It's January 10.

The days are getting longer. It's no longer pitch black at 4:30, but we are still in the thick of winter. Which means I'm in the thick of eating comfort foods. Anyone else with me??

There's just something about baggy sweatshirts and yoga pants that make you forget what you put in your mouth has to end up SOMEWHERE.

So, I've decided to get my butt in gear and eat healthier. I mean, I grow the dang vegetables! I might as well eat them!

The healthier eating isn't to lose weight. I KNOW that's what everyone claims, but really, it's the truth for me.

My back pain has increased this fall/winter and it's limiting what I can do on the Farm and my workouts. Physical therapy has helped, but I know when I'm eating better, my body is better able to handle the physical stress of farming.

I also desire healthier eating because my freezers are full of frozen vegetables and poultry we processed last summer. I need to make room for next year's produce and Meatball. (I almost feel bad typing that. I love you, Meatball, but I still can't wait to eat you.)

My germination room is half-full of sweet potatoes and winter squashes. I need to eat them ASAP so I can start seedlings in there. You know, the real reason Farmer Andy built me that room.

So starting today, I vow to eat at least two healthy, well-balanced meals each day until the end of January.

Heck, sometimes I might even strive for all three meals. But that doesn't mean I won't sneak in some treats and sweet snacks. I mean, you can't expect me to go 21 days without eating spoonfuls of peanut butter. (Doesn't matter if it's "natural," I can't claim eating that much PB is healthy or well-balanced.)

I'll be documenting my journey of better eating on social media. Don't worry; my page won't be filled with badly lit photos of half-eaten food. (I definitely don't possess food blogger skills.) But I will include some recipes, tips on better eating, or a description of what I ate. I might even throw in a picture or two of my food to show you how much I stink at taking those photos.

I invite YOU to not only watch my journey, but also participate! Make it a goal to eat at least two nutritious, well-balanced meals each day and start feeling healthier! We can share recipes and get ideas from each other. Who knows, maybe the winter weight will melt off our bodies before the snow melts outside?!

To encourage you to join with me, I'm having a GIVEAWAY!

Here's how to enter:

Live within 25 miles of ARNKA Acres.
Each day you complete the challenge, post your picture, meal, or congratulatory cheer on Facebook or Instagram.
And then tag it @ARNKAacres with the hashtag #ARNKAchallenge.

Each time you use the #ARNKAchallenge hashtag, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a $20 gift certificate good for ARNKA produce, cheese, and candy! I'll contact the winner on Feb. 1, 2018.

I can't wait to see what healthy meals you prepare...and use those ideas for my family!