We all know the routine – every year we begin again, excited and invigorated with new resolutions and new conviction to see them through.
The first week of January is AMAZING, am I right? You eat well, you’re at the gym, you get up on time, and you’re crossing off your to-do list like a boss.
The second and third weeks are a little less than stellar, but that’s ok, you’re human, you’re kind to yourself. And by the fourth week, well…we’re right back where we started. It’s a frustrating cycle, isn’t it?
The thing with resolutions is that we put way too much pressure on ourselves to change everything dislike.
”This year, I’m going to lose the weight, do my hair every day, not eat sugar, get that promotion, and find a new relationship!”
Yikes. That’s crazy! When we put such high expectations on ourselves, we’re usually setting up for disaster. Real change comes slowly over time. It comes when you make small, realistic changes to your daily lifestyle. And it comes when you’re ready.
Fortunately a new year is a great time to start making those little changes in your day to day life, and here’s a few tricks that will actually bring them to fruition.
#1 Set Your Goal
Think about what you want. Is it clearer skin? Then something like drinking more water everyday is easily doable and will deliver the results. Is it a weight loss? Start with a small number, like 5-10 pounds. Is it working out more? Research a type of exercise you really enjoy (like dance, or kickboxing, or pilates) and commit to it twice a week. (You do not have to work out every day to affect change – give yourself a break!)
Once you’ve set your goal, write out what it would take for you to reach it. It’s not going to happen overnight, and you shouldn’t expect it to. Make a plan for that slow, steady change. Soon enough, you’ll feel different.
#2 Cut Out Unhealthy Foods
This one is essential, no matter what your goal is. Eliminating toxins will give you more energy and more focus, allowing you to fully invest in your goal. While cutting out all unhealthy food is a tall order and very challenging, you can start small. The first thing to go should be any refined and process sugars. They are so very bad for you and your system. Cut out the candy, the sodas, and the processed foods. They’re loaded with toxins and are only holding you back.
Fill your belly with whole foods. Protein-rich, fiber-rich meals will do the trick. Stick with whole grains, tons and tons of vegetable (especially leafy greens!), legumes, fish, and nuts. An easy way to get so much of what you need is in green smoothies. They’re nutrient-rich and so delicious! When you’re craving sweets or a cheeseburger, drink a huge green smoothie first – trust me, the cravings will go away!
Try the 21 Day Smoothie Diet Challenge!
I did it last year and lost 16 pounds! It’s really amazing how fulfilling smoothies are, and with this challenge, you’re not forced to just have smoothies – you’re still eating regular meals. It’s just incorporating the ritual of smoothies throughout the day with amazing results – after the three weeks, I continued with the principals and lost another 10 pounds over the course of a few weeks. Click here to start now!
#3 The Golden Rule: Exercise
Of course, exercise is essential. Even though adjusting your diet is the main component of changing your body’s physique, exercise is so very important. Not only does it tone your body, but it strengthens your immune system, keeps your mind strong, and helps you sleep! There’s no substitute for getting that heart rate up.
Don’t forget that believing in yourself and your capacity to live a better and stronger life is key to your success. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve failed, what matters is knowing that you ARE capable, and you ARE strong enough. Setting realistic expectations and being kind to yourself are going to be the real tricks this year. Throw a few green smoothies in, and you’ll be thriving in no time!
P.S.
That 21 Day Smoothie Diet Challenge I mentioned? Health Coach Drew (creator of the program) is running a LIMITED TIME $10 discount if you start today! I swear it’s the best plan, and super easy to follow. Here’s the link: https://spinachy.com/Start-Challenge
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