New Year's Resolutions

Hi, this is Carla! You probably think I'm a bit late with this post, don't you? And you've got a good point. It is a month and a half into the New Year.  So how do I explain being this late jumping onto the resolution bandwagon? First of all, I'm not jumping on. I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I never have. I've never made one. Yes, I eat this healthy and maintain this weight having never made a New Year's resolution. In fact, it's likely because I have never made a New Year's resolution that I am able to eat healthy and maintain my weight. Here's why.

For one, I don't see New Year's Day, tomorrow, Monday, the first of the month, or any other day as a fresh start for a dietary change. If I decide to make a dietary change, I make it now. Even in the middle of the day. Similar reasoning for exercise or any other changes.

Also, I think the heavy restrictions that people put on themselves is nearly impossible. Here's an example. When my kids were little, I'd tell them to get in the car. Then I'd yell at them to get in the car. Then I'd yell asking why they weren't in the car yet. Every time we left the house it was the same thing. I'd resolve not to yell. It never worked because eventually I would yell. So, how did I fix it? First of all, restrictions will always end up in failure. "I will not yell" is doomed to fail. What needs to be done is a positive change. Get down to the bottom of what the real problem is. For me the real problem was that it took ten minutes for the kids to get in the car. The fix for yelling was not "not yelling" it was telling the kids to get in the car ten minutes before we left. Yes, that worked. And sometimes they would have to wait for me.

Here's how you apply that to diet. Say you're craving carbs mid-afternoon. Well, that's a couple hours after lunch. Perhaps you had a carb-filled lunch and it's a blood sugar swing. Maybe include some more fat and protein in your lunch since it stays with you longer. I eat like Mark Sisson of Mark's Daily Apple (www.marksdailyapple.com). I have found that eating in this manner has stopped the blood sugar swings I used to feel. Or perhaps the food you are eating is not nutrient-dense, so your body triggers hunger a few hours later because even though it is getting enough calories, it's starving for nutrients.

So this is how I made dietary changes over the years (not all at once like resolutions). I ADD to my diet. Recently I added 3 cups of greens per day. I've seen HUGE changes in my energy level! Determine where you're lacking and add that. Another fairly recent addition for me is three different colors of vegetables per day. Yes, now it's BOTH 3 cups of greens AND 3 different colors of vegetables. Honestly, with all this healthy food in my body, there's not much room left for that sugary snack! Nor do I want it! My body knows what healthy food feels like, and that's what it now wants. It's a gradual process or you're setting yourself up for failure. One thing at a time until it becomes habit.

What about exercise? Of course, *I* think you should come see me for a pilates session. :) But seriously, add something accessible to you. "I will go for a walk after dinner at least three nights per week." Or, "I will take a fitness class one day a week." Again, add slowly. Do not say something like, "I will workout every day." You need to 1) Be specific and 2) Be reasonable knowing it's not the only change you will ever make to your workout routine.

Though I'm against New Year's resolutions, I am not against making changes for the better in your health. I think it should be done more regularly than once per year and at a more reasonable pace. Once the change becomes a habit, it's time for another change. Oh, and never feel guilty about a treat! Just remember, a treat is a treat and doesn't happen every day .... if it's every day, it's a regular part of your diet and not a treat!

disclaimer - I am not a nutritionist