Of course it's that time of year again, it's the middle of winter, t's dark outside, the heatings on full blast and we're all catching colds. That can only mean that it's January. 2017 hey, last time I checked it was June and I was stressing about my exams and where to do my art foundation course and now I am applying to university to get a degree in fashion. A lot is changing for me this year and I am determined to make it the best one yet.

New year, new me is what they always say. And when better than the start of a new year to make some new rules to live by, to start afresh.

There's the obvious ones like stop smoking, lose weight, be happier, which are all good but they are the end result, you should set attainable targets to enable you to meet your final resolution. Rather than saying 'lose weight', you should start with 'eat healthier' or 'exercise 3 times a week' etc. That way you will be much more likely to succeed and not be disheartened (half of resolutions made don't manage past one month). This year I followed this principle to create these for myself during 2017:

'Lose weight'

To do this I am going to:

Eat healthy

Late last year (with a gap over Christmas) I transitioned to veganism and ate a plant based diet. A vegan diet is where you don't eat meat or any of the animals produce (such as milk, cheese, honey etc) and stick to a diet of fruits, vegetables and grains. 

Even after the first week I could already feel the benefits, I felt great, well nourished, awake and I even lost 3 lbs. I was so strict with myself I cut out everything overnight, which I know is not how people tell you to do it, you're supposed to do it gradually. But then Christmas came, we all let ourselves go over the festive period, but I said to myself that if I want something I won't deny myself it (of course this escalated quickly) and then it was harder to get going again when I decided to go back to vegan towards the end of the year. Therefore I am doing it gradually, as advised, with the intention of being completely plant based once more. 

Being vegan made me think about and plan my meals more thoroughly, so I was automatically eating healthier because everything was homemade. No more ready meals. 

To people who ask 'isn't it boring?' 'so you just eat veg' or 'what can you even eat?' I enjoy cooking and Pinterest is a great platform to search for new ideas. Nowadays there is a substitute for everything so we (vegans) can eat very similar to you with slight differences. (If anyone would be interested in any recipe posts let me know)

(Smoothie bowls are a great source of nutrition and fill you up plus this one is only 271 calories. It is banana and strawberry, topped with a banana and berry granola)
Exercise 3 times a week
As a professional couch potato this was an important one for me, get off my ass and move. I asked for a Fitbit for Christmas (omg you need one in your life) and I am addicted. I have set personal goals for myself and it's so competitive to get all green. Me and my friend are in a competition, who can do the most steps in a week and I don't think that I have ever walked so much. I am also taking up yoga and increasing my stamina via running.

(Fitbit Alta £99.99)

'Read more'

A book a month

I have set myself the challenge of a book a month. Reading makes you more intellectual by broadening your vocabulary and mine is too basic, I am hoping it will also help me out with my writing also. However I don't read enough so to combat this I have ≈30 days to complete each one. I will update you every month of what I am reading and what I think of it.

January: The Perks Of Being a Wallflower

(A book I have always wanted to get my teeth into and my boyfriend kindly bought it for me for Christmas, he listens!)

'Keep blogging'

Regular updates

I love blogging, I will write for anyone who will read it (which I hope is someone lol), I am going to keep going at it with regular posts, once a week minimum. As long as I have good enough content to share, it's yours.

What are your new years resolutions?