New Year Fresh Start

(Me at my 1 year weight loss mark)

The holidays have a tendency to get everyone off track. However, something I have noticed through all of my healthy changes is, once you are off track it is super easy to stay off track. We are amazingly wonderful at coming up with excuses not to eat healthy or exercise.

• ·        There just isn’t enough time to work out or cook a good meal.
• ·        Healthy food is expensive.
• ·        It is too cold and nasty outside to go for a walk.

I’m sure many of you have said at least one of these if not more. We all do it. So the beginning of January, when New Year’s Resolutions are on everyone’s mind, is the perfect time to detox your brain and get a fresh start.

Yes, I said detox your brain. People talk all the time about detoxing our body, which is a wonderful thing. However, it does very little good if your brain isn’t on track.

Something I have found that helps get the brain on board is to not overload it with changes. Many people jump off the deep end, wanting to get healthy in the new year. However, if you make too many changes at once, you will freak yourself out. Instead of doing that, make one small change at a time. Make a list of the small changes you want to make. Do up a goal chart. Place the goal chart where you will see it every day. Then start with your first goal. It could be as simple as replacing soda with water. Make that first change for at least two weeks, and then add in the next change.

The slow process of change will get you on track without overwhelming you, and you will slowly start feeling healthier and happier!

Example Goal List-

      1.      Replace soda with water
2.      Go for a 20-minute walk during lunch break.
3.      Take lunch to work instead of eating out.
4.      Plan meals a week at a time, and shop only for those meals.
5.      Do a 30-day fitness challenge (there are tons of aps on the phone)