Pre New Year's Resolution: Eat More Real Foods

If you're anything like me, you're pretty fed up with New Year's resolutions. In fact, this year, I'm going to resolve not to resolve anything for New Year's ever again. But, that doesn't mean I don't want to improve myself; it just means that there isn't enough pressure surrounding the New Year's resolution. Everybody fails, right? So, why should I even bother trying? Some people even go as far as setting a goal they have no intention of fulfilling just to be part of the crowd.

At our New Year's party last year, my cousin announced that she was going to enroll in classes at Florida Tech online, but I knew she wouldn't. I think she even knew she wouldn't. So, why bother with it at all - especially if you're going to make such a specific and verifiable resolution. Let's just sidestep the whole New Year's resolution thing altogether. This year, let's make a December 14th resolution and stick to it. Let's resolve to eat as much real food as possible for the next year.

When I say real food, that's exactly what I mean. Real food isn't concocted in a lab and it doesn't last if you leave it on a shelf for 20 years. Real food is perishable, but it's also nutritious -- and delicious. In order to stick to this resolution, you'll need to clear your house from the worst temptations. That means, anything that's in a box or a can probably has to go. There are some exceptions, but if you're confused, just check the label. If there are ingredients you aren't familiar with or can't pronounce, throw it in the trash. Also, if you'd like, you can keep a few canned goods around as long as they are whole foods. Canned tomatoes, pumpkin and beans are the three exceptions I'm allowing for myself.

You'll notice I said "as much as possible." I'm giving myself this leeway so I don't have to stress when I'm at a friends house (nothing is more tacky than telling someone you can't eat because they aren't serving real food) ro at a restaurant. I've also included a few canned items to be realistic. Sometimes there are days when you need a quick meal and don't have time to cut open a pumpkin or soak beans overnight. I think it's really important to set realistic goals for yourself, so you'll stick to them. There's no sense in making grandiose resolutions that are only going to make you suffer. That's just not sustainable. That's probably why most resolutions fail. People feel pressure to make an impressive sacrifice. But, if you can't stick to it, who are you impressing?