Hopefully, after reading my blog about how to cut calories over the holidays, you had some fun this holiday season and let your hair down when it came to your nutrition and lifestyle habits. Now it's certainly time to rope things in and set yourself up for success for 2022!
We have all done it...set too many, over the top, all-encompassing, unrealistic New Year's resolutions that are basically over before they begin.
Will this year be any different? I have heard many people say that, due to the hard last couple of years we have experienced as a result of the global pandemic, they are not even bothering to set New Year's resolutions, and are throwing in the towel.
THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!!
Huh, you might ask?! This is a great opportunity for people to NOT bite off more than they can chew, and maybe just set some small guidelines and realistic expectations to follow for 2022.
Let me break it down into a four-point blueprint you can implement:
1. Make some changes to your fluid intake. Do you feel you drink too much sugary drinks, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol? If so, dial it back, cut them in half and replace them with water. Use a water bottle that you keep in plain sight or use an app to help manage your intake.
2. Just move! Evaluate your activity level and if it is nonexistent, start walking or do some other moderate, movement based activity. If you dabble in some sort of workouts, set a realistic goal to do them two to three times per week (saying you are going to workout every single day is the biggest mistake I have seen people make and 99% of the time ends in failure). Start with the basics rather than the hardest damn thing you have ever done! Consistency always trump's intensity!
3. Add some fruits and vegetables to your diet. Most people do not need the newest, latest and greatest nutrition trend or diet that is out there. These plans are oftentimes too restrictive and for most people, unsustainable. If you are someone who doesn't consume very many fruits or vegetables, add one extra piece of fruit per day and add a vegetable to a meal each day.
4. Improve your sleeping habits. We all know that we need 8 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night. For a lot of us, this is unrealistic and, as a result, we throw in the towel and have less than ideal sleeping patterns. To make a positive impact on your sleep, try avoiding sources of caffeine after supper time, set a consistent and sensible bed and rise time, and stick to them (even if it is less than 8 hours).
As you can see, it doesn't need to be complicated. With COVID restrictions and daily disruptions we will still be facing this new year, trying to accomplish too much in too short a time span will undoubtedly lead to failure. Keep it simple and you will be more likely to succeed…even if it takes you a little bit longer.
I hope this helps. Happy New Year everyone!
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