Honest Resolutions for 2018

Every year I compile a general list of resolutions: focus on priorities, find balance, spend quality time with family, implement clean eating and simple living. While these are real resolutions, they are very broad. This year I wanted to create an honest list of resolutions, well thought out goals that require my focus and dedication all year long.

Eat a Plant Based Diet.
This is a resolution that has carried over from last year. I always focus on incorporating as many fruits and vegetables into our diet as I can since we know that eating a variety of phytonutrients is key to a healthy life. This past year I noticed my meat intake gradually increasing and I can tell my body functions better when I eat mostly veggies, lots of greens and small amounts of meat. We are now focusing on plant based meals that contain a range of protein, vitamins and minerals and occasionally adding a small portion of meat.

Reduce My Carbon Footprint.
There are so many small steps that be taken to reduce our carbon footprint on this earth. For me, the biggest challenge is cutting out to-go coffee cups. Having a daily coffee while out and about is definitely my weakness, but I am trying my best to make my afternoon coffee at home and save those purchases for special occasions. Besides the waste I am producing from all those accumulated coffee cups, I am also consuming coffee that is not organic or fair-trade. Did you know, unlike conventional coffee, organic coffee does not promote deforestation. In fact, it aids in the conservation of wildlife, birds, vegetation, and the prevention of soil erosion and diseases.

We have also pledged to cut out plastic bags. I keep a large sack in my car that is filled with cloth bags of all different sizes and those are what I’ll use when I go shopping. Other plastics we are trying our best to avoid include: plastic straws, water bottles, produce bags, packaging and toys.

With the kids involved in so many activities, cutting back on driving isn’t much of a choice for me. But, I can be more conscious of my purchases and try my best to reduce and recycle.

Teach My Son to Keep a Food Journal.
I can’t even begin to stress how important a food journal is for anyone who suffers with IBD. I am constantly referring back to our journal from one, two and even three years ago. As a parent, I’m able to keep detailed records of the foods my son eats, his symptoms, exercise, doctor appointments and more. But I can’t write his food journal forever. It’s imperative that I teach him the skills to document his own journey with Crohn’s disease. He has started using the app My Fitness Pal to keep track of his calorie intake; it’s important he understand that if he burns so many calories in soccer than he needs to consume that amount in calories so he doesn’t run out of energy or struggle with weight gain, a concern for several kids with Crohn’s. In addition to the app, it’s great to have a hardcopy journal to reference. With the start of a new year, we are starting a new journal and my son is responsible for tracking his food this time around. I just ordered this journal from The Food Diary Co. and we can’t wait to get journaling.

Get My House in Order.
I can’t stand clutter and prefer a minimalistic life, yet it seems I can never ever achieve these goals. I feel like my home is always cluttered, it’s always a mess and if someone just popped on over I would be embarrassed by its current state. Please say I am not alone!

This is the year I am finally getting it together. We’re clearing the clutter, getting rid of everything we don’t need or use and becoming more conscious about the purchases we make. This past year has been very eye opening for me, I found myself wanting more and more. I think it’s fair to say that we live in a materialistic society that is drenched in consumerism. But my home doesn’t need any more material objects, our closets are filled, the storage is filled, the garage is filled. This is the year to focus on less in order to gain more. Rather than material objects, I would like to focus on adventure, travel and memory making.

I could certainly add to this list, but I figure this is a great place to start. What are some of your goals and resolutions for the New Year?