Month of Kev UPDATED

Photo courtesy of Kevin Simpson

It’s the beginning of the year, and of course that means it’s time for resolutions. Goals to be healthier usually top the list. That’s why gyms are so packed the first week of January.

But committing to better habits for an entire year can be overwhelming. That’s why I introduce to you the “month of Kev.”

My friend Kevin invented the month of Kev last year in 2009 when he noticed he’d gotten a little chubby. He decided to devote himself to a super healthy routine just for the month of January. Kevin started running regularly, stopped drinking alcohol, ate healthy smoothies for breakfast and lunch, and did 100 sit-ups a day. By the end of the month, he felt healthier and fresher and ready to take on the year.

UPDATE: Kev just sent me his recipe for what he calls “green drink” which is actually fuchsia because of the beets-

Combination of the following:

– Remnants of breakfast smoothie

– Kale (frozen to preserve freshness)

– Collard Greens (frozen to preserve freshness)

– Raw beets

– Pitted prunes

– Carrot juice

– Water (for thinning purposes)

– Green Vibrance powder

After it’s blended to desired texture, add soaked chia seeds.

Here’s what he says about the drink-

You’d be surprised at how palatable it is, especially when you keep the health benefits in mind. Do this for a week, you’ll feel great. Do it for two weeks, you’ll feel superhuman. Do it for a month, well, I don’t know how you’ll feel. I haven’t done it every day for a month yet. The proportions of ingredients are subjective. It’s fun to mix it up each time, looking for that perfect mixture of green delight.

Here’s why I like the month of Kev- it seems manageable. And as most health gurus will tell you, it’s easier to keep up healthy behaviors once they become habits. Who knows, maybe you’ll continue some of the “month of Kev” well into the rest of the year?

So, I’m taking on the month of Kev challenge. Mine is less extreme. I’m going to give up alcohol for the month of January and swim or run five days a week.

I’m a health care reporter, not a nutritionist or a personal trainer, and Kevin is a state worker in a far away state, so we can’t tell you the perfect routine for your month of Kev.

But, if you were to take on a healthy challenge, just for a month, what would it be? What habits would you try to ramp up? What would you give up?  Let me know.  I’ll keep you updated on my progress.