Do you feel yourself being pulled towards setting a weight or food related New Years Resolution for 2016? No doubt that we may find ourselves feeling a little fuller because of all the extra we eat during the holiday season, but when this fullness begins to turn into self-criticism we may find ourselves being pulled in the direction of setting a New Years Resolution. We may tell ourselves that starting January 1st we will cut out ____________(you fill in the blank) so it’s okay if we eat it all now because pretty soon we won’t be having any of it!
I would like to suggest a different strategy. I would like to suggest that we enjoy the holidays for what they are. Keep our bodies moving in whatever way we find meaningful but enjoy the little extras. We can take the time to be mindful about what we put in our mouths while still enjoying the holidays without self-criticism. And if we still feel ourselves being pulled in the direction of setting a New Years Resolution I would suggest sticking with a NON-WEIGHT Related goal.
When we make New Years Resolutions based on weight and physical appearance we set ourselves up to stay in a place of Self Judgment and Self Criticism. Holding a space for Self Love and Self Compassion is easier when we view ourselves as Joyful Beings who ENJOY Movement (strength training, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba… what do you enjoy?). Rather than exercising or eating certain foods because we hate our bodies lets exercise (move) because we LOVE ourselves and the many health benefits of movement.
While it’s okay to want to lose weight — we can feel more successful and whole when we move away from weight loss as our main focus.
ENJOY the HOLIDAYS!
- If you are interested in gaining greater food and body trust, I would be happy to introduce you to the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating and how they can guide a perspective shift in your relationship with your body and the food you eat.
- Contact me at gratitudeyogaspace@gmail.com.
- http://www.intuitiveeating.org/content/10-principles-intuitive-eating
