start with a smoothie

Well, we are over two weeks into the new year already, how is everyone doing on their resolutions? Eating more veggies? Exercising everyday? Meditating? If you are feeling overwhelmed with a big goal you've set for yourself, you're not alone. I used to do it every year. Make huge unrealistic new year's resolutions like lose ten pounds, run five times a week, or be strictly vegan. Let me tell you, the bigger the goal, the further it is out of reach. I've decided to try something new this year.

I have been very specific with my goal, what it is and why I want it. I have visualized it, putting myself in the position that I want to be in and imagined what it looks and feels like. I have put together a list of things that I can do to achieve my goal, including why, what, where, when and who. And I have even put together a list of obstacles that will inevitably interfere with my goal and a plan for what to do when faced with these obstacles. This way my goal is more than just a general direction that can be easily pushed off course, it is a plan for action.

And it doesn't have to be big! I have two very specific new years resolutions; to be free of my "mindless snacking while studying" habit, and to floss my teeth everyday (okay, not everyday, lets be realistic here). I have made lists of obstacles and a plan for action. The visualization has helped me the most so far, now that I know what it feels like to have achieved my goal (or at least what I think it feels like) I am much more aware when I am doing something that isn't taking me in that direction. I won't bore you with the details because they are very, well, detailed.

Monstrous kale in my sister-in-law's garden on Maui

But I do have some advice for a more common goal that I'm sure many people have resolved to stick to this year: how to incorporate more veggies into your diet. My advice? Start with a smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to get your greens because 1) you can have it for breakfast, first thing in the morning and 2) it doesn't even taste like veggies! I have found that sneaking some veggies in first thing in the morning is the best way to meet your quota because by the time lunch rolls around you are ready for something savory, which means more veggies!

tropical morning smoothie

• frozen strawberries
• frozen banana
• fresh papaya
• coconut milk
• at least two big leaves of curly kale
• a sprinkle of crunchy granola on top

I have one more thing I want to add about new year's resolutions. They don't have start on January 1st. This just seems to be a popular time for people to set goals for themselves. The reality? Making healthy changes can be done any time of the year, any day of the week. It is always a good idea and it is always a good time to start. "New year's resolution" is just a label, don't think you can't start today, or tomorrow, or just... with a smoothie.