February - heart month

This month's goals are very doable (for once I was not pie in the sky). My diet goal is replacement drinks for soda. My exercise goal is 10 minutes of exercise (2x5 min sessions). My health goal is to keep track of my blood pressure. I read some alarming research in the paper about high blood pressure linked to dementia and other brain issues. I am, if nothing, very cerebral and to lose any function of my brain scares me.

January's successes (and failures)-
I had 2 successful week's of trying new breakfast recipes. I planned the third week, but didn't try the recipes. The last week of January I actually skipped breakfast 3 days! What is that? I must say the oatmeal recipe was the biggest success. Another success was moving my veggie and fruit smoothie for my morning snack. My body seems to love this snack, and I know it is so good for me (how else would I get spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and fruits before lunch). I am satisfied with this month, and I am not going to beat myself up for being less than perfect (another issue I need to work on). I will focus on having breakfast daily!

As for exercise, I did not take 5 minutes of exercise that seriously. I do want to be more specific in my 10 goal.

I did EXCELLENT on flossing my teeth every night. This easy goal is important for my health on a number of levels and I am glad that I did well. I will continue this habit.

February ideas:
The goal this month is to focus on drinks other than soda. I can't think of any redeeming qualities of soda (other than caffiene). However, I love to have an afternoon caffiene pick up. It seems the obvious replacement would be tea, however if I add too much sugar than is it an improvement? I need to do some research on this to make a good decision. This week I will brew tea for the fridge and use agave nectar, but will try new ideas next week.

I need to firm up on the exercise goals. I want two different sessions (AM and PM) with specific goals. I am thinking one session that combines anaerobic (muscle building moves) with aerobics. I have some exercises in a cooking light, or prevention magazine that I will try. As for the other session, I want to stretch and work on flexibility. I will update next week with more specifics.

This behavioral goal of taking my blood pressure might be my most important goal this month. I do not need to create new charts as I have some already made. I just need to have data to share with my Dr. in April. If I need to go on medication (which I haven't so far due to dietary changes), I want good data to support this decision. I also want to start taking supplements again this month. Definitely fish oil, and other important nutrients I was taking before.

Well, month ready, goals set, let's go!