It’s that time of year. You can’t miss the diet ads and gym deals on every radio station and bill board. How many times have you said “this year will be different?” Do you ever wonder why we pick the same old resolutions regarding health and diet? For most people, it’s because we decide to make a temporary change that doesn’t stand the test of time. The diet industry is banking on your falling into the “quick fix” trap. It wouldn’t be a billion-dollar business if we didn’t fall prey to the gimmicks and promises annually. If diets truly worked and were sustainable, would you need a new diet resolution each year? I don’t think so!
Make 2012 different! This can be the year you don’t make a resolution to stop eating this or cut your calories to some ridiculous level. Eating well and changing your lifestyle can be part of the family health plan without feelings of restriction or inadequacy. Here are a few ideas for the New Year and REAL new you changes (that last)…
- Commit to plan ahead. You plan your work schedule and getting the kids to practice. Why not plan your fuel?
- Pledge to be positive about the changes you’d like to make. For example, I’d like to eat more fruits and veggies versus stop eating this or that. Adding fruit with breakfast daily and carrying as a snack is an easy way to PLAN for this commitment.
- Resolve to use nutrition facts label information like calories, fat, and sodium as knowledge NOT as a weapon. If calorie-counting is paralyzing you, avoid reading labels for a while.
- Carry water every day! As I tell my clients, cute is inspiring. Get a nice reusable water bottle and fill it up several times during the day. Being chronically dehydrated leads to fatigue, headaches, poor hunger awareness, and sluggish sport performance.
- Agree not to diet! The human body has a built-in hunger and fullness regulation system. Don’t believe me? Think back to the last time you saw an infant eating from a spoon. What did he or she do when they were finished? They spit the food out, turned their heads, or pursed their lips non-verbally telling you “I’m satisfied!” Diets ruin our ability to trust our bodies, not to mention our self-esteem. Howerver, you can get it back. Start by eating breakfast daily (don’t forget the protein and fruit), stay hydrated and wait on hunger to knock. It will.
So what lifestyle change could you make for you and your family this year? Good luck and happy New Year!!
It’s so important to focus on healthy habits instead of setting a goal to lose __ pounds by ___ date. I like the simple tips- especially to stop using calories as a weapon!