The holidays are a wonderful time of year. It’s the time to see loved ones, catch up, and reminisce. The only problem is the inevitable stuffed mushroom, glass of champagne or iced gingerbread cookie that seems to have taken up permanent residence in your hand.

Now that the holidays are behind us, what better way to kick off the New Year than with a nice big green smoothie? Your body will thank you! 

Happy New Year note from Anna Meyers, an Integrative Nutrition graduate and Health Coach...

I always love the week before New Years. It’s like the eye of the storm.

Leading up to it, you have the joyful frenzy of the holidays – shopping, parties, family, cooking, and of course eating! On the other side, you have the New Year, a time when everyone whips into action and begins changing their lives for the better.

But during the last week of December, the world takes a breather. People rest and work is slow. There is a relaxed feeling almost everywhere you go. It is the perfect time to be pensive and restful.

Over the years, I have developed a tradition that helps me to focus my attention on the things that really matter to me.  This helps me go into the New Year with a fresh, focused, and calm direction. We so rarely get the chance to reflect, but this week is the perfect time.  Here are some simple ideas for making the most of this time.

Make a date with yourself.  Sometimes it feels like everyone wants a piece of you! That’s why it is so important to carve out some you-time. Go to a comfy café, curl up on your couch, or drive to a beautiful place. The point is to get away from the distractions, and declare that this is “me time.”

Reflect and write. Whether you keep a journal or use an old notebook, find your pen and begin to put your thoughts on paper. Start by reflecting on the past year. Think it through, month by month, noting all of the major events and their impact. Once you’ve reflected on your past year, take a few moments to focus on how you feel now. Write down your hopes, regrets, joys, and any emotions you feel. And then, the best part: begin to dream about your future. What wonderful things lie ahead of you? What do you want to accomplish? Write down your plans and your goals for 2011. No need to make promises to yourself. Just be honest about what you want. By setting your intention, you are much more likely to make your dreams a reality.

Choose a healthy New Year’s. Parties sure are fun, but my favorite New Year’s Eves have been the ones when I did something healthy and inspiring. Go to a midnight yoga class, make a healthy feast with friends, snuggle with your sweetie (pets count!), or simply get in bed early with a great book. When you wake up on the first morning of 2011, you will feel an inspiration and excitement that comes only with new beginnings that are healthy and happy.

It’s a pleasure to share my thoughts with you, and I hope you will take the time to reflect on you and your wonderful life. I’m wishing you joy and inspiration in the new year and always.

Cheers,

Anna