There's something about the New Year that evokes a renewed optimism when it comes to losing weight and improving health. Our desire and enthusiasm tak...
There's something about the New Year that evokes a renewed optimism when it comes to losing weight and improving health. Our desire and enthusiasm takes over and we are certain that our New Year's resolutions will totally work out this time. Never mind the fact that we abandoned last year's resolution by Valentine's Day. And the year before that (and the year before that) was no different. Sound familiar?
But what if this year really could be different? It can; and you have the power to make it different.
Start out by doing some real soul searching and figure out why losing weight and improving your health is so important to you. If you can come up with just one reason that really (really!) matters, you are much more likely to stay committed. For example, if you want to lose weight and improve your health so you can live long enough to see your grandchildren grow up, consider why this is important to you. If your reason is meaningful enough to truly inspire change, you will be on your way to awesome success.
The next step is to come up with a plan that focuses on small goals along the way rather than just the big outcome. If you make choices every day, week after week, that are consistent with your resolution, you just might find it actually happens this year.
Make sure that your short-term (daily and weekly) goals are setting you up for success - not failure. Don't be overzealous and ask too much of yourself. If you do this, you'll be starting down an unsustainable and unhealthy path. Use these tips to help you establish healthy, realistic, step-by-step goals.
Unrealistic Goals:
Make sure that unsustainable goals such as these are NOT part of your plan...
• Go to the gym every day and exercise for an hour.
• Never go out to eat.
• No snacking or desserts.
• Follow a strict diet that eliminates entire food groups.
• Lose at least 5 lb. per week.
• Eat less than 1,000 calories per day.
Realistic Goals:
Your goals should be challenging and achievable. Look for realistic ways to improve your lifestyle, diet, and physical activity. Be careful not to set yourself up for failure. Start slowly and keep a steady pace.
Here are some examples of realistic goals...
• Aim to losing 1-2 pounds per month.
• Move more; walk and take the stairs whenever possible.
• Eat vegetables with lunch and dinner.
• Cook your meals and eat at home on most days.
• Bring lunch to work more often.
• Eat until you're satisfied, not stuffed.
Stress blocks weight loss. Get these stress-busting tips…
Stress in making us SICK, FAT, AND SAD. Don’t let this unhealthy way of life continue another day! Use these 3 simple tips to help cut the stress in your life and promote weight loss.
5 Simple Steps to Mindful Eating
MINDFUL EATING is not a diet. It’s a conscious way of eating and enjoying food for both good health and pleasure. Does the idea of eating whatever you want scare you? Are you afraid that all you will eat is junk food – chips, cookies, and ice cream? If you’ve dieted for a long time, this is understandable. Just know that with practice, mindful eating will become more natural.
Tips for choosing the best snack bar
Have you noticed the endless choices of snack bars, energy bars, cereal bars, breakfast bars, protein bars, and granola bars at the grocery store? Do you find it as overwhelming as I do? I hear this from my clients all the time. They spend way too much time scouring the shelves for a healthy option and end up walking away empty handed or with a choice they’re unsure about. It’s so confusing! What’s a health conscious shopper to do?
