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New Year's resolution for 2006: Simplify
December 29, 05
Suzanne Havala Hobbs
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new year is nearly here. Time for fresh starts and a big push
to eat well, lose weight and get fit.
This year, may I propose a theme for your efforts?
Simplify.
There are lots of ways to do it. It involves rethinking the
foods you buy, the meals you prepare, what you eat away from
home, your approach to exercise – even the gifts you
give.
I’ll be doing it myself. Why?
Because as time goes by, many of us get wrapped up in just
getting by in our busy days. We lose sight of the bigger picture
and how our choices – including what we eat and how
we stay fit – can complicate our lives and make goals
more difficult to achieve.
Simplifying your life – even in the areas of food and
fitness – can help you regain control. It can save you
time and money and improve your health and sense of well-being.
Getting started requires that you think carefully about your
usual routine. For most of us, several key changes make good
sense:
* Pare down your pantry. Less clutter means you’ll be
more likely to see what you have. Keep less on hand if it
helps to make foods visible and easy to remove without causing
an avalanche. Buy simple staples, foods close to their natural
state. Whole foods such as dried or canned beans, oatmeal,
dried fruits, and plain, whole grains such as rice, whole
wheat pasta, and dry cereals such as bran flakes and shredded
wheat are versatile, quick to prepare, and less expensive
than most processed convenience foods. They also contain less
added sugar, salt and trans fats.
* Minimize meals at home. Simple meals consisting of a couple
of items – three at most – can be quick and easy
to prepare. Soup and fresh bread; a tossed green salad and
side of hummus with toasted pita points; a bowl of chili with
a chunk of cornbread and some sliced fresh fruit – these
nutritious meals can be ready in minutes (make the soup and
chili ahead of time and reheat). One-dish meals are great,
too – a big bowl of whole wheat bowtie pasta tossed
with olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, steamed veggies and grated
parmesan cheese, for instance. A bonus of simple meals: Cleanup
is usually quicker, too.
* Scale down when you eat out. Order a salad and an appetizer,
or split an entrée with a companion. The point is to
buy less. What’s the worst that could happen? On the
slim chance you’ll end up hungry, you can always order
more or have a snack later on. That’s not likely to
happen, though. Restaurant meals are notoriously big and rich.
Save money, save calories. Order less.
* Turn exercise into a daily indulgence. Sell your treadmill
or exercise bike on eBay if you don’t use it. Instead,
get out in the fresh air. Walk the dog. (You’ll both
benefit.) Ride a bike. Make a ritual of weekend morning hikes
through the park or a trail in the woods. Get productive working
in the yard, lifting, digging and carrying. Set the time aside
for yourself to contemplate life, move major muscle groups
and relieve some stress. Then when you get home, take a steamy
hot bath or shower – even if they’re short ones.
You’d spend $80 at a spa for the same benefits.
* Enable others. Set the example and others will follow. When
the occasion calls for a gift, keep it simple and practical:
a fresh fruit basket, a case of grapefruit, a good bottle
of olive oil or a loaf of home baked bread.
Take these steps and you’ll be off to a healthier, wealthier
2006. Happy New Year!
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