Monthly Archives: December 2009

In my line of work, this time of year can be a tricky one.

Why?  Because I’m just not a fan of  New Year’s Resolutions, especially those that involve weight-loss.  And statistics show that more often than not, these Resolutions just don’t work.

Heck, even Oprah didn’t keep her 2009 Resolutions!

In the January 2010 issue of “O Magazine” Oprah says:

“All the things I vowed to do this time last year, I didn’t. I didn’t give myself more balance or more time. I didn’t work out daily. I failed. So 2010 is a start-over, for sure.”

Remember in January of 2009 Oprah had this BIG kick-off  week with her Best Life Series?  I mean, this is a woman who has TEAMS (with an “S”) of people to help her.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Oprah, but it just goes to show that we’re all human and even the best of intentions don’t always go as planned.  And as a general rule, New Years Resolutions just don’t work — at least in the long run.

Now before you get angry at me — think about it.  Can you even remember what your Resolution was last year? (Okay, I’m guessing for a lot of you it was weight-loss).  But how about the year before that?  Even if you can remember what it was, were you able to reach your goal AND make it a part of your daily life — and still incorporate it today?  If you did, than hats off to  you!

But if you’re in the majority, chances are your New Year’s Resolution just didn’t stick.  Sure you had very good intentions, and probably even did quite well for a few weeks.  You were excited, revved up, and ready to make THIS year your year.  But usually by Valentine’s Day, you had thrown in the towel and ended up sitting eating a box of chocolates (okay, maybe the chocolates part is ME).

Though I’m not big on Resolutions, I realize this is a time of year when many people resolve to start (or maintain) a healthy lifestyle.  And that’s what should be the goal — having a healthy lifestyle.  Not seeing a certain number on a scale.  Or losing X number of pounds.  Or going on a “diet.”

Make this year the year you life a healthy lifestyle.  And a healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination.

So if you are one of the millions of people who want to lose weight in the New Year — before you jump right in with a food plan and a list of what to eat and what NOT to eat, I ask you to stop for a moment and forget about the food.  That’s right.  Forget about the food.  Just bear with me.

Instead, first I’d like to you ask yourself:  “What is the LIFE I want to live?”

Because if you’re not fulfilled with your life, then no diet plan or weight loss is going to make things better. You can eat all the salmon, broccoli and brown rice you want but it won’t bring you fulfillment.   Sure, it might get you into a smaller size jeans and yes those foods are healthy.  But if you’re not fulfilled with your life, then losing weight won’t change that.

Now ask yourself: “What am I looking for that I believe losing weight will bring me?”

I can tell you from personal experience, that losing weight will NOT make you happy, bring you riches (okay, unless you write a best-selling book about it!) nor bring you the man of your dreams, or any other false promises we’ve been sold.

But if you think that once you lose weight everything in your life will be better (things like your job, your relationships, your marriage, and your self-esteem) then you’re in for a big surprise.

Losing weight is not about the food.  Its about living the life you want to live.  And being healthy should be a PART of that, and not controlling it.

Weight-loss is simply a step in the process — of  becoming more of who you are, who you want to be, getting what you want out of life, and being healthy on the outside AND on the inside.

So before you go around thinking you can change what you eat and add in hours of exercise once the calendar says January 1, think about what is the LIFE you want to live?  Once you know that, then you can start taking small positive steps to create and live that life.  And if it includes eating healthier foods & getting more exercise that’s great!

But that should not be the goal.  The goal is living the healthy life YOU want — and deserve.

December and the Holidays are supposed to be a time filled with good times, cheer, and happiness.  But for many people they are filled with fighting traffic, dealing with crowds in stores (okay, unless you do all your shopping online), eating (and oftentimes drinking) too much, and entertaining family and friends.

It’s the season when you’re expected to cram in shopping, baking, office parties, and family gatherings into your already busy life.  In short, the holidays can mean S-T-R-E-S-S.  And stress can often lead to overeating, which in turn leads to feeling bad about oneself and one’s body, which can then lead to more stress.  See the vicious circle?

But don’t despair.  It’s not too late to put some sanity into the crazy days of December.  Here are some tips to help you deal with – or even avoid – holiday stress.

1)  Lower expectations. Don’t hold yourself up to an unrealistic standard and feel you have to do it all.  Take a look at your holiday activities.  Are there things you do each year that you don’t really enjoy?  Go to the events you really want to attend.  Don’t drag yourself from event to event.  Think quality, not quantity.

2)  Make a shopping list and check it twice. Organize what gifts you need to buy and stick to it.   Being organized will help you avoid any oversights and you’ll be less likely to make any impulse purchases.  However, I also keep some extra small gifts around the house to avoid panic for any last-minute parties or events.

3)  Keep moving. Exercise is a great stress reliever.  Though you may have less time to exercise this time of year, be sure to fit some in.  Instead of watching the holiday special for the hundredth time, take a brisk walk outside.  The light from outside will also help diminish blue feelings.

4)  Eat well and be merry. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to abandon your healthy habits.  Have some healthy foods throughout the day, especially if you’ll be attending a party later in the evening.  But DON’T skip meals hoping to “save up” for later.  Be sure to eat regularly and keep some healthy foods on hand for a quick snack.  Also, indulgence is okay but no need to go overboard.  That fourth or fifth cookie really won’t make a difference, except on your waist!

5)  Go easy on the alcohol. Not only will drinking too much tempt you to overeat, you’ll also feel lousy the next day.  Have a glass of eggnog, but know your limits.

6)  Make some time for yourself. Take some time each day to be alone without any distractions. With all of the hustle and bustle of the season it’s especially important to wind down a bit and rejuvenate.

7)  Plan easy meals. Make doubles of your favorite soups or dishes.  Keep some in the fridge or even freeze them for a quick meal on a busy day.

 Lighten up and set differences aside. The holidays can bring up family issues and stresses.  Let go of the idea of the perfect family holiday and realize all may not go smoothly.  Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all your expectations.

9)  Remember the reason for the season. Appreciate what you have and the small things in life.  Don’t forget to take time to have fun with family and friends.  Bake together, go looking at holiday lights or just sit and talk over a warm cup of cocoa.  Also, don’t forget those who are less fortunate.  Go help someone in need.  There are plenty of people who don’t have friends and family to share the holidays with and just a little bit of your time will make their holiday season that much brighter.

So take it all in, relax, and remember that the holiday season should be fun, not stressful.