Let me ask you a question! What is your most prized possession? Is it your TV? Your car? Your iPod? Some other piece of technology that you just can’t live without?

Let’s just say that it’s your car. So, let me ask you this: Would you put diesel in the gas tank, when it really wants unleaded? Do you change the oil and replace it with beer? Do you drive it fast, and slam on the brakes at every stop light?!

I’m going to guess that the answer to all of these questions is “no!”. You probably are thinking- I would never treat my car like that, it needs clean oil, premium gas, and a gentle touch to run at peak performance!! Am I right?

Tell me- why do you treat your body like that? Why do you feed it junk food, when it runs best on vegetables and lean protein? Why do you attempt to rehydrate with sugary sodas and toxic alcohol? Why do you burn the candle at both ends, running yourself ragged until you simply crash?!   Don’t you think that your health is more valuable than your car?

My body is my most prized possession.  Sure, sometimes I hit the brakes too hard, but generally, I try and treat it like the fine oiled machine it wants to be!

This week- ask yourself- what is my body worth? How much would I pay for good health?  Sure, fresh fruits and veggies might cost a little more than a box of Mac-n-cheese, but the money you save by not being on cholesterol meds, and long term health care needs, but just even that out. Think about it.

I hope all of you found a little joy in cleaning out your refridgerator and starting the week off fresh. I know it's still a joy to me that when I open the fridge door, I can actually find what I'm looking for in there! And, it's so much easier to eat healthy when it's stocked with great food!

This weeks challenge may take a little more planning for you! They say that breakfast in the most important meal of the day. It is also proven that breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and be healthier than non-breakfast eaters.

Wednesday Wellness Week #2: Take 10 minutes to sit at your kitchen table and eat breakfast. No eating in the car, or at work, just sit for a few minutes, eat, and collect your thoughts.

I don't need you to make pancakes or omlettes each morning, to complete this task.  A simple bowl of Cheerios, or a piece of toast with peanut butter, and a glass of orange juice will do. As a matter of fact, it's easier on your digestive system to start the day with some light carbs (like Oatmeal). 

 If you are like me- I am out the door within an hour of my alarm clock going off, so there's not much time for breakfast. But taking the time to sit down, eat and enjoy it, helps set the pace of the day. It may be the last 10 minutes of peace you have before the craziness begins! I use it as a time to plan my day, and

Hint: If you've never tried steel cut oatmeal, give it a shot! It's more substantial than instant oatmeal, however it does take 20 minutes or so on the stovetop. I've learned to make a batch of it on Sunday night, and re-heat it with a little extra milk in the morning. It's quick, healthy and tastes great!

Welcome to Wellness Wednesdays! Each Wednesday in 2011 you will find a Wellness Tip posted in this blog.

My hope for you (and this blog) is that you will do the "chore" listed each week, as a way to guide you toward personal wellness in 2011.

Wellness comes in many forms, Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. I think you will find that though many of the tips have a nutritional (physical) base, most of them will spread to the other forms easily.

Please feel free to add comments or questions about how each week turned out for you! Sharing you troubles and successes is all part of the process.

See you on January 5th for your first Weekly Wellness Wednesday Tip!

Tonya

p.s. Following this blog would make a GREAT New Years Resolution!