The new year brings new health resolutions for a lot of people. Eating healthy doesn’t have to leave a bad taste in your mouth, though.

Recently, I attended a fascinating health and lifestyle discussion at my local library. The “panel” featured a lifestyle and nutrition expert, a public speaker, a media blogger, a spokesperson, a magazine founder and publisher, and an author. Beth Aldrich is the one-woman dynamo who holds all of those titles and held the interest of a diverse audience as she spoke.

Technically, it was listed as a book discussion, as Beth has recently written a book (with Eve Adamson) titled Real Moms Love to Eat, but it was much more than that. Beth talked about living and enjoying a healthier lifestyle and diet. Her enthusiasm is real, not just for additional book sales.

Beth loves food, and she wants everyone to enjoy food. In fact, she advised us to eat one serving of something we really desire each day. Of course, it is just one part of her ten-week plan, but it is an example of Beth’s common-sense approach. A healthier diet should still be enjoyable.

Although “Moms” is in the book title, it really is for everyone, including frequent travelers. You don’t have to be at home to stay on your dietary plan. If you are going to be traveling, bring along some healthy snacks (like sunflower seeds, nuts or dried cranberries) and drink plenty of water instead of caffeinated drinks.

It was the perfect time for me to hear Beth’s ideas. I have been reworking my diet, and Beth’s suggestions are much more appealing than others I have seen. I now start my day with green smoothies, and my workouts have never been better.

Over the next couple months, Beth will be traveling to many cities for similar events. If you have a chance, it is the perfect way to start “making gradual life-long changes” (as Beth would say).

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist