It’s day 3 of January and those resolutions are right in the middle of battle, fighting against all of our cravings and the urge to just say fuck it! Will the resolution win, or will they lose the battle to our old friend comfort?
Do you ever wonder why the heck we make these resolutions, then find ourselves slipping away from what we most desire just to go back to exactly the way it was?
Are we setting ourselves up for failure or are we just not equipped for the challenge?
Let’s think about this, we make a resolution because it’s something we want or need then jump in feet first on day one of January (or day 2 because heck, January 1st is a holiday, and we still have all those cookies and holiday snacks that we can’t waste).
Were we prepared when we jumped in? Did we thoughtfully think about what it is we truly want?
Let’s take a look at one of the biggest resolutions over the years, losing weight. How many of us have been down this resolution alley many times? I know I have and let’s note, as I write this, I have eaten the rest of the Ranch Dip with Ruffles and my husband just walked by and said “did you eat all that?” With that said, I can say that I am somewhat of an expert on losing, gaining, losing and gaining weight again.
If we jump in feet first on January 1 (or 2) without preparing, we are going to fail. It’s important to make sure that we have everything we need and that there are no obvious obstacles in our path:
- Are we mentally prepared to tackle the challenge ahead:
- Determine why we want to lose weight
- What are our weaknesses and how are we going to get through them
- Do we have a meal plan, including snacks to get through the cravings
- Have we shopped for the food
- How much junk food is left in the house
- Have we put some kind of exercise routine in place (walking, gym etc.)
- How is this going to work with my family at dinnertime etc.
Jumping into losing weight feet first can be a great thing but you can’t wing it because by day 3 you will be eating the Ranch and Ruffles.
One of the things that I have found over the years is that the “act” of losing weight is short lived. Sure, I look great for a little while and may feel good, but I was not losing the weight for the right reasons. I was doing it because I was concerned about what other people thought of me and most of all what I thought of myself. I am always asking my husband “does this make me look fat? Do I look like a stuffed sausage in this?” He always answers, “you look beautiful, but you have to feel comfortable.” That’s the thing, I have never felt comfortable because I have had it stuck in my head that I have to lose weight. (side note: If ever did look like a stuffed sausage, he would tell me.)
Finding the true reason for losing weight puts us in the right frame of mind that creates the motivation for the new path ahead.
For me, I have learned that I feel good when I eat good. I have completely removed the word diet from my vocabulary and work to eat nutrient rich, clean whole foods. As noted above, I am no stranger to Ranch Dip and Ruffles, but I do know how I feel after eating that VS Mahi Mahi, rice and roasted broccoli. (side note: One of my favorite dinners! The Mahi Mahi not the Ranch and Ruffles.)
Feeling good gives motivation but the real momentum begins when I start meal planning. I have a savory palate and enjoy flavorful foods from around the world. Therefore, I’m always looking for those truly yummy recipes that are good for you.
This “hunt” for the best recipes that are truly good for you, then cooking and enjoying them brings a layer of fun and intrigue to our daily meals. Many of these recipes are fantastic and have become regulars on the meal rotation. While others, eh, we won’t be making again. (side note, my husband does the cooking, and he is amazing)
The point of my story is that, once I found my reason, it has become easier and fun to eat in a way that is not only good for me but nourishes my mind, body and soul.
The struggle for all of us is real but when you have a reason to make that resolution, your path ahead becomes more exciting, and you might just surprise yourself and find a little extra happiness along the way.
I hope that each one of you finds your reason this season and you have an amazing year ahead!
Wonderments With Jen 