A couple of Sunday's ago in the New York Times there was an interesting op ed piece by Jennifer Weiner. She was talking about America's view on women aging specifically noting Carrie Fisher and her role in the new Star Wars and the comments she received about her weight or rather, losing weight for the role. Then Ms. Weiner continued to talk about Weight Watchers and Oprah Winfrey's financial and personal interest in the company.

Ms. Weiner makes a good point about individuals needing to feel comfortable about themselves. She feels that there should be a point in a woman's life when enough is enough; a woman shouldn't have to feel pressured to being young and thin. Her point being that perhaps we should invest our time in practical change as in helping others or worthy charities rather than in the quest for the impossible- trying to revert the tide of aging.

Yet I think she might be casting too glaring a light on this double standard for women. Yes, we should stop focusing on the minutia of ourselves- the weight numbers. However, it is important to be healthy. I know too many people who think aging means forgetting about good eating and movement, things that are just basic. If the weight watchers ads are to be believed they are now focusing on physical movement and healthy eating. Weight loss should not be the primary goal but rather a natural by-product.

I do believe that. If we are to have long term life-long change especially regarding our weight, we need to come to some understanding with food and with our bodies. We cannot be so focused on the poundage. I think we can strike a balance between being healthy but not being a slave to achieving it. That doesn't mean that we are still obsessed with the youth and beauty dream. I think that means that we have matured.

What about you? Are you struggling with weight issues? What has been your focus? What does healthy look like for you?

How are you doing with your plans for 2016? As we settle into the year I have found that some things I was so gung-ho on doing have fallen by the wayside. (My idea of running during lunchtime has stopped- somewhat due to the blizzard but any excuse is always welcomed!) I find that I need to have smaller more frequent goals, ones that I can easily achieve which in turn become the foundation for healthy change and healthy living.

So in that spirit I offer to you 52 ideas (an idea a week) -some new and some old. All are reminders that small changes can lead to heathy living. As we are starting in February, there are 5 extra items to mix and match throughout the year. If you want, copy and print out the list and keep in your calendar or on your refrigerator as a weekly reminder. Hopefully this list will incentivize you to work on something small each week. If not those listed below than perhaps these suggestions might spark some other idea for you:

Eliminate drinking soda this week
Incorporate one new veggie or fruit into your diet
Plan your meals for the week
Use a smaller size plate for your dinner this week (don't go back for seconds or thirds)
Drink 8 x 8oz glasses of water each day. If you need some flavor, add slice of orange, lemon, lime or a splash of juice
Eliminate desserts this week
Sit down for your entire dinner this week. Set the table, light a candle and dine. Whether by yourself or with your family- enjoy not rushing through dinner.
Start lettuce seeds, spinach seeds or other greens indoors
Walk for ten more minutes each day (or start walking ten minutes)
Sign up for an exercise class
Get up and move away from your desk (try marching in place for a minute) every 60 minutes
Do sit ups during commercial breaks
Get to bed earlier this week (by an hour or half-hour)
Take your daily shower before going to bed (give yourself a little extra time in the morning as well as wash away any daily allergens)
Remove electronic devices from the bedroom (put your cell phone, laptop in another room)
Eliminate alcohol this week (no glass of wine with dinner, beer or nightcap)
Limit caffeine this week- switch one of your cups of joe to herbal tea
Visit your local library
Read 1 book this week instead of watching TV
Complete a crossword puzzle (or one or two levels of a word game app)
Color in an adult coloring book (pick one up in a supermarket or craft store)
Say no to requests this week (say you are temporarily on hiatus)
Write out goals for the year (or the remainder of the year)
Keep a bouquet of fresh flowers by your bed or on your desk this week
Do something for a colleague- bring them a cup of coffee or tea, drop off a funny card on their desk
Surprise a loved one with a favorite meal, meaningful note or "just because" gift
Become an organ donor or a bone marrow donor or sign up to donate blood
Write out a budget- include a savings plan
Only spend $ on essentials this week- food, housing, transport to work, contribution to church/place of worship
Donate to your favorite charity
Go window shopping. Create an outfit that appeals to you but do not purchase.
Write out your will: include living will, power of attorney, etc.
Go through your coat closet- dry clean what needs it, eliminate unmatched gloves, unflattering hats, scarves never worn
Sort through dresser drawers- do one drawer a night. Eliminate ripped, stretched out, stained, non-fitting clothing
Sort through kitchen drawers- one drawer a day. Eliminate items that haven't been used or will probably never be used
Go through garage and/or basement- get rid of things that you haven’t used in a while or are broken or are unrealistic projects
Plan for a yard sale- sell household items that no longer want/need. Go in with the neighbors for a bigger turnout
Get ready for your next day, the night before (clothes laid out, lunches packed, bags by the door)
Go through linen closet- donate old towels and blankets to your local animal shelter
Write in a gratitude journal each day
Find a Bible study plan
Commit to reading/listening to Bible each day
Go to place of worship this week
Pray for five minutes each day
Find out information about volunteering in an area of interest
Take a gift inventory- discover your strengths and abilities
Plan for a retreat (commit to 1 hour or 1/2 a day or weekend)
Write a note to a person who had an impact in your life- thank them for their love and support
Plan out your funeral- any favorite hymns, songs, poems, Bible verses
Practice random acts of kindness (hand out gift cards to a local coffee shop to road repair workers, trash collectors, rest room attendant)
Do something nice for your neighbor- shovel their walk, mow their lawn, drop off a bouquet of garden flowers
Sit outside for ten minutes- enjoy the sights and sounds of nature

Not Watching Our Weight

52 (Give or Take) Ideas