Do you ever feel like you’re constantly behind in life?
Who am I kidding? We all feel that way most of the time. The older you get, the more responsibilities you have, and the more responsibilities you have, the more you need to be what they call an “adult” and prioritize, AND the more your prioritize certain things, the more other things go on the back burner and become the “I’ll get back to that when I have the time” things. Such is life.
I’m fairly certain that the last time I didn’t feel behind was in 6th grade where the most stressful thing on my agenda was choreographing my Bryan Adams lip synching skit for the talent show. (Yes, that happened. It was a “dramatic interpretation of the hit ballad “Everything I Do, I Do it for You,” and I absolutely received a standing ovation).
Anyway, here we are in the second week of January, and I have yet to get started on formulating my New Year’s Resolutions. I realize that resolutions aren’t for everyone, but, if you haven’t noticed from some of my posts, my life has been a bit out of sorts for the last few months. I could definitely use an excuse to start getting my s*** together.
Alas, I find myself behind. I’m not ready to put the pen to the paper yet, so instead, I’ve been packing my Pinterest board with healthy recipes, workouts, organizational ideas and other items that will help me be a better “me” in 2014.
According to a Harris Poll, here are the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Americans:
None of these resolutions are too surprising, and I myself identify with each and every one of them, except for #1 and #7. In fact, I’m sure they’ll be on my list in some shape or form. So, in the spirit of the most common resolutions, this “Things I’m Loving” Edition is dedicated to items geared towards helping us out in these ever-popular self-improvement categories. Get ready to “Pin” away!
Let’s start with my favorite resolution of all….
EAT HEALTHIER:
Currently drooling over…these Skinny Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars from my girl, Sally. I’m all about reinventing sweets with a healthy twist. There’s something deliciously satisfying about taking something as sinful as cheesecake and making it Sometimes Healthy. Sally’s Baking Addiction is always featuring something mouthwatering, so I was delighted to see this creamy, chocolate chip treat featured in the new year…oh yeah, and it’s only 128 calories.
Currently planning to cook up…this quick and easy recipe courtesy of Gwyneth Paltrow, via SELF Magazine. I’m not even sure I like Gwyneth, but this recipe is just too simple to pass up. It’s actually my go-to recipe whenever I’m looking for a no-frills healthy dinner. There are only a few ingredients, but the sriracha sauce, lime, cilantro and maple syrup combine for a subtle, yet incredibly layered and flavorful dish.
Currently craving…these Black Bean and Butternut Squash Quesadillas. Mexican food is a Sometimes Healthy favorite, so I love when I find recipes that are healthifying the Mexican classics.
Currently wondering why I never thought about making this nutrient-packed breakfast: Eggs baked in avocado. Take avocado, scoop out a bit, crack egg inside, sprinkle with salt n’ pepper, bake for 15 minutes. Breakfast is the most important meal of your day, so you might as well start it out with a bunch of protein and healthy fats.
Currently missing my old friend Mr. Spaghetti Squash, so I must bake up this fabulous dish from SkinnyTaste. There is a spaghetti squash hanging out in my refrigerator just waiting to be transformed into a Lasagne Boat. Let’s be honest: there will never be an adequate replacement for real pasta, but spaghetti squash is a nice alternative! The whole recipe is under 300 calories.
Currently printing out this handy dandy list of 55 Healthy Snacks Under 200 Calories. If you’re a snacker like me, then you can definitely use this list to kick-start 2014 with healthy snacks.
Of course, eating healthy is only half the battle, you must also…
EXERCISE MORE:
Currently thinking about attacking this countdown workout. I’m a huge fan of countdown circuit workouts, as I find they fly by much faster than those that use a timer…but this one seems like quite a challenge. No equipment required so I can take this baby anywhere!
Currently crushing this bootcamp workout. PB Fingers is my favorite blogger of all time and the person who inspired me to start blogging. I love her approach to fitness and always enjoy her workouts. This bootcamp workout has it all!
Currently dreaming up kettlebell workouts using this comprehensive list. I can’t get enough of the kettlebell, and I love how this list breaks down all of the key exercises.
Currently motivating myself to get off the couch after writing this post to do this at-home workout. No equipment required. I have no excuse.
Of course, we can find all the best workouts in the world, but really, without a bit of gumption, they’ll just sit on our Pinterest boards untouched, so here is some…
MOTIVATION: (Resolutions #3, #6 and #9)
Source: ME
And finally, the reason that more than half of Americans fail to keep up these resolutions is really due to a lack of something so simple, yet so complex…
ORGANIZATION:
Start small with this insightful post about ways to declutter your day. Small tips that can make a big difference.
If you hate cleaning as much as I do, this printable checklist might make it seem a bit more manageable/help you procrastinate a little less.
If you hate saving money almost as much as you hate cleaning, consider this simple way to save $1000 in 2014. I hope to save much more than this in 2014, but putting small amounts of money in a jar is so easy, you might as well just do it. Simply print out the template, plop it on a mason jar and deposit 3 bucks (for the first two weeks in January).
And finally, if you’re looking to overhaul every area of your life (because, why not? it’s a new year, new you), you should definitely reference this infographic on “How to Be the Most Organized Person in the World”
Last, but CERTAINLY not least, if you are like me and tend to surf Pinterest for ways to become a “better you” rather than sit down and create a plan of attack for your New Year’s Resolutions, you should definitely check out my best friend, Michelle’s, new blog: Properly Modern. She recently posted some great tips for resolution-making, and they might be just what you need to put that pen to the paper!
With that, I’m off to start the day! Of course, I took a bit too long on this post, so I’m already behind. Sigh.
YOUR TURN:
Please, share your New Year’s Resolutions. I need some help!
Feel free to include links to new workouts, healthy recipes that are inspiring you in the new year!
SO much great information here haha! I definitely have seen those cheesecake bars on Pinterest and have been drooling over them. Love these organization tips as well!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye recently posted…Marvelous In My Monday
Love everything featured today! Especially how to be the most organized person in the world. Improving my organization is on my NY resolution list. Thank you for linking to my cheesecake bars!
Yum! I’m pinning the cheesecake bars and spaghetti squash lasagna recipes for later 🙂
Whew! So much info! The egg inside an avocado has been circulating on my facebook newsfeed lately and I HAVE to try it out!!! And that organization info graphic, oh my goodness, that was overwhelming, I need to re-read it a few times to make sure I got all of its tips!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…MaxFlow: Review & Giveaway
I’m not even sure what to comment on – seriously, you gave all of us so many awesome recipe ideas & information in general! I really love the under 200 calorie snack photo – esp. how it’s broken down.
I actually don’t believe in NY Resolutions. However, I do give myself a goal every month to achieve. Just seems to keep me on track.
Hope you’re having a fabulous start to the week, girl
xxo
Jessie recently posted…MIMM: Cheesy Crab & Egg Waffles