New Year's Resolution 2013: Be Kind to Myself

You know how it goes if you have ever tried to lose weight. 
You might have that one unsuccessful day when you fall off the wagon...

How did you speak to yourself when that happened? 
Was it kind?  

If you have experienced that one unsuccessful day, then you might also be familiar with the weight coming off…Yea!!!...and then back on…Boo!!  
After all of that hard work?!  How did you speak to yourself then? 
Was it kind? 

Why is it that we find it easier to be kind and supportive to others more than to ourselves? 

As you kick off your weight loss News Years Resolution like thousands of others, I would ask that you consider your first News Years Resolution to be “I will be kind to myself”. Then implement these 5 tips for success, being kind to yourself every step of the way.  

Most of us already know what it means to eat healthier. Eating more fruits and veggies; less fats and sugars.  Actually doing it, and doing it consistently, is an entirely different story.  What could be missing is a little accountability, support and coaching to help you achieve.   

Old habits die hard.
Creating new healthy habits take time and yes, commitment.  Taking the time to create them will evolve into a lifetime of healthy habits.  Although the following tips apply to overall wellness, and I firmly believe you can achieve overall wellness, these are specific to your weight loss goal for your sustainable weight loss.  However, I encourage you to use them broadly for a healthy mind, body and spirit.  It is all tied together anyway!

1. Be kind to yourself.  This includes positive self talk and even your surrounding environment.  Consider and give yourself credit for what is working in your life.  Think about it.
   
2. Create a vision of what you want to feel like and look like in one year.  Yes one year.  This game is called your life and we are playing for keeps.  No more quick fixes allowed.  
   
3. Create 3 month goals that tie to your vision of weight loss (health and wellness).
   
4. Set several achievable S.M.A.R.T. goals (S-Specific, M- Measurable, A-Action Based and Achievable, R-Relevant, T-Time-bound) each week.  I want to reiterate achievable.  Tweak your goals until you know they are both challenging and achievable. (see examples below).
   
5. Allow for missteps when they come, and they will come. Focus on your motivators and what you value most.  Have strategies in place for when you have a setback to get back on track fast. It is not about perfection.  It is about persistence and achievement.  

Examples of S.M.A.R.T Goals:  

• I will walk 3 days next week on Monday (after work), Thursday (after work) and Saturday (morning) for 30 minutes.
• I will plan for 3 healthy meals and create a shopping list for my husband before he goes to the grocery store on Saturday.  I will prep the food for those meals on Sunday so I am ready for the week. 
• I will drink 4 cups of water from my blue cup each day M-F at work. 

Most importantly, whether you are trying to lose weight or not, be kind to yourself. 
Say it out loud: Be Kind to Myself.  

Happy New Year from Health Inspires!

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