Courtesy of Leonid Mamchenkov (via Flickr)
“I want to lose 10 pounds this year!”This is probably the most common New Year’s Resolution that people make. But it’s not good to be too obsessed with how much you weigh – weight ain’t nothin’ but a number! What’s more important than being a skinny Minnie is exercising and eating in a way that allows your body to feel strong, flexible, and alert whether you’re 100 lbs or 200 lbs. Every body is different and beautiful, and it’s all about making sure you feel good!
In 2012, try to:
1. Eat right… for you. So, look: I like cake. A cake-less life is not one worth living in my opinion (and I am eating a piece with chocolate frosting as I write this). But if I’m honest with myself, my body tells me when I’ve over-indulged. Experiment with listening to your body in 2012. Maybe even start a journal to track what you eat and how it makes you feel. Does cheese make you phlegm-y? Does too much meat weigh you down? Does your sugar binge make you feel sleepy a half hour later? Modify your diet based on what you learn. It’s about getting to know your body better and what you need to be a healthier you.
2. Eat five new foods this year. In 2011 I discovered that I love quinoa, kale, and brussel sprouts – three things I never really ate before. Be adventurous in trying new foods, and you just might find some new healthy favorites.
3. Set realistic goals. A lot of the reasons many people have trouble keeping their resolutions is that they set the bar too high. Try little changes, like not eating seconds at dinnertime or resolving to exercise 3 or 4 times a week rather than every day. This means DON’T DIET. It’s all about making changes that you can easily fit into your life and keep up.
4. Cutting down. Can you try going without meat one or two days a week? Can you cut down on your alcohol and soda intake? It’s not about totally cutting these pleasures from your life, but about slowly scaling back. Another perk: eating less meat is good for the environment!
And how about you try something truly revolutionary this year: love yourself, don’t shame yourself!
