'll keep my eyes open for fresh pears too.

Another goal is to eat a salad and a hot vegetable with every dinner.

We're also going to use less processed food too. So let's keep the motivation up and the weight down.

I have been working at getting my home decluttered, clean and organized for over a year. It's done, so it takes a minimal amount of effort it keep it up. Now I need to take time for me. It's been a very long time since I did something for me. I am going to be 58 in January. I am over weight, out of shape and have neglected my appearance for way too long. I am taking up a new hobby in the New Year. That hobby is ME! If I say that I will work at losing weight, or exercising, or getting shape, it will be work. But we do hobbies that we enjoy, so I will be my hobby. Something I will enjoy doing. I am currently reading an interesting book called Younger Next Year for Women by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge. It's a real eye opener and something everyone should read. There is a book for men also. No excuses.It's true what they say about Use it, or lose it. I will enjoy taking care of my hobby in the New Year!
Peace, Love & Happiness to all in the New Year!

Rag Top, I'm glad to see you posting here. Welcome, again, to GON. We are happy to have you join us.

ChefSam, if you feel old at 45, try being 62! Age is partly a state of mind, whatever the calendar or birth certificate say.

Two years ago, I signed up for our town's 5K, and ran it. My goal, as a "senior" who had never done that before, was simply to do it and survive. I would have done it again this year, but my college reunion was the same day,so I went to that. And earlier in the year, it would have been impossible to run or even walk with a couple of feet or so of snow on the ground. I figured I got exercise (taking it carefully) with all the shoveling and such that I did.

This year, I plan to sign up for the 5K, which is in mid-April, and work on getting into shape by walking and/or running every day. I'll also ride my bike when weather permits (I got a new bike in the fall).

I not only need to eat better, I need to TOTALLY ELIMINATE fast food. I don't eat it much, but my one weakness is Big Macs. I'm not much of a dessert or junk-food eater otherwise. I do eat a fair amount of fruits and vegetables, though could add more, and love salads. I've been striving to drink more water. The point is, regardless of other health issues, I will never lose any weight unless I change the composition of the food I consume. I doubt anyone would call me fat, but I should lose around 30 pounds, maybe more.

I think it is very difficult for people who work full-time to get enough exercise; certainly most jobs don't require one to burn very many calories. And when one's children or small, one must go pick them up from day care instead of going to the gym - been there.

Nevertheless, as DS and I were discussing today, say we walk around the "block" (nearest streets in sort of a square) in our neighborhood, and that is a mile. If we do that daily, we will have covered 365 miles in a year.

Simplicity: Hats off to you for participating in a 5K! You have moved me to start training for one in July! THANKS, (I think)!

Rag Top Daze: Welcome! I can't wait to see how far we can go!

Chef: Great Topic!

Hello to our fellow participants Bless and Dianaro!

Hi Ladies,
Haven't exercised yet but have gotten my usual AT LEAST 8 hours of sleep per night and continue to eat well.

One of my big problems the last few months is NOT eating. I get to my desk about 8am and will make a few cups of tea throughout the morning but otherwise tend to not eat anything until I'm done after 2. I need to have more quick, easy things to grab and by that I don't mean packaged or processed food, I mean something healthy I can grab. I will usually have about 15-20 minutes between meetings that I can eat something.

I'm in too. I've gained about 20lbs in the past few months and they need to GO. I need to make an appt with my DR as I think it might be my thyroid... I need to cut the sugar, drink water and keep exercising. Sleep is a biggy. I came across a holiday de-tox diet that I am going to try. I'll do that Wed, Thurs, and Fri. all food that I like and that I can get locally