What do Real Life Resolutions Look Like
- Check in with yourself every morning.
I remind myself that when I am healthy and happy, I have more to give to the world.
- Eat protein at breakfast.
I include protein at every breakfast. My favorite: breakfast meatballs. Turkey + shredded veggies (zucchini, carrot, celery, and onion), quick oats, egg whites, and spices made into balls and cooked in muffin trays in advance. Then I heat up in the morning.
- Bring lunch you’re excited to eat.
- Pre-prep dinners.
“PREP! It’s a much less ‘rush-y’ situation, which carries over into eating… so you’re eating more slowly and not inhaling food right past the full point.
- Eat at the table.
- Exercise whenever, wherever, and however possible.
Walk as much as possible.
- Aim for “a little better” instead of “perfect”.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about gradual and continuous improvement. Ifyou used to get down on yourself if you ate unhealthily or missed some workouts and felt like you had failed. Now feel that you have put in some great work, and can do even better tomorrow and next week.
- Get all sorts of support.
Use a meal service for healthy meals, which are pre-portioned if you have to. If you commute an hour each way to/from work, and I work long hours, having the ingredients there with recipes helps immensely.
- Find accountability.
Find a coach who consistently reaches out to you! *:D big grin, and that reminds you to move daily, focus, and claim the day for myself before you head out to work. It reminds you that this is your life and your choices can be life-affirming in every moment.
- Show up again the next morning.
Show up each day and do what you can on that day. Don’t jump ahead. This is not a race. It’s not a diet. It’s your life.
What could your “real life resolution” look like?
Perhaps committing to doing the best we can, when we can, with whatever we’ve got—day in and day out.
With the New Year around the corner, it’s an interesting time to make (or renew) your commitment to health and fitness.
What to do next….. How could you aim to make things “a little bit better” this year, instead of “perfect or nothing”?
- Consider your health and fitness goals for this coming year.
What does a renewed commitment to health and fitness look for YOU — in the context of YOUR own unique, interesting and challenging life?
- Celebrate your accomplishments from the past year.
Even if there are lots you want to change, take a moment to reflect on and acknowledge at least two or three things you did well this past year.
Pat yourself on the back for all signs of progress, no matter how small.
- Plan for things to go wrong.
What challenges do you anticipate might interfere with the progress you want to make?
Think about those roadblocks now. Consider some adjustments and workarounds in advance.
Accepting the messy “real-life” stuff will be key to your success.
- Start small.
What is one little thing you could do today to help you prepare for success this year?
Maybe it’s researching a healthy meal delivery service for busy weeks, downloading a relaxing meditation podcast, or booking a babysitter one evening a week.
Take one small action now, and you’ll already be on your way.
Do any of the strategies above intrigue you? Pick one and give it a shot.
If you usually eat dinner on the go, try sitting down for a meal at the table. If you want accountability, find someone to check in with.
Remember, you don’t have to get it “perfect”. Not now, not ever.
All you have to do is make an effort, and keep showing up every day.