This is my life

>>I just don't usually formalize it because it freaks me out and I usually immediately fail (see every diet and exercise regimen ever).<<

1) You have to figure out what works for you. I like a target-rich environment; I have friends who like one-word resolutions.

2) Diets don't work, and 95% of the time, make matters worse. Exercise that consists of wasting time to burn calories rarely works either.

Small, incremental changes work well and tend to be sustainable. Culinary lifestyles can be sustainable, like the Mediterranean or flexitarian approach, because they're not counting finicky details but just laying out broad strokes. Fun or productive exercise is much more sustainable. Why would I go to a gym when I have like 6 million things to do in the yard that I am never going to get all done? I'd be in there thinking, "I could be pulling weeds with this energy."

>>* Same goal as the last many years: write every day. I've made it the last two or three years, and I expect to make it this year. But it's nice to have one 'gimme'.<<

Go you!

>> EAT MORE VEG AND LESS SUGAR. I'm trying really hard on this, but I'm definitely going at it less hardcore than my wife, and I have guilt over that. But I'm trying! <<

Guilt is just going to screw up your relationship with food and your body. Possible approaches:

* Look for one thing to replace, such as using fruit as a dessert.

* Look for places where adding a plant will improve the results. My favorite more veg idea: when making ground meat filling (e.g. taco filling) replace half the meat with either mushroom or onion, or use one third of each. I'll probably never make plain meat again, the other versions are all way better.

* Taste test substitutes for refined sugar, like applesauce or banana. Zucchini milk can replace most or all the dairy milk in many baked goods. Different things excel in different recipes.

* Get some cookbooks or magazines, go over them with your wife, and pick things to make together. My partner and I do this; it's lots of fun. My best new recipes from last year are here.

>>I hope I can find some writing inspiration.<<

allbingo posts a new fest every month. All fandoms and formats are welcome.