The Founder of 'You've Been Validated' Shares Tips to Inspire You in the New Year

Whether it’s exercising or getting control of your finances – the New Year is traditionally a time for resolutions. Red carpet host and celebrity lifestyle expert, Valerie Greenberg, has tips for creating a ‘new you’ for the new year.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE OF MOST POPULAR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS –EXERCISE?

First, you need to have a fitness plan that you can stick with. I personally like to have nice fitness equipment in my home, so I never have an excuse not to exercise. My favorite piece of equipment is the ClimbMill from Matrix Fitness. It is the first to offer a club-quality, stair-climbing workout from the comfort of home. ClimbMill, which has been extremely popular in gyms for years, gives you an amazing stair-climbing workout that burns more calories while toning your lower body with every step. You can choose between three console options, including a high definition 16” touchscreen console that includes a variety of motivating workouts, and entertainment apps like Netflix and YouTube to keep you going. And with the integrated Landmarks program, ClimbMill workouts become fun journeys to the top of famous buildings and monuments around the world like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. With so many workout and entertainment options to choose from, it’s easy to start a workout routine and stay motivated to keep going. It will make achieving your fitness goals for 2020 fun. It’s between 4 and $5,000, depending on the model. For more, visit: matrixfitness.com.

WE COVERED EXERCISE, WHAT ABOUT DIET?

It’s important to make sure you are eating foods that will fuel your body, which is why pistachios is one of my go-to snacks. They can help with weight-loss or fitness goals as they are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats, thus keeping the longing for food at bay. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts — that’s more per serving than any other nut. Gram for gram pistachios have as much protein as an egg and they are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. Pistachios give the body energy both before and after exercising.  At work or at the movies, this grab-and-go snack packs a salty-sweet, satisfying punch with no derailed diets. For more, visit: americanpistachios.org.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TIPS FOR A NEW YOU FOR THE NEW YEAR?

Since losing weight is the most common, and commonly broken, New Year’s resolution, caloriecontrol.org is a great website to get facts on healthy eating and strategies for managing weight. Their online Food Calorie Calculator aids in healthier food choices by providing the calorie, protein, carb, fiber and sugar counts for some of your favorite foods and beverages as well as items from popular restaurants as well as almost anything you’ll find at a grocery store. You’ll also find tips on nutrition by registered dietitians as well as tasty recipes using low and no calorie sweeteners instead of sugar. They are a safe and effective way to provide sweetness without the calories to help you lose or maintain weight. These low and no calorie sweeteners are crucial for those managing diabetes and they don’t cause cavities like traditional sugar.  The Calorie Control Council is a great resource. For more, visit: caloriecontrol.org.

CAN YOU SHARE A RESOLUTION THAT MOST PEOPLE MIGHT NOT THINK OF FOR THE NEW YEAR? 

This time of year, the winter wind and cold can really wreak havoc our skin, making it dry, itchy and irritated. That’s why it’s important to use a moisturizing lotion every day. But not all moisturizing lotions are created equal. I recommend using Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Body Lotion. This gentle lotion is formulated by skincare experts to help skin stay healthy and hydrated for up to 24 hours!  Remedy uses a smooth, rich formula to soothe, hydrate and moisturize your skin – without leaving a greasy residue. Equally important, it’s completely allergen-free, so you don’t have to worry about things like parabens, fragrances or aloe that can irritate your skin. You can find Remedy at select CVS stores. For more, visit: remedyderm.com.