by Cathy Clements, Nutritionist & Life Coach, NASM CNC, CPT, FNS, WFS
Aren’t you glad we have finally put 2020 behind us? But; now what?
That is what I find I am asking myself. 2020 was difficult, but now we have a fresh start. Time for a new you!
A fresh start begins with forgiveness. If you aren’t where you thought you would be or where you planned to be, forgive yourself and move forward from this point on. The old adage “You can’t cry over spilt milk” applies here. It’s done, so start fresh.
But don’t start extreme! You will find a lot of people will jump in with both feet and overdo it and quit as quickly as they started. I am also not telling you to ease in super slowly.
The first four things I would tell you to do:
Forgive yourself. This is your new starting point.
Evaluate where you are.
• If you already have a good baseline for exercise wonderful; that is your starting point.
• Nutritionally, what did you want to do at this time? Know that, and start cutting back on the items that don’t benefit you. The first one I eliminate is sugar. Cut it out or cut it down.
• Think water and fill up. Drink a glass and a half hour before each meal, and begin increasing the total amount you drink in a day.
Have FUN! If you aren’t having fun, you won’t continue. There are many different ways to exercise and eat. What are the ways that you enjoy and are good for you?
Accountability. You need support so find a few friends who have the same goals and do things together — be it working out or food prep — you can do them together.