Green Resolutions for 2009

It's that time of year again to ponder our lives and determine the track we want to follow for the year. For many, that means looking at those bulges hiding beneath our reindeer sweaters. Stop dreaming of yourself in a bikini or with someone in a bikini and take action! The time is now...the clock is ticking and we are not getting any younger!

As we all know, there are no shortcuts to losing weight. I am still hopeful that someone will invent a pill or drink that can make me forever youthful and a size 4. But let's be real here. Time to cut back on our consumption....a novel idea on a green blog!

I think the key to dieting is not dieting; it's about changing the way you look at food. Food is merely meant to serve as fuel for the body, not as a friend, a source of pleasure or a way of dealing with drama or depression. If you are using food in this way, go to Weight Watchers, a shrink or even a dieting chat room.

There is no true "green" diet. Eating green is more about eating natural vs. processed and adding organics whenever possible. This in conjunction with portion control will not only take off pounds but make you healthier too. Whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits and veggies are where it's at. If it doesn't grow or live on this planet, don't eat it. Sorry but there is no Doritos bush in South America!

True greenies usually don't eat meat. Particularly beef. Not only are the meat processing facilities vile, but beef contributes hugely to the carbon found in the atmosphere. Plus many animals are given antibiotics and GMOs too so what goes in their bellies finds its way into ours. Yuck. Personally, I am a fan of the free range, antibiotic-free chicken for my protein.

Fish is great but in small quantities. The actor Jeremy Piven recently quit his Broadway gig last week when his twice daily sushi diet resulted on toxic mercury poisoning. Yes the Omega-3s are great but don't go crazy.

Diet alone is not the way to go. For overall health, you need to move that behind!Thinking about a new gym? If you can still afford one, Equinox Fitness is great and in the process of going green, big time. Need to exercise on a budget? Easy. Buy a new pair of sneaks and hit the road, literally. Get a friend, sister, neighbor in tow and start running, cycling or walking regularly.

A happy lifestyle for 2009 is created as a result of a healthy life. Smoking, drinking in excess, eating tons of sugar and not exercising will lead you right to fat, disease and even depression. It seems fun at the time but you will pay in the long run.

Put on those sneaks and get out there!