Don't go mental

Being in the early days of 2012 there is alot of concern about new years resolutions and starting out as a healthier, better fitter, thinner you... Everywhere you look is a new diet or a new exercise plan - gym memberships suddenly boom in early January. Its all a bit old though and taking on too much or starting some insane diet is never really the answer. How many people have forgotten about their gym membership or given up their diet by early February? Quite a few I rekon...  Thats why anything extreme and unattainable is just stupid!! I sometimes start to feel a bit crazy and google bikini body plans or something like that only to be advised to spend 3 weeks merely eating chicken breast and steamed vegetables to lean out. But what would be the point in losing 10lbs in a few weeks by eating in an insane/unhappy/abnormal way. Who would care and what would happen when I returned to eating pasta again, which I would, obviously, because the rest of my existence would be so miserable on such a controlled and boring regime. 

So my point really is that new years shouldn't symbolise the beginning of an extreme detox or diet but just a healthier lifestyle. Small changes and long term goals are what its all about. 

The best thing I did for myself - body and soul in 2011 was my half marathon. It sounded like a ridiculously massive task after my first 10minute run, which was pretty hideous to be honest but it just took small steps and some will power, also something I didn't really think I had... 

...But it was so worth it! I've never felt more smug (sorry to sound smug). So my ideas and intentions for 2012, although pretty optimistic, aren't about punishing myself and becoming a certain way. I want to get back to running and sort out my knee because I love running and not doing it makes me feel like i'm failing and those same 4 walls of the gym make me a little insane. I want to breathe fresh air and be on my own when I exercise. I'm going to try and make healthy choices and all that business because I feel better when I am. 

What I'm saying really is there is no need to go mental just because its January. So what if you ate too many mince pies and didn't do much other than lift mince pies to your mouth over Christmas. There is no need to take it out on yourself. Just relax a bit and find something that you love thats good for you, or not, just something that makes you feel good, then do it.