New Year's Resolutions
I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season! As we come down from the delicious excesses of the holiday season, many of us are looking to regain balance in our eating habits. Here some great ideas from the wonderful health coach, Josh Sessions, who works in Richmond, Virginia.
Take some time to reflect and get a good perspective. At the start of each New Year, I spend some journaling the old fashion way, with paper and pen. Writing helps us clear through the hurricane of thoughts in our head. Consider your goals for 2015 and tap into what’s really motivating you to eat healthy and exercise? If you want to lose weight, ask yourself why? How would your life be different? Writing down your goals is the first step to making them real and it literally changes the way you see them.
Clean out your kitchen. Get rid of all the foods that aren’t supporting your health goals. Don’t be afraid to throw something away, especially those leftover holiday treats. Remember, if you already enjoyed it, then it’s served its purpose and nothing is wasted.
Plan your meals before you grocery shop. Focus on getting lots of vegetables (4-5 servings per day) and have high quality proteins and good fats at each meal. Use the meal plan to make your grocery list, so you’re only buying that foods that support your goals.
Put your calendar to work for you. Our calendars (paper or digital) are there to remind us of important events. Taking the time plan your meals and exercise means it’s important to you – a real priority. Your electronic calendar can also give your reminders, something I find very helpful. It can also be helpful to share the calendar with your partner, spouse or family.
Lastly, I recommend a new golden Rule for Health: Do unto yourself as you would for your best friend. Encourage yourself the same you would a friend. I wish you the best in 2015!
-Josh Sessions, Health Coach from Oriental Medicine Specialists.
