Check out the news and social media at the start of the New Year, and we all get inundated with resolutions. I never did like this word, and looking up the actual definition, I like it even less. The word resolution is defined as a firm decision to do or not to do something. This seems very strict to me, and likely to set you up to fail.
Let’s change the focus to building new habits. Habits are something to work on daily. If there is a setback, learn from it, and move on. This mentality can reduce pressure and increase success. Read on to find out what habits I think are especially important for health and wellness.
- Enjoy your food. Choose foods that not only satisfy your hunger, but also your cravings. Sure, a green salad with grilled chicken will fill up your belly, but it does nothing for your love of chocolate chip cookies or homemade lasagna. Let’s appreciate that food is more than energy for our bodies, it is also a source of social connection, community, and love.
- Find the balance that works for you. What balance of greens and lean proteins, with cookies and lasagna, makes you feel happy and healthy? Eating excess cookies or lasagna is not going to make you feel good, just like only eating salad and chicken is not going to make you feel good.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. Only you know what makes you feel strong and healthy. If your best friend is doing intermittent fasting and not eating breakfast, cool for her. If you get hangry (like me) without breakfast, I suggest this is not the plan for you!
If you need support finding the fun in food, balancing your intake, and/or appreciating what works best for you (and not that celebrity on social media), please reach out to our very empathetic and skilled team of dietitians today at nutrition@waverleyoaks.com!
Content Submitted by Jessica Roy MS, RD, LDN & Nutrition Counselor