January 2010 - Vol 5 Issue 1

Start a Healthy Habit
Simple tips for a healthier 2010
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.

The beginning of a new year is full of hope. With 12 months stretched before you the possibilities for growth and improvement are endless. For many, however, the idea of making major life changes is scary. That's one reason New Year’s resolutions are so prone to failure. We have the best intentions, but our goals can be overwhelming. The key to success is taking baby steps that will put you on the right path toward health and happiness. So, I’m sharing the following simple suggestions for incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine, starting with the winning tip from December's Contest of the Month.

WINNING ENTRY - Make Time for Music

“No matter how blue, or sad, or depressed I feel, I find magic in music: I listen to it, dance to it, work out along with it, and it lifts my spirits. The best part is music is always with me: I can hum or sing the songs I love and it costs me nothing. I look forward with anticipation to the uplifting beat of the Latin music each week during Zumba dancing. I find myself smiling when listening to sweet, soft music to accompany my yoga and Pilates practices. And my heart soars when my husband sings his little 'hummy tune' as we're walking outside each morning. There's magnificence in music in the best of times, and magic in music in the most difficult of times.” – “Circle of Health” Reader, Daphne Rice

Bravo Daphne! I couldn’t have said it any better, and I definitely agree that music has the ability to heal, soothe, and energize. To incorporate music into your routine:

• Keep an MP3 player in your purse, so you can listen while running errands or waiting in line.


• Unwind at work by keeping a radio at your desk, or accessing music online.


• Install a radio or MP3 player in your kitchen to wake you up as you pack the kids’ lunches or enjoy your breakfast.


• Use the preset stations on your car radio, so you always have variety while you’re on the go.

Allow Yourself Daily Indulgences

Do you save the good linens for company? Are you watching your budget so closely that you only buy the bare necessities? Living only for the future can take a toll on your present state of mind. It is great to save for special occasions, or manage your money so that you aren’t in financial ruins, but there is a point where you have to ask yourself if you are really living. Everyone deserves at least one daily luxury, and it doesn’t need to be expensive to qualify. Try these tips for every budget:

Under $50


• Set up a home spa. Replace your old showerhead with a new multi-jetted model, so that every shower is a relaxing experience. Or, invest in a comfy bath pillow or mat, so you can lounge in the tub in complete comfort.

Under $10

• Enjoy a daily treat. Indulge in a decadent piece of chocolate like Adora Calcium or a soothing cup of tea. You can stock up on a one-month supply of either for less than 25 cents per day.

Tap Into Your Creativity

My husband recently told me that he just isn’t creative. An hour later I found him in the kitchen combining a unique mix of vegetables and spices in a dish I would have never thought to prepare. Creativity is what makes us individuals. And, we ALL have creative talents. Once you’ve uncovered your own creative talents there’s no stopping you. Here are some suggestions:

• Make your home truly yours. Hang family photos, paint the walls your favorite colors, or even just rearrange the furniture in a manner that best fits your lifestyle to make your space more “you”. Many of the changes you make will only cost you your time, but you’ll reap the rewards daily.


• Uncover a new passion. Some of us cook because we have to. But, others cook because they love the joy of their delicious creations. If you’ve never experimented in the kitchen, give healthy cooking a shot. If cooking isn’t your thing, there are literally hundreds of other activities that can give you more zest for life. Try starting a yoga practice, learning to paint, writing a blog, or playing interactive video games with your kids – such healthy activities will motivate you to improve your body and your mind.  

Put Health On Your “To Do” List

Above all else, be sure to make health a priority. When you fully-embrace the impact that good health has on your overall happiness, it is easier to make healthy habits stick. Ultimately, the positive changes you make in 2010 will provide benefits for years to come. 

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL READERS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN LAST MONTH’S CONTEST! Although we only had one winner, all of your suggestions were great.

Don’t forget to enter January’s Contest of the Month.

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