New Habits Start NOW

Are you planning out your resolutions for the new year? You’re going to eat better, exercise more, start meditating, cut out the soda.

Why wait until January 1 to make positive changes? Start now!

Starting a resolution in January is difficult. You’ve made a lot of unwise choices in December–all the holiday parties and all the late nights don’t fit well into a healthy living plan. Then you dive into a big change that feels insurmountable.

But if there’s just one or two small things you can change now that will help you feel better and on the right track, do it!

• If you drink soda, try finding a healthier alternative. Switch to unsweetened tea or drink more water.
• If carbs are your go-to when you’re feeling stressed, move from white bread and white rice to brown. Things like quinoa, sweet potatoes and legumes are good options.
• Add a vegetable to one meal a day, then two meals a day. For breakfast, steamed spinach added to scrambled eggs is easy. For lunch or dinner, add a side salad to your meal.
• If you haven’t been working out, start by adding a walk once or twice a week. Once that becomes a habit, add another walk or two. This is a great time to connect with your kids if you bring them along. Or enjoy some quiet time by yourself if you prefer.
• Want to run a marathon as part of your motivation to be healthier? That’s a big goal if you haven’t been running. Start with a 5k to build your motivation.

Then, as you adjust to the new habit or two, know that you’re human. Know that you’ll slip. And be okay with picking yourself back up again if you fall. Because it will happen, and Monday (or January 1) is too far away to wait to start over. Just start over with the next meal or the next day’s exercise.

And be kind to yourself. Think about how it made you feel to slip, so you’ll think twice before slipping again next time.

One of the things that’s helped me so much this year is 2B Mindset. It’s helped me remember to drink more water and to put vegetables on my plate first, every time. I’m also weighing myself daily and getting more sleep, all because my mindset has shifted around all these things. And it’s helping me to feel better and make progress in my health and fitness.

When I slip up and have that treat or stay up too late one night? I give myself grace and do better the next day. No self-shaming involved.

If you’re ready to make changes starting today, let me know! I’d love to support you through this difficult time of year so you can start the new year feeling good–not like you have to punish yourself!