Happy February! How is everyone doing with your resolutions? In January, it seemed a bit easier to get working on those new goals; however, once February hit, is often a bit harder to keep yourself on track. It can be discouraging to lose that momentum when you are trying to start or change a habit. When you find yourself getting off track with any goals or resolutions, it may be a good time to remind yourself why you are doing this. This can help to motivate you to keep moving forward on your healthy lifestyle journey.
Below are my top 3 tips to help you stick with your New Year's resolutions (or goals for that matter)!
1. Track your progress.
If you haven't tracked your progress since January, think about starting now. When you track your goal progression, it makes it easier to look back and see how far you have come from your starting point. You can try different methods of tracking like keeping a paper journal (for daily and/or weekly accomplishments), making checkmarks on a monthly calendar, using an app or web-based program, etc. Tracking your progress also comes with planning. If you have a busy lifestyle (like most of us do), try scheduling a time for exercise in your calendar or circling the day where you are going to meal prep.
2. Re-evaluate your goals.
Reassess those goals monthly (or even weekly) to see if they need to be altered in any way. The goal you set in January may not be relevant to where you are in February. Also, make sure the goals you set are not too vague or unrealistic. Aiming for a 30-pound weight loss may be a great long-term goal; however, it can also seem a bit intimidating. If you still want to shoot for the weight-loss, think about weekly smaller goals you can focus on, which could mean aiming for 1-2 pounds of weight-loss. Also, when thinking about your goals, ask yourself how you plan to achieve that goal. Do you need to cut back on added sugars, incorporate more exercise, or increase your fiber intake? Breaking down your goals and being more specific about what you are going to do can help you to accomplish them.
3. Make healthy eating and fitness fun.
Often, preparing healthy meals and exercising can be seen as a chore or something that you SHOULD do (and not WANT to do). Think about switching up your routine to make it more appealing. If you're trying to incorporate more exercise, find a walking partner or coordinate with someone to meet up at the gym. If you're trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, look for fun and different recipes to try. You can even get your family/friends involved by doing a "meal-prep-Sunday" event! Putting a creative spin on your goals can help boost your motivation and positivity, which both can make a huge difference in your healthy lifestyle journey!
Post is co-authored by Felicia Porrazza (Owner & Registered Dietitian at PorrazzaNutrition) and Christine Farinella (Dietetic intern with the University of Delaware that holds a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics from West Chester University).
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2017
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Healthy Holiday Tips
As we are nearing Thanksgiving, instead of ditching your healthy eating habits until January, create a balanced strategy to help avoid that dreaded weight gain. I have been saying to all of my clients this week to focus on incorporating healthy foods and habits versus just letting everything go for the next month and a half. With all of the stress of this season, having a well-fueled body can really help to get you through the day. Think about how much better you may function/feel with a good night's sleep and well-balanced breakfast? One thing is for sure is that this can definitely help you to walk away from tempting treats versus if you skimped on the healthy food when you woke up.
I don't think of the holidays as a time to be super stringent with your healthy diet. I mean, in all honesty, that is why I promote a healthy lifestyle versus a quick-fix-diet because of the fact that you can splurge every once in a while and not feel guilty for "going off your diet." It would be unrealistic to say to someone to avoid every sweet and treat at holiday dinners and parties.
So, what does a healthy lifestyle look like during the holidays then? It starts with realistic expectations. Don't say to yourself that you are going to aim for a 10-pound weight-loss from now until January if you KNOW that you probably won't reach that. All that does is set yourself up for failure and disappointment. Instead, try and focus on weight maintenance. Another realistic expectation may be to keep up with your gym or walking routine or continue to eat veggies and fruits every day (if you already are doing this consistently). It is hard enough to change your habits, let alone making major changes during the stress of the holidays.
Also, trying aiming for meal balance when you go to parties or settle down for dinner. Try to incorporate 1/4 of your plate as lean protein (turkey, chicken, fish, beans, tofu), 1/4 as whole grains/starchy (brown rice, quinoa, potatoes with the skin on, etc) and 1/2 as non-starchy veggies (broccoli, asparagus, salad, cauliflower, green beans, brussels sprouts, etc). If you know your having stuffing and mashed potatoes, try skipping the extra carbs in the rolls. Try really slowing down your meal and enjoying what is on your plate. Practice portion control with smaller scoops and plates. You can always go back for more later.
If your not in charge of the cooking this year, try just bringing a healthy side or dessert. You can still enjoy what is offered; however, at least you know you have one healthy option to fall back on. Something like veggies and hummus or fresh fruit with a light dip can be a quick and simple alternative. Don't go crazy trying complicated and new "healthy" recipes. Even doing simple swaps like brown rice for white rice in a casserole or plain Greek yogurt for sour cream, or using 1/4c less sugar in baking and adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract can all add up!
In the end, remember that the holiday season is about being with family/friends, not just the tasty food. To be your best self, you need to fuel your body properly and maybe even spending a little time recharging those batteries (i.e. sleeping more, going for a walk, reading, taking a long bath, etc)!
Happy holidays!
I don't think of the holidays as a time to be super stringent with your healthy diet. I mean, in all honesty, that is why I promote a healthy lifestyle versus a quick-fix-diet because of the fact that you can splurge every once in a while and not feel guilty for "going off your diet." It would be unrealistic to say to someone to avoid every sweet and treat at holiday dinners and parties.
So, what does a healthy lifestyle look like during the holidays then? It starts with realistic expectations. Don't say to yourself that you are going to aim for a 10-pound weight-loss from now until January if you KNOW that you probably won't reach that. All that does is set yourself up for failure and disappointment. Instead, try and focus on weight maintenance. Another realistic expectation may be to keep up with your gym or walking routine or continue to eat veggies and fruits every day (if you already are doing this consistently). It is hard enough to change your habits, let alone making major changes during the stress of the holidays.
Also, trying aiming for meal balance when you go to parties or settle down for dinner. Try to incorporate 1/4 of your plate as lean protein (turkey, chicken, fish, beans, tofu), 1/4 as whole grains/starchy (brown rice, quinoa, potatoes with the skin on, etc) and 1/2 as non-starchy veggies (broccoli, asparagus, salad, cauliflower, green beans, brussels sprouts, etc). If you know your having stuffing and mashed potatoes, try skipping the extra carbs in the rolls. Try really slowing down your meal and enjoying what is on your plate. Practice portion control with smaller scoops and plates. You can always go back for more later.
If your not in charge of the cooking this year, try just bringing a healthy side or dessert. You can still enjoy what is offered; however, at least you know you have one healthy option to fall back on. Something like veggies and hummus or fresh fruit with a light dip can be a quick and simple alternative. Don't go crazy trying complicated and new "healthy" recipes. Even doing simple swaps like brown rice for white rice in a casserole or plain Greek yogurt for sour cream, or using 1/4c less sugar in baking and adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract can all add up!
In the end, remember that the holiday season is about being with family/friends, not just the tasty food. To be your best self, you need to fuel your body properly and maybe even spending a little time recharging those batteries (i.e. sleeping more, going for a walk, reading, taking a long bath, etc)!
Happy holidays!
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