As we near the end of 2009, it’s naturally a time to reflect on the old year and plan for the new. So many of us make resolutions to give up things we know aren’t good for us (I will quit smoking! I’ll stop eating candy!). Somehow, these negative goals don’t seem to work out as well as we would like. I have a better idea: let’s make our year better by adding good things to it.
“Better” is our mantra for 2010. Better health, better well-being, better life. The great thing about making things “better” is that small, simple steps are all it takes.
In January, we’ll focus on simple dietary changes that have huge impacts. In every case, we won’t think in terms of getting rid of something, but making something better. For example:
- Better Soda
- Better Snacks
- Better Breakfasts
- Better Sweeteners
None of these on their own are big changes and that’s the point. When we set an ambitious goal, it can be overwhelming to stay on track. And if the results aren’t immediate, discouragement can replace the initial gung-ho feeling.
Interestingly enough, making these small changes can have a big impact: weight loss, disease prevention and better disease management. These are big wins which we’ll achieve by thinking small. Sounds better to me already!
Your First Step to a Better Year
Think about your current state of health. Are you at an optimal weight? How are your blood pressure and your cholesterol? Especially if you’re diabetic, how is your blood sugar management? Pick one thing that can be better and we’ll start with that (don’t worry, we’ll get to any other improvements you want to make).
Here’s your homework: take an index card and write every reason you can think of why you want to improve this area of your health. Use more than one card if you need to. And when you’re all done, add one more reason: “Because you deserve to be as healthy as possible“.
Stay tuned for next week’s small changes for better health.
