Have your 2009 “get healthy” resolutions already been thrown out the window?  Feel like there is just too much information and no time to figure it all out? 

Many times we become overwhelmed by everything we need to do to create optimum wellness.  Particularly when our health has been challenged, we stress over the best way to reclaim our lives and consequently become

even more stressed than we were before!  Ok, let’s take a deep breath.  There is no reason why changing our food and lifestyle habits have to be anxiety producing.  Here are a few simple steps to get you started on the path to feeling your best.

Remember this is a no stress, no anxiety, no freak out zone. Use these tools to help you create an easy and manageable plan for your health in 2009 and beyond!

1. Bad Fads – No fad diets for us, thank you very much!  As anyone who’s ever tried it knows, strict regimented eating only leads to feelings of deprivation, anger, anxiety and of course, “bad food” binges.  This year, approach your food in terms of all the delicious things you can eat, rather than the ones you can’t.  No need for iron-clad willpower when you truly enjoy everything that’s going into your body.
2. Go Green - Going green is great for the planet and office and even better for your body! Divide your plate into quarters and make half of it some sort of green vegetable.  Yes, salad is okay, but dark leafy greens are really the key.  Kale, cabbage, collards greens, bok choy, broccoli rabe, and Swiss chard are not only loaded with vitamins and minerals but are also very helpful in detoxing your system of holiday treats. 
3. Plan ahead - Getting your food on track in 2009 is all about laying the ground work to take care of yourself.  Simply take 15 minutes on a Sunday to think about what you want to eat during the week. Once that’s done, choose your shopping day and stick to it. Planning ahead guarantees healthy food options when you need them.  (Also, pick up some glass Pyrex contains for easy portable meals.)
4. Sweet Treat - If you find yourself needing something sweet in the afternoon, try a sweet vegetable!  I know a cookie may sound more appealing, but I promise that these veggies will get the job done - and with no guilt attached.  Try coating parsnips and carrots in olive oil and baking them to make crispy fries, or bake a sweet potato and sprinkle with cinnamon and toasted pecans.  These sweet vegetables are delicious, portable, and a perfect afternoon office snack.
5. Be Gentle and Let Go – This tip may be the toughest of all.  Naturally, we want change to happen immediately and when it doesn’t, we tend to give up.  This year, try to be gentle with yourself and let go of the self–imposed judgment and pressure.  I promise that feeling better in your body does not happen with a diet but rather with deliberate steps to take care of yourself every day. 

These five tips are the perfect place to start achieving your health and lifestyle goals.  Just remember that the key to success is not about acquiring more self-discipline or willpower.  It’s about personally discovering what nourishes you, what feeds you, and ultimately, what makes your life extraordinary!

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.  

To learn more about Jamie and her transformative programs, visit www.jamieliving.com.