So it’s February 1. It’s a month after the beginning of this lovely year 2012.

Everyone has a bunch of goals every January 1, and for me, it was no different. My goals this year though, I have to admit, were meant to be different. It is simple: do less, better. This would lead to less stress, more energy. Paired with this in January was a challenge at work, called the Skinny Beeyach Challenge. It’s simple: four weeks, whoever loses the most weight (percentage wise) wins.

Now, I am not a dieter. In fact, I don’t believe in diets because I think they tend to be unhealthy, and ultimately unsustainable because who can only eat lettuce and carrots for the rest of their lives? Not me, that’s for sure.

So I have been eating less this month, fitting into the “do less, better” category by cooking the things I love and appreciating smaller quantities. I’ve gone back and forth with calorie counting, fitting it into my schedule when it makes sense, but not doing it when it’s too much. I am constantly aware of what I’m putting into my body, however, and as I don’t drink soda, eat high fructose corn syrup, or frozen food, I’ve been able to monitor my levels of sugar and salt well.

I’ve been trying to exercise, but January has been a sick month for me, so I’m not pushing myself. In the past, working out has been a chore, and I find that I can’t add anymore chores to my plate – stresses pop up enough in my life without adding another daily. Instead, I find exercises that make me happy, feel better, and that I look forward to. Like yoga, walking, biking, and hiking.

And, although I’ve committed to running 100 miles this year, that doesn’t mean I have to run a marathon. It means I need to figure out a way to work running into my life in a way I enjoy, because I truly think I will enjoy it. I’ve only run a scant mile this year, so I have 99 to go, and 11 months. Which is plenty of time to work up to that mileage — I think my sister runs 100 miles a MONTH.

So what does this mean for the Skinny Beeyach Challenge? It means I’ve had several people tell me I look slimmer. It means I feel better every day, and I sleep better at night. It means I’m aware of what I’m eating. It means I’m aware of how I’m feeling.

How are you doing with your resolutions?