2019 is in full effect, and whether the New Year’s resolution diet is still going strong or you’ve long ditched the new dietary pattern, there is always something to learn from trying a change to lifestyle or habits.
The most popular dietary resolutions for New Year’s 2019 were low carb, reduced calorie and keto, while reducing the amount of meat in the diet and weight watchers (WW) were also high-ranking choices. Whether you chose one of these, a different dietary change or just kept your eating as is, my goal for you this year is to learn from your resolutions – what felt good in your body and what felt too rigid. Did you enjoy cutting back on meat because of the impact it has on the environment or your mental load? Maybe eating keto allowed you to focus more on cooking at home or meal preparation. Take a step back and reflect. Instead of a resolution in January, can you resolve to reassess your relationship with eating and food every few weeks or at the start of every month this year?
Here are some ideas for monthly check-ins that take a more positive spin on the resolution – resolve to continually improve your eating habits and create more peace with your relationship with food and eating!
- Eat more plants – whether you’re vegetarian or not, it is always good for your health to add in more fruits, veggies and whole grains. This means having a snack at your desk that incorporates whole grains, like popcorn and having something stashed in the nearby fridge that can solve that produce fix – hummus and veggies are a great staple to keep handy.
- Meditate – reserve a private conference room or a quiet area in the office and take some time to yourself every day. 5 minutes, 1 hour, whatever you need. Meditation apps are great, but any quiet time to yourself with your eyes closed and something comforting by your side will do the trick.
- Move More, Sit Less – getting out of your chair and move around! The American Heart Association states that 20 minutes per day of walking can reduce health risks for heart disease. What does this look like for your day job? Get up at least 2 times in the morning and 2 times in the afternoon. Walk to the bathroom, the printer or over to a coworker that you were going to email and have a conversation instead. Better yet – see if you can make any of your meetings walking or standing meetings. If you don’t need your computer, walking and talking gets those steps in and gets you moving more than sitting. And lastly, ask about a standing desk option – more offices are offering this these days, so can’t hurt to ask if that’s a possibility for you!
- Eat or drink something every day that you love – and stop what you’re doing (texting, typing, chatting) to really savor and enjoy. A glass of wine, a small bowl of ice cream or a hearty avocado toast – whatever floats your boat! Schedule a 3PM break in your calendar and step away from your desk.
- Take a break from the diet cycle – spend full days eating whatever you want and being ok with it. Finding the balance between what you want and what you need may surprise you.