Welcome to Day 1!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have to be honest, I spent New Years Eve in Puerto Rico with my husband... so I pre wrote this blog just in case I was still sleeping when you were ready to get started. :)  Hey at least I am prepared and ready to help you and many others get going without delay.

So THANKS for coming back for our first day of the 2012 New Year - New You Challenge.  I am excited to have you and many others join me for 31 days.

First things first: Reach over and give yourself a pat on the back for actually returning today :)

Now back to business, each day will be divided into three sections;

Fitness, Food & Self Growth 

You can choose to do them all or one. Each tip includes an alternate option just in case. Be on the lookout for some extra tidbits.

READY - SET - LET'S GO! 

Fitness: Since most of us probably brought in the year in with a drink or two or six... Don't worry I'm not judging you.  Today's challenge is to drink 64 ounces of water, yes a gallon of water to flush out your system.  If you can get to a gym hop of the treadmill for at least 30 minutes and help sweat it out.  If you cant make it to the gym then try some of these detoxing yoga poses at home to help you wring it out.  Start with a sun salutation to get the blood following and then find yourself holding the following poses on each side for about 5-10 breaths. (Click the links for views and directions)

• Twisting Chair 
• Twisting Lunge (arm extended towards the ceiling)  You can also place the hand inside your leg.
• Twisting Prayer Lunge
• Seated Twist
• Laying Down Spinal Twist
• Lastly end with Legs up the Wall or up over the couch (Bolster optional)

Twisting poses are beneficial, B.K.S Iyengar refers to it as the  “squeeze and soak” action — in effect, squeezing the organs like a wet sponge, so that they expel old blood and allow fresh, richly oxygenated blood to take its place. Twists are also said to improve digestion and increase flexibility of the spine, shoulders and hips.

Food:  For a good hangover remedy if you have a juicer be sure to give this a try:

• 4 washed apples
• 1 - 1/2 inch piece of ginger root
• Half lemon peeled

For those with out a juicer consider eating these fruits or make a smoothie in the blender using:

• Bananas
• Peaches
• Grapes 
• Strawberries  

It is also nice to add vitamin supplements while making a smoothie. Not only do bananas, orange juice, milk and honey taste good, they also make good smoothies too. Mangoes, kiwis and blueberries make a nice sweet and tangy blend. Shakes and smoothies are highly recommended especially to those who feel like throwing up. 


You can also try making a pot of fresh ginger tea, its said to help cure the hair of the dog as well.  :) 

Self Growth:  Give yourself permission to get rid of something today. That's right throw at least one thing out today, yes today,,, day one of 2012 with one less thing that is collecting dust or that you're waiting around to come back in style, unless you are going vintage.  Most people wait until Spring to do "Spring Cleaning" of the house why not start today.  Go ahead get up go to the closet and see what you can do.  It will make you feel better and more open to clear up some clutter.

To get us ready for the rest of the week you have 1 homework assignment... don't worry its easy. Grab a note book or journal book you can carry with you all week long - yes take it with you to work etc. You will be journaling all week long beginning tomorrow.  I want you to write down what you eat from sun up to sun down, including your mood and portion size if you have that info.

That's it for Day 1!  Not to crazy and definitely something easy we all can do.

Have a great day and see you tomorrow for more.

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/listentothemountains/6421812485/