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There is no shortage of weight loss programs and health-related posts and stories early on in each new year. Earlier this week a story ran on the news that covered this topic, and the usual solutions to post-holiday problems were offered, with a new one I hadn't heard before- "sleep naked".
That was unexpected!

In my world as a meal planner I am just like everyone else. I seldom do it all perfectly or have it all together. There are days I fall off the wagon too, but I usually dust myself off and climb back up. I don't give up when most people would. I'm here to encourage you to try the same.

If you fell off your health and wellness goals over the holidays, know that you aren't alone, climb back up there and keep going.

Today is about "special" foods: any special diet food promoted everywhere this time of year. Everyone wants a quick fix and companies make their money on those desires.

The thing you need to remember is most of these products have fine print somewhere that states something along the lines of "in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle including plenty of water, exercise, rest, and balanced food choices"... You might lose weight when you buy these overpackaged, overprocessed, and overpriced foods. Or you might not. It depends on more than what special brand of diet food you pick today for dinner or snacks- it's all about overall healthy choices.

You will reap rewards for your health with simple, manageable changes, such as:

• Drink plain water before every meal and snack
• Limit your sugar intake (watch for hidden sugars!)
• Cut out processed foods wherever possible
• Cut out "fat free" everything. It usually includes extra sugar!
• Get more sleep
• Move more than you did last year- make it easy and enjoyable for yourself
• Love yourself exactly where you are right at this moment

I'll share some of my specific New Year's goals and resolutions with you tomorrow. Can you think of other changes you can make for yourself? Will you share them with me?

​Have a wonderful day, friends!
Stacy
 The Meals Maven 2016

...but also a little intimidating! There are so many changes coming up for The Meals Maven, all of them good ones, but all of them a little scary anyway. Thanks for sharing this journey with me! You're an important part of it.

You won't miss out on blog posts, survey opportunities, free offers, or any of my exciting news stories coming up in 2017 when you're subscribed to my new newsletter! I can't wait to share any of it with you! The best part is, you can customize what you want to hear from me. Over the course of the next few days I'll be learning the ropes and making my contact with you much more specific and manageable. I am so excited for everything that's going to be happening in 2017, and so thankful that you're with me along the way.

Enjoy your day! It's a short week for our American friends, and in honour of them I'm cooking a turkey dinner on Thursday. Today's question: What's your favourite side dish to serve with Turkey?

All the best, friends. More will follow soon!
Stacy

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I love food, and saving money in the kitchen is a passion of mine. Stretching your food dollar further and helping to eliminate food waste from your household is something my upcoming recipe book will focus on.

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I look forward to hearing from you!

Stacy