Happy Healthy 2017!

Happy Healthy 2017!

Welcome to the new year, everyone! 2016 is behind us, which I  believe we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Last year was trying for most everyone. We can put the past behind us and look forward. Instead of making new years resolutions, try making New Year Lifestyle Changes.

2017 is a new year, new start, new beginnings.  We all have the same type of changes we want to make: be healthier, wealthier and wiser. But, we make the same resolutions as well: drastically changing eating habits, stop spending so much money, take classes, etc. We make the same mistakes over and over because we’re making the same decisions over and over. Let’s make 2017 Our Year, together!

Instead of saying ‘I’m only eating salads for lunch and boiled chicken breast for dinners’, try thinking and saying “I’m going to make healthier choices for myself and my happiness.” Don’t cut out your favorite foods, instead, make a better choice. For Example, if you love cheeseburgers, don’t say you’re cutting them out, try a healthier option: turkey burgers with Gruyere, low-fat beef burger with your favorite cheddar (one slice), combine chicken-pork-turkey for a three-meat burger adding in basil, oregano, thyme. The point is, by making healthier choices, you’re still eating your favorites but making better choices. For more information, see my Introduction to Simple Healthy Fresh for more ideas. (on the top of my website’s menu under Simple Healthy Fresh).

Ah, Money. Money runs the world, not love as many sirens have sold us. You can save more money than you think, it’s all about making choices. First, there’s nothing you can do about rent, utilities (get on a monthly spending amount, ask your Utility company), car payments, insurance and so forth. But you can do something about food and entertainment. First, food. Use coupons for household items, cleaners, toilet paper, etc. Look for specials, deals and coupons. You can save between 20-30% by looking for deals. Use bargain, clearance and store/sale items when available. They are often the same thing as name brand but cheaper. Use the savings towards your groceries, using the store savings card (give a fake email address if it makes you feel better) and their savings app for your phone. These will help save another 20-30%.

Everyone wants to be smarter and wiser these days. I would suggest aim for happier. Happiness and wiseness go hand in hand. Do you really need the full internet/phone package from the cable company? Do you really need all those subscriptions in your life from magazines, cable and smartphone apps? Do you really need to eat out 5 times a week? By cutting back on what you’re spending your money on, your stress levels will go down and you’ll be happier. Like me, for example. I only have basic internet, antenna tv and rarely go out to eat. My needs are simple and I’ve made choices that lower my monthly bills. Check your household and see what you can really do without.

Here’s to a happier, healthier 2017