Wow. 2013. Doesn't that number sound like the setting for some science fiction story? Once we hit the year 2000, it all became such a blur. Seems like we are speeding into the future, and it won't be long before the microchips are implanted directly into our brains, like in the novel Feed. If you haven't read that one, it's definitely disturbing.
Sure, the new year is an arbitrary demarcation. There isn't really anything separating one year from the next. But if we choose to see this as a new beginning, we can make it so.
Research has shown that if you want to make something new into a habit, you need to repeat it for 30 days. That seems like a long time, but if you make it through the end of January with your new habit intact, it might actually last. Not just for 2013, but for a lifetime! Imagine what you could accomplish...
If your goal for the new year is to improve your health, you could make all kinds of significant changes, one month at a time. Starting with something super easy, you could simply drink more water. Perhaps you could fill 3 liter sized bottles with water while you make your coffee or tea in the morning. Place the water bottles somewhere you cannot possibly ignore them. Maybe on your desk, by your computer, in your car, or next to your place setting at the table. Drink one liter before breakfast, one before lunch, and one before dinner. After a month, your habit will be firmly entrenched and you will never "forget" to drink water again! Plus you will feel SO much better, you will be amazed.
Another really easy switch that will make a big change in your health is to switch out veggies for grains. You could try this for just one meal out of your day. Most vegetables contain fewer calories than grains (per ounce) as well as more vitamins, more antioxidants, more water, and plenty of fiber. Dropping the bread from your sandwich and having a salad instead, or switching out another serving of steamed veggies for the rice or pasta in your dinner will soon mean a smaller waistline, less bloating and water retention, increased nutrition, and better health.
One more suggestion for an small change that can make a big difference is breakfast. If you currently skip breakfast, try getting up a few minutes earlier and eating something with your coffee. If you already eat breakfast, but it is full of grains (cereal, bagel, muffin, donut, toast, pastry) I suggest switching to a source of protein and either fruit or veggies instead. Some awesome breakfast combo's are: unsweetened Greek yogurt and fresh fruit; cottage cheese and fresh fruit; chicken apple sausage and a piece of fruit; spinach and mushroom omelet; red flannel hash made with beets, onions, a small potato, and leftover shredded beef. You will be shocked by how much more energy you will have when you eat protein for breakfast. Your meal will last longer before you get hungry. And you will feel more alert and have better mental focus. Pretty great stuff!
I'm looking forward to another fabulous year together. I hope you will share more of your experiences along the way: your plans and your problems, your choices and your challenges. I'd love to hear suggestions about how I can better support your growth and progress this year. Stay in touch!
Sure, the new year is an arbitrary demarcation. There isn't really anything separating one year from the next. But if we choose to see this as a new beginning, we can make it so.
Research has shown that if you want to make something new into a habit, you need to repeat it for 30 days. That seems like a long time, but if you make it through the end of January with your new habit intact, it might actually last. Not just for 2013, but for a lifetime! Imagine what you could accomplish...
If your goal for the new year is to improve your health, you could make all kinds of significant changes, one month at a time. Starting with something super easy, you could simply drink more water. Perhaps you could fill 3 liter sized bottles with water while you make your coffee or tea in the morning. Place the water bottles somewhere you cannot possibly ignore them. Maybe on your desk, by your computer, in your car, or next to your place setting at the table. Drink one liter before breakfast, one before lunch, and one before dinner. After a month, your habit will be firmly entrenched and you will never "forget" to drink water again! Plus you will feel SO much better, you will be amazed.
Another really easy switch that will make a big change in your health is to switch out veggies for grains. You could try this for just one meal out of your day. Most vegetables contain fewer calories than grains (per ounce) as well as more vitamins, more antioxidants, more water, and plenty of fiber. Dropping the bread from your sandwich and having a salad instead, or switching out another serving of steamed veggies for the rice or pasta in your dinner will soon mean a smaller waistline, less bloating and water retention, increased nutrition, and better health.
One more suggestion for an small change that can make a big difference is breakfast. If you currently skip breakfast, try getting up a few minutes earlier and eating something with your coffee. If you already eat breakfast, but it is full of grains (cereal, bagel, muffin, donut, toast, pastry) I suggest switching to a source of protein and either fruit or veggies instead. Some awesome breakfast combo's are: unsweetened Greek yogurt and fresh fruit; cottage cheese and fresh fruit; chicken apple sausage and a piece of fruit; spinach and mushroom omelet; red flannel hash made with beets, onions, a small potato, and leftover shredded beef. You will be shocked by how much more energy you will have when you eat protein for breakfast. Your meal will last longer before you get hungry. And you will feel more alert and have better mental focus. Pretty great stuff!
I'm looking forward to another fabulous year together. I hope you will share more of your experiences along the way: your plans and your problems, your choices and your challenges. I'd love to hear suggestions about how I can better support your growth and progress this year. Stay in touch!
Comments
Post a Comment
Please share your helpful questions and comments here! Thanks for being part of this balanced community!