Why New Year New You Is a Thing
The holiday season is truly magical. In fact, it’s my favorite. But it can be a real challenge to your personal care.
You want to make a serious impact in your career; so, you’re pushing hard for a strong close to the 4th quarter. You’re going to all the holiday parties, drinking all the signature cocktails and sampling all the holiday cookies.
You also want to make a significant impact in your family. You’re pouring extra special attention into creating memorable holiday celebrations for your loved ones. You’re visiting, and shopping, and wrapping, and carroling.
Replenish Your Energy
And therein lies the issue - you're so focused on giving your Energy away that you are less focused on replenishing your Energy. And the holiday season is over two months long. So, this inattention to your self-care tends to last at least as long.
Until … you guessed it! New Year New You! And then you're seduced and coerced into taking massive action like a detox or a diet or a new gym membership to get yourself "back on track."
Now, don’t get me wrong! I love the New Year and all the hope and promise that it brings. But why decide to wait for the clock to strike midnight on January 1st to feel comfortable and confident in your body?
New Year New You doesn’t really work.
Also - not to burst your bubble but - New Year New You doesn’t really work. Not for long, anyway. Let’s be honest - it rarely lasts until February.
So, let’s skip that. Feel good now. Eat, drink and be truly merry through the end of 2019, and start the New Year feeling like a million bucks.
And to support you, here are 3 tips to rock the remainder of the holiday season without feeling bloated, sluggish, or guilty.
- Drink more water.
Simple, but powerful.
Why? Your body is at least 60% water. You know the phrase you are what you eat? Well, it's more like you are what you drink!
So, grab your reusable water bottle and take it with you wherever you go. Drink more water than anything else. When you’re thirsty, drink water. But also, when you feel hungry, drink water before you reach for food.
In fact, staying well-hydrated can improve so many frustrating feelings, signs and symptoms that make you feel blah.
- Practice eating mindfully.
What does that even mean?!
It means being fully present while you eat.
The mind-body connection is very real, and hectic, stressful seasons like the holidays can damage that connection.
So, if you’re eating and your mind is …
- anticipating the check-out line at Target or …
- replaying that uncomfortable encounter with your mother-in-law or …
- designing your dinner party menu …
it'll be pretty tough to eat for energy. And it becomes more likely to eat for and continue eating because of stress, frustration, or the pressure to prove. And that won’t serve your mind or your body well.
- Make a plan.
You can hold yourself accountable.
You can also keep this simple. You don’t need an Excel worksheet or Asana. You just need a few minutes to get in touch with your intentions.
Before the hustle and bustle, think over the day and write down what you plan to eat and drink and when. That’s it!
And yes, write. With a pen. On paper. There are numerous studies that show writing is more effective in carrying out a plan than tapping or typing.
And when you make a plan, you’re less likely to be swayed by the inevitable surprise (or sabotage) treats that pop up throughout your day.
And if you want a treat? PLAN for one.
I hope this has been valuable. And if you're ready to eat for energy - conquer cravings, beat bloating, and fight fat gain and fatigue - click here to download my Eat for Energy Weekend Meal Plan.
