Since March 15th when the United States joined in the world shut down, it seems like a decade has passed because there have been so many changes, yet this year nearly over.
Time is speeding by, and there is no better time than now to start our 2021 New Year’s Resolutions to improve vitality, energy, strength, and well-being.
For those of us who are ready to lose those COVID pounds, it is time to start the momentum towards prioritizing health before, and during, the holiday season.
We must start by changing our behavior and mindset around food. Our culture bombards us with advertisements of people reaching for unhealthy food to feel better, reduce anxiety, celebrate happy times, and get through the rough times.
Does food really do that? No! This is a vicious cycle that we get into that turns food into a drug. We need (…fill in the blank…) to be happy, less stressed, more satisfied, make it through the day, and on and on. However, it is the craving of the substance that contributes to the void (something is missing and something outside of me will stop this uncomfortable feeling).
High fat, sugary food never really quells that void. After binge-eating on your craving, do you feel better? Are you more satisfied with life? Do you have less anxiety? It is possible to have a moment of contentment that is short lived, but then the guilt sets in and that disappointment in ourselves for losing control.
There is a better way! It just requires some effort to develop new habits. We can change our maladaptive behavior to food when we see the truth of the problem and treat sugar like a drug.
With the stress 2020 has brought, we must start to prioritize well-being. As we learn to cultivate, maintain, and sustain an internal state of contentment and ease (well-being), choosing healthy food and healthy activity becomes easier.
Basic principles in losing weight:
Most importantly, when making changes to your diet and daily routine, allow yourself grace. It takes time and repetition to create new habits. There will be mistakes made. Just keep modifying habits that work within your lifestyle. Many people find that keeping a journal helps them stay on track and to be more accountable.
Be sure to also give yourself credit for every positive choice you make as you create a healthier body and mind - for example: choosing fruit, vegetables, water, exercise, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.
When you fall off track, let it go - then start the next day fresh, with renewed resolve to stick to your goals for 2021.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao Tzu