Healthy Choices - Getting Started

It is now February and many of those New Year's Resolutions may be starting to fade, or the reality of everyday life may have caused you to miss a day or two (or even several in a row) in your quest for eating healthier and/or for becoming more fit in your life. The most important thing to remember is that true change, and the benefits that will come with it, are not decisions that you just make on New Year's Eve and then miraculously stick to with unwavering resolve. You must allow yourself to bend a little, misstep here and there, and to be, well....human. Do not allow a little detour on your path towards your goals, whatever they may be, to keep you from feeling successful. Celebrate every decision you make that is a positive one (skipping dessert this time, taking the stairs, parking a little farther from the door so you get a few more steps in). Whatever the size of the 'good decision' it is important to acknowledge it and recognize yourself for starting to turn the corner towards more consistently making good choices. This way when you are human; i.e., splurge a little, get sick or otherwise feel that your goal of healthier eating or exercising more is derailed, you will allow yourself to consciously remember all of the good choices you made over the past week and not allow yourself to criticize YOU into believing you have failed in your goals and therefore should no longer pursue them and just give up.

Reaching your goals is a long term strategy that you can win, one step at a time. You will turn left or right or back peddle periodically; allow yourself that freedom by being honest with yourself about all the good choices you make each day that kept you on target. Don't listen to those sabotaging thoughts in your head. Reprogram yourself now to believe in the power of You!!  You can do it. I believe in you. Now you must believe in yourself.

Feel free to reply to this post with suggestions on how you find success in meeting your daily goals. Here's to your good health!