It’s almost week 2 of January. Where are your resolutions at?

To help keep you chugging along and intrigued with them, a few favorite things of mine to help the most common New Year’s Resolutions- getting healthier! Here are a few of my favorite things to help you get there:

1. Resolution: Drink more water. Helpful Solution: The Camelback Water Bottle

I am obsessed with this thing. I have owned one in the past and lost it, but now with their free BPA version, it’s back and better than ever.

Why it’s great:

• No unscrewing the lid everytime you want to sip- safe for working by your computer!
• Built in straw- automatically makes you drink more water per sip
• It’s clear- you can easily track how much you drink per day.
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
• Goal: Drink 3-4 bottles per day, depending on weight and gender.
• Find it at REI, Whole Foods, Sports Authority, or on Amazon

2. Resolution: Eat More Fruits & Vegetables     Helpful Solution:  Countertop Compost Pail

I have to admit, my sister has been pushing this on me for a few years, being the eco-friendly lover that she is. I was doubtful that it would make the kitchen smell, and just be messy. I’m now convinced otherwise.

Why It’s Great:

• It comes with a filter to minimize smell and compostable bags that keep everything neat and tidy
• You reduce your trash in a huge amount- less to lug to the curb
• You can easily track how much produce you are eating per week
• Goal: 1 pail minimum per week filled with produce scraps- 2 per week is ideal
• Find one at Crate and Barrel, Storables, The Container Store, Williams Sonoma* (on sale now) or Amazon

3. Resolution: Break that daily coffee and caffeine habit     Helpful Solution: Find better herbal teas (that you actually like)

Great ones to try:

Republic of Tea Get Clean

Republic of Tea Get Happy

Republic of Tea Vanilla Hibiscus

Tazo Tes Vanilla Rooibos

Yogi Tea Egyptian Licorice Mint

Allegro Tea Get Energized

Allegro Tea Thirst Tamer

Why It’s Great:

• You will have more energy overall  and throughout the day WITHOUT coffee, once you detox yourself
• Its a nice warm drink in these cold winter months
• Better sleep
• Better breath
• Less staining on your teeth
• Less expensive!
• Find it at Whole Foods, QFC, PCC, most grocery stores, or online

Resolution: Cook More Healthy Meals at Home   Helpful Solution: Cusinart Immersion Blender

I love this thing.  It’s basically a magic blender wand. In the wintertime, it’s great to puree vegetables, beans and broth into a easy soup and in the summer, perfect for smoothies and making great sauces for the BBQ.

Why It’s Great:

• Less mess- you can puree in the same pot you cook
• Saves time- stir fry some veggies or beans up, add broth and some spices and you have a soup.
• Variety of dishes- from soup, smoothies, hummus, black bean dip, sauces and dressings, it’s one efficient tool.
• Small storing space- easily breaks down into 2 pieces to store
• Inexpensive-just under $30 for a multi-purpose blender.
• Find the best deal on Amazon or kitchen stores like Williams Sonoma and Crate and Barrel.

Feel free to share anything else that you personally use to help keep you motivated- I’d love to hear it!