new year's — Blog — Grounded, Etc.

It's that time of year. Again. The end of December, when we all look back, reflect, and with enthusiasm and courage, rack our brains for one, or even a whole list of New Year's resolutions. But this year, if you keep coming back to the same results, why not consider skipping the ‘diets’ and instead, focus on improving your health as a whole with simple and gradual lifestyle changes?

The dreaded resolution time is upon us and even after an unprecedented and unusual 2020, Americans from coast to coast have once again made the same top pledges for self improvement for the upcoming year: exercising more, losing weight, and eating healthier. The problem, and why many folks end up failing these resolutions, is that they make them as short-term or incredibly lofty goals. The new trend diet, harsh cleanse, or perhaps an aggressive/temporary exercise plan. Quick disclaimer: I am not a medical or nutritional professional, but I do have a few tips on what has worked for me in terms of achieving long-term health and fitness success.

1. If you can at the very least cut sugar, give yourself a break on the rest: I'm not a fan of overly restrictive diets. They set you up to be unhappy, cranky, and ultimately, to go back to your old eating habits. If you can start with one change, cut the sugar out. This will not only improve your sleep, complexion, and focus, but if your goal is to drop pounds, reducing sugar intake is one of the simplest changes to make to do just that. Remember — sugar has some hidden names, so also be on the lookout for agave, corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, apple and grape juice, and honey when checking labels for sugar contents.

2. Skip the juice cleanses / detoxes and focus on whole foods: Yes, they might help you lose weight. And the health benefits and claims they will make are endless. But the weightloss is almost always temporary, and this method to achieving your health goals can actually be quite dangerous — causing blood sugar hikes, colon infections, and even more severe issues. The fact of the matter is, there is no "quick fix" when it comes to weight loss or better health, and if you want to go the liquid route, at least limit it to one meal a day and make it a smoothie over a juice, and add veggies! This way, you'll lower the sugar quantity and capture the fiber from the whole fruits and vegetables you're blending, helping you to stay fuller, longer.

3. When it comes to exercise, find something you love: If you hate running, don't do it. There is no way you'll ever maintain an exercise regime if the fitness method you select is something you don't enjoy! It doesn't have to be a rigorous cardiovascular activity, it can be online yoga, or even a brisk walk, just find something you personally derive pleasure from, and make it as ingrained in your daily routine as fastening your seatbelt. Even a little exercise is better than none!

4. It's okay if you miss a day, fall off the wagon, take longer than planned: Some things take time. And frankly, losing weight and changing your lifestyle are two very difficult things that will require patience and hard work. So, be kind to yourself. Allow for mistakes, cheat days, and give your body time to recover. If you work out really hard for four days, take a couple off. If it's your birthday, have a piece of cake — it's okay! Progress is the name of the game, never, ever perfection.