You may remember that I worked with a naturopath physician last year. I love to get her informative newsletters. Here are the highlights of a really great post that she sent this week.
Resolutions. Why Wait? from Kelly Simms, ND
With the New Year looming ahead, try to avoid thinking of this time of year as a time to give-up, let loose, and wait until the New Year to get started with a new health or diet goal. This slippery slope often begins at Thanksgiving and continues as parties and gifts arrive through the New Year.
Here are some ideas to help you have happier, healthier, holidays:
Build a new micro-habit: pick one doable, repeatable, habit you would like to begin. If you would like to start packing a lunch, for example, begin doing so in the evening time when you prepare dinner. The more you get into the prepare dinner/lunch together routine, the easier it is to reach your goal of tossing the lunchtime takeout routine. Keep in mind it usually takes 21 days to form a new habit or routine.
Break down walls: one of my favorite motivational shows, had contestants literally break down a wall with a word that symbolizes a specific barrier they perceived as holding them back from reaching their (weight loss) goal. Those barriers are the following:
- Food: What food habits may be working against you? If you are trying to implement more vegetables into your diet, for example, start by trying one new vegetable a week. It usually takes 7-10 times of consuming a new food before we decide if we like it or not!
- Work: Are you prioritizing work when you need to prioritize yourself? One easy way to prioritize yourself is to schedule time to do something you enjoy into your routine. For example, consider signing up for a new exercise class. You know you have an “appointment” with the class a couple nights a week. Give yourself permission to leave work on time and get to class!
- Responsibilities: We all have responsibilities, but are we taking on too much? It is hard to learn how to say no, but very important at this busy time of year. I really like this: 10 Guilt-Free Strategies for Saying No.
- Fear: What will happen if you make a change? It can be hard to get out of our comfort zone and try something new. Social fear can be a big one this time of year as you are invited to parties with indulgent foods. Let those around you know about your desire to change the way you eat and let the fear of what others will think slide. “Change happens when the pain of holding on becomes greater than the fear of letting go.”
Look for missing vitamins! This time of year, vitamin D levels become particularly low for those that are not supplementing. Vitamin D has incredible benefits for mood and immune function, both very important as we face shorter days and colder temperatures. Check out my blog post on vitamin D and make sure your blood levels are greater than 60 ng/mL!
This is such great advice. Need some extra motivation? Join me in some healthy challenges or sign up for a race in December or January to keep moving!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!