New Year’s Day: It never fails to evoke feelings of hope and renewal, but is it really a trap? You’ve been handed a proverbial clean slate; another chance to shrug off your bad habits and reach for your dreams. In an attempt to bottle New Year’s vigor, you’ll make a few New Year’s resolutions. But before you put pen to paper, you ought to know this: It has been reported that 92 percent of all New Year’s resolutions end in failure. Who would take time to make resolutions when failure is imminent? Yes, most people fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions; however, I am going to clue you in on what the 92 percent do wrong and teach you what the 8 percent who succeed do right.First up, the 92 percent who failed. These well-meaning folks shared a common mistake that put a nail in their coffin before they’d even begun. They bit off more than they could chew. In all the excitement of becoming a better person and changing their life, they made the crucial mistake of committing to do too much. But reality set in – a few weeks or even days into a reformed life – and they gave up. The 92 percent gave themselves an easy way out. They approached their resolution with an “all or nothing” attitude. Once the “all” became too tough, they opted for “nothing.” And just like that, another resolution ended in failure – end of story.Now let’s examine the 8 percent who succeed with their resolutions. The key to their success is simple. They set realistic goals. Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds by June, they commit to exercise three to four times each week. Instead of resolving to give up all carbs, they commit to bring healthy snacks to work instead of eating from the vending machine. Instead of resolving to drop three sizes in three months, they commit to losing 1 pound each week until they reach their desired size. Instead of resolving to never eat out again, they commit to eating healthy all week and rewarding themselves with one meal out on the weekends.If you want a resolution to stick, think of something simple and realistic. Sure, it certainly won’t sound as cool as the resolutions that the 92 percent make, but they aren’t going to keep theirs anyway. Remember that the whole point of making a New Year’s resolution is to become a healthier, happier and more successful person. Small, consistent changes will make a big difference. If your New Year’s resolution has to do with losing weight and getting into great shape (and whose isn’t?) then guarantee your success by working with a fitness expert who can show you the ropes and guide you to success.www.perfectfitwc.comRECIPE OF THE MONTHEat-Your-Spinach FrittataThis recipe is a great way to eat more spinach – and we all know how that turned out for Popeye. Frittatas make a great dinner, so don’t limit this as a breakfast food. The key to making a low-fat, high-protein frittata is to replace most of the eggs with egg whites, as this recipe calls for. Servings: 4Here’s what you need …1 teaspoon olive oil1 teaspoon minced garlic4 cups baby spinach leaves3 whole eggs, plus 4 egg whites1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper1/2 sweet onion, chopped1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced2 red potatoes, peeled and shredded1/4 cup shredded low fat mozzarellaPreheat the broiler and position the rack about 4 inches from the top. In a large nonstick frying pan (with a flameproof handle, since this is going in the oven) heat 1/2 teaspoon of oil on medium heat. Add the garlic and sautÈ until soft, about 1 minute. Stir in the spinach and cook until it is wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set the frying pan aside.In a bowl whisk together the eggs and egg whites, salt and pepper. Set aside.Put the frying pan back on medium heat and add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of oil. Add the onion and sautÈ until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper and potatoes and cook until the potatoes are browned, about 5 minutes.Spread the potato mixture to an even layer in the pan. Spread the spinach over it, then pour the eggs on and sprinkle with the cheese. Cook until slightly set, about 3 minutes. Place the pan under the broiler until the frittata is browned and completely set, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 176 calories, 6g fat, 16g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 12g protein.
