Another New Year, Another Resolution

With each January, many of us want better things for ourselves and our lives. Some call them goals, others resolutions. "I want to lose ten pounds", or "I am going to start exercising starting on January 1st." Whatever it may be, many people fail at getting what they really want. There are many reasons why but I will highlight the most common reasons why people fail, specifically at their health goals.

1. Denial of Reality: You first have to know where you are in order to plan how to get to where you want to be. For some, that means stepping on a scale or taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Taking Action without Planning: You need a map or GPS to drive to a place you have never been, right? The same goes for your health. If you want to increase your energy or obtain the body of your dreams, you need to have a plan that works for you.

3. Planning without Taking Action: This is probably the biggest downfall for those of us who set New year's resolutions. We have great intention, but come January 2, the excuses kick in and no action is taken in achieving what you set out to do.

So, when thinking of what you want for your New Year, remember to:

- Find out where you are, really. No guessing. You want facts.
- Make a plan. Get help from a professional (coach, trainer, mentor, nutritionist, etc.) You don't need to do it alone!
- Set realistic goals that are measurable and attainable.
- Check in. Hold yourself accountable by monitoring your results. Or have a friend, loved one, trainer, etc., check in with you on a weekly basis to keep you on your toes.
- Reward yourself when you achieve your goals.

I wish you all the best for 2008. Go Get em'!

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50% off the Health and the City 30 Day Weight Loss Plan

- one hour initial consultation which includes a health history overview and goal setting
- a nutritional and/or exercise plan emailed to you
- 3 half hour follow-up phone consultations
- unlimited email support between sessions

Regularly $595
New Year Special: $297

Yellow Pepper Soup

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large yellow peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut in large chunks
2 large leeks, (white part only), halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise, well rinsed
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 medium russet potatoes, (about 1 pound) peeled, cut into chunks
4 cups water
1 tablespoon dry white vermouth
Freshly ground black pepper


Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the peppers, leek, garlic, salt and turmeric, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf together with kitchen twine. Add the potato, water, and herb bundle and bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, until the potato is very tender, about 20 minutes.

Discard the herb bundle. Puree the soup in small batches in a blender (keep the lid cracked to allow steam to escape), or in the pot with an immersion blender, until smooth. Return to the pot and reheat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve warm.