2020 was a roller coaster ride for everyone, the pandemic, lock down, quarantine, and the stress and anxiety that took over people during this period was higher than normal. Many of us found ourselves working from home, and not getting out and socializing as we used to. Our work and social habits may not have been the only habits disrupted due to the pandemic. During all these changes you may have noticed a change in eating patterns. Maybe your meals have become less balanced because your grocery shopping less and simply grabbing what is available, or perhaps you are forgetting to eat during the day. There could be numerous reasons for feeling “off”.
But it is a new year and that means a new start! I believe everyone is looking forward to better times in 2021. As we look at 2020 in the rearview mirror let us jump into 2021 with a renewed commitment to ourselves. It is safe to say we will not go back to what we knew as “normal” right away; But I am optimistic that there is a light at the end of tunnel. So, I say let us start by making 2021 the year of you!
I know you are busy, and you likely are being pulled in many directions. Which trust me I can relate!. But this can make it challenging to keep good eating habits. I am here to share with you that by prioritizing your own wellbeing and being more mindful of your nutritional needs will help make you more effective in balancing all the other activities; be it your job, family, children what ever it is that keeps you busy. Your wellness matters and should be number 1 priority.
Before you can make any changes, you need to understand what is problematic for you. The answer to this will be different for everyone. As our bodies are unique. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to individual nutrition. For example, dairy may bother you but maybe perfectly fine for someone else. First and foremost, start listening to your body.
Tips on How to get started -
Make the commitment. Simply making the decision to do something for you can sometimes be the hardest part.
Take baby steps. Remember it is not a sprint it is a marathon. The goal is to make small changes as you go to create better eating habits to adopt for life. This does not need to be difficult.
Keep a journal for 30 days. Record each meal, time of day, and note how that food makes you feel. The objective here is to uncover any patterns between what you consume and how your body responds. Once you know that you can begin to move toward making any adjustments needed, whether it be food adjustments or obtaining help to better meal plan with better food choices
Baby Steps
By making small changes over time will make it easier to stay the course, and those small changes eventually add up to big changes that will make your body thankful.
And remember……
“Take care of your body, It’s the only place you have to live”…. Jim Rohn