I've never been one for New Year's resolutions, having rarely seen one put into effect. Instead, I usually only make really short-term health goals. Like walking five kilometers to work a few days each week during the summer—I did it! Or giving up red wine for Lent—did that, too. Still, there comes a time when you need to look at the big picture.
That's why, this year, I will resolve to make it my healthiest ever—and I hope you'll join me. We're making it easy with a 12-month series of articles, logs and quizzes designed to energize and inspire you. That's right: Your healthiest year ever starts now. Begin by rating your health with the How healthy are you quiz, then read Mission: Possible!, a seven-step guide to making health goals that stick. The secret, according to our experts, just might be that small-step approach I've been using all along.
In that spirit, let's take our healthiest year ever one day at a time.
· You know that fibre-rich beans help fight heart disease and breast cancer, for example. So, search for "legumes" in our Recipe File and savour a delicious, healthy meal, such as our
Skillet chicken chili, tonight.
· If you're having a stressful day—and research shows that stress leads to poor health choices—click on
Health + Fitness. You'll find tons of great article and tips on proven stress busters such as
meditation and
walking.
· Feeling discouraged? Share your healthiest-year-ever goals and get support and encouragement in our
Health forum. (I'll be online to cheer you on personally later this month.) Health mentors can help you make realistic goals and stay motivated, says Colleen Parsons-Olsson, an associate director of campus recreation at the University of Calgary who helps novice runners train for marathons.
Need yet another motivator? How about a reward? To celebrate Your Healthiest Year Ever, we're offering participants a chance to win a spa getaway. Now, if that doesn't persuade you, I don't know what will!
