A New Year Has Arrived “2022”

As we begin the year 2022, we often reflect on the things that happened in 2021 and make resolutions of things that we hope to achieve in 2022. People have been making New Year Resolutions for many, many years; however research has shown that more than half of the people who make a New Year’s Resolution will drop them by January 17th which is known as “Ditch Day”. To be successful in keeping a resolution that has been made, maybe we should change our thought process and switch the term Resolution for Intention. So, what is the difference between resolution and intention you may ask. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something while an intention is a thing intended; an aim or plan. Intentions can have an advantage over resolutions because intentions tend to be more about the process rather than the outcome. The two words evoke very different feelings. A resolution feels like a hard and fast rule. You either succeed or fail; there’s no middle ground. Setting an intention brings a feeling of excitement and promise, more so than resolutions. By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and others, just what you plan to do; you redefine what it means to be serious about your goals and dreams.

Nutritious Life-How to Set an Intention >>

In setting an intention, you resolve that you’re already “enough,” so you move forward without having an attachment to the outcome – it’s more about the journey. The catch is that you can’t just set your intentions and run off; you need to live them every day. As you gain wisdom through self-reflection, your ability to act from your intentions blossoms. We plant seeds of true intention in order to watch them grow like leaves on a tree, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s called a practice because it is an ever-renewing process.

Get clear about something you want to cultivate in your life and write it down. Make a statement that relates to your purpose and how you can bring about change. It can include being more patient, kind, generous, or a lifestyle change. I’m going to use the weight example only because that is what most people relate to. Instead of saying “I want to lose ten pounds,” be specific about where that intention comes from; how about “I will treat my body with respect because I am worth it.”

Once you have your statement, support it with realistic action steps you can commit to such as: “I will schedule exercise each week, adding more time to my workouts each month. I will add one healthy food to each meal, and I will ask myself if I am truly hungry before I take another bite.” See the difference?

If your intention is something less “measurable” like more focus, ease, happiness, etc. – then pay attention to how you can incorporate these things into your day. Then do something each day to demonstrate your commitment to your intention. Make a healthy choice at your favorite restaurant to fuel your body, take a breath before honking your horn to cultivate patience, or cancel lunch with someone who drains your energy to bring more ease to your day.

Small steps create big change….. start steppin’!

To an incredible 2022… even if it starts in February!

Source: Nutritious Life; Author: Danielle Diamond

Mindful Eating Intention Calendar

If you could only have ONE word to describe the type of relationship you would like to have with food in 2022, what would it be?

You can use this intention calendar or pick your own word each day (feel free to write it in.) Start each day with checking in and orienting your mind and behaviors around this word throughout the day.

For example, if your intention is “Listen ,” you can apply listening to so many aspects of eating mindfully:

● Listen to your hunger level

● Listen to how satisfied you feel

● Listen to your inner voice that says stop or start eating

● Listen to your thoughts about food and your body

● Listen to your inner struggles

● Listen to what your body wants and need

You can apply “listen” to so many other behaviors as well… Listen when others speak, listen to what is happening around you, etc.

The benefit: There is no pressure. It’s flexible. There is no shame or sense of failure because it’s just about your mindset.

Source: Eating Mindfully; Author: Dr. Susan Albers

31 Days of Mindful Eating Intentions

Food Safety Intentions – “2022”

Now is a great time to commit the entire family to a consistent practice of food safety basics. Proper hand hygiene, safe food handling, and food storage will reduce the risk of food poisoning and other bacterial or viral diseases. 

Now is a great time to commit the entire family to a consistent practice of food safety basics.

1) Every safe meal starts with clean hands.

2) Handle fresh produce like a pro!

3) Buy (and use) a food thermometer.

4) Store food in the fridge safely.

5) Teach others how to handle food safely.

Food Safety Resolutions

Source: Partnership for Food Safety Education

Prevent Lung Cancer: Test for Radon

January 2022 is National Radon Action Month.

January is National Radon Action Month. Each year upwards to 22,000 people die from radon-induced lung cancer. Roughly 54 percent of those diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer are expected to live no more than five years after diagnosis.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers in the United States. Radon is a natural, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that comes from the natural decay of Uranium. The effects upon the families it touches can be just as devastating as lung cancer caused by smoking tobacco.

Measuring your home’s radon level is recommended for any home in any location throughout the year. But, January is when the Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations join efforts to increase awareness across the Nation about this easily preventable source of lung cancer.

The North Carolina Radon Program of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services educates families and homeowners about radon gas, how to test for radon gas and how to lower the radon levels within a home. Lowering the radon levels in a home lower the risk of lung cancer.

As a reminder, radon test kits can be purchased at most local hardware stores for under $20. The cost of lowering radon levels in a home averages to about $1,500.

Lung cancer can strike anyone, even a nonsmoker. Test your home for radon and lower your family’s risk of lung cancer. For more information visit  the NC Radon program.

Cooking Matters at Home

Cooking Matters at Home classes will be held weekly on Mondays via Zoom at 7 p.m., from January 31- March 7, 2022. Participants are eligible to receive a $10 grocery store gift card for their participation in the lesson provided by the Interfaith Food Shuttle.

To learn more and  register, visit  Carolina Hunger Initiative Cooking Matters at Home