2014 New Year, Fresh Start

Happy New Year!

For me, 2013 was the year of growth and challenges. I made the decision to pursue my passion for nutrition through graduate school which was an entire gear switch from my undergraduate studies. It was challenging to become a scientist after political and linguistic focus and I admit I was not fully prepared for the onslaught of organic and biochemistry. But it remains one of the best choices I have made for myself and I'm proud of what I accomplished in one year's passing. I've learned a vast amount, and I simply cannot put a price on that.

With the turn of the new year, I carefully sculpted out my new goals and aspirations which erupted in a buzzing excitement and personal drive that I suspect will not wane anytime soon. One of my biggest changes implemented is to get back to the very basics of a healthy lifestyle. After some bouts with systemic inflammation, psoriasis, and regularly consuming too many processed foods, I knew I was drifting a substantial distance from my personal ideals about food and nutrition. This year, I've begun a healing, anti-inflammatory plant based diet that has already done wonders for my small spots of psoriasis (they've all but disappeared after not budging for a few weeks). My overall health plan, in five points:

• More vegan dishes, mainly plant based diet
• Little, to no meat and dairy, moderate fish intake.
• Very limited processed food products and refined sugar
• Weekly Yoga, meditation, and positive affirmations
• No alcohol consumption, save special occasions

I've been in the kitchen doing some mad-science (cooking and making massive messes) and am excited to share my new approach to whole nutritious plant foods with all of you. Additionally, I've received many kind emails and comments regarding the blog that have really reignited the spark for fresh new content. I want to thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown me--I appreciate you all very much and thank you for your patience on the downtime during my studies. An inspiring quote I came across that I find potent and vital to remember this year: "Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you." - Unknown. Remember that only you have the power to make your year the year you wish it to be. With love and health, I wish you a happy and extraordinary 2014.

A New Leaf

I want to talk a little candid today.

I have a bone to pick. With myself. Too often in the past, I've only used the new year opportunity to make resolutions. But I really have to be honest here. Sometimes I'm not too thrilled with some of my habits and the way I've been operating as of late.

In the past, despite having some existing health issues, I've been content to indulge in some unhealthy habits such as bumming the occasional cigar from a friend, having that extra cocktail to take the edge off a long week at the office, and simply wishing some things would magically change without me having to do anything to make that happen. I'm calling foul on myself here and taking the big step out of a rut I've been sitting in for awhile. Why is it so easy to know what's healthy but still choosing a road that might not reflect that? I'm not saying I or anyone else has to be perfect in this regard, but some indulgences I think I'd be much better off without.

Health and well-being is more than just eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. I've been turning a blind eye to some of the other aspects of my life that need some streamlining and balance, so I'm not waiting for the new year to turn over a new leaf. No matter how cliche it might sound, now is always the right time. I'm challenging myself to break some bad habits for good. Here are my goals:

1. Choosing the career path that best reflects my passions.
2. Saying NO to overindulging in unhealthy distractions.
3. Turning off the cable TV and getting a move on! I have a nasty habit of plopping down on the cushy couch after work and blaming it on the imaginary force field which sucks me into the slump. It's not my fault, right!?....Wrong.
4. Getting it organized to make it a reality. I've got some big ideas floating around in my head, but that's a big problem. They're just floating there. Writing them down, planning them out, and making it happen isn't going to happen on it's own. There's no better time than the here and now.
5. Practicing Mind, Body, and Spirit. Cranking up the green juices, healing smoothies, yoga, meditation, and brain exercises is happening, starting now. In the words of the powerful Kris Carr, "What we Eat, Drink, and Think matters."

Along with some personal changes I'll be making, there will be some changes here on the blog. What's older on the site is going to be new and fresh, with some updated content and new photography. Be sure to check back in my older posts to see some new stuff. It feels great to make some resolutions because of myself instead of a new year. There's no better reason if you ask me. Health is wealth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two Thousand Twelve

[caption id="attachment_531" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Let your little light shine a little brighter this year![/caption]

 I'm not one to dwell on the past at the start of this year, so I'll start right off charging full speed ahead. We kicked the year off right and I'm so excited to see what it holds in store for us all. Good things are ahead, I can feel it.

This is the first year I've actually written down physically on a piece of paper my aspirations for the new year. I've hung the page in the apartment where I can see it each day of the year as a reminder to stay on track. Here's a few of my favorite points from the page I wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wishing you a bright, magical 2012.

Remember this year, that you are much stronger than you know.

My new favorite toast of 2012 that I shared with Yan on New Year's Eve:

A toast to many things".