As many, I start the new year, vowing to make healthy changes in my life. I made good strides in 2012, but by fall was falling back into my old habits and by the end of the year I had gained most of what I had lost through the year, back.

This year one new thing I've decided is to remove negative or drama seeking people from my life. I am a poslitve person and I found that many friends were draining my energy and focus. So that is one change I'm making. I need to take care of me first. I'm sorry if that sounds selfish, but if I don't take care of me, who will???

Second, I plan to really plan my meals and watch my calorie intake. Planning helps me to stay on course and helps ward off those nights of coming in from work tired and hungry and grabbing the first thing I find. It might not be that unhealthy, but mindless eating can add up quickly!

Thirdly, I want to get to a point I'm getting in at least 30 mins. of exercise EVERY DAY! I have a gym at my workplace so I plan to do 15 mins in the AM and 15 in the afternoon, that's doable!

These are small steps, but one day it occured to me. Pounds are like snow flakes, one alone doesn't make a difference, but many together can transform a rough and unsightly landscape into something truely breath taking!

I'm hoping for a blizzard this year!!