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New Year's Resolutions <br>à la Charlotte
It's the time of year when we reflect on mishaps of the past and offer ourselves promises to be better, if only at one thing, in the year that lies ahead. It’s the reason gym membership purchases skyrocket and cigarette sales go down, if ever so briefly. It’s New Year’s resolution time—and it’s about time we made some realistic goals and stuck to them. Since nothing is more rewarding than looking and feeling better than your best self, we asked some of our Premiere Providers and other like-minded beauty and wellness rockstars to share their NYRs with some helpful insight on how they intend to keep the flames alive long after Dick Clark, I mean Ryan Seacrest, rings us in. So if you're looking for some doable new year's resolutions ideas, read on. Already have a game-plan? Tell us in the comments section below, because we not only love to inspire you, but to also be inspired by you!
Resolution: Take More "Me" Time
"This year I am going to try to slow down just a bit. Life is stressful, especially if you are working and taking care of a family. I’m the last person I take care of, but that tends to show in my skin, and I feel it more in my body. I think taking care of “you” first is advantageous to everyone else," says Dr. Debra Wattenberg, dermatologist and founder of NY Skin RX. "Getting more sleep is my primary goal. I find I waste a lot of time in the evening on my phone and the computer. I hope to limit that by turning off all electronics well before bedtime. I have also committed an allotted time for exercise several times per week. As for diet…that’s my downfall. I am a sweets addict but, I am going to try to avoid having my favorite treats in the house. After dinner, I graze! I find brushing my teeth immediately after dinner helpful," she adds.
Resolution: Reduce Sugar Intake
"My resolution is to cut down on sugar in my diet. Not only does that help the skin look its best, but it’s also good to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. To accomplish this, I’ll be cutting down on all unhealthy carbs in general (sugar, bread, pasta, etc). When starting out on a low-carb diet, it’s important to not skimp on calories, otherwise rebound sugar-cravings can be brutal," says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC. "Although it’s a tough resolution to stick with, a diet low in carbs and rich in protein and veggies is worth it because it makes you not only look great, but you feel great too," she says.
Resolution: Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods
"My resolution is to incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into my diet. Taryn Toomey does a detox called The Layer and it's all about taking things out of your diet that make you feel bad,"says Joanna Vargas, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. "It's important to be mindful of what really makes one feel the best and not what's momentarily comforting. I have a good friend who is a natural foods chef and she is going to cook breakfast and lunch for my whole office every day for two weeks so we can all detox together," she adds. As for sticking to the diet afterwards: "I think like anything you have to just remind yourself of the goals you are trying to reach and not listen to the inner voices telling you not to stay the course!" she says. Wise words.
Resolution: Cook More At Home
"I’m a working mom and in order to actually cook a healthy, nutritious dinner for my family during the week, I have to be super organized. Which so far, I haven’t been, hence, way too many Seamless orders have taken place. I love the convenience of takeout, but hate the extra oil, butter and sugar that usually comes with it," says Rachel Hayes, Charlotte's Book Advisor and founder of Pretty Impressed. "Studies have clearly shown that eating home-cooked meals reduces obesity and develops lifelong healthy eating habits, which I want for myself, but even more for my children. To stick to my goals, I’m going to start planning out weekly menus and do all the shopping over the weekend, so everything will be prepped and ready to go when I get home from work. A few of my favorite cookbook right now: Holli Thompson’s Discover Your Nutritional Style, and The Family Cooks, written by author and activist Laurie David, with a forward by Katie Couric—they produced the documentary Fed Up! together.
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OUR WRITERS are amazing: see more from Krista Iovino CURIOUS about our experts? They're the best. Learn more about Dermatologist Dr. Debra Wattenberg and facialist Joanna Vargas