Happy happy 2017 from China, friends! While I am pumped for the year to begin, I can’t help but smile as I reflect on the past month. In a word, December was LIT (i.e. amazing). It left me feeling so full: full of good food in my belly, full of love & gratitude for my friends & family (many of which I was fortunately able to see during the month) and full of optimism for the year ahead. May it be our happiest & healthiest year yet!
Sunset in Bali
Like the start of every year, many people enthusiastically set resolutions. Regardless of the time of the year, I think any step towards self-improvement is awesome. Since many resolutions tend to be health-related, I wanted to share a couple of my tips to make sure they last even once the new year vigor starts to dwindle:
1) Rather than try and revamp your health and overhaul your lifestyle completely overnight, direct your energy towards making small changes. Choose 2-3 areas which are important to you and really focus on them. As you start to notice improvements in your wellbeing and these changes transition into habits that can last a lifetime, build on them. Any kind of change calls for adjustment and if you act small, chances are you won’t feel overwhelmed and instead enjoy the journey. Small, consistent steps add up to big (and permanent) strides!
Lunch in China
2) As a strong believer in the power of mindset when it comes to our wellness, I advocate adding, rather than subtracting, to your lifestyle. The term ‘diet’ alone conjures up the idea of deprivation, and even more so when it involves eliminating certain foods and food groups. Psychologically we are more receptive to the idea of adding in foods rather than giving up foods/drinks. Restriction requires willpower and let’s be honest, willpower is a finite resource and eventually runs out. It never results in a meaningful, long-lasting change. For long-term success & to leave you feeling both empowered and motivated, retrain your mind to focus on adding in healthier habits rather than subtracting. Even small additions like moving an extra 30 minutes daily, supplementing each meal with a source of lean protein, scheduling 20 minutes of down time each night, eating a serving of greens with every meal, and drinking more water during the day (to name a few) all translate to long-term results.
Hope your 2017 is off to a great start guys!
What area(s) of your health are you aiming to improve in 2017?
How/where did you ring in the new year?
Wonderful advice as always.
I’m so glad your December left you feeling so fantastic and that you got to spend some good time with family. It makes all the difference.
Thanks so much Meg <3!
I had a pretty slow paced new years which was much needed. i am all about small, slow progress to make a lifetime change. hope 2017 will be even better for you friend 🙂
Slaw changes for big results- AMEN!
I love the concept of adding in rather than subtracting from our diet but also our life – it’s something I always tell my clients and it works!
Glad you had such a fab December!
A slight change in mindset and approach can make all the difference for long-term results. It sounds like your clients have sound advice to follow ;)!