Happy New Year! While I’m not a big resolution person, I do like to reflect on the previous year and make a list of improvements for the coming months. Here are a few of my goals I hope to accomplish:
- Be more organized. Not only with my finances and receipts for tax purposes, but also in my household.
- Chew less gum. I mentioned this on YouTube. I am borderline addicted (if it’s possible) to Orbit Sweet Mint Gum. I thought I looked on the label and did not see aspartame but a month ago, I noticed it did! While it probably wont kill me, I still feel like a hypocrite avoiding diet coke and artificially sweetened candies but still enjoying my gum. I’ve said that aspartame has addictive side effects but never realized it’s impact in my diet. There are over 92 side effects related to aspartame. You may not notice any and this is true for many individuals because the way your body reacts is based on your own genetics. Research has shown that we do not digest or pass it. Instead it accumulates in our bodies and may be causing a variety of tumors with all the other chemicals we eat like pesticides.* A few of the more common side effects are headaches, trouble sleeping, anxiety attacks, depression, chest tightness and fatigue. Read more here.
- Stop yo-yo dieting. What? Did I say something you didn’t expect? I have fallen victim twice this past year to the infamous yo-yo diet. I have maintain the same weight within 10 lb for over 10 years. However, when a photo shoot comes along I lose about 5 lbs. After the shoot, I’ve restricted myself so much I gain it back plus 5 more. Over the next few months, I lose the extra 5 to get back where I started. I’m either losing or overcompensating all year. My goal this year is try to maintain the same healthy weight and be proud of my body without losing the additional 5 lbs I typically do for photo shoots.
Ok, so while my resolutions may be very different from yours, I know many of you are trying to be consistent with working out. One of the biggest hurdles to get over, is learning how to beat boredom at the gym especially on cardio equipment. I usually run outside even in the freezing temperatures. That is how I usually beat boredom.
Sometimes though, it’s just safer to do it inside. From slipping on ice to working out in the dark, it can be dangerous in the winter. I may be late the game but I recently discovered one of the most energy inducing acts. Watching music video on YouTube while I do cardio. It’s free and easy to make a killer a playlist as long as you have a device to use like an iPhone. I literally watched covers of Rihanna’s song “We Found Love” for 20 minutes last Friday at Equinox while using an elliptical. Here are a few that helped me power through a lethargic mood.
After your cardio session, don’t forget to click over to my favorite ab workout over on the mat that you can do along with me.
*This is based on reading a variety of studies. I am not a doctor and I’m not telling you aspartame will kill you. I have an occasional diet coke, but like sugar or any food that is not necessarily “good” for you, I believe it’s smart to consume in moderation.
Do you watch videos on your iPhone at the gym?
Good luck with your resolutions, Sarah! My goal for 2012 is to train for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon (you inspired me to do so!) Thanks for all your posts and videos. They provide not only information but also motivation for so many people! You are such an inspiration. Keep up the great work!
I am addicted to gum. I try and quit and then I find myself spontaneously buying a pack at the grocery store. Not only is the aspartame bad for you, but I worry about what I am doing to my teeth. I am slowly decreasing how much gum I chew, but I do love it! Good luck!
I used to watch videos on my iPod touch while at the gym. It really helped to kill the treadmill boredom. Now I read books on the treadmill. Most people don’t understand how I can do it, but I am able to read and maintain a decent pace (usually 6-7MPH). I just got a KOBO for Christmas, which is nice because I can finally enlarge the font which makes reading easier. I have read through quite a few series of books while pounding the treadmill!
Your little blurb about gum makes me want to nix my habit — Orbit peppermint =/
Best of luck with your goals/ resolutions! I am a gum addict and probably could cut down myself [but I think that’s pretty doubtful] 😛
I’ve watched a few YouTube videos on my iPhone but usually when I’m at home or sitting down somewhere, don’t know if I could at the gym…
I am totally with you on that last one -- I do the same thing and gain and lose the same 5 pounds over and over. It’s a resolution of mine to stop that cycle as well! Best of luck to you in 2012 Sarah!!
I know about the yo-yo. Dieting sucks. I also feel like after I “diet” I gain weight back real quick. In fact, there are times when I bloat from not eating as much! Lifestyle clean eating is the way to go, with bits of indulgences every now and then.
I was totally addicted to that gum too! On top of chewing the whole pack in like 10 minutes, my teeth and jaw would hurt for days….good luck with your resolutions!
Sarah,
I know in a few of your videos you mention that you try to stay away from artifical sweeteners and I am trying to cut back myself. My question for you is have you noticed a difference in your body (weight, mood, fitness level) since you cut out fake sugars? Thanks!