Food for Thought : Take Small Steps

January is half over and many of us have let our New Year's resolutions slid a bit. While about half of us make resolutions, only about 8 percent actually achieve their goals. Most resolutions focus on weight, fitness, overall health or self-improvement. Reasons for not achieving these goals are many, but most of the time it is because we try to change too much of our current lifestyle too quickly. As with any challenge, it is important to start off slow and measure achievements in small steps. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay on a healthy path for 2015:

1 .     Wear a pedometer. You don't have to spend a whole lot of money on one, but don't go for the cheapest option either. You can get a quality pedometer for about $20. Make sure to calibrate it for your stride. Those who wear a pedometer and monitor their steps each day walk an average of one mile more than those who do not. A healthy goal is 10,000 steps per day.

2 .     Always opt for water. Whether you are eating at home or at a restaurant, always have water with your meals. Keep water with you at all times.

3 .      Make fish a part of your meals at least twice a week. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines and albacore tuna are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

4 .      Make sure you are getting 8 hours of sleep each night. Studies have shown that you really do need that much sleep per night. Getting adequate sleep not only helps you feel better, but it also can decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease, and boost your memory.

Words  of  Wisdom :

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

A proud grandpa     G.