Clichés get a bad reputation.

No one likes hearing them, and they are usually cringe-inducing. But I’m here to tell you to embrace them. Well, actually, I’m just here to tell you to embrace one of them.

The New Year’s Resolution

What a brilliant cliché. The idea that the flip of a calendar from one year to the next will kick us out of the funk; the idea that we’ll be so filled with ambition and willpower that we can take on the world (or just drop those pesky last 10 pounds—actually 20 pounds, but don’t tell anyone). What a fantastic concept, and one that I latched onto two years ago.

It’s been, hands down, the best two years of my life, so I can say firsthand how much a good New Year’s resolution can change life for the better.

But what makes a good resolution? Here are four ways to break away from the clichés and achieve your New Year’s goals:

Stay away from the clichés. Yes, I’m aware I just told you to embrace them, but, come on. You can’t use a cliché cliché. That’s just bad form. Make it fun. Spice it up a little. Don’t just resolve to “lose weight;” promise yourself you’ll go to Halloween party in 10 months dressed as Mario Lopez. Don’t say you’re going to start running; vow to do a half-marathon by September. Make it a pipedream–a realistic pipedream–and surround yourself with people who will be there to support. In two weeks, you’ll forget that you promised to count calories, but the dream of that marathon you’ve been putting off for a few years will stick with you.

Make it a game. Reward yourself when you do well, kick your own butt when you don’t, and keep statistics. The best part of games is seeing how much you can improve yourself. And be meticulous. Take pictures, track workouts, break your cigarettes in creepy voodoo ceremonies. Whatever you need to do to make it fun, do it.

You should also sign up for the San Diego Resolution Run 5K & 15K, “Be Drastic”, “Stick to It” and read the rest of this article HERE

As researchers take a closer look at the environmental impact of eating locally, however, more nuanced positions emerge. Some challenge the premise that more food miles automatically means greater fossil fuel consumption, arguing that other production factors–water use, harvesting techniques, means of transportation and the kinds of fuel used in transport–must be taken into account.

Admittedly, eating locally is a complex issue and, ultimately, a personal choice. But there is one point not up for debate: Fresh tastes best. Because community farmers don’t have to worry about long-haul transport and want your repeat business, they’ll often wait until produce is lip-smackin’ ripe before they harvest it.

For a woman on the move who strives as hard for a healthy diet as a PR, there are plenty of reasons and ways to seek out local food.
Get Food Intel

Carrie Tollefson, 31, a 2004 Olympic runner and spokeswoman for Minnesota Grown, an organization that promotes homegrown agriculture, advocates eating locally to boost health: “I’m aware of the source of the food I’m fueling my body with,” Tollefson says.

Considering the frequency of events like the 2008 salmonella scare and Chinese melamine scandals, knowing where your food comes from may be one of the best reasons to seek out local fare.

“Eating local also means you can meet the people who grow your food, so you can ask them about farming methods,” explains J.B. MacKinnon, co-author of Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally. “To me, it is especially important to know how the animals live that provide me with my eggs, dairy or meat,” he adds.

In turn, picking up dinner straight from a farmer gives you the opportunity to learn about how different foods are produced and gain an appreciation for the care farmers put into them. “Taking your children to the market and letting them interact with the farmers or growing a home garden with them is a great way to teach them about proper nutrition,” says Tara Gidus, R.D., a marathon veteran and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
Boost Nutrition

While studies comparing the health benefits of a diet focused on locally grown foods versus well-traveled fare are lacking, there are convincing arguments for why eating locally improves nutrition.

See the full article on active.com: http://www.active.com/women/Articles/Eat_Local__Eat_Well.htm

Going “green” at events doesn’t always mean shelling out the big bucks to only use local vendors or recycled charger plates. One of the easiest ways to help out your local community and avoid waste is donating any leftover food from your events. Every year, according to the US Department of Agriculture, Americans waste about 96 billion pounds of food! That’s a lot of fuel, man-power, and water resources being tossed into the trash every day.

You can contribute to sustainable efforts by donating any excess food from your event to a food recovery program. As long as the food was created in a state approved kitchen, you shouldn’t have any problems donating your catered food. Try calling up local churches or shelters in your community to see if they will accept your delicious donation. The San Diego Rescue Mission lets you drop off the food or you can schedule them to come pick it up after your event is over! They’re the only ones so far who offer refrigerated vans to pick up the food. St. Vincent de Paul Village on Imperial Avenue also accepts donations. Rachel’s Women’s Center is open everyday from 8a-5p for donations and you can bring them to the front.

Having a great event go off without a hitch is awesome, but knowing you can help feed someone is an added bonus!

For more info on the organizations mentioned:

San Diego Rescue Mission http://www.sdrescue.org/ or contact Chandra at (619) 778-7224

St. Vincent de Paul Village http://www.fatherjoesvillages.org/ or call (619) 446-2180

Rachel’s Women’s Center http://www.ccdsd.org/homelesswomen.php or call (619) 696-0873

Author: Buu

IMPACT Fitness Challenge on February 26, 2011

Rain, sweat, and inspiration were the themes on this rainy Saturday. Even with the early morning rain and last minute location change to Todd Durkin’s gym, there was still an enthusiastic turnout! Both sponsors and participants had a great time dodging the rain and listening to Durkin’s motivational phrases.

What’s getting our toes wiggling with excitement?

Z-Day at the EcoHub! Come join Zeitgeist San Diego in celebrating Z Day 2011 this year at Eco Hub’s outdoor patio – 4542 Ruffner Street, Suite 170, San Diego, CA 92111.

This year, we have a full day packed full of information and exhibits. Featuring a live musical performance by Todo Mundo starting at noon. Followed by a presentation given by social scientist and Iraq war veteran Michael Nelson, with a group Q&A session to follow.

We’ve got another great event coming up! The Sparkle and Shine 5K is set for May 22, 2011, formerly known as the Girls on the Run 5K. Isn’t that a great name for a race?! We’re also working on a Brew Fest slated for October of this year! Great local brews, jazz music, and good company, and who doesn’t want that? We’ll keep you updated on that!

Keep following us on Facebook and Twitter!

Author: Buu