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January 4, 2010
Sherri Meyer, MG Registered Dietitian
Ahh, New Year’s resolutions, everywhere you turn you hear about making them (or mostly how not to break them). Personally I am not fond of New Year’s resolutions as they often fall in the category of “all or nothing”. I like to think that if we have balance in our lives there is no need to make iron clad resolutions. I am speaking specifically about weight loss resolutions as we are inundated with messages about getting the “holiday weight” off, no more indulging, time to hit the gym, etc, etc. I recently read a great article that highlighted my thoughts about what we really should be doing this New Year:
“What if this year, instead of making resolutions to lose weight, we decided to set our intentions to take care of ourselves differently? To give ourselves more of what we really need?
Instead of setting ourselves up for the deprivation-driven eating that's generated by eliminating bread, cutting out desserts, etc, etc let us thoughtfully attend to the real reasons we are above our natural weight.
Perhaps we've been too busy at work and over-committed with community projects. And as a result, we aren't getting to the grocery store, or making time for breakfast, or eating as mindfully as we'd like. Or maybe, though we're meeting everyone else's needs, we haven't found time for our walk or a decent night's sleep. Possibly, we've needed to use food to relieve stress, to push down anger, or to comfort or reward ourselves.
Focusing on what's really needed -- instead of what we shouldn't be eating -- enables us to care for ourselves more effectively. And changing how we care for ourselves will bring our weight back into balance naturally. So this New Years, instead of making resolutions to dive into dieting and deprivation, consider setting your intentions to give yourself what you really need not only to have a good year, but also to have an empowered, fulfilling, and healthier life.
Think about one situation in your life where you want to improve your self-care. What is one small, attainable behavior that might change the situation? Ask yourself, without judgment, "What has gotten in my way in the past (with making change), and what supports do I need now to help me move forward?" Ask yourself this without minimizing your need for support and without downplaying the time and energy required to take action. “
www.nourshingconnections.com
Adapted from January 2010 newsletter
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