With 2009 wrapping up, and 2010 just around the corner, it’s That Time Of Year. You know, when last year’s resolutions are reviewed, and new ones are made for the coming year.

Not a resolution type of person? (Me neither). But there is still something about ringing in a new year that speaks of a fresh start, a chance to shed bad habits and usher in positive lifestyle changes.

To encourage just that, I’ve compiled a list of tools, all $30 or less, to help you on your journey to a new, healthy YOU!

• Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred ~ No matter what your fitness level, this DVD has something for you.  I expected to breeze through this, but each of these twenty-five minute challenge packed quite the wallop.  More importantly, I kept returning to the DVD day after day and REALLY noticed a difference in my body after just a few sessions.  Worth every penny!

• Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Bottle with Meter ~ This BPA-free, impact resistant bottle holds twenty-four ounces of liquid, and will monitor your intake.  Word has it that it doesn’t leak (yea!)…and it comes in some pretty colors.  At just over eleven dollars, it pays for itself in no time if you’re like me and tend to buy bottled water…I’m planning on getting one of these for myself (unless I find one under the tree).

• Running for Women Walk/Run Program ~ I’ve done this program, both with the founder of the website several years ago (there’s even a picture of me on the home page…scroll to the bottom; I’m number 628 in orange shirt.  The founder, in the white cap, is to the left of me in the photo) and online.  It’s truly a fabulous program; I never thought I’d be a runner, but integrating walking and running, as this program does, makes all the difference.

• Mix1 Life ~ I haven’t these protein drinks myself, but I suspect they are in my future (hint, Santa).  Our family channel editor Sarah (of This Mom Wired) is a huge fan.  She said, “The drinks are filling, best cold – count as fruits and veggies – great for roadtripping.  And their customer service rocks booty!”

• Nike + iPod Sport Kit ~ Positively drool-worthy.  I remember back in the day when these Nike systems were hundreds of dollars.  Now for less than thirty, you can track your distance, pace, time, all kinds of groovy things.  Once home you sink all the data to your computer and evaluate your workouts.

• LoseIt ~  I’ve been using this FREE app on my iPhone for a while now, and I looooooove it.   After inputting some basic data about yourself such as age, current and goal weight, etc. it determines your ideal daily caloric intake.  And then it helps you track the calories in what you eat throughout the day, including a large selection of brand name foods.   I’ve found it to be a reliable resource; until this app, I’d never counted calories (just ask my fat jeans).

Whether you’re making a resolution for the new year or not, these fairly inexpensive items will help you achieve your goals of a healthier you.  Do you have any suggestions?  I’d love to hear them.

Here’s to a Happy New Year, and Healthy New You!

***FYI:  None of these items were given to me for review; they are all items I either purchased myself or have very reliable word of mouth reviews from friends (who also purchased them themselves).***