Health
Healthy Ideas & Encouragement
By |
By Rachel F. Johnson
Unfortunately, the end of January marks the time when New Year’s Resolutions are typically pushed to the back of our minds or forgotten altogether. There are a million reasons and excuses we give ourselves, but it all boils down to the same end feeling – guilt.
It is such an unhealthy cycle we put ourselves on! First, we make these HUGE goals to change our lives forever. Then 30 days later we say they’re too hard and stop making any effort to achieve those goals. We’re ashamed that we didn’t succeed and end up feeling bad about our bodies (and ourselves) for the next 11 months. Then, for some inexcusable reason, we restart the process only to feel let down and ashamed again the next year.
Does that make any sense to you?! Because it doesn’t at all to me!
By setting these big, hard-to-reach goals, we’re setting ourselves up for failure! For instance, if you want to lose 100 pounds and you only lose 4 pounds in the month of January, it can be hard to find the motivation to continue, but, if your goal is to lose the first 10 pounds and see how you feel, by losing those 4 pounds, you’re almost halfway to your goal!
Below are a few small changes that may be reasonable to incorporate into your life. If you would like, try to come up with some by yourself. Pick only 1 challenge at first and don’t overload yourself. Remember that it is small achievements that will add up to noticeable differences!
– Give up all sugary drinks for 1 week. This includes soft-drinks and punches like Cool-Aid. Try Crystal Light or Unsweetened Tea instead and see if this could be a permanent change.
– Move for 10 minutes each weekday. Moms & Dads out there, this is great for your kids too! Turn on the radio and dance, walk around the block after your children get home for school or have contests with them on who can jump the farthest. Remember that being physically active is about having FUN! I also bet your kids will bug you to continue playing with them – hello, motivation & incentive!
– Get out a calendar and write down every “special” event for the month of February & what treat you would like to indulge in on that day. If a co-worker brings cupcakes to work and it isn’t written down, skip it. If this helps you to eat healthier, consider doing this for each month.
– Buy a pack of Fudgsicle Pops instead of Ice-Cream this week. Each pop is already portioned and only 40 kcal to squash a chocolate craving.
– If you are rushed for time in the during the week or dislike, use Sunday evening to bake a big batch of chicken breasts and stock up on different Steam-in-the-bag Vegetables. For your busy nights, reheat chicken and pop the veggies in the microwave for a dinner that will be ready in 10 minutes rather than going out to eat.
Being healthy doesn’t have to be hard, but it can be challenging, so on this last day of January, I’m here to challenge you to make a few small changes that will leave you feeling accomplished, proud of your achievements and proud of yourself.
Healthy eating for life is about nutrition and moderation while enjoying the foods we eat. You can always check in for more motivation/ideas on my blog at www.racheleatsalot.wordpress.com.
Good Luck!
0 comments