A Healthier Us...

For someone who doesn't believe in New Year's Resolutions, this year is going to be a doozy. After some serious, honest, heartfelt conversation (and yes, there may have been some crying), Mike and I have decided to make some changes in our lives. While getting pregnant continues to be a goal for us, we have realized that we would like to bring a child into a far healthier home and lifestyle than the one we currently have.

Better eating, more exercise, quitting smoking (for Mike, anyway)...

As for better eating, my big focus is going to be on buying far less processed foods. I am guilty of running a "boxed foods" kitchen ever since I've lived alone. Hamburger helper, canned soup, and macaroni and cheese have been staples. I send Mike to work with frozen meals for lunch. While this may have saved a small amount of time and $$$, I think we've been suffering in other ways, namely sodium intake and over-eating. I plan to attack this goal through regular meal planning, sticking to the shopping lists, and "Shopping the Sides". I refuse to be totally unrealistic, though. I will continue to have a small amount of snacks in the house, because total denial leads to binging hardcore.

We haven't talked much about the exercise aspect of our little plan yet. I attend a twice-weekly water aerobics class and am committing myself to working harder during each class. We have talked about going to a gym together...making that our evening routine rather than the current one of sitting in front of the TV for hours when nothing is on...but we have yet to explore how to make that fit into our budget and also have it be convenient enough that we'll stick to it.

Now, Mike quitting smoking...I'm a little nervous. He's going to the doctor today and wants to ask him about Chantix and other stop-smoking methods. I'm all for finding ways to support stopping, but I've heard some bad things about the drugs they use. Depression, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts...this is bad news. I would love for him to quit smoking, be healthier, and smell better, but I don't want to lose the man that I love so much. I'm very fearful of what his quitting will do to his personality and our relationship. I've always been one to say that it has to be his decision and that I will support him no matter what, so we'll see how it works out. I'm secretly hoping that the doctor advises him against drugs and to try good ole' fashion will power.

Anyway...wish us luck!!!