The new year represents a fresh start and we all look toward the future with hope. In the foods that folks traditionally eat on New Year's Day, health and prosperity come together in the form of beans and cabbage — two superfoods.
The circular shape of beans represents the cycle of a year ending as well as prosperity — the beans represent coins.
It happens to all of us at some time or another but maybe to more of us on New Year's Eve. We drink too much and then we pay for it the next day. Are you hung up by your hangover?
Since having kids, my New Year's Eve celebrations have become considerably toned down. Although I do manage to stay up until midnight. Instead of partying all night, I host a New Year's Day brunch followed by a hike.
With people giving up all kinds of things for their New Year's resolutions — smoking, sugar, refined carbs, driving — the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, which began on Jan. 1, got me wondering if any of you are giving up all animal products in 2010?
Kickstart has the support of veteran vegan Alicia Silverstone, author of The Kind Diet, and she will be offering tips and advice on eating an entirely plant-based diet.
Harley Pasternak says that if you follow his 5 Factor diet, you will see results. First, eat five times a day: two meals and three snacks. Next, everything you eat should have five components: lean protein, low glycemic carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and a sugar-free beverage.
I love the idea that a new audience gets to see the awesome-ness of Joan Jett — via Kristen Stewart — in The Runaways, which opens this Friday. The woman seriously rocks, both literally and figuratively. She was off my radar for a bit, but her recent press appearances have reminded me of her amazing body: washboard abs and some smokin' guns to boot.
Moderation is key, especially when it comes to alcohol. The occasional glass of wine, cocktail, or beer has been shown to help the heart, and studies have indicated that moderate drinkers are less depressed and more active than non-drinkers. Here's another reason to have a glass of wine with friends: a new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine says that moderate drinkers are less likely to become overweight or obese later in life.
Although it may still be chilly or snowy in your neck of the woods, it's March, and that means Spring is not too far away. You can celebrate with some new Spring-inspired fitness gear in bright colors and uniquely fresh designs, like these from Beyond Yoga. The company sent me some pieces from its new Spring Collection: a Supplex Shirred Cami ($73) in Blue Ice, a Supplex Long Curve Jacket ($124), also in Blue Ice, and a pair of Supplex Knee Length Leggings ($66) in Graphite.
Although many consider Mondays to be the most difficult day of the week, getting through Wednesday, over the halfway hump of week, can equally as challenging. Since we are both midweek and midway through our Get Fit For 2010 challenge and contest, I though I would check in with you all and ask how it's going? So write up a blog post in the Get Fit For 2010 Group and drop me a line on your progress.