January is traditionally a time for reflection and a time to think about a fresh, new year. The process typically involves looking back over the prior year at things we did well (or not), thinking about new possibilities/opportunities for the coming year, and committing to some behavioral changes to make those possibilities a reality.
Many of us take the time to complete a list of New Year’s resolutions and “improving health” is usually high on the list with ideas of weight loss, exercise and healthier eating. Everyone has their own perspective of what that means, what it might look like for them, and have some ideas about how to improve their health. Even scientific researchers approach it in various ways.
Sandy struggled with an extra 50 pounds most of her life. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure that she realized she needed some help. She knew that her past efforts with diets and exercise programs were short term and had led her to where she was today, facing serious life-altering diseases. Sandy decided it was time for the help of a health coach and perhaps, a personal trainer.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrate March as National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is Personalize Your Plate. To emphasize the importance of Nutrition Month, I have been posting daily on social media different fruits, vegetables, legumes or grains to highlight the vast health benefits of each. The variety of plant-based foods is so plentiful that I have had to be very selective in my featured choices. Did you know that there are 300,000 plant species in the world that are edible? Can you count the number of foods that you eat each day, week or even a year? If you are like most creatures of habit, chances are the variety of plants that you consume needs to be expanded and diversified!
For more than 30 years, I have insisted, “Good Health is a Lifetime Choice… Choose Wisely!” Every day we make hundreds of choices that ultimately impact our health. When the “opportunity clock” wakes you (this is Zig Ziglar’s positive psychology, most believe it is an “alarm” clock), do you press snooze or do you jump out of the bed, into your exercise clothes and take off for the gym? Do you choose a healthy breakfast such as a bowl of hot oatmeal with raisins and walnuts? Or do you opt for the “two egg & muffin sandwiches for just $2” under the golden arches? (Spoiler alert, there is nothing healthy about “two for $2” at any fast-food drive-thru!) Then there is Starbucks where you have your choice of 50 different coffee options, from decaf to full lead, cappuccino or Frappuccino? What about caramel drizzle, chocolate drizzle or just plain whipped cream? Choices…we have so many choices and those are all before we begin our workday!
Valentine’s Day is upon us! Everywhere you go, you see fabulous displays of heart-shaped candy boxes to treat your favorite Valentine. It is estimated that 58 million pounds of chocolate will be sold just this week leading up to Valentine’s Day. That represents estimated sales of over $345 million!
Have you ever had a sleepless night? You may vividly recall an agonizing evening of tossing, turning and checking the clock every five minutes. I admit when I was in my teens and twenties, sleep was not my top priority. These days are much different; sleep, like oxygen, is a necessity.
As the New Year unfolds, I encourage you to rethink “resolutions” for yourself. After all, the majority of Americans aren’t too successful when fulfilling their promises of change. As Albert Einstein so eloquently stated, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Christmas is almost here, and I’m sure all of us have tested our willpower during the holidays. Many stories have surfaced from clients who are frustrated—they’re finding it hard to “just say no!” All emphasize the struggles and temptations associated with the holiday season including cookies, pastries and doughnuts for breakfast and meaningful friends bearing gifts of decadent foods.
Halloween is over and the unofficial start of the holiday weight-gain season has arrived!Although Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, “trick or treat” candy traditionally weakens willpower and begins an out-of-control holiday tailspin!
