Starting 2012 Off Right

I'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions, and I won't even officially call what I'm doing a "resolution", but I have made a pledge (along with thousands of others, I am sure) to get back on the healthy eating track. I do a great job of exercising plenty, as it has become part of my routine now. I don't even really think about it, I just do it. I am making a little "exercise pledge" this year too. Time to get back on track with weight training! I'm a cardio junkie. I love running and it feels like a rest day if I get on the elliptical for 30-45 mins, so no problems there. But I am so quick to drop weight lifting from my routine and that is not good! 2-3x per week is how I'll start that pledge this year.

My main issue has always been the diet part of my healthy lifestyle goals. 5 years ago I cut fast food out of my diet and lost (and have maintained, within 5-8lbs) 40 pounds. I have significantly improved the way I eat compared to 5 years ago. However, I have lots of improvements to make still. Sugar is my biggest enemy. I love sweets and feel like I should have dessert nearly every evening before bed. This is BAD! And I know it! So why do I keep doing it? I don't know. Blame it on my parents who regularly had dessert (mainly ice cream, yum!) after dinner when I was growing up. But really? I'm 25 years old. Time to make a change! I have learned it is really easier for me to cut it out all together rather than cut down on my serving sizes. No more desserts for this girl. Oh yikes, did I just say that?

In addition to cutting out sweets, I am vowing to only allow myself one "cheat" dinner per week. This has worked very well for me in the past because I am not completely depriving myself of restaurant food (which is generally a cheat meal), but also not allowing myself to go crazy on it. Knowing I can only do this once a week helps me set boundaries for myself and makes me choose wisely what my cheat meal will be.

I'm going to be using LiveStrong.com/MyPlate to help me along in my goals. I started using this back in 2009, and have found that good old fashioned "writing down what you eat" makes a big difference! I am much more careful about what I put into my mouth if I know I'm going to have to "claim it" on my daily plate. One feature I really enjoy about this website is that it allows you to account for working out. Calories burned = calories earned. If I want to eat more, I must burn more, end of story! I remember one evening last year when I went out to eat with coworkers for lunch and used up all my calories before dinner. So you know what? I had to get my booty on the treadmill if I wanted to eat dinner!

Here's to 2012 and hoping I can stick with my healthy lifestyle goals for the year. I'm not setting a weight loss goal, just goals toward a healthier life.

What are your new year's resolutions or goals for 2012? I would love to hear about them!