New Year, New You: It Can Start Today!
January 1st, 2026
Are you living your best life right now? If the answer is “not yet,” I have wonderful news: you can start today. I’m moving my “Best Life Now” series from Facebook to this blog so we can dive deeper together. We aren’t just making resolutions; we are embarking on an exciting journey to improve ourselves from the inside out.
Step 1: Start Where You Are
If weight loss is one of your goals—and it certainly is one of mine—go ahead and weigh yourself today. Don’t be afraid of the number! It is simply your starting point. Knowing where you begin gives you the power to see how far you’ll go.
Savor the Day (Yes, Even the New Year’s Meal!)
It’s New Year’s Day. You might have a traditional meal planned with bacon, desserts, and loved ones. Enjoy it. Part of living your best life is practicing a healthy mindset. Savor every bite and every conversation. We can still enjoy today while making small, powerful choices that kick-start our progress.
Simple Daily Habits for a Positive Change
Transformation doesn’t have to be complicated. After your holiday meal, let’s keep it simple with these foundational habits:
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Hydrate Often: Drink 3–4 large glasses of water today. Don’t gulp—just sip throughout the day to keep your body refreshed.
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Ditch Processed Foods: Focus on “clean eating” with lean proteins and low-carb vegetables.
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Soak Up the Sun: Get outside for even 5 minutes. Breathe the fresh air and feel the sun on your skin.
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Walk for Heart Health: Walking is a gift to your heart. Aim for 5 minutes, three times today. Even walking in front of the TV counts!
Inspiration Corner: My husband, Billy, has his treadmill set up in his workshop and walks a mile every single day. He even made his own weights! Seeing his dedication reminds me that we can all find a way to move more.
A Simple Daily Meal Plan
If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, don’t overthink it! Here is a simple, delicious way to eat:
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Morning: Scrambled eggs or a hearty omelet.
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Lunch: Greek yogurt with fruit or a crisp salad (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing).
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Supper: Roasted or grilled chicken/beef with low-carb veggies (zucchini, broccoli, cabbage steaks, or green beans).
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Evening Snack: Cottage cheese or a piece of fresh fruit.
Sweet Potatoes: The Ultimate Superfood
If you have a craving for something sweet, reach for a sweet potato. They are low-glycemic, high-fiber, and absolute powerhouses of nutrition.
Just one baked sweet potato contains 400% of your Vitamin A requirement and more potassium than a banana! Since Billy’s heart surgery, we’ve made these a staple in our home. They satisfy your sweet tooth, digest slowly, and keep your stamina up for hours.
Pro Tip: I keep pre-baked sweet potatoes in the fridge. They are just as delicious cold as they are hot!
Mindset: Noticing Our Blessings
To live your best life, you must train your mind to see the beauty around you. Try these four things today:
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Notice the beauty of the sun.
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Look for shapes in the clouds.
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Watch the birds and squirrels enjoying their “meal” on the ground.
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Listen to the sounds of life—birds chirping or a distant dog bark—and realize what a blessing it is to hear and see these things.
Looking Ahead to Valentine’s Day
Think about it—Valentine’s Day isn’t that far away! What a beautiful gift of love to yourself to feel lighter, stronger, and more vibrant by then.
We are so blessed. As we journey together, let’s remember the words of Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
I am on this journey with you, and I am praying for our success. Let’s make the rest of our lives the best of our lives!