All Health’s Breaking Loose:
A new year, a whole new chance to start fresh — perhaps lose a few pounds or get into better shape. Right about now most of us resolve to make changes in our bodies and lives during the next 12-month-stint. Whether you write them down or have them floating around in your head, all resolutions for the “new†year are born out of a desire to feel better. Even though we may want to feel better, making dietary changes is easier said than done. Will power doesn’t always over-ride the proclivity of life-long habits.
Then there’s the fear of falling off the wagon wondering if you’ll ever be able to climb back on. One of my wellness boot campers said, “I’m not making any New Year’s resolutions this year — I just break them and then I feel bad about myself!†Setting ourselves up for failure can be hard on our self worth, but aspiring to improve ourselves is truly a noble endeavor. So, let’s find the balance. Rather than give up on self-improvement, let’s take small steps, one at a time, so there’s no “big fall†looming ahead.
I bet you already know your weaknesses — the foods you shouldn’t eat, but eat anyway. Rather than restrict yourself with an unrealistic diet, let’s approach weight loss in a different way. Take a mental trip inside your body and “see†all that it is and all that it does — it’s truly a miracle. Having respect for your “machine†will spawn the desire to detoxify and ultimately help you reach your goals. Have the intention to have a pure and clean system. Then, break the day into thirds: morning (before noon), afternoon (from noon until 4 o’clock) and evening (from 4 o’clock until bedtime). Within each portion of the day there will be a meal and some choices. Just for that part of the day be good to yourself and stay on track. As you are aware of each “third†of the day, it’s easier to make the choice to eat right, just for that part of the day. You might say no to a processed or junk food that is offered. Or add some fresh juice or a piece of fruit, or get some exercise. Then, feel success when you’ve been on track for that part of the day.
The morning is the most important “third.†The demands of our bodies are highest and it also sets the tone for the rest of the day. If your morning has gone by and you are on track — great! It’s downhill from there. No matter what your fitness goals for the year ahead are, taking it one step at a time makes it easier and less pressured. If you can take some of the pressure of failure off of yourself, you are more likely to transition into the fit person you’d like to be.
May you reach your goals in the New Year.
Love & health, Loa
LOA BLASUCCI teaches her Mind & body workout at the Community Center of LCF Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. She can be reached at heyloa@gmail.com