My New Year reset didn’t begin on January 1st.
It started quietly — and a little inconveniently — with a cold that showed up on Christmas Eve. What felt like bad timing at first ended up being an unexpected gift.
As soon as I got sick, a few things naturally fell away. My usual chai tea lattes and wine went on hold without much effort, and I found myself eating a little lighter over the holidays than I normally would. Don’t get me wrong — there were still cookies and a few not-so-great-for-me appetizers — but overall, it felt more balanced than past years.
What surprised me most was that once the chai and wine were gone… they stayed gone.
As the New Year approached, I noticed I was drinking almost exclusively water, eating fewer carbs, and having very little sugar or sweets. Without making a formal declaration, my body seemed to be easing itself into a reset before I officially decided to do one.
A Gentle Lead-In (Before the “Real” Start)
That space between getting sick and the New Year felt like a soft transition period — a gradual decrease in carbs and sugar rather than an abrupt stop. I truly believe that easing in helped prepare me for a more structured reset later.
Because life still happens.
My husband had a particularly wacky work weekend coming up, so instead of forcing a strict reset during chaos, we chose to officially start together on Monday, January 5th. Giving myself that flexibility felt supportive instead of restrictive — and that mindset has carried through this entire experience so far.
Movement Comes Back In
On December 30th, I also began gently reintroducing movement. Nothing extreme — just reconnecting with my body again:
- simple weight movements like squats
- bouncing on the trampoline
- and a little Beat Saber on VR (technically my son’s… but he’s kind enough to let me use it)
By the time January 5th rolled around, I already felt like some of the “holiday fluff” was starting to loosen its grip.
Week One Numbers (and How They Feel)
When we officially started the stricter reset on Monday morning, I weighed in at 168 pounds.
- Day 2: 166.8
- Day 3: 165.9
While I know the scale isn’t everything — especially in the early days — it’s still encouraging to see movement that aligns with how I’m feeling.
I did have a minor headache one evening, which could easily have been from not drinking enough water or simply adjusting to new habits. Nothing major, just a reminder to stay hydrated and gentle with myself.
In terms of activity, I’ve been consistent without pushing too hard:
- just over 5,000 steps per day
- about 20 minutes of aerobic activity according to my Fitbit
- light weights plus some fun cardio through Beat Saber
Cravings, Mood & Real Talk
If I’m being honest… I might be just a little cranky.
The things I miss most right now?
Chips.
Rice.
Crackers.
Those crunchy, salty carbs are definitely making themselves known — but it hasn’t been overwhelming. More noticeable than unbearable. Awareness without panic feels like a win.
What I’m Actually Eating
This reset hasn’t felt restrictive so much as intentional. Some of the things I’ve been enjoying:
- Shakeology (Beachbody) — Vegan Café Latte and Chocolate are my go-to flavors
- Rotisserie chicken with lettuce, veggies, and vegan ranch dressing
- Canned chicken seasoned with curry and a few chopped cherry tomatoes in a lettuce wrap
- Shrimp cocktail and raw veggies
- White chicken chili
- BBQ meatballs with a big side salad and mixed vegetables
- A few slices of Goat Gouda and Sheep Cheese here and there
Nothing fancy. Nothing extreme. Just simple, protein-forward meals that feel nourishing and sustainable.
The rest of this week I have plans for a couple fun meals, tomorrow it will be Vegan Pesto with Shrimp over Roasted Cauliflower then Friday will be a nice beef and bean chili.
Looking Ahead
It’s still early — and I’m not declaring any big wins or dramatic transformations yet.
But something has shifted.
I feel lighter, clearer, and more connected to my body than I did just a couple of weeks ago. I’m curious — not anxious — about where I’ll be and how I’ll feel after a full week of this reset.
And that curiosity feels like the healthiest place to be.
more2heather@gmail.com | (206) 227-6128