Are you over those resolutions???

It's February...are you over those resolutions?  Maybe you are sticking to them and seeing positive results (get it!!!). OR maybe you're frustrated and just OVER IT. Either way, I'm here to help. Promise. By now, you've celebrated the New Year, made your resolutions, partied for the Patriots (if you're in New England) and since you're subscribed to my wellness newsletter, my guess is you've been attending the very crowded gym and stepped up your eating game for the past month. LOVE IT!

That's the good news. The not so good news is that only about 9% of people stick to their resolutions and achieve them. Ugh. 

The old me was absolutely one of the 91% of people who said "This year I'm going to lose 15 lbs", "I will go to the gym every day", "I will not eat carbs...because carbs make you fat" (insert eye roll here). I will torture myself until I reach my goal. No dinners out with friends, no late night eating, just gym, grilled chicken and salad.  By February I had already failed miserably. I had lost all my positive momentum, my goals were out the window and I would beat myself up about it. Just 31 days later when I should have been building on my new habits, I was feeling worse than ever. Not fun. I want you to avoid this negative cycle. It's not productive and can make you cray. 

I failed for a few reasons: My goals were way too extreme, I LOVED going out and was super social (loved it a little too much), I cut out all the things that were "fun". Going to they gym alone and staying on the elliptical or treadmill for an hour does not jive with my personality.  Neither does eating bland food alone and swearing off alcohol.  I like my adult beverages ok?!

My mission is to help you achieve your goals AND keep your sanity.  I want to help you change your mindset about resolutions/goal setting and avoid that shitty feeling of failure. 

Big smile here but I'm really saying "take the pic already!!!".

Tip 1: Change your perspective and put a positive spin on it. Example - Rather than "I will cut out carbs" how about "I will add more veggies"? That sounds doable right?  Fill at least half of your plate with veggies, more if you can.  Raw, sauteed, grilled, steamed, any way you like em'!  Or "I can't drink wine during the week" how about trying new smoothie recipes. Replace the negative thought with a positive statement and everything changes. 

Tip 2: Adjust your goals so they are achievable. I'm not saying totally slack off and forget about the original plan, just remember small changes can go a long way.  "I'll go to the gym every morning before work" is a HUGE feat if you're not a morning person. How about "I'll go to the gym or a class at least 3x a week when it fits in my schedule".  Make fitness fun. I'm aware that sound super annoying BUT trying going with a friend and make it social. Try something new like rock climbing or arial yoga. Challenging your body in new ways will build confidence and who knows, you might find something you love. 

Tip 3: Even the small changes make a difference.  It takes 30 days to form a new habit so give yourself a break if you're not where you want to be yet. KEEP GOING.  Celebrate the small victories. Are you drinking more water? Maybe you've added more healthy salads to your diet?  Cooking more rather than takeout? Tried a new class?  Every positive change counts! 

Tip 4: Stay Inspired.   I recommend you look to healthy/positive/motivating sources to stay on track.  Consider using social media to tap into like minded people who will offer up ideas and words of wisdom.  Try to find relate-able sources, not supermodels but people that know your struggle and have overcome some obstacles to reach their goals.  Look to instagram (find me! Meg_thrivebody) for #bodypositive or #foodisfuel type of hashtags. Maybe even join a healthy eating or fitness challenge to stay accountable and feel a sense of community.  Pinterest is another great tool that has TONS of recipes, exercises and motivating quotes. You will 100% find inspiration there.  Below is my wellness board from Pinterest if you want to follow :).

My goals for the year (which I will achieve and stick to within the next few months) are to increase flexibility, working on it daily, and to finally get organized!  The organization thing is NOT my strong suit and I'm sure my husband, friends, and former coworkers would agree.  Sorry I can't be perfect!!! Kidding.  I'll continue to work on it and send updates so I stay accountable.  Off to look at "organization" boards on Pinterest ;).

Keep going guys and let me know how I can help you have your healthiest/strongest/most confident year yet! xo