I’ve finally decided not to include weight loss as a New Year’s resolution. It’s been too stressful to try to obtain a certain weight and not to focus on being happy about how I feel and look. Sure, some people might need to set numeric goals from week to week to stay on track; but for me, it’s all about considering myself “healthy,” not “skinny.”
Instead of weighing in and crossing my fingers that my weight is lower and lower, I’ll be making small changes in my eating habits to give myself more energy. I will consider each item that I eat and decide whether or not it will fuel me for the day. Items to consider eating more of include: eggs, berries, vegetables, nuts, fish, turkey, and other fruits. Paying attention to exactly what I’m eating will help me focus on protein for energy and fat burning. With a better mindset, I can focus on what I will gain by making healthier choices, not the weight that I will lose.
In addition to what I’m eating, portion size is important. Eating until you’re uncomfortably full is not the way to go. Instead, I will focus on eating slowly in order to stop when I know I can be satisfied until my next snack or meal. This means being okay with not eating a full plate at restaurants especially. It may be suggested too often, but it certainly works to go ahead and put half your meal in a box when eating out. That way you get two meals out of one anyway.
Enough of the “food talk.” Healthy doesn’t just mean eating the right way. My ideal healthy lifestyle includes focusing on myself and making time to do what I want to do. For me, that includes making time to read. Books are a way to learn more about yourself and grow as a person in the process. Giving yourself the time to sit down for just 15 to 30 minutes with nothing but a good book is well deserved. If you don’t like reading, there are certainly other activities to keep you happily busy while you set time apart for just you.
In addition to feeling healthy with food choices and time for yourself, I believe a healthy lifestyle includes relationships. This New Year, I want to focus on doing more for others. It is so important in life to build strong relationships within your community, both old and new. Getting to know others and valuing time with them allows you to feel appreciated and loved. As cheesy as that sounds, I firmly believe happiness depends on who you surround yourself with and where you spend your time.
Finding a new hobby in 2017 might not be so bad either. As a soon-to-be college graduate, cooking might be the skill I pick up. Keeping my belongings organized and keeping a pen and paper nearby at all times can allow me to feel more efficient and therefore happier and healthier.
As I’ve said, healthy doesn’t just mean eating fruits and vegetables and exercising until you can’t anymore. There are other steps you can take this New Year to be happier and healthier including making smarter food choices, having a positive mindset, allowing time for yourself every day, building relationships, finding a new hobby and staying organized. I personally will be taking each of these steps to build a better life for myself while worrying less and appreciating the little things more. Getting the most out of life doesn’t mean dieting - it means living well according to YOU and your standards.
