I’m sure you’re thinking, New Year’s resolutions with a title like Clean Slate, and you’re right!  It’s that time of year when the need to start afresh is imminent.  If you’re anything like me this year, you’ve probably taken the past few days to come down from the sugar shakes that accompany the holiday season.  Who doesn’t love a little indulgence around the holidays?

On that note, I give you my resolution – to cleanse for the month of January through eating clean food, practicing yoga and finding subtle balance in life (and appreciating every moment of it along the way).  Going clean on your eating regimine sounds more daunting than it is – the basics that make food what it is are simply highlighted.  It’s probably the most sustainable thing you can do for yourself and for your environment.  Less packaging, less waste, less of a waist. 

Here a few tips to get you on your way to a clean slate:

• Practice deep breathing.  Sometimes five minutes of oxygen is all you need to let go of stress.
• Take in the outdoors.  Nature has a calming effect (see Michelle’s post for more on that).
• Appreciate what you eat in its most simple forms.  Fruits, vegetables and meat are meant to be eaten as they are, without heavy sauces or additives (think hunter and gatherer meals).
• Cook from scratch to reduce waste.  You are the most in control of your diet when you choose to pick up the spatula.
• If you don’t have time or don’t feel like cooking, eat out at the places that care about your health.
• Set achievable goals.  Make a top 10 list, review it with your closest companion(s) to hold you accountable.  Then put it away for the year while you reach them.  Come January 2011, you will be shocked at all you have accomplished. 
• Remember to find the positive in a situation.  And without negatives, we wouldn’t learn to grow.