I turned 45 last week. For some reason it felt even more momentous than turning 40. I’m not really bothered by age, exactly. I don’t get sad or upset by it, but I have noticed that a very distinct aging process began after turning 40. My recovery slowed, injuries were a little more worrisome, wrinkles appeared, gray hair. None of this is awful and it’s all how it’s supposed to be, but at the same time, I came so late to the healthy, fit, active lifestyle that I have that I really don’t want to lose it.

On top of that, for the past year or so, I have been really inconsistent with my healthy habits and it’s taken a toll. Lately, especially, things got a little crazy and I basically ignored all signs from my body and just let go. We were in CA for some emotional family business and then had company for a week or so and I’ve just been living like it didn’t matter. Only it does. And I feel it.

I decided that a great way to usher in this new year for me would be to do a Whole45. It will get me refocused on the healthy food choices that make me feel energized and vibrant and amazing, while also reminding me how capable I am of making a change. I often think about one of the adages of the official Whole30 – This is NOT hard. Eating delicious, whole foods that fuel my body and mind is actually easy. Really. True, getting over some hurdles that my brain throws at me because it really likes sugar and an evening cocktail or two might present some challenges, but I need to get over that.

The other reason that I decided to do this is because one of my friends was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that might benefit from following a less inflammatory diet and I told her about Paleo. I am doing this, and blogging about it in, support of her.

I honestly don’t know if I’ll have anything new or revelatory to share with all of you out there and if it frustrates you to have blog posts without recipes, then I apologize in advance. In my experience, though, even when I know something, sometimes someone will remind me of it at just the right moment, and it helps me shift. That’s my goal here. I plan to share what’s going on with me through this journey, a little about what I’m eating and how I’m feeling, as well as anything that comes up along the way. Hopefully it will resonate with a few of you or maybe you’ll hear something that inspires you to do something for your own well-being.

If you do feel inspired to do a Whole30 or 45 or whatever, or make your own shift according to what works best for your body, then please share! Be a part of this, feel free to comment, ask questions, talk about your own experiences, all of that. I would love it!

I can’t wait to have you along for this adventure – because that’s really what this is. It’s life…one day at a time, learning and experiencing and connecting with those around us. Here’s to recommitting to health in order to live our best lives! Shine bright!