(1/2021) Happy New Year! This past year has been a trying year for all of us but now we are starting a brand new year with hopes and anticipation of much better times ahead. New Years seems to be the time everyone sets big resolutions for themselves. You know how that goes and you know most resolutions are over by the end of January. This year think of something you would like to improve and then think of how you can start slowly with your new adventure so you don't get overwhelmed and give up right away.

Maybe your goal is to loose some weight. Examine your eating habits and choose one that you know you will be able to stick with for a month. Changing just one thing will get you started and let you see that it is possible to commit to doing it for a month. During that month hopefully you will start to feel a little different and see that this is not as bad as you thought it would be. Getting that feeling of accomplishment may give you a little more strength and willpower to change one more thing and after you see that you are now able to commit to these two changes the sky is the limit for continuing.

Since you have given up, or a least stopped eating as much of some of the foods that contributed to your weight gain in the first place, try replacing them with a healthy alternative. I know it's hard to believe but if you give up those chips or cookies for a while they will not taste as good when you eat them the next time. Your taste buds will change if you stay away from the sugary and salty foods. The more you eat, the more you want.

Same goes with the fact if you don't eat sugar or salt you will not crave it. So many of my clients don't believe me when I tell them this but it is really true. You know yourself and your weakness when it comes to snacks and food.

You also know if you are able to slowly change your eating habits or if you need to give up those foods completely while you are trying to loose weight. Which ever way works for you is the path you need to take. Not every weight loss method works for every person so keep trying out new ones till you find the perfect match for you. There is one out there so don't give up too quickly.

Once you reach your goal you will be able to eat your favorite foods as a treat or on special occasions. Don't think you will never get that piece of cake or whatever your favorite dessert is. Just keep it for a reward and it will taste even better then. I have heard that the first bite or two tastes the best and after that you are just eating the rest because it is there. Think about that the next time you are eating something you really like. I have found it to be true and then I think, why am I eating this big piece of cake with all these calories when just a few bites was where all the flavor was and now I'm just eating calories.

Exercising more is another very popular New Year's resolution. Like the weight loss resolution, this seems to be a hard one to keep. Also like changing your eating habits starting an exercise program needs to be one that you can stick with. Knowing how busy everyone is today the exercise program you choose needs to be one that will fit into your busy schedule. Some people want to exercise and improve their health but they convince themselves they just don't have the time.

That is just not true. Once you commit to doing something to improve your health and you actually get started you will be pleasantly surprised how much better you feel. You will also be surprised that you can find time for your exercise program because it makes you feel a sense of accomplishment and a new found energy source.

Taking time for yourself and improving your health and energy level actually helps you find time for the things you need to do along with things you use to think about but just didn't have the energy to do. I know you have all heard the fact that you need to take care of yourself first so you have the strength and energy to take care of your family and others. This is really true and once you start taking time for and care of yourself the other things you need to do will fall into place,

Remember to keep moving and have a Healthy, Happy New Year!