January/February 2012
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Dear Readers,
There is something special about the beginning of a new year: it is a time to reflect on the year behind us, and all that has been and perhaps remains to be accomplished; and a time to look forward and envision how our hopes, dreams, and goals can come together. Even though the change from one year to another is just a number on a calendar, you can't help but feel as though the first of January signifies a chance at a new beginning. Many of us use this time of year to make resolutions and set goals with the intention of bettering both our own and our family's lives. 
Improving health and fitness is a common resolution that many parents make each year. Although parenting is undoubtedly one of life's most rewarding experiences, parents often struggle to find the time to maintain a healthy diet, squeeze in their workouts, and avoid putting on those extra pounds — especially for those of us who gave birth. I am not stranger to the dreaded mommy weight, as only two years ago, after the birth of my son, I found myself carrying an extra 60 pounds on my 5 foot tall frame, and fighting the sinking feeling that my days of being physically active were over.
Last year, I wrote an article for the December/January 2011 issue of True North entitled Finding Your Workout: We endured the pain, our experience is your gain!. This assignment was just the motivation I needed to start setting goals for 2011. The changes I made led me to lose the extra weight; gain strength, flexibility and endurance; and develop a new and healthier lifestyle in 2011 that has improved the lives of my children as well as my own. Since last year I have added CrossFit, running, cross-country skiing, and ice skating to my already well established love for yoga. And for the first time in my life, I ran a half-marathon and performed an unassisted pull-up. While I would be lying if I didn't admit to a constant battle with my eating habits (a goal for this New Year), what I put in my mouth no longer runs my daily life. In this first issue of the new year, we at True North decided to focus on family health, presenting articles that will aid you in your quest for healthier eating habits, help you get outfitted for cold weather fitness, and give you the information you need to bring both physical and emotional balance to your lives. While the road to living healthier can seem intimidating and even overwhelming at times, the benefits that even small lifestyle changes can bring to your daily family life are well worth facing the challenge. May 2012 be the healthiest and happiest year of them all for you and yours. Sincerely, Annette Benedetti Editor in Chief |
